The climate of New York
New York, a bustling metropolitan city located in the USA, is dictated by the Humid subtropical climate under the Köppen climate classification. The city experiences a blend of four distinct seasons with varying weather patterns and climatic elements. While the winters are cold, the summers witness moderate to high temperatures. The dominant climatic pattern is Cfa, indicating no specific dry season.
The weather remains mostly humid throughout the year, with relative humidity levels wavering in the range of 70% to 76%. New York experiences variable temperatures across the year. In the colder months, from
December to
February, the average high temperature ranges from 2.5°C (36.5°F) to 5.7°C (42.3°F) while the low varies from -3.3°C (26.1°F) to 0.5°C (32.9°F). During the warmer months of
May to
September, the city enjoys a comfortable temperature fluctuation between a high of 20°C (68°F) in May to reaching a peak of 28.3°C (82.9°F) in
July and diminishing to 23.8°C (74.8°F) in September. The low temperature follows a similar pattern, scaling from 12.3°C (54.1°F) in May to a maximum of 20.8°C (69.4°F) in July and coming down to 16.8°C (62.2°F) by September.
Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with July registering the highest rainfall of 102mm (4.02"), and
November receiving the lowest rainfall of 70mm (2.76"). A noteworthy feature of New York's climate is the occurrence of snow which marks the winter months, peaking in
March with an average of 67mm (2.64"). This complements the cooler weather from November to March when temperatures often drop below freezing.
The best time to visit New York
Visitors seeking to enjoy the most favorable weather and outdoor activities should plan their trip to
New York between
April to
June or from
September to early
November. During these months, the weather is typically mild with temperatures fluctuating from 14.2°C (57.6°F) to 23.8°C (74.8°F) on the higher end, and 6.7°C (44.1°F) to 16.8°C (62.2°F) on the lower spectrum. Equipped with approximately 8.3 hours to 10.5 hours of sunshine per day, these months offer ample daylight for sightseeing, making them the ideal choice for tourists.
The worst time to visit New York
December to
February are typically the least favorable months for visiting
New York due to severe winter conditions. These months experience the coldest temperatures, with highs of 2.5°C (36.5°F) to 5.7°C (42.3°F) to lows between -3.3°C (26.1°F) and 0.5°C (32.9°F). The daylight hours also decrease during this period, averaging between 9.3 hours to 9.7 hours per day, reducing the time available for outdoor activities.
Spring weather in New York
With temperatures progressively warming and blooming flora transforming the cityscape, spring, spanning from
March to
May, presents a refreshing phase in
New York. The average high temperature increases from 8°C (46.4°F) in March to 20°C (68°F) in May, and the lower temperature raises from 1.2°C (34.2°F) to 12.3°C (54.1°F) across the same months. Spring also marks a significant increase in rainfall, stepping from 72mm (2.83") in March to peak at 86mm (3.39") in May.
Summer weather in New York
Summer in
New York, running from
June through
August, is characterized by warm and sometimes humid conditions. High temperatures range between 24.8°C (76.6°F) in June and peak at 28.3°C (82.9°F) in
July before dropping to 27.7°C (81.9°F) in August. On the lower end, temperatures maintain a pattern similar to the highs, starting at 17.1°C (62.8°F) in June, reaching a pinnacle of 20.8°C (69.4°F) in July, and concluding at 20.4°C (68.7°F) in August. This period receives the highest rainfall with July recording the peak value of 102mm (4.02").
Autumn weather in New York
The autumn season begins in
September and ends in
November. It is characterized by a gradual drop in temperatures coupled with brightly colored foliage adding to the city's appeal. High temperatures decrease over these months from 23.8°C (74.8°F) to 10.8°C (51.4°F) while low temperatures follow a similar trend by reducing from 16.8°C (62.2°F) to 4.8°C (40.6°F). Rainfall also sees a gradual decline from 80mm (3.15") in
October to 70mm (2.76") in November.
Winter weather in New York
Winter in
New York is marked by cold conditions, commencing in
December and lasting till
February. High temperatures decline to reach freezing levels, varying between 5.7°C (42.3°F) and 2.5°C (36.5°F), with similar downward trends for low temperatures from 0.5°C (32.9°F) to -3.3°C (26.1°F). The extraordinary feature of these colder months is the occurrence of snowfall, with February witnessing a maximum average snowfall of 48mm (1.89"). The daylight during this season is relatively lower than other months, making it less appealing for outdoor enthusiasts.
Weather in January
New York weather in
January is typically frigid and snowy, making it the coldest month of all. January comes with highs around 2.5°C (36.5°F) and lows of -3.3°C (26.1°F). This month experiences a slight cloud cover, which can partly obstruct the city's iconic skyline.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February, like
January, maintains its cold temperatures characterizing the peak of the winter season. Temperatures peak slightly higher, moving from 2.5°C (36.5°F) in January to 4°C (39.2°F). February brings shorter nights and lengthier days than the prior month with a moderate level of sunshine.
Weather in February » Weather in March
As
March arrives,
New York transitions from the severe cold of winter towards slightly warmer temperatures with abnormal peaks reaching 8°C (46.4°F). Wind speeds diminish compared to
January and
February, allowing outdoor pursuits to be more enjoyable.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
New York City marks the definitive arrival of spring. With a temperature peak of 14.2°C (57.6°F), April is a substantial leap from
March's cooler weather. This period is characterized by lengthier daylight, allowing visitors and residents ample time to explore the city.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May brings warmer weather to
New York City, along with blooms signaling an imminent transition to summer. Temperatures rise significantly compared to
April, with a peak value of 20°C (68°F). This month typically has clear skies with the sun shining brightly for residents availing summer's start.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June ushers in summer in
New York City with high temperatures reaching up to 24.8°C (76.6°F). The increase in temperature corresponds to a decrease in wind speed, fostering calm and pleasant days. June is characterized by extended daylight hours and clear, sunny skies.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the peak month of summer and is the warmest month in
New York City with temperatures ascending to 28.3°C (82.9°F). The high temperatures are felt throughout the city, with minimal cloud cover and more sunshine hours. Moreover, July brings fewer rainfall days, offering travelers more time to explore without worrying about getting soaked.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
New York City stays hot but slightly cooler than
July, with temperatures holding around 27.7°C (81.9°F). Despite the high mercury, the consistency of pleasant, warm winds lessens the intensity of the heat. This month exhibits clear skies resulting in bright and sunny days ideal for outdoor activities.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September begins the transition from summer to fall in
New York City, bringing cooler temperatures, falling to 23.8°C (74.8°F). September experiences diminished daylight hours and cloud cover compared to
August, leading to noticeable differences in weather patterns.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
New York City is characterized by much cooler temperatures than
September, with highs going as far up as 17.4°C (63.3°F). This month heralds the onset of increased rainfall with shorter daylight hours. While the increase in precipitation has its effects, it does not significantly obscure visibility around the city.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
New York City sees a considerable drop in temperature from
October, with an average high of only 10.8°C (51.4°F). The city begins to prepare for winter as daylight hours considerably decrease. November presents less sunshine and daylight hours, inducing early sunsets and lengthier nights.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
New York City introduces the full swing of winter, dropping temperatures to the low 5.7°C (42.3°F). As the final month of the year, December is characterized by limited daylight hours, specifically by the end of the month.
Weather in December » [Resources]