Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Northeast Ithaca experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 38.3 inches. The area receives 62.9 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 996 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)69°F Jul (21°C)
Annual Average
46.3°F
14% below US avg
January Average
23°F (-5°C)
July Average
69°F (21°C)
Sunny Days
260 days/yr
Geography
Elevation
996 ft (304 m)
Area
0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²)
Population Density
1,752/sq mi
Coordinates
42.4686°N, 76.4634°W
Timezone
America/New_York
County
Tompkins County County
Nearest Airport
Ithaca Tompkins International (ITH) 2 miles away
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall38.3"
1% above US avg
Snowfall62.9"
Wettest Month (Jun)3.94"
Driest Month (Feb)2.20"
Air Quality
AQI Median
36.0
Rating
Good
Natural Hazard Risk
Overall Risk
Relatively Low
Risk Score
73.9 / 100
Social Vulnerability
30.9 / 100
Community Resilience
83.8 / 100
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado
Relatively Low
Hurricane
Relatively Low
Earthquake
Very 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
Relatively Low
Cold Wave
Relatively Low
Landslide
Very Low
Avalanche
Very Low
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7 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
147 km
5 km
Jun 29, 2024
14 km W of Ellisburg, New York
M3.3
140 km
5 km
Feb 3, 2001
6 km W of Bath, New York
M3.2
78 km
0 km
Jun 10, 2025
10 km NW of Forksville, Pennsylvania
M2.8
102 km
8 km
Mar 15, 2022
5 km SSW of Warsaw, New York
M2.6
140 km
5 km
Apr 11, 2007
6 km NNE of Sodus Point, New York
M2.6
104 km
7 km
Jan 25, 1999
New York
M2.5
117 km
3 km
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
142 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest on record: EF3. Total: 10 fatalities, 50 injuries.
Date
Rating
Distance
Path
Fatalities
May 31, 1998
EF3
51 km
62.0 mi
0
May 2, 1983
EF3
52 km
15.0 mi
0
May 2, 1983
EF3
86 km
3.0 mi
0
May 2, 1983
EF3
79 km
20.0 mi
1
May 2, 1983
EF3
52 km
2.0 mi
0
Jun 2, 1969
EF3
62 km
17.5 mi
0
Aug 30, 1955
EF3
41 km
1.0 mi
0
Jun 13, 2018
EF2
86 km
5.2 mi
0
Jul 8, 2014
EF2
89 km
2.5 mi
4
Aug 21, 2011
EF2
72 km
7.9 mi
0
Apr 28, 2011
EF2
57 km
7.4 mi
0
Apr 27, 2011
EF2
38 km
0.9 mi
0
May 16, 2009
EF2
53 km
5.7 mi
0
May 31, 1998
EF2
73 km
1.0 mi
0
Aug 28, 1990
EF2
34 km
2.5 mi
0
Oct 14, 1989
EF2
57 km
2.0 mi
2
Sep 18, 1977
EF2
74 km
2.0 mi
0
Sep 19, 1954
EF2
75 km
1.0 mi
0
Jul 16, 2024
EF1
89 km
1.4 mi
1
Jul 15, 2024
EF1
55 km
8.7 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
62 km
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
Month
Avg Temperature
Precipitation
Summary
January
23°F (-5°C)
2.2 in
Coldest
February
24°F (-5°C)
2.2 in
Driest
March
33°F (0°C)
2.7 in
April
44°F (7°C)
3.3 in
May
56°F (13°C)
3.4 in
June
64°F (18°C)
3.9 in
Wettest
July
69°F (21°C)
3.7 in
Warmest
August
67°F (19°C)
3.4 in
September
60°F (15°C)
3.8 in
October
49°F (9°C)
3.3 in
November
39°F (4°C)
3.3 in
December
28°F (-2°C)
2.8 in
Northeast Ithaca has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 23°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (2.2").