Overview
Western New York is a phrase often used within the state of New York, but it really has no consistent definition.
In Buffalo and its immediate surrounding areas, the term encompasses only the westernmost eight counties of New York. As you go farther east, though, the definition generally expands accordingly. Rochester, for example, is usually considered to be part of Western New York everywhere except in Buffalo. At the extreme, some residents include Syracuse in the area, although it's more often considered part of Central New York.
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 82°F; winter lows dip to about 19°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jul and Jun. (climate data from nearby Rochester)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- ROC Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport, Rochester — 16 mi away (major hub). Directions
- BUF Buffalo Niagara International Airport, Buffalo — 58 mi away (major hub). Directions
Regions
The following regions include parts of Western New York:
- The Niagara Frontier is entirely within Western New York, no matter who is defining the term.
- The Southern Tier — the westernmost counties are almost always included in Western New York.
- The Finger Lakes — much of this area is often included in Western New York, especially the city of Rochester.
Nearby
Avon
City / town · 7 listings · 9 mi away
Bloomfield
City / town · 1 listings · 9 mi away
Victor
City / town · 11 listings · 11 mi away
Henrietta
City / town · 18 listings · 12 mi away
Bushnell's Basin
City / town · 5 listings · 13 mi away
Geneseo
City / town · 3 listings · 14 mi away
Farmington
City / town · 4 listings · 14 mi away
Canandaigua
City / town · 19 listings · 15 mi away
My experience
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