Tue Oct 21 23:20:00 UTC 2025: ## New York Thanksgiving Travel Weather: Almanac Predicts Regional Variations
NEW YORK, NY – As autumn deepens, New Yorkers are already eyeing the Thanksgiving holiday and the potential weather challenges that may accompany travel plans. The Old Farmer’s Almanac has released its Thanksgiving 2025 Travel Weather Map and Winter Forecast, offering a glimpse into what travelers and residents can expect.
While much of the United States is predicted to experience a warmer-than-average fall, the Almanac suggests a cooler and drier season for much of New York, the Appalachians, and the Lower Lakes region. With Thanksgiving falling on November 27th next year, travelers should be prepared for potentially chilly conditions.
AAA anticipates that 80 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more for the holiday, predominantly by car. Forecasters predict a mixed bag of weather across the nation during Thanksgiving week, with limited snow in the northern US, sunshine in most of the East, and rain in the West. The Northeast is expected to be colder than average. Northern New England may see snow, while the southern half of the region is likely to have a sunny but crisp holiday. The Atlantic corridor will experience mild temperatures at the beginning of the week, transitioning to a chilly Thanksgiving Day with sunny and dry conditions.
Looking ahead to winter, the Almanac’s 2025-26 forecast paints a picture of a “mostly mild — with pockets of wild” season across the US. However, the winter’s severity in New York will vary significantly by region. Central New York and the Southern Tier are predicted to have a colder-than-normal winter, while Western New York, the Capital Region, the Adirondacks, the Hudson Valley, and New York City/Long Island are expected to experience milder-than-usual temperatures. Snowfall predictions also differ, with Western New York anticipating near-normal snowfall, the Southern Tier expecting below-normal snowfall, and New York City and Long Island predicted to have drier weather with less snow than usual.
Average snowfall in New York typically ranges from 25-31 inches in the New York City area to 95-127 inches in western and central New York, according to the National Weather Service. Last winter, Syracuse saw 115.4 inches of snow, while New York City’s Central Park received only 12.9 inches.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac bases its long-range forecasts on a combination of solar science, climatology, and meteorology, claiming an 80% accuracy rate. While these forecasts offer valuable insights for planning, the Almanac advises travelers to consult local weather reports closer to their departure dates for the most up-to-date information. The winter solstice, marking the shortest day of the year and the official start of winter, will occur on December 21, 2025.
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