Home › Destinations › The Catskills
Weather in The Catskills
Hudson Valley retreat of arts and hiking
—
Loading live weather...
About The Catskills
The Catskills rise dramatically from Hudson Valley floor, forested mountains famous for 19th-century hotels and 20th-century creative communities. Artists and musicians adopted the region; hiking trails and waterfalls reward exploration. The region pulses with rural bohemia.
Best months to visit
June, July, August
Things to do in The Catskills
Hiking: Slide Mountain and Cat's Head peak ascents
Waterfall tours: Kaaterskill Falls and gorge exploration
Art galleries and artist studios visitation in towns
Bluegrass and music festival attendance: summer season
Local farm markets and farm-to-table restaurants eating
Fly fishing streams: trout water angling opportunity
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
1C
Cold, with some rainy days.
February
2C
Cold, with some rainy days.
March
6C
Cold, with some rainy days.
April
13C
Cool, with some rainy days.
May
19C
Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.
Recommended
June
24C
Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.
Recommended
July
27C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
Recommended
August
26C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
September
22C
Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.
October
16C
Cool, with some rainy days.
November
9C
Cold, with some rainy days.
December
4C
Cold, with some rainy days.
The Catskill Mountains rise just a couple of hours from New York City, a region of forested peaks, waterfalls, and small towns that has reinvented itself from old Borscht Belt resort country into a haven for hikers, weekenders, and a growing crop of farm-to-table restaurants. Kaaterskill Falls is one of the state's tallest waterfalls, while towns like Woodstock (of festival fame) and Phoenicia mix art galleries, tubing rivers, and easy access to the Devil's Path trail network.
Best areas to stay in The Catskills
Woodstock
An arty small town with galleries, music history, and a relaxed bohemian feel.
Phoenicia
A small village known for river tubing on Esopus Creek and a lively dining scene.
Hunter / Windham
The main ski resort towns, also popular for summer hiking and festivals.
North-South Lake area
A scenic lake and campground area near Kaaterskill Falls and the famous Catskill Escarpment views.
Getting to The Catskills
✈
Flights
Fly into New York (JFK or EWR), then drive about 2 hours upstate.
⏱
From London
~7-8 hours direct from London to New York, plus the drive to the Catskills.
🚕
Getting around
A car is essential; towns and trailheads are spread across the mountains with no central transit.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit the Catskills?
Late September to mid-October for foliage, summer for hiking and river tubing, and winter for skiing at resorts like Hunter and Windham.
Is the Catskills Woodstock the same as the festival site?
The town of Woodstock has strong ties to the 1969 festival's history and music culture, though the actual concert site was in Bethel, further south.
What is Kaaterskill Falls?
A two-tiered waterfall over 260 feet, among the tallest in New York State, reachable via a moderate hiking trail.
How do I get to the Catskills from NYC?
By car, about 2 hours via the New York State Thruway; some towns are also reachable by bus or train with a connection.
What towns are worth a stop?
Woodstock and Phoenicia for arts and dining, Hunter and Windham for skiing, and Tannersville for access to North-South Lake.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
Hiked to Kaaterskill Falls and the colour on the way was spectacular. Stopped in Woodstock afterwards for dinner, a great easy weekend from the city.
Pete H. · October 2024
★★★★☆
Went tubing down Esopus Creek near Phoenicia, such a fun, laid-back afternoon. The town itself has some great little restaurants.
Jenny C. · July 2023
★★★★☆
Skied at Hunter Mountain, decent terrain for the Northeast and easy to reach from the city for a long weekend.
Sam V. · February 2024
Ready to visit The Catskills?
Find the best hotels and experiences for your trip.
More dream destinations
