New York weather and outdoor projects
New York State ranges from the coastal climate of New York City to the cold, snowy interior. Central Park has milder winters and a longer warm season, Albany has colder winters and an earlier frost, and Buffalo gets heavy lake-effect snow and cloudy, damp autumns off Lake Erie.
Late spring and September are the best months for staining and painting statewide. Humid summer nights in the city and the Hudson Valley can bring dew on fresh finishes. Upstate, the outdoor concrete and sealing season is shorter, and it ends with the first hard freezes in October.
Frost dates in New York
In New York City (Central Park), the median last spring freeze (32°F) is around March 30 and the median first fall freeze is around November 20, a frost-free season of about 236 days.
In Albany, the median last spring freeze (32°F) is around April 27 and the median first fall freeze is around October 15, a frost-free season of about 169 days.
In Buffalo, the median last spring freeze (32°F) is around April 24 and the median first fall freeze is around October 26, a frost-free season of about 183 days.
How New York compares with other states
New York City (Central Park) is tied for the 5th-longest deck staining season of the 50 state main stations (6 good months). New York City (Central Park) is tied for the 13th-longest frost-free season of the 50 state main stations (236 days). New York City (Central Park) is tied for the 13th-most rainy days of the 50 state main stations (79 a year with 0.1 in or more).
| Measure (New York City (Central Park)) | Value | Rank, highest first |
|---|---|---|
| Deck staining season | 6 good months | 5th of 50 |
| Frost-free season | 236 days | 13th of 50 |
| Freezing nights | 67 a year | 34th of 50 |
| Rainy days | 79 a year with 0.1 in or more | 13th of 50 |
| Days at 90°F or hotter | 17 a year | 35th of 50 |
Best time to stain a deck in New York
In New York City (Central Park), the most reliable months are May–October. April can also work on the right days (average highs Apr 62°F). November–March is too cold, with average highs around 46°F. April is cool, with highs around 62°F, so choose the warmest afternoons.
In Albany, the most reliable months are May–September. October can also work on the right days (average highs Oct 62°F). November–March is too cold, with average highs around 40°F. In April, nights average about 37°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. October is cool, with highs around 62°F, so choose the warmest afternoons.
In Buffalo, the most reliable months are May–September. October can also work on the right days (average highs Oct 60°F). November–April is too cold, with average highs around 41°F. October is cool, with highs around 60°F, so choose the warmest afternoons.
Best time to paint outside in New York
In New York City (Central Park), the most reliable months are April–October. November can also work on the right days (average highs Nov 54°F). December–March is too cold, with average highs around 44°F. November is cool, with highs around 54°F, so choose the warmest afternoons.
In Albany, the most reliable months are May–September. April and October can also work on the right days (average highs Apr 59°F, Oct 62°F). November–March is too cold, with average highs around 40°F. In April and October, nights average about 39°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low.
In Buffalo, the most reliable months are May–September. April and October can also work on the right days (average highs Apr 55°F, Oct 60°F). November–March is too cold, with average highs around 38°F. April is cool, with highs around 55°F, so choose the warmest afternoons. In October, nights average about 44°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low.
Best time to pour concrete in New York
In New York City (Central Park), the most reliable months are April–October. November can also work on the right days (average highs Nov 54°F). December–March averages about 16 nights a month at or below 32°F, so fresh concrete needs blankets or heated enclosures. November brings about 4 freezing nights a month, so pick a mild spell and keep curing blankets on hand.
In Albany, the most reliable months are May–September. October can also work on the right days (average highs Oct 62°F). November–April averages about 22 nights a month at or below 32°F, so fresh concrete needs blankets or heated enclosures. October brings about 5 freezing nights a month, so pick a mild spell and keep curing blankets on hand.
In Buffalo, the most reliable months are May–September. October can also work on the right days (average highs Oct 60°F). November–April averages about 20 nights a month at or below 32°F, so fresh concrete needs blankets or heated enclosures. October brings about 2 freezing nights a month, so pick a mild spell and keep curing blankets on hand.
Best time to seal a driveway in New York
In New York City (Central Park), the most reliable months are May–September. April and October can also work on the right days (average highs Apr 62°F, Oct 65°F). November–March is too cold, with average highs around 46°F. April and October are cool, with highs around 63°F, so choose the warmest afternoons.
In Albany, the most reliable months are June–September. May can also work on the right days (average highs May 71°F). November–April is too cold, with average highs around 43°F. In October, nights average about 41°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. In May, nights average about 48°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low.
In Buffalo, the most reliable months are June–September. May can also work on the right days (average highs May 67°F). October–April is too cold, with average highs around 44°F. May is cool, with highs around 67°F, so choose the warmest afternoons.
Best time to fertilize or treat a lawn in New York
In New York City (Central Park), the most reliable months are April–October. November can also work on the right days (average highs Nov 54°F). December–March is too cold, with average highs around 44°F. November is cool, with highs around 54°F, so choose the warmest afternoons.
In Albany, the most reliable months are May–October. April can also work on the right days (average highs Apr 59°F). November–March is too cold, with average highs around 40°F. April is cool, with highs around 59°F, so choose the warmest afternoons.
In Buffalo, the most reliable months are May–September. April and October can also work on the right days (average highs Apr 55°F, Oct 60°F). November–March is too cold, with average highs around 38°F. April and October are cool, with highs around 57°F, so choose the warmest afternoons.
How the weather differs across New York
| Place | Hottest month avg high | Coldest month avg low | Rain per year | Last spring freeze | First fall freeze |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York City (Central Park) | 85°F | 28°F | 50 in | March 30 | November 20 |
| Albany | 84°F | 16°F | 41 in | April 27 | October 15 |
| Buffalo | 80°F | 19°F | 41 in | April 24 | October 26 |
Of the places above, New York City (Central Park) has the most good months for staining, painting and concrete combined (20 job-months), and Albany has the fewest (15).
Monthly weather in New York City (Central Park)
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Wet days* | Rain | Freezing nights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 40°F | 28°F | 6 | 3.6 in | 21 |
| February | 42°F | 30°F | 6 | 3.2 in | 18 |
| March | 50°F | 36°F | 8 | 4.3 in | 11 |
| April | 62°F | 46°F | 7 | 4.1 in | 1 |
| May | 71°F | 55°F | 7 | 4.0 in | 0 |
| June | 80°F | 64°F | 7 | 4.5 in | 0 |
| July | 85°F | 70°F | 7 | 4.6 in | 0 |
| August | 83°F | 69°F | 7 | 4.6 in | 0 |
| September | 76°F | 62°F | 6 | 4.3 in | 0 |
| October | 65°F | 51°F | 6 | 4.4 in | 0 |
| November | 54°F | 42°F | 6 | 3.6 in | 4 |
| December | 44°F | 34°F | 7 | 4.4 in | 14 |
*Days with 0.1 inch of rain or more; column notes.
Monthly weather in Albany
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Wet days* | Rain | 3 PM humidity | Freezing nights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 33°F | 16°F | 6 | 2.6 in | 59% | 28 |
| February | 36°F | 18°F | 5 | 2.3 in | 53% | 26 |
| March | 45°F | 26°F | 7 | 3.1 in | 47% | 24 |
| April | 59°F | 37°F | 7 | 3.1 in | 41% | 9 |
| May | 71°F | 48°F | 8 | 3.4 in | 45% | 1 |
| June | 79°F | 57°F | 8 | 4.0 in | 50% | 0 |
| July | 84°F | 62°F | 8 | 4.5 in | 52% | 0 |
| August | 82°F | 61°F | 7 | 3.8 in | 53% | 0 |
| September | 74°F | 53°F | 6 | 3.7 in | 55% | 0 |
| October | 62°F | 41°F | 6 | 3.9 in | 54% | 5 |
| November | 49°F | 32°F | 6 | 3.0 in | 57% | 17 |
| December | 38°F | 23°F | 7 | 3.3 in | 62% | 26 |
Monthly weather in Buffalo
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Wet days* | Rain | 3 PM humidity | Freezing nights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32°F | 19°F | 9 | 3.4 in | 70% | 27 |
| February | 33°F | 20°F | 7 | 2.5 in | 66% | 25 |
| March | 42°F | 26°F | 8 | 2.9 in | 59% | 23 |
| April | 55°F | 37°F | 8 | 3.4 in | 52% | 9 |
| May | 67°F | 48°F | 8 | 3.4 in | 50% | 0 |
| June | 76°F | 58°F | 8 | 3.4 in | 54% | 0 |
| July | 80°F | 63°F | 6 | 3.2 in | 54% | 0 |
| August | 79°F | 62°F | 6 | 3.2 in | 54% | 0 |
| September | 72°F | 55°F | 7 | 4.1 in | 55% | 0 |
| October | 60°F | 44°F | 9 | 4.0 in | 58% | 2 |
| November | 48°F | 34°F | 8 | 3.5 in | 62% | 13 |
| December | 37°F | 26°F | 10 | 3.8 in | 69% | 24 |
Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 for NEW YORK CNTRL PK TWR, ALBANY AP, BUFFALO. See how the ratings work and how late in fall you can stain, paint or seal.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to stain a deck in New York?
In New York City (Central Park), May–October. In Albany, May–September. In Buffalo, May–September.
When is the last frost in New York?
New York City (Central Park): around March 30; Albany: around April 27; Buffalo: around April 24.
Can you pour concrete in winter in New York?
Yes, with cold-weather practices: New York City (Central Park) averages about 52 freezing nights from December to February, so fresh concrete needs insulated blankets, a heated enclosure or an accelerated mix, and must not freeze in the first 48 hours. Many homeowners wait for spring.
What months are best for sealing a driveway in New York?
In New York City (Central Park), May–September. In Albany, June–September. In Buffalo, June–September.