New York
USA · North America
The best time to visit New York is June and September. In summer, daytime highs average 30°C (86°F), with peaks around 35°C (95°F); in winter, nights average -1°C (30°F), dropping to around -12°C (10°F) on the coldest. All climate data are based on historical monthly averages (2005–2025) to help you plan the optimal travel time.
New York – What you should know
New York has a continental climate with four distinct seasons and the Atlantic as a buffer. July is muggy, with daytime highs around 30°C (86°F) and nights around 22°C (72°F), a good 35°C (95°F) is reached on the hottest days, and the heat builds up between the street canyons and in the subway. Winter is cold: from December to February daytime highs are 4 to 7°C (39 to 45°F), lows around freezing, and in the coldest nights they fall to about -12°C (10°F). Snowfall is possible; precipitation is fairly evenly spread through the year at 80 to 125 mm (3.1 to 4.9 in) a month.
The designated best months are June and September, with daytime highs around 25 to 27°C (77 to 81°F) and only six rain days in September. For city visits, however, May and October are also very good: in May daytime highs average 22°C (72°F), in October 19°C (66°F), and walking through the city, Central Park and across the Brooklyn Bridge is much more pleasant than in high summer. April, at 16°C (61°F), is still fresh, but suitable for walks.
Anyone coming for a swim in summer will find Atlantic water of 22 to 23°C (72 to 73°F) in July and August at the beaches of Coney Island and the Rockaways. The Christmas season, with the ice rink at Rockefeller Center and the shop-window displays, attracts many visitors despite the cold. In December the days are short at 3.7 hours of sunshine on average, while prices and visitor numbers are high. Anyone who values cheap hotels will usually find them in January and February.
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 5° (41°)-6– (21–)16 (61) | 6° (43°)-2– (28–)17 (63) | 11° (52°)0– (32–)23 (73) | 17° (63°)8– (46–)28 (82) | 22° (72°)12– (54–)31 (88) | 27° (81°)19– (66–)33 (91) | 30° (86°)23– (73–)35 (95) | 29° (84°)23– (73–)34 (93) | 25° (77°)18– (64–)32 (90) | 19° (66°)10– (50–)26 (79) | 13° (55°)3– (37–)21 (70) | 8° (46°)-2– (28–)17 (63) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | -1° (30°)-12– (10–)7 (45) | -1° (30°)-10– (14–)8 (46) | 3° (37°)-6– (21–)11 (52) | 8° (46°)1– (34–)16 (61) | 14° (57°)7– (45–)22 (72) | 19° (66°)12– (54–)24 (75) | 23° (73°)17– (63–)26 (79) | 22° (72°)16– (61–)25 (77) | 18° (64°)11– (52–)23 (73) | 12° (54°)4– (39–)19 (66) | 6° (43°)-2– (28–)15 (59) | 2° (36°)-7– (19–)9 (48) |
☀️Sunshine | 5h UV 4 | 6h UV 5 | 7h UV 6 | 7h UV 7 | 8h UV 7 | 8h UV 8 | 8h UV 8 | 8h UV 7 | 7h UV 6 | 6h UV 5 | 6h UV 4 | 4h UV 3 |
🌊Water Temp | 5° (41°) | 4° (39°) | 6° (43°) | 9° (48°) | 14° (57°) | 19° (66°) | 22° (72°) | 23° (73°) | 22° (72°) | 18° (64°) | 13° (55°) | 9° (48°) |
🌧Rain Days | 7d100mm (3.9") | 7d82mm (3.2") | 7d103mm (4.0") | 7d112mm (4.4") | 8d98mm (3.9") | 8d106mm (4.2") | 8d123mm (4.8") | 8d124mm (4.9") | 6d98mm (3.9") | 7d117mm (4.6") | 6d81mm (3.2") | 9d115mm (4.5") |
Best travel timeØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel Tips
From June to July, UV levels in New York reach 8 — very high on the WHO scale. High-SPF sunscreen and shade around midday are essential.
May offers great weather in New York with fewer tourists and lower prices — ideal for those who want to avoid the peak season crowds.
The travel year in New York
December – February
Cold, clear winter days and a city in lights: ice rinks, shop-window displays and Christmas markets make December the high season. January and February are quieter and hotels cheaper, with museums and Broadway shows the best programme. Snow occasionally turns Central Park into a postcard.
March – May
Spring comes in waves: March often still smells of winter, in April cherry trees blossom in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Central Park, and by May the street cafés are full again. Ideal for walking the city before the summer heat sets in.
June – August
Hot and lively: the city moves outdoors. Open-air concerts, rooftop bars and beach days at Coney Island define the season. Heat builds between the street canyons and thunderstorms bring brief relief. On the hottest days air-conditioned museums are the sensible choice.
September – November
Many consider this the best time of all: clear air, comfortable temperatures and the famous Indian summer, when Central Park turns gold and red. The cultural calendar starts its new season, and Halloween is in the air in October. November turns cooler and Christmas preparations begin.
Events & Festivals
March
- St. Patrick's Day Parade· 17 March
The world's oldest St. Patrick's Day parade (since 1762) marches up Fifth Avenue from 44th to 79th Street.
September
- US Open· late August to mid-September
The year's last Grand Slam tennis tournament at Flushing Meadows (Queens); the finals fall on the second weekend of September.
November
- New York City Marathon· first Sunday in November
One of the largest marathons in the world runs through all five boroughs, from the start on Staten Island to the finish in Central Park.
- Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade· Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday in November)
Giant helium balloons and floats travel in the morning from Central Park West down Sixth Avenue to Macy's department store at Herald Square.
December
- New Year's Eve in Times Square· 31 December
At midnight the illuminated ball descends above Times Square; if you want to be there in person, plan to be in the fenced-off viewing areas many hours beforehand.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit New York?
- The best time to visit New York is June and September. These months offer the most favourable combination of sunshine, temperatures, and low rainfall.
- How warm does it get in New York?
- In summer, daytime highs in New York average 30°C (86°F), with peaks around 35°C (95°F); in winter, nights average -1°C (30°F), dropping to around -12°C (10°F) on the coldest.
- How much rain does New York get?
- New York has a relatively even rainfall pattern with an average of 7 rain days per month. The driest months are February, September, and November.
- How warm is the water in New York?
- Water temperature in New York ranges from 4°C (39°F) (February) to 23°C (73°F) (August). During the best travel months (June and September), the water is most pleasant for swimming.
Best Travel Time by Vacation Type
🏖️
Beach Holiday
Warm, sunny, little rain
JunJulAug
🏙️
City Trip
Pleasantly mild, not too hot
MayJunSep
