New York City has humid hot summers and wet cold winters. The weather can change dramatically in a matter of hours, and tourists and visitors should take this into account when planning their trip. Plan and pack accordingly!
As a rule of thumb, follow the following advice on what to pack for your trip:
Fall Season September, October, November These are some of the most pleasant months in New York City. The air is crisp and clear, and the sun shines often. Pack light slacks and long sleeve tops. You will also want to pack a warm sweater or coat for the evenings. Especially for November, as the evenings can dip below freezing.
Winter Season December, January, February During these months it can get very cold and very windy. Snow and/or sleet can also make walking slippery and your clothes may get wet. Pack heavy, warm and waterproof clothing and shoes.
Spring Season March, April, May These months are often quite pleasant. Pack light slacks and long sleeve tops. You will also want to pack a warm sweater or coat for the evenings.
Summer Season June, July, August The summer months can bring stifling heat and humidity to the city. Even at night, temperatures may remain in the 90s. Pack shorts and short sleeve shirts, preferably cotton.
Average Weather Conditions by Month New York City average high and low temperatures, precipitation, and record high and low temperatures for every month of the year.
Month | Avg. High | Avg. Low | Mean | Avg. Precip. | Record High | Record Low |
Jan | 38°F | 25°F | 32°F | 3.30 in. | 68°F (1967) | -4°F (1985) |
Feb | 40°F | 26°F | 34°F | 3.20 in. | 73°F (1985) | -2°F (1963) |
Mar | 49°F | 34°F | 42°F | 3.80 in. | 83°F (1990) | 10°F (1980) |
Apr | 60°F | 43°F | 52°F | 4.10 in. | 89°F (1977) | 19°F (1982) |
May | 70°F | 53°F | 62°F | 4.20 in. | 98°F (1969) | 36°F (1966) |
Jun | 79°F | 63°F | 71°F | 3.60 in. | 99°F (1964) | 46°F (1972) |
Jul | 84°F | 68°F | 77°F | 4.20 in. | 105°F (1966) | 54°F (1979) |
Aug | 83°F | 67°F | 76°F | 4.00 in. | 101°F (1975) | 50°F (1965) |
Sep | 76°F | 60°F | 69°F | 4.00 in. | 98°F (1983) | 41°F (1963) |
Oct | 65°F | 49°F | 58°F | 3.10 in. | 86°F (1990) | 30°F (1976) |
Nov | 54°F | 41°F | 48°F | 4.00 in. | 80°F (1974) | 17°F (1976) |
Dec | 42°F | 30°F | 37°F | 3.60 in. | 75°F (1998) | -1°F (1980) |
Month | Avg. High | Avg. Low | Mean | Avg. Precip. | Record High | Record Low |
Jan | 3°C | -4°C | 0°C | 83.8 mm | 20°C (1967) | -20°C (1985) |
Feb | 4°C | -3°C | 1°C | 81.3 mm | 23°C (1985) | -19°C (1963) |
Mar | 9°C | 1°C | 6°C | 96.5 mm | 28°C (1990) | -12°C (1980) |
Apr | 16°C | 6°C | 11°C | 104.1 mm | 32°C (1977) | -7°C (1982) |
May | 21°C | 12°C | 17°C | 106.7 mm | 37°C (1969) | 2°C (1966) |
Jun | 26°C | 17°C | 22°C | 91.4 mm | 37°C (1964) | 8°C (1972) |
Jul | 29°C | 20°C | 25°C | 106.7 mm | 41°C (1966) | 12°C (1979) |
Aug | 28°C | 19°C | 24°C | 101.6 mm | 38°C (1975) | 10°C (1965) |
Sep | 24°C | 16°C | 21°C | 101.6 mm | 37°C (1983) | 5°C (1963) |
Oct | 18°C | 9°C | 14°C | 78.7 mm | 30°C (1990) | -1°C (1976) |
Nov | 12°C | 5°C | 9°C | 101.6 mm | 27°C (1974) | -8°C (1976) |
Dec | 6°C | -1°C | 3°C | 91.4 mm | 24°C (1998) | -18°C (1980) |