The Big Apple is a bustling metropolis that attracts millions of tourists each year. Whether you're visiting the city for business or leisure, it's helpful to know what kind of weather to expect. This guide will provide you with an overview of NYC weather by month, so you can pack accordingly and make the most of your trip.
New York City has a humid continental climate, which means that it experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, with average temperatures in the mid-80s Fahrenheit. Winters are cold and snowy, with average temperatures in the mid-30s Fahrenheit. Spring and fall are mild, with average temperatures in the 50s and 60s Fahrenheit.
Now that you have a general idea of NYC weather by month, let's take a closer look at each season.
nyc weather by month
Four distinct seasons, hot summers, cold winters, mild spring and fall.
- January: Cold, snowy
- February: Cold, snowy
- March: Mild, rainy
- April: Mild, rainy
- May: Warm, sunny
- June: Hot, humid
- July: Hot, humid
- August: Hot, humid
- September: Mild, sunny
- October: Mild, sunny
- November: Cold, rainy
- December: Cold, snowy
Pack accordingly, layers in winter, light clothing in summer, umbrella or raincoat in spring and fall.
January: Cold, snowy
January is the coldest month in New York City, with average temperatures in the mid-30s Fahrenheit. It's also the snowiest month, with an average of 11 inches of snowfall. The days are short and the nights are long, with an average of only 9 hours of daylight per day. If you're visiting NYC in January, be sure to pack warm clothes, including a coat, hat, gloves, and scarf. You may also want to consider wearing boots or snowshoes if you're planning on doing any walking.
Despite the cold weather, there are still plenty of things to do in NYC in January. The city is decked out in holiday decorations, and there are many festive events and activities to enjoy. Some popular January events include the New Year's Eve ball drop in Times Square, the Winter Jam music festival, and the Chinese New Year parade.
If you're looking for indoor activities, there are plenty of museums, art galleries, and theaters to choose from. You can also visit one of the city's many indoor attractions, such as the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, or the American Museum of Natural History.
January is a great time to visit NYC if you're looking for a winter wonderland experience. Just be sure to pack warm clothes and be prepared for the cold weather.
Here are some tips for staying warm in NYC in January:
- Wear layers of clothing, so you can adjust to the changing temperatures.
- Cover your head, neck, and hands to prevent heat loss.
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
- Take breaks from the cold weather to warm up inside.
February: Cold, snowy
February is the second coldest month in New York City, with average temperatures in the mid-30s Fahrenheit. It's also the second snowiest month, with an average of 9 inches of snowfall. The days are still short and the nights are long, with an average of only 10 hours of daylight per day.
- Snowstorms: February is known for its snowstorms, which can bring several inches of snow to the city in a matter of hours. Be sure to check the weather forecast before you travel to NYC in February, and be prepared for delays and cancellations.
- Wind chill: The wind chill can make the temperature feel much colder than it actually is. Be sure to factor in the wind chill when you're dressing for the weather.
- Indoor activities: If you're looking for things to do indoors in February, there are plenty of museums, art galleries, and theaters to choose from. You can also visit one of the city's many indoor attractions, such as the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, or the American Museum of Natural History.
- Valentine's Day: February is the month of Valentine's Day, and there are many romantic things to do in NYC on this special day. You can take a walk through Central Park, go ice skating at Rockefeller Center, or enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the city's many restaurants.
February is a great time to visit NYC if you're looking for a winter wonderland experience. Just be sure to pack warm clothes and be prepared for the cold weather.
March: Mild, rainy
March is a transitional month in New York City, with average temperatures rising from the mid-30s Fahrenheit to the mid-40s Fahrenheit. The days are getting longer and the nights are getting shorter, with an average of 11 hours of daylight per day. March is also the rainiest month of the year, with an average of 4 inches of precipitation.
The weather in March can be unpredictable, with warm, sunny days followed by cold, rainy days. It's important to pack clothes for all types of weather if you're visiting NYC in March. You may also want to consider bringing an umbrella or raincoat.
Despite the rain, there are still plenty of things to do in NYC in March. The city starts to come alive as the weather warms up, and there are many outdoor activities to enjoy. Some popular March events include the St. Patrick's Day parade, the New York City Marathon, and the Cherry Blossom Festival.
If you're looking for indoor activities, there are plenty of museums, art galleries, and theaters to choose from. You can also visit one of the city's many indoor attractions, such as the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, or the American Museum of Natural History.
March is a great time to visit NYC if you're looking for a mild, rainy experience. Just be sure to pack clothes for all types of weather and be prepared for the rain.
April: Mild, rainy
April is a transitional month in New York City, with average temperatures rising from the mid-40s Fahrenheit to the mid-50s Fahrenheit. The days are getting longer and the nights are getting shorter, with an average of 13 hours of daylight per day. April is also a rainy month, with an average of 4 inches of precipitation.
- Spring showers: April is known for its spring showers, which can bring rain or snow. Be sure to pack an umbrella or raincoat if you're visiting NYC in April.
- Cherry blossoms: April is the month of cherry blossoms in NYC. The city's parks and gardens are filled with beautiful pink and white blossoms. Some popular places to see cherry blossoms include Central Park, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and the New York Botanical Garden.
- Outdoor activities: As the weather warms up, there are more opportunities for outdoor activities in NYC. You can take a walk or bike ride through Central Park, visit the Brooklyn Bridge Park, or enjoy a picnic on Governors Island.
- Cultural events: April is a great time to visit NYC for cultural events. The city hosts a variety of festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions in April. Some popular April events include the Tribeca Film Festival, the New York International Auto Show, and the New York City Ballet Spring Gala.
April is a great time to visit NYC if you're looking for a mild, rainy experience. Just be sure to pack an umbrella or raincoat and be prepared for the rain.
May: Warm, sunny
May is a beautiful time to visit New York City, with average temperatures in the mid-60s Fahrenheit. The days are long and the nights are mild, with an average of 14 hours of daylight per day. May is also a relatively dry month, with an average of only 3 inches of precipitation.
The warm, sunny weather makes May a great time to enjoy all that NYC has to offer. You can take a walk or bike ride through Central Park, visit the Brooklyn Bridge Park, or enjoy a picnic on Governors Island. You can also visit one of the city's many museums, art galleries, or theaters.
May is also a great time to catch a Broadway show or a concert. The city's theaters and concert venues are filled with world-class performances in May. Some popular May events include the Tony Awards, the Metropolitan Opera's Spring Gala, and the Brooklyn Half Marathon.
If you're looking for a warm, sunny experience, May is the perfect time to visit New York City.
Here are some tips for enjoying May in NYC:
- Pack light clothing, such as shorts, T-shirts, and sandals.
- Be sure to bring sunscreen and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
- Take advantage of the long days by exploring the city's many outdoor attractions.
- See a Broadway show or a concert to experience NYC's vibrant arts scene.
June: Hot, humid
June is the hottest month in New York City, with average temperatures in the mid-70s Fahrenheit. The days are long and the nights are warm, with an average of 15 hours of daylight per day. June is also a humid month, with an average relative humidity of 70%. This can make the heat feel even hotter.
- Heat waves: June is known for its heat waves, which can bring temperatures into the 90s or even 100s Fahrenheit. Be sure to stay hydrated and take breaks from the heat if you're visiting NYC in June.
- Air conditioning: Most buildings in NYC have air conditioning, so you can escape the heat indoors. However, it's important to be prepared for the heat if you're planning on spending time outdoors.
- Outdoor activities: There are still plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in NYC in June. You can take a walk or bike ride through Central Park, visit the Brooklyn Bridge Park, or enjoy a picnic on Governors Island. Just be sure to take precautions to stay cool and hydrated.
- Cultural events: June is a great time to visit NYC for cultural events. The city hosts a variety of festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions in June. Some popular June events include the Pride Parade, the SummerStage concert series, and the Governors Ball Music Festival.
June is a great time to visit NYC if you're looking for a hot, humid experience. Just be sure to pack light clothing, stay hydrated, and take breaks from the heat.