While frigid temperatures and buckets of snow sway people from visiting further north, there is plenty of outdoor fun to be had in the city that never sleeps. From lightly snowy winters to warm summers, New York City’s weather allows for an endless variety of activities to experience.

New York City has some of the best weather in New York State, with temperatures rarely reaching below 14 degrees or above 92 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the wide variation of temperatures and a city-wide reliance on public transportation provides a challenge to those looking to travel to the area.

No matter what your plans are, one thing’s for sure: you will be spending a lot of time walking outdoors. Read more to learn about the weather in New York City during your seasonal travels.

What Is the Weather in New York City?

New York City is the most populous city in New York State, with just over 8.8 million calling the metropolis home. While it does not have the easy, consistently warm weather of a city like Los Angeles, it is ideal for those who want to experience all four seasons throughout the year, without becoming too extreme.

The weather in New York varies seasonally, with highs in the high 80s in the summer, and lows in the teens and twenties during the winter. The climate is humid in the summer months and dry throughout the winter.

Starting to plan for your journey? Read more to learn about the weather during each season.

What is The Temperature in New York City?

The following is a breakdown of New York City’s temperatures by season.

  • Summer – July is the peak of summer in New York City, with temperatures reaching a high of 85 degrees during the hottest months of the year.
  • Fall – Temperatures begin falling and reach a low of 63 degrees by mid September.
  • Winter – Winter runs from November 26th through March 31st. The low is 28 degrees in the month of January.
  • Spring – Spring starts shining through in April and brings warmer temperatures through the month of June with a high of 76 degrees.

Now that you have a grasp of the temperature, let’s look at some other aspects of the weather that might affect your plans.

Is New York City Humid?

If there’s one thing you need to know about summers in New York, it’s this: it is extremely humid.

New York City has an average humidity of at least 14% in the summer months, reaching as high as 54 percent in the month of August.

If you’re traveling in July or August, be sure to wear breathable clothing or even bring a towel to wipe yourself off as you’re trekking around the city.

How Much Does It Snow and Rain in New York City?

Rain and snowfall vary yearly, as well as throughout the different seasons.

Snow occurs 4.2 months of the year, from November 26 to April 2, but the amount varies widely. In January, the month with the heaviest snowfall, you may see as many as 11.6 inches or as few as 2.

To avoid getting stuck at home in the snow, you’ll need a good snow shovel.

Rain is most common from March 31st through August 27, where rain has more than a 29% chance of putting a damper on your park adventures.

It is essential to check the weather before leaving so you don’t get caught without an umbrella. While many carry umbrellas specifically for that purpose, spending the day in wet clothing can halt your plans.

What is There to Do in New York City?

There are many different ways to experience the outdoors in a major metropolitan area like New York City. The parks and attractions below offer a distinct experience for those new to the city and a bit of respite for the working population looking for a break in their day.

  • Central Park
  • Fort Tryon Park
  • Riverside Park
  • Battery Park
  • Union Square
  • South Street Seaport

If you do encounter snow or rain, or if you want to take a break from the summer heat, there are plenty of activities to do indoors.

After spending an afternoon in Central Park, journey down to Times Square to catch a Broadway show at one of the 41 theaters in the area.

If you’ve made your way up to Fort Tryon Park to enjoy breathtaking views of the Hudson River, make sure to stop at The Cloisters, a beautiful uptown outpost of the Metropolitan Museum of Art that houses Medieval Art.

Conclusion

While many cities in New York offer beautiful seasonal weather and outdoor activities, New York City has the best weather year-round. Whether you are looking to experience the bright lights or serene parks in the area, you are sure to find something interesting to do regardless of the season.