New York Weather Month by Month
New York City is in the northeast of the United States, where the Hudson River meets the Atlantic Ocean. The city experiences all four seasons: hot and humid summers, and cold and damp winters.
In the summer months from June to August, temperatures range from 79 to 84°F (26 to 29°C), and heat waves are becoming more common. It often feels hot and sticky, but you can cool off in parks, public beaches, or pools. In the winter months from December to March, temperatures often drop below freezing at night, and it sometimes snows.
Spring and autumn are milder, with spring being a bit wetter and autumn drier. Generally, it rains quite consistently throughout the year, with each month having between 7 and 11 days of rain.
New York in January
After Christmas and the New Year's ball drop in Times Square, January is a quiet month for tourists in New York. Some holiday lights, decorations, and the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree remain for a week or two. Many shops also have sales in January.
Despite the cold weather, averaging 37°F (3°C), hotel rates are lower and there are almost no crowds. It's a great time to visit museums, ice skate, or stroll in the parks if there's snow. Restaurant Week and Broadway Week also happen, offering the chance to see shows or dine at top restaurants at a lower cost.
Famous Activities and Events January:
- Central Park Winter Jam: This free winter sports festival held in Central Park features activities like ice carving, ski lessons, and sledding.
- New York City Restaurant Week: Running from mid-January to early February, this event offers discounts at many of the city's top restaurants.
- Ice Skating: Popular rinks include the Rockefeller Center and Wollman Rink in Central Park.
- Shopping: Take advantage of post-holiday sales along Fifth Avenue, home to many luxury boutiques and department stores.
Sightseeing Highlights:
- Brooklyn Bridge: A walk across this iconic bridge provides stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, especially from Brooklyn towards Manhattan.
- Central Park: Even in winter, the park offers a beautiful escape with lakes, bridges, and the John Lennon memorial, Strawberry Fields.
- High Line Park: An elevated park built on a former rail line, offering views of the Manhattan skyline and unique murals.
- Museums: The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and the New York Public Library are must-visit landmarks.
New York in February
In February, New York City typically experiences cold weather, with daytime temperatures averaging around 40°F (4°C) and nighttime temperatures dropping to about 25°F (-4°C). The month is generally characterized by a mix of cloudy and clear days, with an increasing chance of precipitation as the month progresses. Rainfall averages around 2.4 inches (60 mm) spread over approximately 11 days, while snow is also common, accumulating to about 1.9 inches (48 mm) over roughly 5.5 days
Humidity levels in February average around 76%, making it one of the more humid months of the year. Despite the cold and occasional precipitation, the city averages about 4.7 hours of sunshine per day, and the length of daylight increases from about 10 hours and 41 minutes at the beginning of the month to around 11 hours by the end
Famous Activities and Events February:
- New York Fashion Week: Held twice a year, with the winter edition in February, it's a major event in the fashion world.
- Chinese New Year Parade: Celebrated in Chinatown, featuring vibrant parades, traditional performances, and cultural festivities.
- Valentine's Day: Many special events and romantic activities are available throughout the city, including special restaurant menus and cruises.
- Museum Visits: February is a great time to explore New York's many world-class museums, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and the American Museum of Natural History.
New York in March
In March, New York City experiences a noticeable shift from winter to spring. The average high temperatures rise from around 45°F (7°C) at the beginning of the month to about 55°F (13°C) by the end of March. Low temperatures typically increase from 30°F (-1°C) to 40°F (4°C). Despite the warming trend, the weather can still be quite variable, with occasional chilly days and the potential for both rain and snow.
March is often wet, with an average of 4 inches of precipitation, including around 10 rainy days. Snowfall is also possible, especially early in the month, with an average of about 3 snowy days totaling approximately 6 inches of snow.
Famous events and attractions in New York City during March include:
- St. Patrick's Day Parade: One of the city's most famous events, featuring vibrant parades, music, and celebrations throughout the city.
- Macy's Flower Show: A stunning display of floral arrangements at Macy's Herald Square.
- The Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden: A beautiful exhibit of exotic orchids.
- Central Park: As the weather warms, Central Park begins to bloom, making it a perfect spot for leisurely walks and outdoor activities.
New York in April
In April, New York City experiences spring weather with mostly sunny days and increasing temperatures. The average high temperature is around 62°F (17°C), while the average low is about 46°F (8°C). However, April can be quite rainy, with approximately 11 days of rain and an average precipitation of 106 mm
April in New York is bustling with activities and events:
- Tribeca Film Festival: An acclaimed annual event showcasing a diverse range of films from independent projects to documentaries. It's a major cultural event in the city.
- Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival: A unique and festive parade along Fifth Avenue where participants don creative bonnets and outfits to celebrate Easter Sunday.
- Sakura Matsuri: The Cherry Blossom Festival at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, celebrating Japanese culture with traditional performances and beautiful cherry blossoms.
- New York International Auto Show: Hosted at the Javits Center, this event showcases the latest innovations in the automotive industry.
New York in May
In May, New York City typically experiences mild and pleasant weather. Average daytime temperatures range from 50°F (10°C) to 72°F (22°C), making it an ideal time to explore the city without the extremes of summer heat or winter cold. However, be prepared for occasional rain, as the city averages about 11-12 rainy days in May
- Fleet Week: This week-long celebration honors the US Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Highlights include the Parade of Ships and guided tours of navy vessels docked at the New York Passenger Ship Terminal.
- Memorial Day: Celebrated on the last Monday of May, Memorial Day in NYC features parades in all five boroughs. The Little Neck-Douglaston parade in Queens is the largest, while Brooklyn hosts the oldest parade.
- Manhattanhenge: This unique phenomenon, occurring around May 29th-30th, offers a spectacular view of the setting sun aligning perfectly with the east-west streets of Manhattan's grid.
- Food Festivals: The 9th Avenue Food Festival in Hell's Kitchen and the Smorgasburg open-air food market are popular May events. These festivals offer a variety of cuisines and live entertainment.
New York in June
In June, New York City typically experiences mild to warm weather as summer begins to settle in. Average temperatures range from around 68°F (20°C) to 80°F (27°C). Here are a few famous events that typically happen in June in New York City:
- Museum Mile Festival: This annual event in early June allows visitors free access to several museums along Fifth Avenue.
- Governors Ball Music Festival: A popular music festival held on Randall's Island, featuring a wide range of artists across different genres.
- Tony Awards: Held in early June, this prestigious awards ceremony celebrates achievements in Broadway theatre.
- Pride March: The NYC Pride March, usually held on the last Sunday in June, is one of the largest LGBTQ+ pride events in the world.
- Fleet Week: Honoring the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, Fleet Week typically includes public ship tours and military demonstrations.
New York in July
In July, New York typically experiences warm weather with average highs around 84°F (29°C) and lows around 70°F (21°C). It's a great time to explore outdoor events and activities around the city. As for famous events:
- Fourth of July Fireworks: New York City hosts one of the most spectacular fireworks displays in the United States, usually over the East River.
- Shakespeare in the Park: Held at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park, this is a popular event featuring free performances of Shakespearean plays.
- SummerStage: This series of concerts and performances takes place in various parks across the city, offering a diverse range of music and cultural events.
- Bastille Day: Celebrated on July 14th, French communities in New York often host events commemorating Bastille Day with food, music, and festivities.
- Harlem Week: Held throughout July and August, Harlem Week celebrates the culture, history, and achievements of Harlem with events such as concerts, fashion shows, and cultural exhibitions.
New York in August
In August, New York City typically experiences warm and humid weather. Average temperatures range from highs in the upper 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (around 26-28°C) and lows in the mid to upper 60s Fahrenheit (around 19-21°C). It's a great time to explore outdoor events and activities in the city.
As for famous events in August in New York City, here are a few notable ones:
- US Open Tennis Championships: Held annually in late August and early September, the US Open is one of the major tennis tournaments in the world, attracting top players and tennis fans from around the globe.
- Central Park Film Festival: Typically held in August, this festival screens classic and popular films outdoors in Central Park, offering a unique cinematic experience under the stars.
- Harlem Week: A month-long celebration in August that showcases the rich culture, arts, and history of Harlem through various events including concerts, dance performances, fashion shows, and more.
- New York International Fringe Festival (FringeNYC): This theater festival features hundreds of performances across various venues in Manhattan, showcasing a wide range of experimental and innovative theatrical productions.
New York in September
September in NYC sees average high temperatures ranging from 73°F (23°C) early in the month to around 70°F (21°C) by the end of the month. Nights can be cooler, with lows ranging from 60°F (15°C) to 65°F (18°C). It's generally a pleasant time to visit with comfortable weather for outdoor activities.
Famous Events:
- US Open: Held annually at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, the US Open is one of the major tennis tournaments worldwide, typically spanning late August to early September.
- Fashion Week: New York Fashion Week, where designers showcase their collections for the following spring, often takes place in early September. It's a significant event in the fashion industry.
- San Gennaro Festival: This Italian-American street festival in Little Italy celebrates Italian culture with food, music, and parades. It usually occurs in mid-September.
- Broadway Week: While not always in September, Broadway Week (usually around early September) offers 2-for-1 tickets to many popular Broadway shows, making it a great time for theater enthusiasts.
New York in October
In October, New York City typically experiences pleasant autumn weather with temperatures ranging from highs in the 60s to lows in the 50s Fahrenheit (around 15-20 degrees Celsius). It's a great time to explore Central Park or take in the fall foliage around the city.
As for famous events in October in New York City:
- New York Comic Con: Usually held in early October, it's one of the largest pop culture conventions in the country, drawing fans of comics, movies, and TV shows.
- Village Halloween Parade: This iconic parade takes place on Halloween night (October 31st) in Greenwich Village, featuring elaborate costumes, puppets, and live music.
- Open House New York: A weekend-long event in mid-October where hundreds of buildings across the city open their doors to the public, offering tours and access to usually off-limits spaces.
- New Yorker Festival: A multi-day event in mid-October featuring talks, interviews, and performances with notable figures from politics, literature, and entertainment.
New York in November
In November, New York City experiences late fall weather with average temperatures ranging from highs in the upper 40s to lower 50s Fahrenheit (around 8-12°C) and lows in the upper 30s to lower 40s Fahrenheit (around 3-7°C). It's a time when fall foliage is still visible in the early part of the month but transitions towards colder, more wintery conditions towards the end.
As for famous events in November in New York City, here are a few notable ones:
- New York City Marathon: Usually held on the first Sunday of November, this marathon is one of the largest and most famous in the world, drawing thousands of participants and spectators.
- Veterans Day Parade: On November 11th, the city holds a parade along Fifth Avenue to honor military veterans, with marching bands, floats, and veterans groups participating.
- Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade: This iconic parade takes place on Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday of November) and features giant balloons, floats, performances, and marching bands along a route from Central Park West to Macy's Herald Square.
- New York Comedy Festival: Held in November, this festival features performances by top comedians across various venues in the city.
- New York City Wine & Food Festival: Typically held in late October to early November, this festival features culinary events, tastings, and celebrity chef appearances across the city.
New York in December
In December, New York City typically experiences winter weather, with temperatures ranging from around 32°F (0°C) to 45°F (7°C). Here are a few famous events and attractions you might enjoy during December in NYC:
- Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting: This iconic event usually happens in late November or early December, marking the start of the holiday season with a massive tree lighting ceremony.
- Holiday Markets: Various holiday markets pop up around the city, such as the Union Square Holiday Market and the Columbus Circle Holiday Market, offering unique gifts, crafts, and festive treats.
- Holiday Shows: Broadway theaters feature special holiday-themed shows, including classics like the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.
- Ice Skating: The ice skating rink at Rockefeller Center is a popular spot during the holiday season, offering a quintessential New York experience.
- New Year's Eve in Times Square: Although this is more of a December 31st event, preparations begin earlier in the month, and the excitement builds throughout December.
- Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade: While technically in November, this parade kicks off the holiday season with massive floats and performances, often associated with the start of December festivities.