New York, NY Weather Forecast & Climate Guide
New York City experiences a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Located in the northeastern United States, the city's weather is influenced by its coastal position and urban heat island effect.
Climate type: Humid subtropical (Köppen Cfa)
New York Climate Overview
Summers in NYC are typically hot and humid with average highs in the mid-80s°F (29°C), while winters are cold with temperatures often dropping below freezing. The city receives about 50 inches of precipitation annually, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
Weather patterns in New York are heavily influenced by the Atlantic Ocean and can change rapidly. The city experiences everything from nor'easters in winter to thunderstorms and occasional heat waves in summer. Spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather conditions.
New York Weather by Season
spring
Spring in NYC runs cool and variable — March can still see snow, April brings cherry blossoms, and May warms quickly into the 70s°F. Expect fast-changing conditions as winter storms give way to summer patterns.
summer
Summers are hot, humid, and sticky with average highs in the mid-80s°F and frequent heat waves pushing into the 90s. Afternoon thunderstorms roll off the Atlantic several times per month.
fall
Fall is widely considered NYC's best weather season. September stays mild, October brings crisp 60°F days and vivid foliage in nearby parks, and November edges toward cold.
winter
Winter is cold and often raw, with average highs in the 40s°F and lows in the 20s°F. The city averages 28 inches of snow per year, frequently delivered by a single nor'easter or two.
New York Average Monthly Temperatures
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 40° | 43° | 51° | 62° | 72° | 80° | 85° | 84° | 77° | 66° | 55° | 44° |
| Low °F | 27° | 29° | 36° | 45° | 55° | 65° | 70° | 69° | 62° | 51° | 42° | 32° |
Best Time to Visit New York
Mid-September through late October offers the most comfortable weather — warm days, cool nights, low humidity, and fall foliage. Late April through early June is a close second.
Severe Weather Risks
- Nor'easters
- Heat waves
- Hurricane remnants
- Ice storms
- Urban flooding
Weather Facts About New York
- >The urban heat island effect keeps NYC several degrees warmer than surrounding suburbs, especially at night.
- >Central Park holds the city's official weather records dating back to 1869.
- >Coastal proximity moderates extremes — NYC rarely sees temperatures below 0°F or above 100°F.
New York Weather FAQ
What is the best month to visit New York City for weather?
October is typically the best month — average highs in the mid-60s°F, low humidity, minimal rain, and peak fall foliage. May is a close second for similar conditions before summer humidity arrives.
Does it snow a lot in New York City?
NYC averages about 28 inches of snow per year, mostly between December and March. Individual nor'easters can drop 8-24 inches at a time, and the biggest blizzards have buried the city in 30+ inches.
How humid does New York get in summer?
July and August routinely see dewpoints above 70°F, which feels oppressive. Heat index values can push above 100°F during heat waves even when the air temperature is in the low 90s.
When is hurricane season in New York?
The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, but NYC impacts are most likely in August and September. Direct hits are rare, but remnants of tropical systems regularly bring heavy rain and flooding.