New York City is located on the East Coast of the United States. The city’s many skyscrapers trap heat and block airflow, making for some seriously humid weather. Learn more at new-york.name.
Thanks to its location, New York experiences four distinct seasons. For example, while summers can be sweltering, winters are often freezing. Heavy snow isn’t uncommon from December to March, and between April and June, rainfall often exceeds 3.5 inches per month.
Keep reading to find out more about New York’s climate and the best times to visit.
New York’s Climate
New York’s climate is generally humid, with the state’s extreme southeastern portion falling into a warm, humid subtropical zone. In New York City, winter temperatures often average below freezing.
Summer temperatures dominate the state from June to early September, while warm weather can linger from late May to mid-October in southern New York. Cold air east of the Appalachian Mountains often leads to prolonged periods of cloudiness and precipitation, mainly between October and April. On average, western New York is much cloudier than the southern and eastern parts of the state. Much of this cloud cover is known to be a result of the Great Lakes.
Annual precipitation is fairly consistent across the state. However, the Great Lakes region sees the highest annual totals for both rain and snow, with the western and central parts of the state receiving heavy snowfall in the winter. On average, a hurricane hits New York every 18-19 years, with major hurricanes occurring every 70-74 years. The state also averages about 10 tornadoes annually.
New York Weather in Winter
Early December is still relatively mild, but temperatures can drop below freezing by the end of the month. So if you’re planning to travel in December, be sure to pack warm clothing. The wind also starts to pick up during the month.
January is the coldest month of the year in New York, with average daytime highs of 39°F (4°C), though temperatures can fluctuate quite a bit. It’s crucial to dress warmly to avoid hypothermia, as nighttime temperatures often drop below freezing. January is also the month with the highest likelihood of snow, sleet, and even freezing rain, which is a common occurrence in the city.
February is also one of the coldest months, but it’s one of the driest. Daytime highs average 41°F (5.2°C), while overnight temperatures usually dip below freezing, and sometimes much lower, so hats and gloves are a must.
The amount of sunshine typically increases throughout the month. The wind in February can be quite strong, but the city’s tall buildings provide a bit of a buffer, making it less noticeable.
New York Weather in Spring
March marks the beginning of spring, but the weather can be very unpredictable, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the forecast.
You can see daytime temperatures start to rise throughout the month. Average highs are around 49°F (9.5°C), but temperatures can be significantly higher toward the end of the month.
The number of sunny days also increases in March compared to February. Snow is still possible, especially in early March.
April brings true spring to New York, with temperatures averaging around 61°F (16°C). Temperatures can still fluctuate daily, so dressing in layers is a smart choice. The weather can also be unpredictable, with an average of 3.9 inches of rain for the month, so you might need an umbrella.
Snow in April is rare, and while it’s often quite windy, it’s less so than in the winter months.
In May, New York warms up quickly, with an average high of 70°F (21.4°C). This means that May can be a fantastic time to visit the city.
New York Weather in Summer
Summer in New York is genuinely hot.
In early June, for example, the average daytime temperature hits 80°F (26.7°C), and the UV index is high. Most summer days in New York are dry, but rain is possible in the form of showers or thunderstorms, so don’t forget to take an umbrella with you.
In July, the average high is 86°F (29.9°C), and New York typically has about 7 days when the temperature exceeds 90°F (32°C). July is also generally quite humid, and overnight temperatures often stay above 68°F (20°C).
Heavy downpours are frequent in July, with an average of 3.8 inches of precipitation.
August is a hot and humid month in New York, with average highs of 84°F (29.0°C) and a few days above 90°F (32°C). Toward the end of the month, the air temperature starts to drop slightly.
New York Weather in Fall
After a hot New York summer, September feels like a welcome relief, as air temperatures drop to a comfortable level. Daytime highs, for example, average 77°F (24.9°C).
However, fall in New York is always rainy.
October is one of the most popular times to visit New York, as the temperature isn’t too hot or too cold, and the average high is 65°F (18.5°C). The beginning of October is noticeably warmer than the end, with highs of 70°F (21°C) that later drop to 61°F (16°C). October is also considered the driest month of the year.
November in New York starts to get genuinely chilly, with an average temperature of 54°F (12.4°C). This temperature drops significantly throughout the month, and nighttime temperatures begin to approach freezing. Light snow is also possible in November, although it is much less common than in December.
Fun Facts About New York Weather
Here are a few interesting facts about New York’s weather:
- Influence of Skyscrapers on Climate. New York’s tall, dense construction changes the city’s climate. Skyscrapers contribute to an overall temperature increase of a few degrees.
- Temperature Swings. New York frequently experiences huge temperature swings. Locals describe it like this: “One evening, you’re wearing a thick scarf and a puffy jacket, and your iPhone says it feels like 16°F (-9°C) even though it’s officially 30°F (-1°C). The next morning, the sun is shining, and the air warms up to 64°F (18°C) by midday.”
- Hurricanes. New York’s proximity to the ocean doesn’t just offer great beach days; it also brings serious damage. Every October, there’s a risk of a strong tropical cyclone. For example, in 2012, the dangerous Hurricane Sandy struck the New York coast, smashing coastal buildings and causing major flooding. In 2012, a mass evacuation of people from coastal areas was initiated to save lives. Powerful, destructive hurricanes also hit New York in 1938 and 1985.
- 260 Sunny Days a Year. Despite the sometimes brutal weather conditions, New York has a positive side: the number of sunny days a year. The city sees about 260 of them. So if you love sunny weather, New York has plenty to offer.
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