Gunks weather in spring

Sadly, I won’t be able to make it to the Gunks this fall (the only season I’ve seen there in 3 trips). When does spring hit in the area? (I’m a southerner, so “spring” means a light fleece at most :)

If you’re serious about a light fleece only I’d suggest waiting until end of April or early May. Earlier than that and snow is still a possibility.

Who knows anymore with the weather. There have been years where I’ve never stopped climbing through the winter, and there have been years with so much snow it was a no go for 4 months. 

Like anywhere in the northeast, it's highly variable. As mentioned above late April/early may are possible but not guaranteed and it will be highly variable until a few days before climbing day (sometimes even day of). I'd suggest instead nailing down 2-3 spots within a few hours drive that you could pivot to if the weather is better there. 

You also want to pay extra close attention to line drainage and dry out stuff, as I know many lines in NH are not viable in spring due to seepage, while others are unshaded and south facing to dry out quickly.

Just looked at average temps, and April/May looks likely. Thanks.

I'm generally climbing rock here (Gunks) by mid-March. But I'm a local and can pick the best days. I'd describe your chances like this, if hypothetically you came for a week:

Second half of March - you'd get 2 or 3 climbable days*. One of them might be pleasantly warm (relatively speaking. It's still March).

Early April - 2- 4 climbable days*, 2 of them would be really nice.

Late April - 3-4 climbable days*, 2-3 nice

May - 3-6 climbable days*, 4 could be nice

* the non-climbable days are raining and chilly

Don't be deceived by the average temps. In general at the gunks, the sunny weather is cooler than rainy weather, so the climbing days will be cooler than the monthly average. And the rock at the gunks doesn't heat up as much a darker rock would, so the morning sun isn't enough to keep things climbable when it's cold.  I'm with GunkieMike; I'd plan my trip for late April/May. Also convenient that the days are long then.

I don't even pretend that we have predictable seasons anymore. Last New Year's Day I was out climbing the Gunks in a t-shirt. Two days ago was in the 80s, and tomorrow it's going to be near freezing.

If it's a far enough trip that requires planning/logistics... you're almost better waiting till summer.

+1 to what Chad said. The April before last I nearly froze my fingers off, but I climbed the whole winter last year.

The temperature, sun, time of day, wind, cliff direction, etc. all make a difference. Toss a hand warmer in your chalk bag if it's on the cooler side of your tolerance.

I’ve climbed in the gunks in january in only a light puffy. But weather can easily stifle these plans.