New York City Rainfall & Snowfall: Annual Climate Averages
New York City (Central Park station) experiences a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) with precipitation evenly distributed year-round.
Annual Precipitation
- Total: 52 inches (1,320 mm)
- Wettest months: December (4.2"), March (4.2"), April (4.1")
- Driest months: July (3.1"), August (3.1"), February (3.2")
- No true dry season — every month averages >3"
Snowfall
- Average annual: 26 inches (66 cm)
- Range: <10" (1972–73, 2019–20) to >50" (1995–96: 75.6", 2010–11: 61.9")
- Snowiest months: January (7.0"), February (9.4")
- First/last measurable snow: Avg Nov 30 / Mar 27
Seasonal Patterns
| Season | Rain | Snow | Character |
|---|
| Winter (DJF) | Low | High | Nor'easters, lake-effect rare |
| Spring (MAM) | High | Low | Rain events, occasional late snow |
| Summer (JJA) | Moderate | None | Thunderstorms, tropical remnants |
| Fall (SON) | Moderate | Very Low | Hurricane risk (Sep), crisp dry spells |
Measurement Notes
- Central Park: Official NOAA station since 1869
- Microclimates: NJ/Long Island suburbs often 10–20% more snow
- Climate change: Increasing heavy downpours; snow season shortening
Wanderlust World