Measured, not vibes
Best Time to Visit New York City
By measured weather comfort, the top months for New York City are September, May, October — and RouteVerdict's editorial pick, which also weighs crowds and prices, is April, May, June, September, October, November, December. The table below is computed from ERA5 reanalysis data for 2020–2024, measured at New York (New York City) (10 m elevation).
Month by month
New York City weather and comfort, 2020–2024
| Month | Avg high | Wet days | Comfort | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5.6°C / 42°F | 9.2 | 13 | |
| February | 6.7°C / 44°F | 8.8 | 16 | |
| March | 11.6°C / 53°F | 9.2 | 37 | |
| April | 15.9°C / 61°F | 10 | 59 | |
| May | 21.3°C / 70°F | 9 | 81 | Best |
| June | 27°C / 81°F | 8.3 | 76 | |
| July | 30.2°C / 86°F | 12 | 55 | Shoulder |
| August | 28.7°C / 84°F | 11.2 | 64 | Shoulder |
| September | 24.6°C / 76°F | 8 | 83 | Best |
| October | 19.5°C / 67°F | 6.7 | 80 | Best |
| November | 13.3°C / 56°F | 6.7 | 48 | |
| December | 7.6°C / 46°F | 9.2 | 19 |
Comfort is RouteVerdict's 0–100 score: 100·exp(−(high−23)²/162) × (1 − min(0.35, wet days × 0.02)). The full method is on the methodology page. Weather data by Open-Meteo.com (ERA5, CC BY 4.0), 2020–2024 normals. Wet day = ≥1 mm precipitation.
What the seasons are actually like
Traveling to New York City month by month
New York City's comfort score peaks in September at 82.7, with an average high of 24.6°C and 8 wet days, just ahead of October's 80.3 and May's 80.6. RouteVerdict's editorial pick spans April through June and September through December — a wide window that includes December despite its comfort score of just 18.9, well below the September peak. Summer (July–August) brings the hottest weather, up to 30.2°C in July, but comfort dips to 55.2 and 63.5 as humidity climbs — both are listed as shoulder months rather than editorial picks. Winter (December–February) is the coldest stretch, with highs of 5.6–7.6°C and comfort scores of 12.6–18.9.
FAQ
New York City timing questions
What is the best month to visit New York City?
By measured weather comfort (ERA5 2020–2024), the top months are September, May, and October, with September scoring highest. RouteVerdict's editorial pick is April, May, June, September, October, November, and December, which also weighs crowds, prices, and events.
What is the hottest month in New York City?
July, with an average daily high of 30.2°C (86°F).
What is the rainiest month in New York City?
July, averaging 12 days with at least 1 mm of precipitation.
When is shoulder season in New York City?
August and July — the best-scoring months outside both the measured top three and RouteVerdict's editorial peak-season pick.
Why does NYC's editorial pick include December despite low comfort?
December scores just 18.9 on comfort, far below the September peak of 82.7, but RouteVerdict's editorial pick still includes it alongside April through June and September through November.
What is New York City's single best month for weather?
September, with an average high of 24.6°C, 8 wet days, and a comfort score of 82.7 — the highest measured for any month.