• Annual mean temperature around 55.8 °F (13.2 °C).
• About 49.5 inches of precipitation a year, spread across every month.
• Average snowfall near 30 inches per winter season, mostly December–March (highly variable year to year).
• Summer humidity is common; winter wind and wet sidewalks matter as much as the thermometer.

Daily mean temperatures (°F / °C) and average monthly precipitation. Source: NOAA 1991–2020 normals for Central Park.

Month	Mean temp	Avg precip	What it feels like
January	33.7 °F / 0.9 °C	3.64 in	Cold; snow possible
February	35.9 °F / 2.2 °C	3.19 in	Still winter; often driest month
March	42.8 °F / 6.0 °C	4.29 in	Chilly, changeable, wetter
April	53.7 °F / 12.1 °C	4.09 in	Mild days, cool nights
May	63.2 °F / 17.3 °C	3.96 in	Pleasant spring
June	72.0 °F / 22.2 °C	4.54 in	Warm; humidity rising
July	77.5 °F / 25.3 °C	4.60 in	Hottest month on average
August	76.1 °F / 24.5 °C	4.56 in	Hot and humid
September	69.2 °F / 20.7 °C	4.31 in	Warm early fall
October	57.9 °F / 14.4 °C	4.38 in	Cool, good walking weather
November	48.0 °F / 8.9 °C	3.58 in	Cool to cold; early holiday season
December	39.1 °F / 3.9 °C	4.38 in	Cold; snow or rain mix

Winter (December–February)

Expect freezing or near-freezing means, windy waterfronts, and occasional snow or ice. Pack a warm coat, hat, gloves, waterproof shoes, and layers. Indoor attractions and holiday lights are strong winter draws — see Christmas holidays in New York City and our Manhattan ice skating rinks map.

Spring (March–May)

March can still feel like winter; April and May warm up quickly. Bring a light jacket you can peel off, a compact umbrella, and shoes that handle wet sidewalks. Cherry blossom timing varies by year — check our cherry blossom season guide.

Summer (June–August)

July is typically the warmest month. Humidity makes afternoons sticky; brief heavy showers are common. Wear breathable clothes, sunscreen, and carry water. Morning or evening outdoor plans (parks, rooftops, waterfronts) are more comfortable than midday.

Fall (September–November)

September stays warm; October is often ideal for long walks; November cools toward coat weather. Layers and a mid-weight jacket cover most days. For seasonal ideas, see New York Fall 2026 and things to do this fall.

There is no single “perfect” month — it depends on what you want:

• Mild walking weather: late April–May and late September–October.
• Holiday atmosphere: late November–December (cold, but festive).
• Outdoor summer energy: June–August if you tolerate heat and humidity.
• Fewer crowds + lower hotel rates: often January–early March, with colder conditions.

Sunrise and golden-hour photos work year-round; for viewpoints, see best places to watch the sunrise in NYC.

• Check the live forecast widget the morning you go out — city weather can shift in a few hours.
• Subways are climate-controlled; dress for outdoor waits and station stairs. New to OMNY? Read how to use OMNY on the NYC subway.
• Waterfronts (Hudson, East River, harbor) feel colder and windier than Midtown streets.
• Always have a backup indoor plan on rainy days: museums, markets, and covered atriums.

Climate normals describe long-term averages. Actual days can be warmer, colder, wetter, or snowier than the table. For official updates, also check the National Weather Service forecast for New York City.