Weather & Climate in Bard College, NY
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Bard College experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 50.7 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 85.7 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 147 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 48.0°F |
| 11% below US avg | |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 147 ft (45 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,546/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.0228°N, 73.9094°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Columbia County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hudson Valley Regional (POU) 27 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 68.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 57.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 79.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane | Relatively Low |
| Earthquake | Relatively Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Moderate |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Moderate |
| Drought | Very Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Relatively Low |
| Coastal Flood | No Rating |
| Avalanche | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
26 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M4.0.
| Jun 17, 1991 | 7 km NE of Worcester, New York | M4.0 | 93 km | 5 km |
| Oct 2, 1994 | 6 km W of Hardwick, Massachusetts | M3.7 | 139 km | 10 km |
| Oct 2, 1994 | 1 km NW of Hardwick, Massachusetts | M3.3 | 144 km | 10 km |
| Jun 16, 2000 | 5 km NE of Granville, Massachusetts | M3.3 | 90 km | 10 km |
| Dec 13, 2009 | 15 km N of Medusa, New York | M3.2 | 63 km | 10 km |
| Mar 11, 2020 | 0 km SSW of South Glens Falls, New York | M3.1 | 143 km | 13 km |
| Jul 24, 2007 | 12 km SSW of Altamont, New York | M3.1 | 67 km | 15 km |
| May 18, 2009 | 15 km N of Medusa, New York | M3.1 | 63 km | 9 km |
| Oct 28, 1991 | 3 km WNW of Stamford, Connecticut | M3.0 | 110 km | 10 km |
| Aug 3, 2025 | 0 km W of Little Ferry, New Jersey | M3.0 | 131 km | 10 km |
| Feb 3, 2009 | 1 km ESE of Victory Gardens, New Jersey | M3.0 | 138 km | 0 km |
| Oct 21, 2009 | 15 km N of Medusa, New York | M2.9 | 63 km | 7 km |
| Aug 5, 2025 | 1 km N of Hillsdale, New Jersey | M2.8 | 113 km | 12 km |
| Aug 27, 2011 | 5 km WSW of Altamont, New York | M2.8 | 75 km | 22 km |
| Mar 22, 2009 | 9 km SW of Altamont, New York | M2.8 | 70 km | 16 km |
| Apr 12, 1991 | 2 km ENE of North Castle, New York | M2.7 | 99 km | 9 km |
| Aug 25, 2011 | 5 km WSW of Altamont, New York | M2.7 | 75 km | 18 km |
| Feb 18, 2009 | 15 km N of Medusa, New York | M2.7 | 63 km | 9 km |
| Feb 20, 2009 | 15 km SSW of Altamont, New York | M2.7 | 63 km | 8 km |
| Aug 14, 2014 | 6 km SW of Deep River Center, Connecticut | M2.7 | 139 km | 4 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Hurricane History
2 hurricanes (Category 1+) recorded within 500 km since 1980. Strongest on record: Category 2.
| Year | Name | Category | Max Wind | Closest |
| 1991 | Bob | Category 2 | 104 mph | 213 km |
| 1985 | Gloria | Category 1 | 86 mph | 93 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Category 1+, 1980-2026).
Tornado History
186 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 22 fatalities, 487 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| May 29, 1995 | EF4 | 44 km | 11.5 mi | 3 |
| Aug 28, 1973 | EF4 | 60 km | 9.8 mi | 4 |
| May 22, 2014 | EF3 | 92 km | 6.8 mi | 0 |
| Jun 1, 2011 | EF3 | 96 km | 37.6 mi | 3 |
| Jul 14, 1988 | EF3 | 93 km | 7.2 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1974 | EF3 | 26 km | 49.1 mi | 0 |
| Jul 29, 1971 | EF3 | 89 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| May 24, 1962 | EF3 | 84 km | 11.6 mi | 1 |
| Jun 24, 1960 | EF3 | 87 km | 16.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 22, 2023 | EF2 | 87 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| May 15, 2018 | EF2 | 61 km | 1.2 mi | 0 |
| May 29, 2013 | EF2 | 95 km | 12.8 mi | 0 |
| Jul 21, 2003 | EF2 | 20 km | 1.5 mi | 0 |
| Jul 21, 2003 | EF2 | 45 km | 1.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 23, 2001 | EF2 | 70 km | 0.5 mi | 0 |
| May 18, 2000 | EF2 | 23 km | 0.2 mi | 0 |
| May 31, 1998 | EF2 | 66 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 3, 1997 | EF2 | 58 km | 1.5 mi | 0 |
| Jul 3, 1997 | EF2 | 64 km | 3.7 mi | 0 |
| Jul 3, 1997 | EF2 | 59 km | 4.5 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
10 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: UNNAMED (23,000 acres, 1985).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 1985 | UNNAMED | 23,000 | 94 km |
| 2024 | JENNINGS CREEK | 5,069 | 99 km |
| 2015 | ROOSA GAP | 2,747 | 60 km |
| 2008 | UNNAMED | 2,224 | 45 km |
| 2016 | SAMS POINT FIRE-VERKEERDER FIRE | 1,929 | 52 km |
| 2021 | EAST MOUNTAIN | 964 | 99 km |
| 2006 | CHERRYTOWN FIRE | 943 | 42 km |
| 1988 | UNNAMED | 833 | 89 km |
| 2016 | SHERWOOD | 642 | 95 km |
| 2024 | WHITEHOUSE | 607 | 46 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24°F (-4°C) | 4.1 in | Coldest |
| February | 26°F (-3°C) | 3.1 in | Driest |
| March | 34°F (1°C) | 4.1 in | |
| April | 46°F (8°C) | 3.9 in | |
| May | 58°F (14°C) | 3.8 in | |
| June | 66°F (19°C) | 4.1 in | |
| July | 71°F (22°C) | 4.6 in | Warmest |
| August | 70°F (21°C) | 4.9 in | |
| September | 62°F (17°C) | 4.3 in | |
| October | 50°F (10°C) | 5.3 in | Wettest |
| November | 39°F (4°C) | 3.6 in | |
| December | 30°F (-1°C) | 4.8 in |
Bard College has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 24°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 50.7 inches, with October being the wettest month (5.3") and February the driest (3.1").