Rochester: Geography and Climate

Rochester is located at the mouth of the Genesee River, which bisects the city, at the approximate mid-point of the south shore of Lake Ontario. Lake Ontario, which remains unfrozen in winter, plays a major role in the city's weather. Its cooling effect in summer prevents the temperature from rising much above the mid-90s, and in winter it usually prevents temperatures from falling below -15.0° F. Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year.

Area: 36 square miles (2000)

Elevation: Slopes from a lakeshore elevation of 246 feet to 748 feet above sea level

Average Temperatures: January, 31.2° F; August, 79.1° F; annual average, 56.8° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 33.98 inches total; 92.3 inches of snow