Weather in New York and best time to go

New York is located in a humid continental climate that affords the place all four seasons.

While you can count on more frequent showers in the spring, in the summer you'll experience a punishing heat with temperatures in the 30s, exacerbated by concrete buildings. Autumn brings cooler weather with no precipitation, and during the winter, temperatures around freezing can be expected.

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Thanks to its location near the Atlantic Ocean, New York City can surprise you when a snowstorm rolls in on a sunny January day with temperatures around 15°C and several dozen inches of snow fall in a matter of moments. However, this happens very rarely and any snow calamities don't last long - the snow melts easily on the city streets.

New York during the year

What kind of weather to expect in New York by month of the year?

Weather in January

New York in January is a bit of an unpredictable one. It can snow really hard, rain really hard, get icy winds from the land or warmer winds from the ocean... Either way, average temperatures hover around 4°C, and frost and snow is no exception, but not an iron rule either.

It is often cloudy and cold. January is thus the ideal month to visit museums, cultural events or hockey. And of course the malls, which still have massive post-Christmas sales for the first two weeks or so of the year.

Weather in February

According to statistics, February is the month with the most snow showers, giving you the chance to experience New York in a romantic white setting. Heavy calamities where traffic collapses under snow drifts are rare, but warm waterproof boots will definitely come in handy.

Average temperatures rise to around 5°C, but frosts below -5°C are no exception.

Weather in March

March is again a month with very changeable weather. You can still experience heavy snowfall, but also constant sunny days with clear air and fresh wind. In any case, warm clothes and snow- or water-proof boots are a must.

Average temperatures in New York during March soar to 10°C, and snow showers give way to rain showers. Mostly, however, they'll just quickly pass and be replaced by partly cloudy skies.

Weather in April

Temperatures soar to an average of 16-17°C during April, and even the general character of the weather changes to days that will be pleasant to spend mainly outdoors. The wind is not nearly so unpleasantly cold and although it still rains more or less as much as in all other months, these are usually only shorter showers.

Weather in May

Summer is knocking on the door in May and temperatures routinely rise to 23°C with frequent sunny or partly cloudy weather. The days are getting longer and the pleasant weather invites long walks across Manhattan and along the riverbanks with beautiful views.

The rain is not annoying as it usually only showers for a few minutes.

Weather in June

June temperatures routinely soar above 27°C, and the 30s are no exception, but this is tempered by the sea breeze and frequent, though usually very brief, showers. Rain usually occurs in the afternoon and evening, so it won't disrupt your city schedule too much.

Weather in July

July is the hottest month of the year with average temperatures between 30 and 32°C and frequent evening thunderstorms. However, due to the high-rise buildings and shaded streets, staying in these temperatures may not be extremely uncomfortable.

Plus, you can always cool off in the sea at Coney Island, which is around 23°C, or nestle under the shade of the trees in Central Park.

Weather in August

In August, you can still enjoy typical summer weather, with sunny skies during the day, showers and thunderstorms in the evening and temperatures in the 27°C to 32°C range. Towards the end of the month, however, it is already cooling down to a more pleasant 26 °C.

August is also ideal for a day at the seaside at Coney Island.

Weather in September

September is still a great month for a relaxing summer trip to New York. Temperatures are still in the summer highs of 25°C and the weather is generally pleasantly partly cloudy with only brief, albeit fairly frequent, showers. But in an urban environment with so many "indoor" attractions, rain really won't affect your holiday in any way.

Swimming in the sea is still possible, although the water temperature is already dropping and ranges between 19 and 23 °C.

Weather in October

Thanks to the influence of the humid oceanic climate, when the greenery of Nevoyria has plenty of moisture all year round, autumn is beautifully colourful. Trees start to turn rich shades of red, gold and bright yellow from the second half of October, making a stroll through Central Park an unforgettable experience.

Temperatures are still very pleasant, ranging between 15 and 20 °C.

Weather in November

During November, the colourful autumn peaks and lasts until the end of the month. Walking in New York's parks is simply beautiful.

Temperatures drop to an average of 12 °C and there is often a cool wind. Unusually, however, the rain is the least of the year, and so November is also highly recommended for a visit to New York.

Weather in December

The weather takes on a wintry feel, with temperatures dropping to 5 to 7°C and the occasional (but usually brief) rain shower, with the occasional snowfall. However, the white cold is not so common in December and usually comes to a greater extent during January.

Although December is the month with the shortest days, it is one of the most attractive months for tourists. New York is known for its lavish pre-Christmas decorations and busy streets until late at night, when countless department stores stay open for extended hours.