Best time to visit New York City
New York City has its best weather in May, June, September, and October. Peak season is October to December. For good weather with fewer crowds, aim for May, June, and September.
New York City weather by month
Average daily high and low, rainy days (1 mm or more) and hours of sunshine per day, 2015 to 2024.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Rain days | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 40°F | 26°F | 3.9 in | 10 | 6.1 h |
| February | 43°F | 26°F | 3.6 in | 10 | 6.9 h |
| March | 49°F | 33°F | 4.6 in | 10 | 8.2 h |
| April | 60°F | 42°F | 4.3 in | 12 | 8.8 h |
| May | 70°F | 53°F | 3.7 in | 12 | 9.9 h |
| June | 79°F | 62°F | 3.9 in | 11 | 11.1 h |
| July | 85°F | 69°F | 5.5 in | 13 | 11.6 h |
| August | 83°F | 68°F | 4.5 in | 12 | 10.9 h |
| September | 77°F | 62°F | 4.7 in | 10 | 9.1 h |
| October | 66°F | 51°F | 4.9 in | 9 | 7.8 h |
| November | 54°F | 39°F | 3 in | 9 | 7.1 h |
| December | 45°F | 32°F | 4.5 in | 11 | 5.6 h |
New York City month by month
New York City in January
Highs around 40°F, lows near 26°F. About 10 rainy days and 6.1 h of sunshine a day.
Hardest monthNew York City in February
Highs around 43°F, lows near 26°F. About 10 rainy days and 6.9 h of sunshine a day.
Hardest monthNew York City in March
Highs around 49°F, lows near 33°F. About 10 rainy days and 8.2 h of sunshine a day.
Mixed weatherNew York City in April
Highs around 60°F, lows near 42°F. About 12 rainy days and 8.8 h of sunshine a day.
Cherry blossoms
Mixed weatherNew York City in May
Highs around 70°F, lows near 53°F. About 12 rainy days and 9.9 h of sunshine a day.
Cherry blossoms
Best weatherNew York City in June
Highs around 79°F, lows near 62°F. About 11 rainy days and 11.1 h of sunshine a day.
Best weatherNew York City in July
Highs around 85°F, lows near 69°F. About 13 rainy days and 11.6 h of sunshine a day.
Summer heat waves
Mixed weatherNew York City in August
Highs around 83°F, lows near 68°F. About 12 rainy days and 10.9 h of sunshine a day.
Summer heat waves
Mixed weatherNew York City in September
Highs around 77°F, lows near 62°F. About 10 rainy days and 9.1 h of sunshine a day.
Best weatherNew York City in October
Highs around 66°F, lows near 51°F. About 9 rainy days and 7.8 h of sunshine a day.
Best weatherPeak seasonNew York City in November
Highs around 54°F, lows near 39°F. About 9 rainy days and 7.1 h of sunshine a day.
New York City Marathon · Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade · Holiday season
Mixed weatherPeak seasonNew York City in December
Highs around 45°F, lows near 32°F. About 11 rainy days and 5.6 h of sunshine a day.
Holiday season
Hardest monthPeak season
Seasons and events
- Apr and May
Cherry blossoms
Cherry trees at Brooklyn Botanic Garden typically bloom throughout April and early May.
Source: Brooklyn Botanic Garden - Jul and Aug
Summer heat wavesWeather risk
July is the most likely month for a heat wave in Central Park. August has fewer, but still more than June.
Source: NWS New York - Nov
New York City Marathon
The largest marathon in the world, held in early November, with nearly 60,000 runners from Staten Island through Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx to Central Park.
Source: New York City Tourism + Conventions - Nov
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Held on Thanksgiving Day, running from West 77th Street and Central Park West to Macy's Herald Square.
Source: New York City Tourism + Conventions - Nov and Dec
Holiday season
The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and the Times Square ball drop draw holiday crowds from late November through New Year.
Source: New York City Tourism + Conventions
Plan New York City for May
Lay the trip out day by day in Waiz, on a timeline and a map, and plan it with friends in real time. Pro adds AI itineraries and the forecast for every day.
Questions about visiting New York City
June scores highest for weather in New York City, with highs around 79°F and about 11 rainy days. The best stretch of the year is May, June, September, and October.
July is the wettest month in New York City, with about 5.5 in of rain over 13 days. November is the driest, with about 3 in.
Peak season is October to December, according to New York City Tourism + Conventions. For good weather with fewer crowds, aim for May, June, and September.
July is the warmest month in New York City, with average highs of 85°F. January is the coolest, at 40°F.
Climate figures are monthly averages of daily ERA5 reanalysis data for 2015 to 2024, retrieved from Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0). The verdict scores each month on temperature, humidity, rain and daylight, and marks months with typhoons, hurricanes or monsoon rain down.
