New York City experiences a varied climate with distinct seasons. Summers in the city are warm, humid, and often wet, making it a bustling, lively time for both locals and tourists.
Winters are very cold, snowy, and windy, turning Central Park into a picturesque winter wonderland.
Spring and autumn are generally mild and partly cloudy, providing a comfortable climate for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Throughout the year, the temperature in Manhattan typically varies from 28°F to 85°F, rarely falling below 14°F or rising above 92°F.
Rainfall is fairly distributed, but the city receives an average of 2.64 inches of snow in March, marking the peak of the snowy season.
For precise monthly weather, resources like Weather Atlas provide detailed climate information and charts.
Given its location in the northern hemisphere, New York City’s weather patterns can be quite dynamic.
Whether planning a trip to see the vibrant fall foliage or enjoying summer festivals, understanding the city’s climate helps in making the most of one’s visit.
For anyone interested in diving deeper into New York City’s climate data, Weather Spark offers comprehensive weather statistics.
Average Temperature in New York, New York
New York, New York experiences varying temperatures throughout the year. The city has a mean annual temperature of 56°F.
During winter, January is the coldest month, with an average high of 40°F and a low of 28°F.
Nights in January can be freezing, dropping down to 28°F.
February temperatures also remain low, with the average high around 42°F and lows near 30°F.
As spring approaches, March temperatures climb slightly, with highs around 50°F and lows near 35°F.
By April, the average temperature increases, ranging from a high of 61°F to a low of 45°F.
May brings warmer days, with temperatures ranging from 71°F during the day to 55°F at night.
In the summer months, June reaches highs of 79°F and lows of 64°F.
July, the hottest month, has an average high temperature of 84°F and a low of 70°F.
August remains warm, with highs around 82°F and nights cooling down to 69°F.
Fall sees temperatures gradually decreasing.
September experiences highs of 75°F and lows of 61°F.
In October, the temperature ranges from a high of 64°F to a low of 50°F.
By November, the highs are around 54°F and the lows drop to 41°F.
The cold season begins in December, with average high temperatures of 45°F and lows near 34°F.
Here is a summary of the average monthly temperatures in New York:
| Month | High Temperature (°F) | Low Temperature (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 40 | 28 |
| February | 42 | 30 |
| March | 50 | 35 |
| April | 61 | 45 |
| May | 71 | 55 |
| June | 79 | 64 |
| July | 84 | 70 |
| August | 82 | 69 |
| September | 75 | 61 |
| October | 64 | 50 |
| November | 54 | 41 |
| December | 45 | 34 |
While New York City does not often see very hot days over 100°F, it does have around 12 days each year that reach 90°F or more.
Average Precipitation in New York, New York
New York experiences a variety of precipitation throughout the year, from steady rainfall to winter snow. The city’s climate brings a mix of wet and dry periods, with significant differences between seasons.
Average Rainfall in New York, New York
New York City receives most of its rainfall during the late spring and summer months. On average, the city gets about 4.17 inches of rain each month.
The wettest months are usually May through September. May sees an average of 4.30 inches of rain, while July and August receive slightly higher amounts.
The daily chance of rain typically ranges between 20% and 30% during these months.
Precipitation during this time can come from thunderstorms or longer periods of steady rain.
In contrast, the driest months are January and February, with average monthly rainfall around 3 inches.
Despite fewer rainy days, New York still experiences precipitation throughout the year.
Average Snow in New York, New York
Winter in New York brings snowfall that varies in intensity and frequency. The city averages about 25 to 30 inches of snow annually.
January and February are the snowiest months, with January averaging around 7 inches of snowfall.
Snow can arrive as early as December and linger into early March. The coldest parts of winter see the most snow, often contributing to disruptions in daily life.
November and March typically see the least amount of snow, averaging less than 3 inches each.
Despite lower snowfall in these months, occasional snowstorms can still occur.
New York’s snowy season features fluctuations, sometimes offering weeks of daily snow and other times brief periods of clear skies.
Average Sun in New York, New York
New York experiences a varied amount of sunlight throughout the year. This section focuses on critical details such as daily solar energy and associated elements like daylight hours and cloud cover.
Average Daily Shortwave Solar Energy in New York, New York
New York receives an average daily shortwave solar energy ranging from 2.7 kWh/m² to 6.0 kWh/m² over the year.
Solar energy is at its peak during the summer months, especially in July and August.
In contrast, during the winter months, particularly December and January, the city sees the least amount of solar energy due to shorter daylight hours and more cloud cover.
In summer, days can last up to 15 hours, attributed to extended daylight during these months. Winter days are much shorter, lasting around 9 hours.
The city also experiences varying cloud cover. Summer days are usually partly cloudy, while winter has more overcast days.
These factors affect perceived temperatures, making summers feel warmer and winters colder.
Average Humidity in New York, New York
New York, New York experiences varying humidity levels throughout the year.
Monthly Average Humidity:
- January: 60%
- February: 58%
- March: 57%
- April: 55%
- May: 56%
- June: 63%
- July: 67%
- August: 68%
- September: 68%
- October: 63%
- November: 61%
- December: 59%
September is typically the most humid month, with an average relative humidity of 68%. April tends to be the least humid, with an average of 55%.
In terms of dew point, it often hovers around 42°F. This can affect how warm or cool the air feels. For example, a higher dew point can make the air feel muggy.
Daily Humidity Range:
New York’s daily humidity can fluctuate. In the morning, it’s usually higher due to cooler temperatures causing more water vapor to saturate the air.
As the temperature rises during the day, the relative humidity generally decreases.
Annual Averages:
- High Temp: 85°F
- Low Temp: 28°F
- Mean Temp: 56°F
- Precipitation: 4.17 inches
- Humidity: 62%
These humidity levels contribute to the overall climate, impacting comfort and air quality. For more detailed information, visit Average Humidity Levels for New York, and Average Humidity in New York City.
Average Wind in New York, New York
The average wind in New York, New York varies throughout the year. February is known as the windiest month, with an average hourly wind speed of 10.2 miles per hour.
From late April to mid-October, the wind conditions are generally calmer. During this period, wind speeds are lower and more stable.
For instance, July is the calmest month, with an average hourly wind speed of 6.4 miles per hour.
The table below shows the average wind speeds for different months:
| Month | Average Wind Speed (mph) |
|---|---|
| January | 9.5 |
| February | 10.2 |
| July | 6.4 |
| October | 8.3 |
Wind patterns impact daily life in the city.
Residents often experience higher wind speeds in the winter months, particularly in February.
These conditions can affect outdoor activities and transportation.
The calmer period from April to October provides more consistent weather, making it easier for both residents and visitors to plan outdoor events. This period marks a significant drop in average wind speeds.
For more insights on wind trends, you can read articles about wind. Understanding these patterns helps in managing activities and planning for weather-related changes. Wind in New York City showcases clear seasonality, affecting everything from daily commutes to leisure activities.
Average Air Quality in New York, New York
New York City often experiences a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) which affects air quality. The combination of weather and urban factors plays a crucial role in determining pollution levels.
Air Quality Index (AQI)
The Air Quality Index (AQI) measures daily air quality by calculating levels of major pollutants. Common pollutants include PM2.5, ozone, and nitrogen dioxide.
An AQI from 0 to 50 is considered good, while 51-100 is moderate.
PM2.5 Levels
PM2.5 refers to tiny particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter.
New York City often meets the annual National Ambient Air Quality Standard with levels averaging under 12 µg/m³.
On certain days, PM2.5 levels can rise but typically remain under the 24-hour standard of 35 µg/m³.
Real-Time Data
Residents can check real-time air quality through various online platforms.
Websites like IQAir’s New York City Air Quality Index provide up-to-date and historical data on AQI and PM2.5 levels.
Additionally, NYC’s Department of Health provides continuous air quality updates.
Seasonal Variations
Air quality varies by season. Summers can see higher ozone levels due to heat and sun.
Winters might have higher PM2.5 due to heating systems and less ventilation.
Resources for Monitoring
For comprehensive summaries and real-time analyses, New York City air quality map and other platforms offer detailed insights.
DEC’s air quality network is another reliable source.
Topography of New York, New York
New York, New York is known for its unique topography. The city is largely built on a series of islands, including Manhattan, Staten Island, and parts of Long Island.
Manhattan is particularly notable for its varied elevation. The average elevation is about 49 feet.
The highest point is Todt Hill on Staten Island, reaching 401 feet. The lowest points are found where the land meets the tidal waters, with some areas below sea level.
Key Elevations in New York, New York:
| Area | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Average | 49 ft |
| Highest Point | 401 ft |
| Lowest Point | -33 ft |
The land has been heavily modified by human activity, especially through land reclamation. This process has altered the natural coastline, particularly in areas like Lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn waterfront.
New York City’s terrain influences its weather and urban planning. The varied elevations can affect wind patterns and drainage systems. Land reclamation has expanded usable land but also requires significant maintenance.
Geologically, much of the city sits on a solid bedrock foundation, which is ideal for high-rise buildings.
This bedrock, primarily made of schist, provides stability and is exposed in various parts of the city, such as Central Park.
The terrain impacts daily life, urban design, and the city’s infrastructure. Understanding the topography helps in planning, construction, and managing the urban environment effectively.
For detailed topographic maps, visit sites like topographic map of New York.
Extreme Weather Events that Occur in New York, New York
New York City experiences a variety of extreme weather events throughout the year. These events can range from snowstorms to hurricanes and even flooding.
Blizzards:
Blizzards are common in the winter months. For example, the January 28th-29th Blizzard brought heavy snowfall and strong winds to the city.
Hurricanes and Tropical Storms:
Hurricanes like Tropical Storm Henri, which hit in August, are another frequent extreme weather event. These storms often bring strong winds and heavy rainfall.
Flooding:
Flash floods are a significant concern, especially during the summer months.
On August 12th, severe weather led to heavy flooding in the Bronx. In Highland Falls, 8.12 inches of rain fell in a few hours, causing severe flooding.
Heatwaves:
New York also experiences heatwaves with temperatures soaring above 90°F. These can be particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations.
Ice Storms:
Ice storms are another winter hazard. These storms can create dangerous conditions on roads and sidewalks due to the buildup of ice.
Tornadoes:
Though less common, tornadoes can still occur. These rare but destructive events usually happen during the warmer months.
| Event | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Blizzard | January 28-29 | Heavy snow and strong winds |
| Tropical Storm Henri | August 21-23 | Strong winds and rainfall |
| Flooding | August 12 | 8.12 inches of rain in a few hours |
| Snow Squall | February 19 | Sudden drop in temperature |
Best Time of the Year to Visit New York, New York
Visiting New York City is great year-round, but weather and activities change significantly with each season. Here’s what you can expect from each time of the year.
What Is New York, New York Like in Spring
Spring in New York City sees temperatures climbing from the upper 40s in March to the upper 60s in May.
The city comes alive with blooming flowers in parks and gardens, making it a picturesque time to visit.
Rain is common, so packing an umbrella is a good idea.
The milder weather makes walking tours more enjoyable.
This is also the season when outdoor events and markets start to flourish.
For musical enthusiasts, Broadway shows often ramp up in anticipation of the June Tony Awards.
What Is New York, New York Like in Summer
Summer in New York City can get hot and humid, with average highs reaching around 85°F in July and August.
This time of year is great for warm-weather activities like visiting Central Park, Coney Island, or taking a boat tour around Manhattan.
However, the high temperatures and humidity might be uncomfortable for some.
It’s a good idea to stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and take breaks indoors.
Events such as the Fourth of July fireworks and numerous free outdoor concerts make this a lively season filled with activities.
What Is New York, New York Like in Fall
Fall is one of the best times to visit New York City, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s in September to the mid-50s by November.
The weather is generally pleasant, and the fall foliage adds a beautiful backdrop to the cityscape.
Tourism peaks during this season due to numerous events like the New York Film Festival and Halloween parades.
Walking around the city is comfortable, and it’s an excellent time to visit outdoor attractions.
What Is New York, New York Like in Winter
Winter in New York City can be cold, with temperatures often ranging from 30°F to 40°F.
The city gets an average snowfall of about 25 inches, turning it into a winter wonderland, especially around the holiday season.
While you might need to bundle up, wintertime offers festive activities like ice skating at the Rockefeller Center and the famous New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square.
Hotel rates are typically cheaper from January to February, making it a budget-friendly time for travelers.
Each season in New York City offers something unique, ensuring that there’s always a reason to visit no matter the time of year.