Best time to visit New York City (NYC)

The first month of the year is the coldest time in New York City which also makes it the least popular month with tourists. Cold winds make chilly weather feel even worse in the city. The temperatures are actually moderately cold staying either slightly below or above freezing level. On good days you can count on sunshine and 6°C (43°F). There are about six hours of daily sunshine in January. Precipitation occurs for 10 days this month. Half of that time it may snow. Even snowstorms happen in New York in January. Five days bring moderate rainfall or freezing rain. January is a good time to visit skating rinks or go skiing in Upstate New York

February is another cold month in New York City. Temperatures vary between below freezing and about 7°C (45°F). But cold winds may make you feel chilly even when the temperature is moderate. Sunny days happen quite often. After all, there are about six hours of sunshine on average. There are about three snowy days and five rainy days in February. On some days you can see a mix of snow and rain as well. If you plan to visit New York City in February, bring a warm jacket, boots, gloves, and a hat. It’s a good time to visit museums, art galleries and skate on outdoor rinks.

March sees some improvement in terms of temperature and sunshine, but it still feels a lot like winter. Additionally, the precipitation increases with the arrival of spring. Expect more sunny and warm spring-like weather from mid-March. On some days the temperature reaches a comfortable 10°C (50°F). Snowfalls are still possible at the beginning of the month. There is just one snowy day this month. Meanwhile, rains get more frequent. Afternoon showers and moderate rains are possible for 10 days. The good news is that cold winds become less common in the second half of March, which makes long walks and sightseeing more comfortable. However, you still need to pack your winter jacket and boots if you visit the city in March. Early mornings and nights are still rather chilly.

April brings the first real warmth to New York City. Also, the city’s parks and gardens are starting to bloom with flowers. The temperature reaches comfortable range. With some sun and 16°C (60°F) it’s nice to sit in an outdoor cafe or go for long walks in Manhattan. With eight hours of daily sunshine, you can plan a lot of activities. You can spend some time on the lawns of Central Park enjoying the first warm days. Rainfall also increases in April. Moderate and light rains, as well as afternoon showers, can happen for thirteen days. Pack a light jacket for mornings and late evenings and an umbrella.

May is one of the best months to spend in NYC. The temperature stays in the comfortable 20s°C (70s°F). The humidity is moderate and it’s not too hot for long walks through Manhattan. The parks, especially Central Park, are lush and green, bursting with spring flowers. You can relax on a beach in New York City in May, but keep in mind that water is still chilly: 12°C (54°F), You can spend hours on an outdoor patio or wandering through the city enjoying nine hours of daily sunshine. However, May is also one of the wettest months in the city with about 15 rainy days. So bring some waterproof clothes and an umbrella.

June brings hot and humid weather to NYC. The beginning of the month can be moderate and reminiscent of spring weather, however by the second half temperatures rise to 27°C (80°F) quite frequently. Shorts and t-shirts will be the only thing you will need in the city during this warm and pleasant month. June is great for hiking, cycling, and sightseeing. With about 11 hours of daily sunshine, it’s a perfect time to visit the beach. Water in the ocean usually reaches 17°C (62°F) during that time. June is also a quite wet month in New York so don’t forget to bring your umbrella. There will be thirteen rainy days. Thunderstorms are also possible.

In July, life in New York City moves closer to the ocean. The water finally warms up to a comfortable 22°C (72°F), and numerous beaches in the city are taken over by crowds of swimmers and sunbathers. With mellow weather in the 20s°C (70s°F), it’s a great time for any kind of outdoor activity. However, don’t forget to pack a sunscreen lotion as the sun is rather intense shining for about 11 hours daily. Heatwaves also happen with the temperature soaring to 32°C (90°F). The rains are also frequent with 10-13 rainy days in July. Thunderstorms and small floods are possible in July.

August is another hot and humid month in New York City. Humidity reaches the highest levels at this time. With temperatures reaching 30°C (89°F), hot and sticky days are perfect for visiting the beach where the water warms up to 23°C (74°F). The weather is also good for outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, cycling, and sightseeing. It’s relatively dry in the city in August compared with the previous months. There are about 10-12 rainy days, and thunderstorms can happen in the afternoons. With ten hours of dai;ly sunshine, some rain actually brings relief from the heat and sun.

September is a gorgeous month in New York City. In terms of temperature and overall feeling, it’s another summer month. The heat is gone, and it’s just pleasantly warm and sunny. Due to nine daily sunshine hours September suits for any outdoor activity: sightseeing, hiking, cycling or boating. It’s also the perfect time to visit the beach with ocean temperatures around 20°C (68°F). Rains get longer and more intense in September. There are ten days with precipitation, and it’s usually moderate and heavy rains. Thunderstorms and floods are also possible.

October is a beautiful time in New York City when trees in Central Park start changing colors. The weather gets drier and cooler, however, there are still plenty of warm days for long walks, sightseeing and enjoying the sun in an outdoor cafe. With seven hours of daily sunshine, it’s a good time for cycling, hiking or boating. The temperature might be too cold to enjoy the beach, the ocean temperature also drops to 17°C (63°F). October is the driest month in New York City. There are ten rainy days this month, but it’s mostly light rain in the afternoons. Nights and early mornings get a little chilly so you might want to pack a jacket and some warm layers.

In November, the weather in New York City is taking a turn for the worse. The days get shorter, there are just about six hours of daily sunshine, the skies get rather dark. On the bright side, autumn foliage is gorgeous, and November is one of the best times to admire it in Central Park or other parks around the city. The temperatures are chilly, and nights get really cold in November. The first snowfall can happen at the end of the month. There are also 10-12 rainy days on average, and rains are mostly light and moderate. November is still a good time for sightseeing and long walks, however, outdoor activities are rather limited. You will also need to pack a warm jacket, gloves and even a hat for chilly winds and sudden cold waves.

December brings winter weather to New York City. Thanks to warm currents in the Atlantic ocean the temperature usually doesn’t drop below freezing. However, there are many days in December when it’s slightly above freezing, and bitterly cold wind that picks up in the afternoons makes it feel even worse. Nights can be freezing, so make sure you pack a warm jacket, boots, gloves, and a hat. There are two snowy days in December and about ten rainy days on average. Freezing rain can also happen. There are about 6 hours of daily sunshine in December. Dark gloomy skies are compensated with lavish Christmas decorations in the city. December is also a good month for outdoor skating at several rinks available in Manhattan.