Climate of New York

New York City is located in the humid temperate climate zone, which means that the weather in the Big Apple is often mild and conducive to outdoor activities. A visit to New York can be enjoyable any time of the year, but there are certain seasons where the weather can be extreme.

Summer in New York

Summers in New York can be steamy and hot, with temperatures often reaching into the high 80s (°F) and humidity of around 50%. Given that the city is located in the tropics and along the coast, this often brings in frequent thunderstorms, and even occasional hurricanes.

Winter in New York

Winters in New York are generally cool and rainy, although temperatures in the city tend to be slightly higher than in many of the surrounding areas due to the heat island effect. While snowfall is usually light (average annual snowfall in Central Park is approximately 25 inches per year), the strong winds off the Hudson and the Atlantic can make winter days feel much colder than they otherwise would.

Spring and Fall in New York

Spring and fall in New York City can be quite pleasant, particularly in the months of April and October. Average temperatures range from the low 50s (°F) during the day to the mid to high 40s (°F) at night. With the mild temperatures, this is usually the best time to visit Central Park or explore some of the city’s other attractions without dealing with the extremes of summer and winter.