Weather in Manhattan

Planning your visit to Manhattan? In this section, you will find the most up-to-date weather information, detailed forecasts, and charts to help you prepare for your journey.

The climate of Manhattan can be described as humid continental with four distinct seasons. The weather here is quite dynamic: travellers can expect both freezing winter days and truly hot summers. Thanks to this diversity, the city offers completely different experiences depending on the time of year, from cosy winter evenings to long walks under the summer sun.

Winter in this part of New York is usually cold, with average temperatures hovering around zero and night frosts, especially in January and February. Summer, by contrast, brings heat: in July and August, the air often warms up above 30°C. Spring and autumn delight with milder and more comfortable weather, although the spring period requires an umbrella — May stands out as the month with the highest number of rainy days.

Precipitation falls throughout the year but, with the exception of rainy May, is distributed relatively evenly. Overall, Manhattan's climate is favourable for tourism if you prepare correctly for seasonal specifics: pack warm clothes for a winter trip or light items and sun protection for a summer visit.

The climate in Manhattan is characterised by distinct seasonality with noticeable contrasts between winter and summer. The coldest month of the year is traditionally January, when the average temperature holds around 0.3°C, and night-time figures regularly drop to -4.4°C. The winter period here can be described as frosty but not extremely severe, although sub-zero temperatures are typical at night from December to February.

Summer, on the other hand, brings substantial warming and even sweltering heat to the city. July is the peak of the heat: the average daily maximum reaches 32.4°C, and even at night, the air rarely cools below 22.0°C. June and August are also distinguished by high temperatures, often exceeding the 30-degree mark during the day. Travellers should be prepared for summer days to be quite hot, which is felt particularly strongly amidst the dense urban development.

Throughout the year, moderate fluctuations between day and night temperatures are observed, with the difference usually being around 9–11 degrees. For example, in comfortable May, the air warms up to a pleasant 24.6°C during the day, but by night the temperature drops to 13.9°C. This means that even in the warm spring or autumn months, tourists will find layered clothing useful to feel comfortable as the time of day changes.

Precipitation in Manhattan is distributed quite unevenly throughout the year, creating noticeable differences between seasons. The winter months, from December to February, are characterised by low temperatures, often dropping below zero, which creates conditions for snowfall. Despite the cold, the volume of precipitation at this time is minimal (about 1–2 mm), and December is the "driest" month in terms of frequency of bad weather — only about 5 days with precipitation.

Spring brings a noticeable increase in humidity. May stands out as the rainiest month of the year: the number of days with precipitation reaches 14, and the average level of falling moisture increases to 6 mm. March is also distinguished by frequent rains (about 10 days), so travellers planning a trip in spring are strongly advised to have an umbrella and waterproof footwear.

The summer period, especially June, retains a high probability of precipitation (about 10 rainy days), which often occurs as warm downpours amidst high temperatures. By the beginning of autumn, the situation stabilises: in September and November, the number of rainy days decreases to 6 per month, making this period relatively comfortable for long walks around the city before the onset of winter cold.

Manhattan is a place best explored on foot, so comfortable flat shoes are the most important item on your packing list. Prepare to walk many kilometres daily while sightseeing, so choose proven trainers or boots that won't cause blisters. Since the weather in New York can be changeable, and the wind between skyscrapers can be quite strong, a universal tip for any season is to dress in layers. This will allow you to easily adapt to temperature changes outdoors and in air-conditioned (or heated) indoor spaces.

If you are planning a trip in winter (from December to February), be prepared for the cold: temperatures often drop below zero, so a warm jacket, hat, scarf, and gloves are mandatory. Spring and autumn are generally mild but require flexibility: bring jeans, jumpers, and a windproof jacket. Pay special attention to spring: May is often the wettest month with a large number of damp days, so a reliable umbrella or a high-quality raincoat will become your best friends during this period.

Summer in the city can be hot and humid, with an average temperature of around 27°C and peaks above 30°C. For a trip in June, July, or August, choose light clothing made from natural breathable fabrics, such as cotton or linen. Don't forget sunglasses and sun cream to protect yourself from the active city sun. However, even in the summer heat, it is worth carrying a light cardigan or a long-sleeved shirt, as air conditioners in museums, shops, and the metro often operate at full power, creating a sharp contrast with the heat outside.