Weather & Climate in South Lansing, NY
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
South Lansing 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. 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 35. 97% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 933 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) |
Geography
| Elevation | 933 ft (284 m) |
| Area | 2.8 sq mi (7.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 447/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.5325°N, 76.4963°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Tompkins County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ithaca Tompkins International (ITH) 3 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 97.1% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
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
8 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 | 149 km | 5 km |
| Jun 29, 2024 | 14 km W of Ellisburg, New York | M3.3 | 133 km | 5 km |
| Feb 3, 2001 | 6 km W of Bath, New York | M3.2 | 77 km | 0 km |
| Jun 5, 2009 | 4 km SSE of Attica, New York | M2.9 | 147 km | 5 km |
| Jun 10, 2025 | 10 km NW of Forksville, Pennsylvania | M2.8 | 109 km | 8 km |
| Mar 15, 2022 | 5 km SSW of Warsaw, New York | M2.6 | 137 km | 5 km |
| Apr 11, 2007 | 6 km NNE of Sodus Point, New York | M2.6 | 96 km | 7 km |
| Jan 25, 1999 | New York | M2.5 | 113 km | 3 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
136 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 | 59 km | 62.0 mi | 0 |
| May 2, 1983 | EF3 | 59 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| May 2, 1983 | EF3 | 79 km | 3.0 mi | 0 |
| May 2, 1983 | EF3 | 58 km | 15.0 mi | 0 |
| May 2, 1983 | EF3 | 72 km | 20.0 mi | 1 |
| Jun 2, 1969 | EF3 | 55 km | 17.5 mi | 0 |
| Aug 30, 1955 | EF3 | 41 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 13, 2018 | EF2 | 92 km | 5.2 mi | 0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 | EF2 | 87 km | 2.5 mi | 4 |
| Aug 21, 2011 | EF2 | 64 km | 7.9 mi | 0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 | EF2 | 59 km | 7.4 mi | 0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 | EF2 | 43 km | 0.9 mi | 0 |
| May 16, 2009 | EF2 | 51 km | 5.7 mi | 0 |
| May 31, 1998 | EF2 | 74 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 28, 1990 | EF2 | 31 km | 2.5 mi | 0 |
| Jul 23, 1990 | EF2 | 100 km | 17.0 mi | 0 |
| Oct 14, 1989 | EF2 | 60 km | 2.0 mi | 2 |
| Sep 18, 1977 | EF2 | 73 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Sep 19, 1954 | EF2 | 82 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 | EF1 | 85 km | 1.4 mi | 1 |
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 | 54 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 (-4°C) | 2.0 in | Driest |
| March | 31°F (-0°C) | 2.8 in | |
| April | 44°F (7°C) | 3.4 in | |
| May | 56°F (13°C) | 3.2 in | |
| June | 65°F (18°C) | 4.0 in | Wettest |
| July | 69°F (21°C) | 3.9 in | Warmest |
| August | 67°F (20°C) | 3.8 in | |
| September | 60°F (16°C) | 3.8 in | |
| October | 49°F (9°C) | 3.7 in | |
| November | 39°F (4°C) | 2.9 in | |
| December | 29°F (-2°C) | 2.6 in |
South Lansing has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 23°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (2.0").