Spring has officially arrived, but winter isn’t loosening its grip just yet in New York. After a notably active season that brought multiple rounds of heavy snow, blizzard warnings and dangerous travel conditions at times, the state is now entering the stretch where warmer days mix with lingering cold.
This winter stood out for its persistence, with repeated storms and sharp cold snaps keeping much of the state in a cycle of cleanup and caution. From blowing snow to reduced visibility, hazardous conditions weren’t limited to a single event but driven by a mix of Arctic air surges, an active polar vortex and fast-moving clipper systems that delivered round after round of disruption.
Even with the calendar turned to spring, freezing temperatures remain likely in the weeks ahead. The average last freeze typically doesn’t arrive until April across much of New York, and in colder pockets, it can stretch into May — a key detail for gardeners and anyone eager to pack away winter gear.
Snow chances also don’t disappear overnight. While less frequent, measurable snowfall has been recorded well into early spring in many parts of the state, serving as a reminder that winter can still deliver a final punch before fully stepping aside.
New York snow totals: Search by address
USA TODAY’s snowfall map shows accumulation over the past 24, 48, and 72 hours, as well as seasonal totals dating back to Oct. 1. Updated multiple times a day, the map lets you toggle between timeframes to see how snow is adding up in your area.
When is the last average snowfall in New York?
Here are typical average last measurable snowfall dates for major New York cities based on official data from the National Weather Service.
Albany, NY
Buffalo, NY
New York, NY
Poughkeepsie, NY
Rochester, NY
Syracuse, NY
New York snow in 2025-26
Brandi D. Addison covers weather across the United States as the Weather Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network. She can be reached at baddison@gannett.com. Find her on Facebook here.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Spring is here, but is winter over in NY? See last freeze and snow dates
Reporting by Brandi D. Addison, USA TODAY NETWORK / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
