Travel Weather Forecast ← All cities
New York City skyline with the Statue of Liberty in the foreground
🗽New York City, USA

New York City Weather by Month

A meteorologist-led guide to New York City's weather every month of the year — average climate, alerts to keep in mind, and the best months to plan around.

Pick your month →

January
Cold + Snowy▶ Watch
February
Nor'easter Risk▶ Watch
March
In Transition▶ Watch
April
Cherry Blossoms▶ Watch
May
Sweet Spot▶ Watch
June
Summer Arrives▶ Watch
July
Coming soon
August
Coming soon
September
Coming soon
October
Coming soon
November
Coming soon
December
Coming soon

🗓 New York City year-round

Spring(Mar–May)Variable and unpredictable. March can still bring snowstorms, while May routinely hits 80°F. Trees bloom across the city by mid-April, parks come back to life, and outdoor seating returns. May is the universal sweet spot before the humidity arrives.
Summer(Jun–Aug)Hot, humid, and prone to late-day thunderstorms. Average highs in the mid-80s°F with frequent days into the 90s — and heat waves driven by upper-level ridges plus the urban heat island can push the heat index past 100°F. Hurricane remnants occasionally bring heavy rain in August.
Fall(Sep–Nov)The best stretch of the year. September starts warm but cools steadily, October brings clear, crisp days with foliage peaking late month, and the humidity finally breaks. Peak Atlantic hurricane season runs through September — direct hits are rare, but remnants can soak the city.
Winter(Dec–Feb)Cold, often snowy, with nor'easters that can drop a foot of snow in a single day. January is the coldest month — highs in the upper 30s°F, overnight lows in the 20s. Snowfall averages around 30 inches per winter but varies wildly year to year. Subzero days are rare but not unheard of during Arctic outbreaks.

Best months to visit

  • October — peak fall — crisp days, foliage, no humidity
  • May — spring in full bloom, before summer heat sets in
  • September — warm but cooling, fewer crowds than peak summer
  • April — blossoms return, mild days, shoulder-season pricing

Plan extra carefully

  • July–August — heat waves + humidity + occasional hurricane remnants
  • January–February — coldest months, nor'easter risk, icy sidewalks
  • March — highly variable — can flip between late winter and early spring in the same week

New York City weather FAQ

When is the best time to visit New York City?

October is the consensus pick — crisp, dry, with Central Park foliage and no summer humidity. May is the spring equivalent: comfortable, blooming, before the heat sets in. September is also excellent if you want warm days without the August heat dome.

How cold does New York get in winter?

Cold enough to require a real winter coat. January averages highs in the upper 30s°F and lows in the mid-20s. Nor'easters can drop a foot of snow in a single storm, though winters are highly variable — some bring 60+ inches of snow, others barely 10. Subzero temperatures are rare but possible during Arctic outbreaks.

Does New York City get hit by hurricanes?

Direct hits are rare but the city is squarely in the Atlantic basin. Hurricane Sandy in 2012 was the most damaging in modern memory. More commonly, tropical systems weaken before arrival and pass through as heavy rain events between August and October. Coastal flooding is the bigger ongoing concern as sea levels rise.

What's the deal with NYC's summer humidity?

It's the part most visitors underestimate. Air temperatures in the upper 80s°F combined with 60–70% humidity push the heat index past 95°F on many summer afternoons. The urban heat island adds another few degrees. Subway platforms can run 10–15°F hotter than the street. Hydrate, and plan indoor breaks during the hottest hours.

Subscribe for more cities

Written by Ian Schwartz, meteorologist