Weather in New York

The weather in New York, unlike the UK, is well-defined by the seasons. I often receive the question “What will the weather be like?”. The best thing to do is, of course, to check the forecast before you travel. The weather in New York can change a lot from day to day. I’ve listed some tips on how best to prepare for your trip and get the most out of it, no matter the season.

Seasons in New York

The different seasons run as follows:

• Winter: December to March
• Spring: March to June
• Summer: June to September
• Autumn: September to December

Winter in New York

Winter in New York begins in mid-December and lasts until the middle of March. In December, it’s not yet full-blown winter, and contrary to what the movies show, it rarely snows on Christmas in New York.

The coldest months of the year are January and February, when the real winter usually arrives. This is when you are most likely to see snow in New York, perhaps even a blizzard, which often brings everything in the city, including your flight if you’re very unlucky, to a halt!

What to do in the winter

It can get really cold in New York in January and February. The wind can be brutal, and New Yorkers often talk about the wind chill factor, which can make -5°C temperatures feel like -15°C. On those days, I like to plan a mix of indoor activities.

Hop on Hop off bus is a good choice for sightseeing, and you can visit one of the many museums. For evenings, nothing beats a sports game in Madison Square Garden (indoors!) like the Rangers or the Knicks. A Broadway Musical is a great way to spend the evening in the warmth.

What to wear in the winter

Not sure what to wear in New York? The secret to enjoying New York in the winter months is to wear layers. It really helps when you’re sightseeing and spending time outdoors and indoors, where the heaters are blasting. Don’t forget gloves, a hat and good winter boots, especially if it snows.

Spring in New York

Spring in New York begins in mid-March and lasts until the middle of June. The early spring might be one of the trickiest seasons to pack for. In March, it can still get chilly, and you might need a warm coat. In April, usually, you’ll already have warmer days.

What to do in the spring

Spring in New York offers some of the city’s most vibrant experiences. Central Park comes alive in spring with blooming cherry blossoms and other flowers. Brooklyn Botanic Garden is famous for its cherry blossom festival, and Bryant Park hosts outdoor activities and events.

Take advantage of the mild weather with walking tours of different neighbourhoods, like the tours I created in my Eric’s New York app. It’s also a great season to explore New York by bike, on your own or with a tour.

What to wear in the spring in New York

You’ll still need a coat for sure, and I might even pack an umbrella too. Best to keep the weather forecast in check.

Summer in New York

Summer in New York begins in mid-June, and it can get really hot, tropical even. It’s important to stay hydrated and wear plenty of sunscreen. This is especially crucial for children, and if you are taking one of the New York sightseeing cruises.

To beat the heat and find relief from the sticky weather, you might want to take a dip in cool water. However, this is not possible in Manhattan, so choosing a hotel with a pool is the most convenient way to unwind after a day of sightseeing.

What to do in the summer

The summer is a great season to enjoy the water: take a boat tour, head to the beach at Coney Island or go swimming in New York. Rooftop bars and restaurants are in full swing with amazing city views.

Early mornings and evenings are ideal for outdoor activities, while museums with good air conditioning are perfect refuges during the warmest hours. The Met, MoMA and 9/11 Museum, for example, are great for hot afternoons, just like Broadway matinee performances.

What to wear in the summer in New York

Even if the heat makes you feel like wearing shorts and flip-flops, there are a few things to remember: Flip-flops are not the most comfortable choice for walking around the city. Not all restaurants allow you to enter wearing shorts. Also, the air conditioning can feel really cold, so you might need a jacket.

Heading to the Financial District? It’ll always be cooler in that area due to the high rises. If you’re going on a boat tour on the water, remember to protect yourself well from the sun. In a nice breeze, you can easily get sunburned.

Autumn in New York

Autumn begins in mid-September and runs until the middle of December. The beginning of the season is still warm, but the nights can get cooler. Late October and early November are also peak foliage time in New York City, which means that the trees in the parks turn into beautiful orange and yellow colours.

What to do in autumn

Autumn is one of my favourite seasons. It’s not too hot but not too cold either. Chances of rain do increase, but you can still sit outside and enjoy the weather, for example, at a New York rooftop bar. And Central Park looks beautiful in the autumn. The Mall and Bow Bridge are particularly photogenic.

Visit local farmers’ markets for fresh apples, pumpkins, and fall produce. Union Square Greenmarket is especially abundant. Halloween celebrations throughout October include the famous Village Halloween Parade on October 31st. And Thanksgiving brings the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade down Central Park West.

What to wear in the autumn in New York

Again, you might need a jacket or a hoodie for those cooler days and in the evenings, but it might still get warm during the day.

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