How to survive Rochester winters: A guide to making it out alive from a cold-weather newbie

When I was first interviewing for my position in the Democrat and Chronicle, our executive editor, Michael Kilian, spoke highly of his native Rochester — about the beautiful nature and vibrant community. But in the same breath, he warned me about the long winters that would hit exceptionally hard on me, a Puerto Rico native.

Where I'm from, there is no such thing as winter. I often joke that Puerto Rico and other Caribbean nations go through three seasons: spring, summer, and hotter summer. I didn't see snow until I was 11, and I didn't touch it until I was 16. It was my few years in Brooklyn during grad school that introduced me to a proper East Coast winter.

I will never forget one March week where I felt the temperature fall into negative degrees for the first time. The short, five-minute walk to my subway station felt like an eternity, and I promised myself I would never live in a cold place again.

But fate had other plans, and, somehow, I ended up living in one of the snowiest cities in the country.

I'm always fascinated by the stark difference of Puerto Rico's weather versus Rochester's weather and more often than not I go to social media to complain about what's happening. Usually, the great people of Rochester would give me the best advice to survive the harsh climate.

After living through my first western New York winter from December 2020 to May 2021, I — like any good millennial — went to Twitter to ask Rochesterians for their best tips to help other folks who hail from warmer climates get through the cold months.

While this guide might seem obvious to local folks, remember that this guide is for people with little to no experience of dealing with weather under 60 degrees.

From learning how to layer to fun outdoor activities, and even things to do at home, here is my Rochester Winter Survival Guide for tropical and subtropical people.

Monitor the weather

This seems like a fairly obvious tip, but in the rush of life we sometimes forget the most basic things. Keeping an eye on the weather app before you head out is important to know what kind of layering you need to do and whether you need an umbrella to deal with snowfall.

It’s also important to look for the "feels like" temperature instead of the actual temperature because things like windchill play a role in how cold it really feels outside.

Layers, boots and socks

Among the most common tips people gave me for how to dress warmly: layers, layers and more layers.

Firstly, it is important to read the labels of the clothes you’re buying, and keep an eye out for wool, fleece and flannel. You can also find specialty clothes online or in outdoor specialty stores.

Learning how to layer takes time, and it's important to know that how you layer for 40 degrees is not the same as how you layer for 15 degrees. Preparing for harsh winds is another obstacle.

Consider getting long underwear or thermal fabrics to wear beneath sweaters and pants, plus waterproof and windproof coats and jackets. Thick socks, gloves and scarves will keep you warm, and investing in waterproof boots can help keep your feet warm and dry during severe snow weather.

Quality winter gear can be expensive, so keep an eye out for sales online or in stores out of season, and check your local savers for affordable clothes. Different charitable organizations give away coats and winter clothes when the weather gets cold.

Car essentials

If you have a car and live in Rochester, it's imperative you keep supplies that will help you clear snow from your car and its surroundings.

Aside from the snow tires, which are specifically designed to make sure cars can go over snow and ice more easily, shovels for driveways and snow brushes are also good to keep around.

Most big name hardware stores carry collapsible shovels to keep in your car, but keep in mind that sometimes your trunk will freeze over, so keep these accessories in a more accessible spot.

One Twitter user even suggested sandbags for the trunk to weigh down light cars.

Self care in the winter months

Rochester doesn't get much sun during the really cold months, but sun rays still penetrate the clouds and reflect off the snow, so remember to always wear a layer of SPF.

And a good lip balm will keep your lips nice and soft. I personally recommend Aquaphor or Vaseline, or anything locally made.

Running a humidifier and slathering yourself in a good lotion will help keep the dry, flaking skin at bay.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it's especially hard to stay connected with those around you, and winter can bring an additional onslaught of anxiety and depression.

So aside from getting a sun lamp and vitamin D supplements, check on your friends and loved ones who live alone or aren't used to the weather changes.

Enjoying the outdoors

While the pandemic has taught us how to stay inside for long periods of time, it's important to go outside during the winter months.

Twitter users recommended short walks when it's freezing and trying activities like day trips to the Seneca Park Zoo.

Another popular recommendation was the Lamberton Conservatory in Highland Park, originally constructed in 1911. The cover charge is $3, and it's a good jungle escape amidst the piles of snow.

Other users recommended outdoor activities like snowshoeing, skiing, sledding, and ice skating. (Note: These outdoor activities require extra gear, and it's best for beginners to seek advice on where to venture.)

Ideas for indoor fun

If you're not the outdoorsy type — like me — finding new things to do while staying inside is also a great distraction from the cold. From taking up new hobbies, like puzzling, embroidery or cooking.

Finding solace in warm and comforting foods, especially foods that remind you of where you're from, can help not only warm up your home but also bring you comfort.

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Embrace the cold

I could ramble on for several graphs about how the way we take on challenges affects us, but better yet I'll use the words of my dear Democrat and Chronicle colleague Gary Craig, who moved to Rochester from the southern United States years ago.

"Embrace it."

I believe Rochester shines brighter with the snow, and so many of us came here because we had nowhere else to go, so embracing the cold and finding happiness where you are will help you find peace."

Natalia Rodríguez Medina is a bilingual reporter covering the Puerto Rican and Latino population for the Democrat and Chronicle in partnership with Report for America. Follow her on Twitter at @nataliarodmed or email her at nrodriguezmedina@gannett.com. You can support her work with a tax-deductible donation to Report for America.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Rochester NY weather: How to survive winter in the Finger Lakes