Cumorah
Mountain Hill in New York significant in Latter-day Saint tradition
Hill Cumorah in western New York is the site where Joseph Smith reported finding plates central to Latter‑day Saint history; visitors come to historical markers, a visitors’ centre and periodic pageants.
Cumorah is a low hill in western New York State, near the village of Palmyra and the town of Manchester, associated with the Book of Mormon. It is a focal point for visitors interested in Latter-day Saint history and belief.
The site attracts pilgrims and visitors who come to view the hill and nearby markers related to early 19th-century events tied to emerging Latter-day Saint claims. The immediate area is rural and visits typically focus on the landscape and interpretive signage rather than large museum facilities.
In Latter-day Saint tradition the hill is identified as the place where Joseph Smith said he received the golden plates in the 1820s, an event central to the founding narrative of the movement. The site later became a place for commemorations and gatherings connected to that history.
Cumorah sits in Ontario County in upstate New York, close to the village of Palmyra and within the rural landscape east of Rochester.
- Religious significance: Identified by Latter-day Saint tradition as the hill where Joseph Smith said he obtained the golden plates in the 1820s, it is a site of religious significance and pilgrimage.
How to Get to Cumorah #
Cumorah is near Palmyra in western New York State, accessible by car from Rochester (approx. 45 minutes). Follow local signs to the Hill Cumorah Visitor Centre and associated sites; public transit options are limited.
Tips for Visiting Cumorah #
- If visiting as a Latter-day Saints pilgrim, check schedules for pageants or events-these draw large crowds.
- The hill is on private church-owned land; respect local rules and designated pathways.
- Combine a visit with a drive through the surrounding Genesee County countryside-there are several small historic markers nearby.
Best Time to Visit Cumorah #
Summer and early autumn are the most active tourist seasons; visits are often linked to other Latter-day Saints historic sites in the area.
Weather & Climate near Cumorah #
Cumorah's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -10°C to 27°C. Moderate rainfall (888 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -1°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm).
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February
February is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with 93 mm of rain.
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October
October is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm).
