Weddings & Weather
in the Catskills
Why the Catskills have the best wedding weather (No, really!)
Imagine exchanging vows against a backdrop of forested hills and mountain light, where the air stays crisp, the breeze gentle, and comfort comes naturally. Welcome to the Catskills—where outdoor elegance meets perfect summer weather.
By Casper de Boer, co-owner & founder of Roxbury Barn & Estate
The Catskills advantage
Here’s the thing: elevation changes everything. The Catskills sit high enough that temperatures run 4-8°F cooler than NYC, but the real win is the humidity—or lack thereof.
While your city friends are drowning in July stickiness, you’ll be celebrating in actual comfort. Evenings naturally cool down, creating the perfect dancing weather.
Wedding season in the high peaks of the Central Catskills
A month-by-month guide:
Late May: spring awakens
Highs ~70°F, late evenings ~56°F
Skip April (mud season is real), but late May? That’s when everything transforms into lush green perfection. And it is when we host our first events. Spring offers a quieter and more peaceful Central Catskills experience compared to the busier summer months. Daytime temps of 68-72°F keep outdoor ceremonies comfortable, while crisp 55°F evenings are ideal for moving the party inside our barn with doors still wide open (our barn is climate-controlled).
The forest has come alive with new color and foliage. The fresh scents of newly blooming vegetation like pine and wildflowers is all around and bright greens dominate, with spring ephemerals popping up in every corner. Nature provides your décor—you’re welcome.
Photo by Snapped Studio- Photo by Sophie Mathewson
Photo by Mindful Photography- Photo by Kylee Yee
- Photo by Jean-Laurent Gaudy
- Photo by Melanie Ruth
- Photo by Magic Flute
- Photo by Jean-Laurent Gaudy
June: the sweet spot
Early June: Highs ~72°F, late evenings ~58°F | Mid-June: Highs ~74°F, late evenings ~63°F
June is wedding weather gold. Daytime temps in the 70’s°F range work for everyone (yes, even Grandma), and those low-60s evenings make your reception space irresistible.
Tree foliage in the Central Catskills is now full with mature leafs, creating an abundance of lushness. Hydrangea bushes all over our property start blooming, and lilacs are peaking. Orange day lilies pop up around the pond, our wild rose bushes start blooming, and bright green ferns are spreading out in the pine grove and along the spring-fed pond near the barn. Everything that makes the Catskills’ summer loved is here.
July: summer without the suffering
Early July: Highs ~75°F, late evenings ~67°F | Mid-July: Highs ~79°F, late evenings ~70°F
July averages 77°F in Roxbury and the surrounding Central Catskills—warm enough for outdoor everything, cool enough that nobody’s miserable. Even the hottest week (third week, hitting 81-85°F) beats downstate by miles. Those 65-70°F evenings mean guests can enjoy outdoor spaces well into the late evening.
Full summer foliage creates dramatic, verdant vibes everywhere you look and our yarrow, peony and wild rose bushes, hydrangeas, and mixed flowerbeds are in full bloom. Hundreds of tiny yellow water lilies float in our spring-fed pond by the carriage barn.
- Photo by Alina Delfino
- Photo by Forged in the North
- Photo by Jean-Laurent Gaudy
- Photo by Jessica Manns
- Photo by Magic Flute
- Photo by Daryl Getman
- Photo by Magic Flute
- Photo by Jean-Laurent Gaudy
August: late summer magic
Early August: Highs ~81°F, late evenings ~68°F | Mid-August: Highs ~79°F, late evenings ~65°F
By now we have lost an hour and a half of daily sunlight since the solstice, and August keeps summer’s warmth (78-82°F) while hinting at harvest season ahead — it’s one of our most favorite times in the Central Catskills. Late August evenings get cooler—perfect for outdoor socializing.
Our ornamental grasses have grown into ornate statements, purple cone flowers and baptista are blooming, and our hydrangea bushes are massive, while wild Black-Eyed Susans are popping up all over the mountainside.
September: the best of both worlds
Early September: Highs ~76°F, late evenings ~55°F | Mid-September: Highs ~72°F, late evenings ~50-55°F
As the fourth warmest month of the year, September nails the balance between summer comfort and fall sophistication. Those 71-75°F days keep everyone happy, while cooler late evenings (53-60°F) are perfect for bonfires and s’mores.
Early yellow fall colors start showing up in the Central Catskills, adding elegant touches without going full autumn until later in the month. The wildflower garden surrounding the bonfire circle bursts with yellow and purple flowers. The once white hydrangeas at the barn are turning a gorgeous purple.
- Photo by Magic Flute
- Photo by The Art of Chuy
- Photo by Lauren Scotti
- Photo by Magic Flute
- Photo by Nicole Nero
- Photo by Jessie Casey
- Photo by Todd Laffler
- Photo by Nicole Nero
October: autumns grand finale
First two weeks: Highs ~66°F, late evenings ~50-55°F
If you want fall foliage, the first two weeks of October are unbeatable in the Roxbury area—literally peak season. Cator Roundtop Mountain, right across the valley, offers a kaleidoscope of fall colors. This is when we host our last few weddings.
Those 66°F days are perfect for outdoor ceremonies and photos, while crisp air makes everyone feel energized. Evening temps can drop into the 50s, creating the perfect excuse to gather inside for the dance party, while our massive bonfire generates plenty of warmth for s’mores under the stars. The crystal-clear air makes photographers weep with joy.
Rain or shine
When weather gets weird
Solid rain plans
Look, Mother Nature has her moments. But don’t settle for pricey and unsightly backup tents, or for last-minute all-indoor scenarios.
Modern radar makes planning around showers easy for a professional venue team. Good venues have the tools and manpower to flip outdoor spaces back to ready in minutes. Plus, clear umbrellas on hand = instant romantic rain photos. (We’ve always got you covered!)
The real peace of mind? Having a well-run venue that’s built for the Catskills climate, with indoor-outdoor flexibility that works no matter what the day brings.
More weather questions? Want to come check us out? We’re here to answer any questions you have and would be thrilled to give you a tour of our place!
