New York — Climate Guide
Monthly temperatures, rainfall, humidity and best time to visit New York.
New York climate at a glance
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 3°C | -3°C | 94mm | 65% |
| Feb | 5°C | -2°C | 83mm | 63% |
| Mar | 10°C | 2°C | 104mm | 62% |
| Apr | 16°C | 7°C | 112mm | 61% |
| May | 22°C | 12°C | 104mm | 62% |
| Jun | 27°C | 17°C | 112mm | 65% |
| Jul | 29°C | 20°C | 116mm | 68% |
| Aug | 28°C | 20°C | 109mm | 68% |
| Sep | 24°C | 15°C | 105mm | 65% |
| Oct | 18°C | 9°C | 108mm | 64% |
| Nov | 12°C | 4°C | 105mm | 66% |
| Dec | 5°C | -1°C | 103mm | 67% |
Climate overview
New York City has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa), close to the boundary with humid continental. It experiences four distinct seasons: hot, humid summers, cold winters with occasional snowstorms, and changeable springs and autumns. The Atlantic Ocean moderates temperatures slightly, especially near the coast.
Average highs range from 3°C in January to 29°C in July. Precipitation is very evenly spread, at about 100–115 mm every month and around 1,170 mm a year. In winter some of it falls as snow, and in late summer and autumn tropical storms can occasionally bring very heavy rain.
Köppen classification: Cfa — humid subtropical
New York through the seasons
Winter
December – FebruaryWinters are cold, with highs of 3–5°C and lows around -3°C. Snowstorms, including powerful nor'easters, can bring 30 cm or more in a single event, though some winters see little snow. Wind between tall buildings can make it feel much colder.
Spring
March – MaySpring warms from 10°C in March to 22°C in May, but can swing between cold, rainy days and warm, sunny ones. Late April and May bring blossoms to Central Park and the botanical gardens.
Summer
June – AugustSummer is hot and humid, with highs of 27–29°C and frequent heat waves above 32°C. Thunderstorms often break the heat in the afternoon. Subway platforms can feel especially hot.
Autumn
September – NovemberAutumn is often the most pleasant season. September is warm at 24°C, October crisp and colourful at 18°C, and November cools to 12°C. Tropical storms can occasionally reach the region in late summer and early autumn.
What makes New York's weather distinctive
Nor'easters are the city's signature winter storm: low-pressure systems that move up the Atlantic coast, bringing heavy snow, strong winds and coastal flooding. In summer and autumn, hurricane remnants can bring intense rain, as Hurricane Ida did in September 2021, flooding basements and subway stations.
Humidity is a key factor in summer, making heat feel much stronger. In winter, the wind-chill effect along avenues and near the rivers can make temperatures feel well below freezing.
Best time to visit New York
May to June and September to October are the best times to visit New York, with comfortable temperatures of 18–27°C. Autumn is especially popular for its clear days and colourful parks. December is cold but festive, while July and August are hot and humid.
What to pack
- A warm winter coat, hat, gloves and waterproof boots
- Light, breathable clothing for summer
- A compact umbrella — rain is spread through the year
- Layers for spring and autumn
- Comfortable walking shoes
Frequently asked questions
How cold does New York get in winter?
January averages around 3°C by day and -3°C at night. Cold snaps can bring temperatures well below -10°C.
Does it snow a lot in New York?
Snowfall varies widely from year to year. Some winters bring several big storms, while others see very little.
When is the best time to visit New York?
Late spring and early autumn — May, June, September and October — offer the most comfortable weather.
Related reading
About this data: Monthly figures are rounded long-term averages consistent with published climate normals from national weather services and the World Meteorological Organization. Individual years can differ noticeably, and recent summers in many cities have run warmer than these averages. For current conditions and the next few days, use the live dashboard (data from WeatherAPI.com). Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.
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