Weather & Climate in Dresden, NY
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Dresden experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 30.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 56.6 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 507 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 48.7°F |
| 10% below US avg | |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 507 ft (155 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,060/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.6839°N, 76.9570°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Seneca County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ithaca Tompkins International (ITH) 29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 41.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 80.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 83.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Hurricane | Relatively Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Very Low |
| Lightning | Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Moderate |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave | Very Low |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
10 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M3.6.
| Dec 25, 1998 | 23 km SE of Cobourg, Canada | M3.6 | 150 km | 18 km |
| Jun 29, 2024 | 14 km W of Ellisburg, New York | M3.3 | 127 km | 5 km |
| Feb 3, 2001 | 6 km W of Bath, New York | M3.2 | 52 km | 0 km |
| Jun 5, 2009 | 4 km SSE of Attica, New York | M2.9 | 107 km | 5 km |
| Jun 10, 2025 | 10 km NW of Forksville, Pennsylvania | M2.8 | 127 km | 8 km |
| Mar 8, 2008 | 5 km ENE of Clarence Center, New York | M2.7 | 137 km | 6 km |
| Mar 29, 2020 | 11 km N of Lyndonville, New York | M2.6 | 141 km | 5 km |
| Mar 15, 2022 | 5 km SSW of Warsaw, New York | M2.6 | 98 km | 5 km |
| Apr 11, 2007 | 6 km NNE of Sodus Point, New York | M2.6 | 71 km | 7 km |
| Jan 25, 1999 | New York | M2.5 | 73 km | 3 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
104 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF3. Total: 5 fatalities, 51 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| May 31, 1998 | EF3 | 95 km | 62.0 mi | 0 |
| May 2, 1983 | EF3 | 61 km | 20.0 mi | 1 |
| May 2, 1983 | EF3 | 81 km | 3.0 mi | 0 |
| May 2, 1983 | EF3 | 76 km | 15.0 mi | 0 |
| May 2, 1983 | EF3 | 84 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 2, 1969 | EF3 | 41 km | 17.5 mi | 0 |
| Aug 30, 1955 | EF3 | 40 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 21, 2011 | EF2 | 45 km | 7.9 mi | 0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 | EF2 | 98 km | 7.4 mi | 0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 | EF2 | 60 km | 0.9 mi | 0 |
| May 16, 2009 | EF2 | 84 km | 5.7 mi | 0 |
| Sep 3, 1993 | EF2 | 97 km | 3.5 mi | 0 |
| Aug 28, 1990 | EF2 | 22 km | 2.5 mi | 0 |
| Oct 14, 1989 | EF2 | 99 km | 2.0 mi | 2 |
| May 2, 1983 | EF2 | 93 km | 9.8 mi | 0 |
| Jul 15, 2024 | EF1 | 92 km | 8.7 mi | 0 |
| Aug 7, 2023 | EF1 | 62 km | 9.7 mi | 0 |
| Sep 19, 2022 | EF1 | 55 km | 1.9 mi | 0 |
| Sep 12, 2021 | EF1 | 56 km | 0.8 mi | 0 |
| Jun 21, 2021 | EF1 | 56 km | 2.8 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: DRY MARSH (1,018 acres, 2010).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2010 | DRY MARSH | 1,018 | 37 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 25°F (-4°C) | 1.5 in | Coldest |
| February | 27°F (-3°C) | 1.3 in | Driest |
| March | 34°F (1°C) | 2.1 in | |
| April | 46°F (8°C) | 2.8 in | |
| May | 58°F (14°C) | 2.9 in | |
| June | 67°F (19°C) | 2.8 in | |
| July | 72°F (22°C) | 3.4 in | Warmest |
| August | 70°F (21°C) | 2.8 in | |
| September | 63°F (17°C) | 3.9 in | Wettest |
| October | 52°F (11°C) | 2.9 in | |
| November | 41°F (5°C) | 2.1 in | |
| December | 31°F (-0°C) | 1.8 in |
Dresden has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 25°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.2 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.3").