Weather & Climate in Houghton, NY
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Houghton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 42.2 inches. The area receives 85.4 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,400 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
67°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 45.8°F |
| 15% below US avg | |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (20°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,400 ft (427 m) |
| Area | 2.5 sq mi (6.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 619/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.4283°N, 78.1726°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Allegany County County |
| Nearest Airport | Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) 45 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 69.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 47.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 72.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Hurricane | Relatively Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Moderate |
| Hail | Very Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Very Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Relatively Low |
| Avalanche | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
17 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M3.8.
| Feb 6, 2023 | 1 km NE of West Seneca, New York | M3.8 | 69 km | 6 km |
| Feb 3, 2001 | 6 km W of Bath, New York | M3.2 | 65 km | 0 km |
| May 25, 1995 | 3 km NW of Amherst, New York | M3.0 | 83 km | 5 km |
| Aug 4, 2004 | 30 km SSW of Cobourg, Canada | M3.0 | 141 km | 5 km |
| Jul 19, 2007 | 27 km S of Cobourg, Canada | M3.0 | 143 km | 5 km |
| Jun 16, 2004 | 11 km NNW of Angola on the Lake, New York | M2.9 | 83 km | 6 km |
| Jun 5, 2009 | 4 km SSE of Attica, New York | M2.9 | 45 km | 5 km |
| Mar 28, 2005 | 16 km NW of Virgil, Canada | M2.8 | 134 km | 7 km |
| Mar 8, 2008 | 5 km ENE of Clarence Center, New York | M2.7 | 74 km | 6 km |
| Dec 21, 2009 | 10 km NNE of Olcott, New York | M2.7 | 118 km | 8 km |
| Mar 15, 2022 | 5 km SSW of Warsaw, New York | M2.6 | 29 km | 5 km |
| Mar 29, 2020 | 11 km N of Lyndonville, New York | M2.6 | 112 km | 5 km |
| Apr 11, 2007 | 6 km NNE of Sodus Point, New York | M2.6 | 140 km | 7 km |
| Sep 20, 2009 | 20 km ESE of Oakville, Canada | M2.6 | 148 km | 4 km |
| Jul 11, 2017 | 11 km NNW of Barker, New York | M2.5 | 117 km | 5 km |
| Jan 25, 1999 | New York | M2.5 | 43 km | 3 km |
| Feb 13, 2014 | 34 km N of Lyndonville, New York | M2.5 | 136 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
122 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF3. Total: 3 fatalities, 39 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jul 21, 2003 | EF3 | 60 km | 2.5 mi | 0 |
| May 31, 1985 | EF3 | 98 km | 13.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 19, 1970 | EF3 | 64 km | 2.3 mi | 0 |
| Jul 24, 1967 | EF3 | 41 km | 11.4 mi | 0 |
| May 15, 1961 | EF3 | 51 km | 3.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 10, 2024 | EF2 | 62 km | 3.2 mi | 0 |
| Jul 28, 2022 | EF2 | 25 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 20, 2017 | EF2 | 66 km | 6.1 mi | 0 |
| Jul 24, 2010 | EF2 | 76 km | 7.6 mi | 0 |
| Apr 28, 2002 | EF2 | 12 km | 6.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 | EF2 | 36 km | 15.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 13, 1994 | EF2 | 80 km | 3.0 mi | 0 |
| Sep 3, 1993 | EF2 | 19 km | 3.5 mi | 0 |
| Jul 12, 1992 | EF2 | 95 km | 4.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 30, 1987 | EF2 | 73 km | 1.5 mi | 0 |
| May 2, 1983 | EF2 | 81 km | 9.8 mi | 0 |
| May 2, 1972 | EF2 | 44 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 23, 1971 | EF2 | 70 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| May 17, 1969 | EF2 | 92 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 6, 1968 | EF2 | 75 km | 31.8 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: WOODRUFF (757 acres, 2009).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2009 | WOODRUFF | 757 | 92 km |
| 1994 | MOHAWK POOL | 507 | 80 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 23°F (-5°C) | 3.3 in | Coldest |
| February | 24°F (-4°C) | 2.4 in | Driest |
| March | 32°F (0°C) | 2.9 in | |
| April | 44°F (7°C) | 3.4 in | |
| May | 55°F (13°C) | 3.4 in | |
| June | 64°F (18°C) | 4.1 in | |
| July | 67°F (20°C) | 4.1 in | Warmest, Wettest |
| August | 66°F (19°C) | 4.0 in | |
| September | 59°F (15°C) | 4.0 in | |
| October | 48°F (9°C) | 3.9 in | |
| November | 38°F (3°C) | 3.3 in | |
| December | 29°F (-2°C) | 3.4 in |
Houghton has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 23°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.2 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (2.4").