The Best Time of Year to Move in Rochester, NY (Weather, Pricing & Tips)
Choosing the right time to move in Rochester isn’t just about convenience — it can dramatically affect the price, speed, and difficulty of your move.
Upstate New York’s weather is famous for being unpredictable, and that unpredictability affects how far movers can carry items, how long loading takes, and how safely your furniture can be protected.
Whether you're moving from Park Ave to Fairport or relocating across Monroe County, here’s a complete breakdown of the best time of year to move in Rochester (and what to expect each season).
When Is the Best Time to Move in Rochester?
For most people, the ideal time to move in Rochester is:
Late Spring (May–June)
Why:
Mild temperatures
Less rain compared to April
Longer daylight
Movers still have decent availability
This window gives you the smoothest balance between weather and scheduling — without the high summer demand.
A close second is:
Early Fall (September–October)
Why:
Cooler temperatures
Dry, stable weather
Lower demand after the summer rush
Perfect for homeowners moving before winter hits
These months consistently deliver the easiest moving conditions in Rochester.
When Is the Cheapest Time to Move in Rochester?
If your goal is to save money, the best time to move isn’t the warmest — it’s the quietest.
Cheapest Time: Late Fall & Winter (November–February)
Demand drops significantly during Rochester’s cold months, so rates are usually lower and availability is wide open.
Pros:
Lower hourly rates
Easy scheduling
Movers are faster (no heat exhaustion)
Cons:
Snow, ice, slush
Risk of delays
Shorter daylight hours
For well-prepared homeowners, winter moves can still be smooth and affordable — especially with a professional crew.
Season-by-Season Breakdown
Spring (March–May)
Spring is a mixed bag in Rochester.
Pros:
Warming temperatures
Good availability
Reasonable pricing
Cons:
Early spring can bring rain, mud, and thawing snow
April is one of Rochester’s wettest months
Move in May for the best experience.
Summer (June–August)
Summer is the most popular moving season in Rochester — and the busiest.
Pros:
Kids are off school
Long days
No snow or ice
Homes sell quickly (lots of moves)
Cons:
Highest prices of the year
Movers book out weeks in advance
Heat and humidity slow things down
If you plan to move in summer, book early — especially in suburbs like Pittsford, Webster, Fairport, and Penfield.
Fall (September–November)
Early fall offers the best overall moving conditions in the Rochester area.
Pros:
Cool temperatures
Low humidity
Stable weather
Post-summer availability
Cons:
Late fall gets dark early
Holidays can complicate scheduling
Many homeowners intentionally plan moves during this window.
Winter (December–February)
Winter in Rochester is… winter in Rochester.
Pros:
Cheapest rates
Great mover availability
Faster job times (less heat exhaustion)
Cons:
Snowstorms
Icy driveways
Slippery walkways
Sub-zero wind chills
Limited daylight
Professional movers can still make winter moves safe and efficient — but preparation is key.
Other Factors That Impact the Best Time to Move
1. Your Location in Rochester
City moves (Park Ave, South Wedge, Corn Hill) are affected by:
Parking
Tight stairways
Street congestion
Suburban moves (Irondequoit, Pittsford, Greece, Webster, Brighton) follow weather patterns more closely.
2. School Schedules
Families typically move:
Early summer
Late summer
Early fall before the school year begins
3. Real Estate Cycles
Most Rochester home closings occur between May–September, driving up demand.
Tips for Choosing the Best Time for Your Move
Even if you can’t pick the perfect season, you can still enjoy a smooth moving day:
1. Avoid the first and last weekend of each month
These dates fill fast due to lease turnarounds.
2. Book 3–4 weeks ahead during peak season
Especially in summer.
3. Aim for early morning start times
Cooler temperatures and faster work.
4. Keep an eye on weather changes
Lake-effect snow can appear with little warning.
Is There a “Worst” Time to Move in Rochester?
Yes — and no.
The hardest period is typically late January through early March, when Rochester experiences:
Heavy snowfall
Ice buildup
Below-freezing temperatures
But with a professional crew, protective materials, and equipment, even winter moves can be handled safely.
Need Help Planning Your Rochester Move?
Roc City Movers helps homeowners, families, and apartment renters move safely in all seasons — rain, snow, or shine.
We offer:
Transparent pricing
Professional packing
Residential and commercial moving
Trained, experienced movers
On-time arrivals and predictable schedules
Visit our pricing page or contact our team to secure your moving date today.
