Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit New York
🇺🇸 New York, United States · North America
Based on 30-year climate data (1991-2020) from Open-Meteo
Recommended Travel Months
Jan
5°
-7°
Good
Feb
9°
-3°
Good
Mar
14°
2°
Good
Apr
19°
7°
Great
May
23°
11°
Great
Jun
24°
12°
Great
Jul
23°
11°
Great
Aug
19°
7°
Great
Sep
14°
2°
Good
Oct
9°
-3°
Good
Nov
5°
-7°
Good
Dec
4°
-8°
Fair
Month-by-Month Weather in New York
| Month | High | Low | Rain Days | Sunshine | Humidity | UV | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5°C | -7°C | 3 | 1h | 65% | 1 | Good | View |
| February | 9°C | -3°C | 3 | 3h | 65% | 1 | Good | View |
| March | 14°C | 2°C | 4 | 4h | 65% | 6 | Good | View |
| AprilRecommended | 19°C | 7°C | 5 | 6h | 65% | 6 | Great | View |
| MayRecommended | 23°C | 11°C | 6 | 7h | 65% | 9 | Great | View |
| JuneRecommended | 24°C | 12°C | 6 | 7h | 65% | 9 | Great | View |
| JulyRecommended | 23°C | 11°C | 6 | 7h | 65% | 9 | Great | View |
| AugustRecommended | 19°C | 7°C | 5 | 6h | 65% | 9 | Great | View |
| September | 14°C | 2°C | 4 | 4h | 65% | 6 | Good | View |
| October | 9°C | -3°C | 3 | 3h | 65% | 6 | Good | View |
| November | 5°C | -7°C | 3 | 1h | 65% | 1 | Good | View |
| December | 4°C | -8°C | 3 | 1h | 65% | 1 | Fair | View |
Data source: Open-Meteo ERA5 reanalysis archive, 30-year historical normals (1991-2020). Temperatures in Celsius. Sunshine hours are daily averages.
Seasonal Guide to New York
Spring (March to May)
Avg: 19°C high, 7°C low
Spring in New York brings gradually mild temperatures. Daytime highs reach around 19°C (66°F) while nights cool to 7°C (45°F). Rainfall is relatively low, making it a pleasant time for outdoor exploration.
Summer (June to August)
Avg: 22°C high, 10°C low
Summer is the warmest season in New York, with temperatures reaching 22°C (72°F). Comfortable warmth makes this a popular time for tourists, though accommodation prices tend to peak. Long daylight hours and abundant sunshine provide plenty of time to explore.
Fall (September to November)
Avg: 9°C high, -3°C low
Fall in New York is a transitional season with changing conditions. Temperatures settle around 9°C (48°F) during the day and -3°C (27°F) at night. Drier weather and thinner crowds make this an appealing alternative to peak summer travel.
Winter (December to February)
Avg: 6°C high, -6°C low
Winter in New York brings the coolest weather of the year. Layers are essential, and some outdoor attractions may have reduced hours. However, hotel prices typically drop and popular sites are less crowded.
When to Avoid New York
The least favorable time to visit New York is December and January. During this period, you can expect freezing temperatures, very limited sunshine.
December
Challenges: freezing temperatures, very limited sunshine
January
Challenges: freezing temperatures, very limited sunshine
February
Challenges: cold weather, very limited sunshine
Note: visiting during off-peak months often means lower prices, fewer crowds, and a more authentic experience. Consider your priorities when planning your trip.
What to Pack for New York
Packing recommendations for visiting New York during the best travel months (April, August, May), when temperatures range from 8°C to 20°C:
- +Light layers for warm days and cooler evenings
- +Comfortable walking shoes
- +A compact umbrella or light rain jacket
- +Sunscreen (SPF 30+), sunglasses, and a wide-brim hat
- +A light sweater or cardigan for evening temperature drops
- +Reusable water bottle
- +Universal power adapter
New York Year-Round Climate Overview
New York has a temperate oceanic climate (Koppen classification: Cfa). The warmest month is June with highs of 24°C, while the coldest month is December at just 4°C. Annual rainfall averages 600mm across approximately 51 rain days.
| Metric | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 5 | 9 | 14 | 19 | 23 | 24 | 23 | 19 | 14 | 9 | 5 | 4 |
| Low °C | -7 | -3 | 2 | 7 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 7 | 2 | -3 | -7 | -8 |
| Rain Days | 3 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Rain mm | 33 | 40 | 50 | 60 | 67 | 70 | 67 | 60 | 50 | 40 | 33 | 30 |
| Sun h/day | 1 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Humidity % | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 |
| UV Index | 1 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 6 | 1 | 1 |
Compare Nearby Destinations
Considering alternatives to New York? Compare the best travel months for nearby cities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit New York?+
The best time to visit New York is April, August, May. During these months, temperatures average 20°C (68°F) with 6 hours of daily sunshine and only 5 rain days per month. These conditions offer the most comfortable weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
What is the worst time to visit New York?+
The least ideal time to visit New York is December and January. During this period, you can expect freezing temperatures, very limited sunshine. While New York can still be visited during this time (often with fewer crowds and lower prices), the weather may limit outdoor activities.
Is New York good to visit in summer?+
Summer in New York (June to August) brings temperatures of 22°C (72°F) highs and 10°C (50°F) lows, with about 7 hours of sunshine and 6 rain days per month. This is generally a good time to visit.
What is the rainy season in New York?+
New York does not have a distinct rainy season. Rainfall is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, averaging 4 rain days per month.
What should I pack for New York?+
When visiting New York during the best travel months (April, August, May), pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, comfortable walking shoes, and a light jacket. Bring a compact umbrella just in case. Sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended, especially given the high UV index.
Is April a good time to visit New York?+
Yes, April is one of the best months to visit New York. Expect average highs of 19°C (66°F), 6 hours of daily sunshine, and only 5 rain days. The weather is ideal for exploring the city, visiting outdoor attractions, and enjoying local activities.
Detailed Monthly Weather for New York
For a complete day-by-day weather breakdown including packing lists, activities, and local events, explore each month individually:
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
More Travel Weather Guides
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