The ‘Four Seasons’ of Upstate NY:

Winter, Almost Winter,

Still Winter, and Construction

Upstate New York has four seasons—at least on paper. But ask any local, and they’ll tell you the truth: Winter, Almost Winter, Still Winter, and Construction. These aren’t just seasons; they’re a way of life.

Winter: This season stretches from mid-November to somewhere around mid-March—or June if Mother Nature is feeling spicy. With snowfall averaging 100 inches in places like Syracuse, it’s no wonder Upstate cities dominate the list of America’s snowiest. Residents battle frostbite and existential dread while asking, “Why do I live here?” One Pulaski woman famously exclaimed, “I haven’t seen my lawn since Halloween, and I don’t think I ever will!”

Almost Winter: By late March, the icicles start to drip, and optimism briefly returns. Cue the deceptive 55°F days followed by a blizzard. Meteorologists earn their keep with terms like “wintry mix” and “polar vortex,” both of which translate to, “You’re still wearing three pairs of socks.”

Still Winter: April arrives with hope—and promptly crushes it. Snow shovels coexist with daffodils, and locals know better than to trust the weather forecast.

Fun fact: in 2021, Syracuse saw snow on April 22.
One Utica resident joked, “I celebrated Earth Day by digging my car out again!”

Construction: Finally, winter breaks, and the orange cones bloom. Potholes—some deep enough to swallow small cars—dot every road. A 2022 study ranked New York roads among the nation’s worst, costing drivers an average of $632 annually in repairs. One Buffalo man quipped, “I don’t dodge potholes anymore; I just hope they lead somewhere warmer.”

Despite it all, Upstaters embrace these “seasons” with humor and grit. Whether skiing through Winter or cursing road closures in Construction, they’ve mastered the art of surviving—and laughing about it.