What will the weather be like for your trip to New York?

What weather should you expect during your trip to New York? Here's what you need to know about New York's climate month by month.

New York weather forecast, month by month

Will the weather be good during my trip to New York? This is one of the most common questions we hear on the New York forum and on the Destination New York Facebook group. You can’t predict the exact weather for March, October, or December months in advance. But patterns do emerge from year to year.
Using historical data from the National Weather Service, here’s what to expect month by month. This will help you pack the right clothes and plan your New York itinerary accordingly.

January is historically the coldest month in New York. Average high temperatures stay around 4°C (39°F), while lows drop to -3°C (27°F). These are averages, so it can get much colder.
The good news: the weather can be very clear and dry, with plenty of sunny days.

February is generally cold in New York. The National Weather Service records average daytime temperatures around 4°C (39°F).
February is particularly dry—in fact, it’s the driest month of the year. You can expect plenty of sunny days.

Spring arrives in April, with average temperatures finally climbing above 10°C (50°F). Average highs reach 15°C (59°F).
April is generally pleasant, with plenty of sunshine.

May is one of the best months to visit New York. High temperatures reach around 20°C (68°F), with the National Weather Service recording an average of 15°C (59°F).

June is another excellent month in New York, with plenty of sunshine and daytime temperatures well above 25°C (77°F). The National Weather Service has noted a warming trend in June over the years.
Learn more in our article on June in New York.

Summer is hot in New York, with possible thunderstorms. High temperatures peak at an average of 28°C (82°F), but often climb well above 30°C (86°F) during the day.
For more details, see our article on July in New York.

August is similar to July: hot and sunny, with thunderstorms and rain showers. August is actually the wettest month of the year.
Average high temperatures reach 27°C (81°F), but like July, this doesn’t tell the whole story. Expect very hot days with temperatures exceeding 30°C (86°F).
Read more in our article on August in New York.

September is one of the best months to visit New York. The weather is generally sunny, with average temperatures around 24°C (75°F).
Learn more in our article on September in New York.

Indian summer is real in New York. October remains pleasant, with average high temperatures around 18°C (64°F).
October is also very dry—the second-driest month of the year.

Winter begins to set in during November in New York. While average high temperatures are around 12°C (54°F), they drop steadily throughout the month. Average lows fall to -1°C (30°F).
To brighten things up, late November marks the start of Christmas lights throughout the city.

December is cold in New York. Average high temperatures don’t exceed 6°C (43°F), while lows can drop to around 4°C (39°F).
But the weather can be particularly sunny, with beautiful winter days.