Weather & Climate in Rensselaer, NY
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Rensselaer experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 40.7 inches. The area receives 59.2 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 110 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.4°F |
| 9% below US avg | |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 110 ft (34 m) |
| Area | 3.5 sq mi (9.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,917/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.6457°N, 73.7325°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Rensselaer County County |
| Nearest Airport | Albany International (ALB) 8 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 82.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 34.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane | Relatively Low |
| Earthquake | Relatively Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Moderate |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Moderate |
| Drought | No Rating |
| 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
20 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 | 77 km | 5 km |
| Oct 2, 1994 | 6 km W of Hardwick, Massachusetts | M3.7 | 124 km | 10 km |
| Oct 2, 1994 | 1 km NW of Hardwick, Massachusetts | M3.3 | 128 km | 10 km |
| Jun 16, 2000 | 5 km NE of Granville, Massachusetts | M3.3 | 96 km | 10 km |
| Dec 13, 2009 | 15 km N of Medusa, New York | M3.2 | 32 km | 10 km |
| Mar 11, 2020 | 0 km SSW of South Glens Falls, New York | M3.1 | 72 km | 13 km |
| Jul 24, 2007 | 12 km SSW of Altamont, New York | M3.1 | 32 km | 15 km |
| May 18, 2009 | 15 km N of Medusa, New York | M3.1 | 32 km | 9 km |
| Sep 29, 1994 | 13 km WNW of North Creek, New York | M2.9 | 126 km | 16 km |
| Oct 21, 2009 | 15 km N of Medusa, New York | M2.9 | 32 km | 7 km |
| May 14, 2007 | 5 km ESE of Benson, Vermont | M2.8 | 123 km | 8 km |
| Mar 22, 2009 | 9 km SW of Altamont, New York | M2.8 | 31 km | 16 km |
| Aug 27, 2011 | 5 km WSW of Altamont, New York | M2.8 | 30 km | 22 km |
| Aug 25, 2011 | 5 km WSW of Altamont, New York | M2.7 | 30 km | 18 km |
| Feb 18, 2009 | 15 km N of Medusa, New York | M2.7 | 31 km | 9 km |
| Feb 20, 2009 | 15 km SSW of Altamont, New York | M2.7 | 31 km | 8 km |
| Feb 27, 2008 | 2 km SW of Central Bridge, New York | M2.7 | 52 km | 6 km |
| Aug 22, 2000 | 2 km WSW of Brewster Hill, New York | M2.6 | 137 km | 7 km |
| Jul 24, 2007 | 13 km SSW of Altamont, New York | M2.6 | 32 km | 14 km |
| Dec 13, 2009 | 14 km N of Medusa, New York | M2.6 | 32 km | 10 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 | 237 km |
| 1985 | Gloria | Category 1 | 86 mph | 113 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Category 1+, 1980-2026).
Tornado History
163 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 207 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| May 29, 1995 | EF4 | 55 km | 11.5 mi | 3 |
| Jul 10, 1989 | EF4 | 68 km | 42.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 28, 1973 | EF4 | 36 km | 9.8 mi | 4 |
| May 22, 2014 | EF3 | 42 km | 6.8 mi | 0 |
| May 31, 1998 | EF3 | 31 km | 30.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1974 | EF3 | 45 km | 49.1 mi | 0 |
| Sep 13, 1971 | EF3 | 94 km | 0.5 mi | 0 |
| Aug 20, 1968 | EF3 | 91 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 24, 1960 | EF3 | 21 km | 16.0 mi | 0 |
| May 29, 2013 | EF2 | 44 km | 12.8 mi | 0 |
| Jul 21, 2003 | EF2 | 28 km | 1.3 mi | 0 |
| Jul 21, 2003 | EF2 | 53 km | 1.5 mi | 0 |
| May 18, 2000 | EF2 | 94 km | 0.2 mi | 0 |
| May 31, 1998 | EF2 | 10 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 3, 1997 | EF2 | 69 km | 3.7 mi | 0 |
| Jul 3, 1997 | EF2 | 38 km | 1.5 mi | 0 |
| Jul 3, 1997 | EF2 | 68 km | 4.5 mi | 0 |
| May 29, 1995 | EF2 | 50 km | 15.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 10, 1989 | EF2 | 97 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| Oct 1, 1986 | EF2 | 80 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: EAST MOUNTAIN (964 acres, 2021).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2021 | EAST MOUNTAIN | 964 | 48 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24°F (-4°C) | 2.6 in | Coldest |
| February | 27°F (-3°C) | 2.3 in | Driest |
| March | 36°F (2°C) | 3.1 in | |
| April | 48°F (9°C) | 3.1 in | |
| May | 60°F (15°C) | 3.4 in | |
| June | 68°F (20°C) | 4.1 in | |
| July | 73°F (23°C) | 4.6 in | Warmest, Wettest |
| August | 71°F (22°C) | 3.8 in | |
| September | 64°F (18°C) | 3.7 in | |
| October | 51°F (11°C) | 3.9 in | |
| November | 41°F (5°C) | 3.0 in | |
| December | 30°F (-1°C) | 3.3 in |
Rensselaer has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 24°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.7 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.6") and February the driest (2.3").