New York experiences a lot of variety in its climate. There are three main climatic regions. The southeastern lowlands, have the warmest temperatures and the longest season between frosts; the uplands of the Catskills and Adirondacks, have cold winters and cool summers; and the snow belt along the Great Lakes Plain, is one of the snowiest areas of the US. The frost free season ranges from 100 to 120 days in the Adirondacks, Catskills, and higher elevations of the hills of southwestern New York to 180–200 days on Long Island.

New York City has an annual mean temperature of 55°F (13°C), with a normal maximum of 62°F (17°C) and a normal minimum of 47°F (8°C). Albany has a  normal maximum of 58°F (14°C) and a normal minimum of 37°F (3°C). The mean in Buffalo is 48°F (9°C), the normal maximum 56°F (13°C), and the normal minimum 39°F (4°C).

The highest elevations, receive an annual precipitation  over 50 inches (127 cm) while  the areas near Lake Ontario and Lake Champlain receive about 30 in (76 cm) of precipitation. New York City had an average annual precipitation (1971–2000) of 49.7 in (126 cm), with a mean annual snowfall of 29 in (74 cm). Albany received an average annual precipitation of 38.6 in (98 cm); and Buffalo, 40.5 in (102.9 cm). New York City has fewer days of precipitation than other major populated areas (120 days annually, compared with 168 for Buffalo).