Rifton, New York has a Humid Continental Mild Summer, Wet All Year climate (Köppen classification: Dfb). Average annual temperatures range from 4.2 °C (low) to 16.4 °C (high). Annual precipitation averages 1265.2 Millimeters. Rifton is located in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6b. The growing season typically runs from the last frost around Apr. 11 - Apr. 20 through the first frost around Oct. 21 - Oct. 31.
| Month | Avg. Low | Avg. High | Avg. Precip |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | -8.4 °C | 2.2 °C | 90.42 mm |
| February | -7.5 °C | 3.8 °C | 71.37 mm |
| March | -3.1 °C | 8.7 °C | 98.04 mm |
| April | 3.1 °C | 16.1 °C | 101.85 mm |
| May | 8.8 °C | 22.2 °C | 100.08 mm |
| June | 13.9 °C | 26.9 °C | 111.76 mm |
| July | 16.6 °C | 29.7 °C | 126.75 mm |
| August | 15.8 °C | 28.7 °C | 111.51 mm |
| September | 11.4 °C | 24.6 °C | 128.02 mm |
| October | 5.2 °C | 17.6 °C | 124.97 mm |
| November | -0.2 °C | 11.1 °C | 92.46 mm |
| December | -4.8 °C | 4.9 °C | 107.95 mm |
| Annual | 4.2 °C | 16.4 °C | 1265.18 mm |
| Average First Frost Date | Oct. 21 - Oct. 31 |
| Average Last Frost Date | Apr. 11 - Apr. 20 |
| Average Days With Frost | 100-125 Days |
| Plant Hardiness Zone | Zone 6b : -20.6°C to -17.8°C |
| Plant Hardiness Zone - 2012 | Zone 5b : -26.1°C to -23.3°C |
| Current Drought Conditions | Moderate Drought |
| Köppen Climate Classification | Dfb - Humid Continental Mild Summer, Wet All Year |