Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
South Lansing has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 39.5 inches. The area receives 64.4 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 933 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)68°F Jul (20°C)
Annual Average
45.2°F
16% below US avg
January Average
21°F (-6°C)
July Average
68°F (20°C)
Sunny Days
260 days/yr
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
Annual Rainfall39.5"
4% above US avg
Snowfall64.4"
Wettest Month (Sep)4.02"
Driest Month (Feb)2.24"
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
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
21°F (-6°C)
2.4 in
Coldest
February
23°F (-5°C)
2.2 in
Driest
March
32°F (0°C)
2.7 in
April
44°F (7°C)
3.3 in
May
55°F (13°C)
3.3 in
June
64°F (18°C)
3.9 in
July
68°F (20°C)
3.7 in
Warmest
August
67°F (19°C)
3.4 in
September
59°F (15°C)
4.0 in
Wettest
October
48°F (9°C)
3.3 in
November
39°F (4°C)
3.4 in
December
27°F (-3°C)
3.0 in
South Lansing has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 21°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.6 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (2.2").