New York, NY Climate & Monthly Averages

New York, United States 🇺🇸 · humid subtropical climate
Annual avg
54°
Hottest month
July
Coldest month
January
Rainy days / yr
128
Sunshine
8.6 h/day
Right now: 84° and mist - see live conditions

The climate of New York

Located in New York, United States, New York experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. Afternoon temperatures peak near 85°F (30°C) in July and dip to about 40°F (4°C) in January, with around 51.1 inches (1299 mm) of precipitation falling across the year.

Climate quick facts

  • Hottest month: July - highs near 85°F (30°C)
  • Coldest month: January - highs near 40°F (4°C)
  • Record high: 100°F (38°C) · Record low: -5°F (-20°C) (2015–2024)
  • Wettest month: July (13 rainy days) · Sunniest: July (11.6 h sun/day)
  • Climate type: humid subtropical - hot, humid summers and generally mild winters
  • Snow: about 10 days a year

Temperatures through the year

The warmest stretch of the year centers on July. Highs average 85°F (30°C) and overnight lows stay near 69°F (21°C). The coolest month is January, with typical highs of 40°F (4°C) and lows around 26°F (-3°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 100°F (38°C) and dropped as low as -5°F (-20°C).

Rain, sun and snow

July is usually the wettest month. It brings about 5.5 inches (140 mm) of rain over 13 days, while November is the driest. July brings the most sunshine, averaging 11.6 hours of sun a day. Snow falls on about 10 days in a typical year, mostly from December through March.

Monthly climate table

Monthly averages for New York based on 2015–2024 weather data.
MonthHighLow Rain daysPrecipitation SunshineHumidity
January 40° 26° 10 3.9 in 6.1 h/day 68%
February 43° 26° 10 3.6 in 6.9 h/day 69%
March 49° 33° 10 4.5 in 8.2 h/day 66%
April 60° 42° 12 4.2 in 8.8 h/day 67%
May 70° 53° 12 3.7 in 9.9 h/day 71%
June 79° 62° 11 3.9 in 11.1 h/day 71%
July 85° 69° 13 5.5 in 11.6 h/day 73%
August 83° 68° 12 4.5 in 10.9 h/day 74%
September 77° 62° 10 4.7 in 9.1 h/day 75%
October 66° 51° 9 4.9 in 7.8 h/day 74%
November 54° 39° 9 3.0 in 7.1 h/day 70%
December 45° 32° 11 4.5 in 5.6 h/day 73%

New York month by month

New York weather in January

January brings highs around 40°F (4°C), lows near 26°F (-3°C), about 10 wet days and roughly 3 snowy days - typically the coldest month of the year in New York.

New York weather in February

February brings highs around 43°F (6°C), lows near 26°F (-3°C), about 10 wet days and roughly 3 snowy days.

New York weather in March

March brings highs around 49°F (10°C), lows near 33°F (0°C), about 10 wet days and roughly 2 snowy days.

New York weather in April

April brings highs around 60°F (16°C), lows near 42°F (6°C), about 12 wet days.

New York weather in May

May brings highs around 70°F (21°C), lows near 53°F (12°C), about 12 wet days.

New York weather in June

June brings highs around 79°F (26°C), lows near 62°F (17°C), about 11 wet days.

New York weather in July

July brings highs around 85°F (30°C), lows near 69°F (21°C), about 13 wet days - typically the hottest month and the wettest month and the sunniest month of the year in New York.

New York weather in August

August brings highs around 83°F (28°C), lows near 68°F (20°C), about 12 wet days.

New York weather in September

September brings highs around 77°F (25°C), lows near 62°F (16°C), about 10 wet days.

New York weather in October

October brings highs around 66°F (19°C), lows near 51°F (11°C), about 9 wet days.

New York weather in November

November brings highs around 54°F (12°C), lows near 39°F (4°C), about 9 wet days - typically the driest month of the year in New York.

New York weather in December

December brings highs around 45°F (7°C), lows near 32°F (0°C), about 11 wet days and roughly 2 snowy days.

Seasons in New York

Spring (March through May)

Spring in New York is crisp but comfortable, with daytime highs averaging 60°F (15°C) and nights around 43°F (6°C); expect showers on roughly 34 days across the season, plus around 3 snowy days.

Summer (June through August)

Summer in New York brings hot afternoons, with daytime highs averaging 82°F (28°C) and nights around 67°F (19°C); expect showers on roughly 36 days across the season.

Fall (September through November)

Fall in New York stays on the cool side of mild, with daytime highs averaging 66°F (19°C) and nights around 51°F (10°C); expect showers on roughly 27 days across the season.

Winter (December through February)

Winter in New York runs cold, with daytime highs averaging 42°F (6°C) and nights around 28°F (-2°C); expect showers on roughly 30 days across the season, plus around 8 snowy days.

Climate questions, answered

What is the average temperature in New York?
The year-round mean is 54°F (12°C). Days typically reach 62°F (17°C) and nights settle near 47°F (8°C).
Is New York hot in summer?
It gets properly warm: plan on 85°F (30°C) through July, with the occasional hotter spike.
Is New York cold in winter?
Yes - winters dip below freezing. January nights average 26°F (-3°C), so expect frost and occasional ice.
How many rainy days does New York get in a year?
About 128 days bring measurable precipitation, with July the wettest month and November the driest.

Best time to visit New York

The best time to visit New York is generally May to June and September to October, when warm days, manageable rainfall and plenty of daylight line up. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 73°F (23°C).

Pack for New York with a heavy insulated coat, hat and gloves for winter; a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - July nights average 69°F (21°C).

New York temperature records (2015-2024)

Highest recorded
100°
in August
Lowest recorded
-5°
in January
Annual precipitation
51.1"
Snowy days / yr
10

Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.