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New York City skyline with Empire State Building

New York City, United States

Best Time to Visit New York City

Weather month by month, from 20 years of weather-station records.

Best months
May, June, and September
Warmest month
July, 30°C
Wettest month
August, 136 mm

New York City weather by month

Average daily high and low, total rainfall and days with at least 2.5 mm of rain.

MonthHigh / lowRainVerdict
January5°C / -2°C88 mm · 6 daysCold
February6°C / -1°C86 mm · 6 daysCold
March11°C / 2°C107 mm · 6 daysCold
April17°C / 8°C116 mm · 6 daysFair
May22°C / 13°C110 mm · 8 daysGreat
June27°C / 18°C110 mm · 7 daysGreat
July30°C / 22°C134 mm · 8 daysFair
August29°C / 20°C136 mm · 7 daysFair
September25°C / 17°C112 mm · 6 daysGreat
October19°C / 11°C110 mm · 6 daysFair
November12°C / 5°C84 mm · 6 daysFair
December7°C / 1°C121 mm · 8 daysCold

New York City by season

Spring

Spring in NYC is a glorious awakening. Central Park bursts with cherry blossoms and daffodils, outdoor cafes set up tables, and a palpable sense of energy returns to the streets after winter. Temperatures are mild and perfect for walking.

  • + Pleasant temperatures (15-22°C)
  • + Beautiful blooms in parks
  • + Outdoor festivals begin
  • − Unpredictable rain showers
  • − Can still be chilly, especially early spring

Summer

Summer is hot, humid, and buzzing with energy. The city moves outdoors to rooftops, parks, and free public events like Shakespeare in the Park and outdoor movies. Street life is at its peak, but the heat can be intense.

  • + Long days and vibrant nightlife
  • + Free outdoor concerts and events
  • + Beach trips to Coney Island or Rockaway
  • − High heat and humidity (often 29°C+)
  • − Peak tourist crowds

Autumn

Widely considered the best time to visit. The air turns crisp, the leaves in Central Park transform into brilliant gold and red, and the cultural season kicks into high gear with new Broadway openings and gallery shows.

  • + Ideal, crisp weather (10-20°C)
  • + Stunning fall foliage
  • + Major cultural season begins
  • − Weather can turn cold quickly in November
  • − Popular time for conferences, raising hotel prices

Winter

Winter is cold and can be magical, especially around the holidays. The city sparkles with Christmas decorations, ice skating rinks, and festive markets. January and February are quieter and colder, with a chance of snow.

  • + Magical holiday decorations and markets
  • + Ice skating at Rockefeller Center or Bryant Park
  • + Lower hotel rates post-holidays
  • − Bitterly cold temperatures (often near or below 0°C)
  • − Short daylight hours

New York City month by month

New York City in January

Cold

In January, New York City averages highs of 5°C and lows of -2°C, with about 6 rainy days and 88 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.

New York City in February

Cold

In February, New York City averages highs of 6°C and lows of -1°C, with about 6 rainy days and 86 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.

New York City in March

Cold

In March, New York City averages highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C, with about 6 rainy days and 107 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.

New York City in April

Fair

In April, New York City averages highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C, with about 6 rainy days and 116 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.

New York City in May

Great

In May, New York City averages highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C, with about 8 rainy days and 110 mm of rain. It is one of the most comfortable months for sightseeing.

New York City in June

Great

In June, New York City averages highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C, with about 7 rainy days and 110 mm of rain. It is one of the most comfortable months for sightseeing.

New York City in July

Fair

In July, New York City averages highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C, with about 8 rainy days and 134 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.

New York City in August

Fair

In August, New York City averages highs of 29°C and lows of 20°C, with about 7 rainy days and 136 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.

New York City in September

Great

In September, New York City averages highs of 25°C and lows of 17°C, with about 6 rainy days and 112 mm of rain. It is one of the most comfortable months for sightseeing.

New York City in October

Fair

In October, New York City averages highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C, with about 6 rainy days and 110 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.

New York City in November

Fair

In November, New York City averages highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C, with about 6 rainy days and 84 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.

New York City in December

Cold

In December, New York City averages highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C, with about 8 rainy days and 121 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.

Top tours and experiences in New York City

The tours and tickets travellers book most, with ratings and reviews from Viator.

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry

4.814,938 reviews3h
New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour

New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour

4.813,889 reviews6h
NYC Empire State Building Observation Deck Ticket

NYC Empire State Building Observation Deck Ticket

4.57,812 reviews45m
All things to do in New York City →

Tours and prices from Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Prices change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.

Plan your New York City trip

Best time to visit New York City: FAQ

What is the best month to visit New York City?+

May is the most comfortable month on average, with highs of 22°C. June and September are close behind.

What is the rainiest month in New York City?+

August is the wettest month, with about 136 mm of rain.

How hot does New York City get?+

July is the warmest month, with average highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. The coldest nights come in January, averaging -2°C.

Averages for 2006–2025 from the NY CITY CNTRL PARK weather station (8 km from the centre), NOAA Global Historical Climatology Network. Verdicts rate sightseeing comfort from daytime highs and rainy days.