New York City in August

August is one of the most popular months to travel to New York City, with summer in full swing and plenty of things to do.

After living in NYC for over 10 years, we’ve found August to be one of the warmest months. It’s a great time to get out and sightsee in the mornings and enjoy nights out at Broadway shows and rooftop bars.

This guide will help you know what weather to expect during each week in August when you visit New York City.

We also have insights on the best things to do in the Big Apple in August based on our years of living in the city.

Weather Overview

August in New York City is the hottest month of the year, with the highest temperatures in the late afternoons and the milder temperatures in the mornings and after sunset. The average high temperature ranges from 80-84°F (27-29°C). It is often humid and there is an average rainfall of 3.5 inches.

At nighttime, the temperatures usually stay warm and sometimes humidity lasts through the night. If you love warm weather, this is the perfect month to visit New York.

Temperatures

The weather in New York City in August is usually warm or hot, with the warmest part of the day in the late afternoons. In the early mornings and after sunset tend to be more mild temperatures. The early part of the month is usually the hottest, with temperatures decreasing slightly by the end of the month.

It is often humid and it usually rains for several days. We like to wear baseball hats in the city to stay shielded from the sun and rainfall that may hit occasionally.

The average high temperatures throughout the month:

  • Early August: 84°F (29°C)
  • Mid-August: 82°F (28°C)
  • Late August: 80°F (27°C)

Tip: When you visit NYC in August, make sure to wear sunscreen as you will often be in the sun, especially in the afternoons. A baseball hat is also useful to keep your face shielded from sun or rain. I like to carry a water bottle to stay hydrated and cool when walking around the city in August.

The daily temperature progressions on a typical August day in New York City:

  • Morning (8 AM): 73°F (23°C)
  • Afternoon (3 PM PM): 82°F (28°C)
  • Evening (10 PM): 75°F (24°C)

In New York City in August, daily high temperatures increase by an average of 9°F, from 73°F (23°C) to 82°F (28°C), rarely falling below 65°F (18°C) or exceeding 90°F (32°C).

Rain

August in NYC usually includes some rainy days, with an average rainfall of 3.9 inches (9 rainy days). Along with the rain usually comes humidity, which can make the temperatures feel hotter.

💡 Tip: Pack an emergency poncho in your bag and you’ll always be prepared for summer rain storms. A poncho is lightweight and easy to keep folded in your bag. I like to always carry a small bottle of sunscreen in my bag for protection from the summer sun.

We will go into more details on the rain later in the weekly weather details.

Sunrise and Sunset

At the beginning of the month, the sun rises around 6 AM and goes down around 8:10 PM. At the end of the month, sunrise happens about 20 minutes later, at 6:20 AM, and sunset is around 7:30 PM.

To make the most of these amazing times, we recommend going to popular places like Brooklyn Bridge Park or the Top of the Rock observation deck for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Is August a Good Time?

August is a good time to visit NYC for the summer holidays. The weather is warm to hot usually and it is nice to walk around the city, especially in the mornings and evenings, when temperatures are milder.

The hottest time of the day is often in the late afternoon and early August tends to have higher temperatures than the end of the month.

Weather Details | First Week

The first week often includes hot weather with milder temperatures at night and in the mornings.

If you want to see outdoor attractions, I recommend going in the morning to sites like the Statue of Liberty and booking your tickets well in advance to make sure you have a spot reserved. Early August is a great time to enjoy NYC’s nightlife, with outdoor dining, rooftop bars with iconic city views, and Broadway shows.

Temperatures

The average temperature ranges between 72°F (22°C) and 83°F (28°C) during the first week of August in NYC.

During this week it is also a good time to see attractions in the mornings and cool off at restaurants and museums in the afternoons. I enjoy going to art museums in the afternoons. Nighttime is perfect for outdoor dining and going out to clubs and rooftop bars.

To stay cool, bring a water bottle with you in the afternoons and if you have a break during the day, take it during the afternoon when the temperature is the hottest.

Rain

There are usually one to two rainy days in the first week of August in New York City. Carry a small rain poncho in your bag and you’ll always have protection from the rain. I like to wear baseball hats to keep my face dry on days when there is light rain.

Always check the weather before you leave for the day so you’re prepared in case rain hits or if it becomes very hot. If a heavy rainstorm happens when you’re out in the city, you can go into shops, museums, or restaurants and take a break. For heavy rain, also bring an umbrella so you’re prepared.

Daily Progression

On a typical day in the first week of August in New York, the average temperature progression from early morning until late evening looks like this:

  • 5:30 AM: 72°F (22°C), coolest time
  • 12:00 PM: 80°F (27°C), getting warmer
  • 2:45 PM: 83°F (28°C), hottest time
  • 6:00 PM: 80°F (27°C), warm and pleasant
  • 10:00 PM: 76°F (24°C), best time for going out

The temperatures generally stay warm during the days and nights in the first week of August in NYC, with mild weather at night and hotter temperatures in the afternoons. You can bring a light jacket for going out at night but generally short sleeves will be comfortable for most of the day. For hot afternoons, I like to wear tank tops to stay cool.

I like to do outdoor exercise in the early mornings in August as that’s the coolest time, which is good for biking or running in Central Park.

Weather Details | Second Week

The weather stays warm in the second week of August in NYC, and there are usually some high-humidity days.

The second week of this month in NYC is a good time to check out Coney Island or Rockaway Beach. I like to visit art and history museums in the afternoons to stay cool and enjoy some culture.

It’s a great time to enjoy outdoor brunch or al fresco dining for dinner, and it’s a busy time for nightlife in the city.

Temperatures

The second week of August in New York is warm, with temperatures similar to the first week, with only a slightly lower high temperature. The nights usually stay warm but I like to have a jacket at night to carry things and for occasional breezes that come off the waterways.

Rain

There are usually one or two rainy days in the second week. Occasionally a summer thunderstorm will roll through the city. Pack a poncho or umbrella for rainy days and if there is thunder or lightning, seek shelter inside a shop, museum, restaurant, or subway station.

It is often humid during the second week in NYC so wear lightweight clothing to stay cool. I like to wear sunglasses and a hat for protection from the sun and the hat will also keep your face dry in the rain.

Daily Progression

On a typical NYC day within the second week of August, the average temperature progression from early morning until late evening often looks like this:

  • 5:30 AM: 70°F (21°C), coolest time
  • 12:00 PM: 79°F (26°C), pleasant
  • 2:45 PM: 82°F (28°C), hottest time
  • 6:30 PM: 79°F (26°C), patio weather
  • 10:00 PM: 75°F (24°C), mild

The days get hottest in the late afternoons in the second week of August in NYC, with the hottest temperatures around 3 pm, when the average temperature is 82°F (28°C). The air is at its coolest around 5:30 am, when it’s around 70°F (21°C).

Weather Details | Third Week

The third week of August has continued warm weather. It’s a good time to do outdoor activities in the mornings when it’s coolest and go to shows, shops, and museums in the afternoons when the peak heat times hit. The third week is a great time to go to outdoor restaurants and bars in the evenings and enjoy the warm temperatures.

Temperatures

This week is warm with hot afternoons on most days and more mild evenings and cooler mornings.

The average temperature ranges between 69°F (21°C) and 81°F (27°C) during this week. The coolest times are in the early mornings and the hottest temperatures hit in the late afternoons.

Rain

It usually rains one day in the third week. There are generally fewer rainy days than in July or early August. Summer showers can come quickly though so I like to check the weather forecast before going out.

Daily Progression

This is the temperature progression on a typical NYC day in the middle of the third week from nighttime/early morning until late evening:

  • 6:00 AM: 69°F (21°C), coolest temperatures
  • 12:00 PM: 78°F (26°C), warming up
  • 2:45 PM: 81°F (27°C), hottest time
  • 6:30 PM: 78°F (26°C), outdoor dining
  • 10:00 PM: 74°F (23°C), rooftop bar

In general, the temperatures in the afternoons are hot but slightly less hot than in early August. When the temperatures rise in the afternoons, I recommend going to museums or shopping to cool off.

The daily temperature progression increases by an average of 9°F, from 69°F (21°C) to 81°F (27°C) from very early in the morning until the late afternoon.

Weather Details | Fourth Week

The last week of August in NYC is warm but slightly cooler than the first weeks of the month. The temperatures generally stay warm throughout the days and nights, with the coolest weather in the early mornings. You can do a lot during this week, sightseeing in the mornings and cooling off at indoor attractions in the afternoons.

I like to go out in the evenings and meet friends at outdoor restaurants and rooftop bars. The weather is warm but not hot during the night. If you need a break from city adventures, the afternoon is a great time to take a nap or watch a movie.

This month is a very popular tourist time in NYC so get your tickets well in advance if you plan to visit popular sites like the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building.

Temperatures

The weather gets hotter in the afternoons during the fourth week of August. It’s a good time to wear a hat and sunglasses to stay cool when sightseeing in the city. Also don’t forget to put on sunscreen throughout the day.

The average temperatures range between 68°F (20°C) and 79°F (26°C) during the third week.

Rain

There is an average of one day of rain in the fourth week of August. Bring a poncho with you when you’re traveling and you’ll always be prepared in case a rain shower hits.

Daily Progression

The temperature progression on a day in the fourth week of August in NYC typically looks like this:

  • 6:00 AM: 68°F (20°C), coolest time
  • 12:00 PM: 77°F (25°C), brunch weather
  • 2:30 PM: 79°F (26°C), hottest time
  • 6:30 PM: 77°F (25°C), warmest time
  • 10:00 PM: 73°F (23°C), going out weather

The fourth week of August is slightly cooler than earlier in the month, but temperatures still get warmest in the afternoons. If you plan to see outdoor attractions, bring a water bottle, hat, and sunglasses to stay cool and try to go in the mornings. The afternoons are a good time to do indoor activities with A/C and nighttime offers pleasant, warm weather for going out on the town.

I like to go to movies and museums in the afternoons in August to stay cool and enjoy a break from the sun.

The daily temperature progression increases by an average of 11°F, from 68°F (20°C) to 79°F (26°C).

Outfits / What to Pack

Pack summer clothing for an August visit to the Big Apple. Pack shorts, skirts, lightweight pants, t-shirts, tank tops, and crop tops. Be sure to also bring a few loose cardigans, hoodies, or sweaters as heavy air-conditioning is frequently used indoors.

💡 It’s hot and often very humid in NYC during August. Therefore, we recommend wearing very light clothing. No need to bring a jacket for the evenings. However, a light sweater is useful as the air conditioners are on full blast in restaurants and hotels.

Swimwear: While there are not many opportunities to go swimming in and around the city if the few that are available should be of any interest, pack one or two swimsuits.

Shoes: New York City involves a lot of walking. Come prepared. Prioritize stylish summer sneakers over sandals. If you plan on exploring New York’s nightlife, perhaps include one fancier shoe or heel that can go with multiple outfits.

Heat/Sun Protection: In regards to protective summer gear, please make sure to pack sunscreen and an ample amount of cute sunglasses for your August visit. You may also want to include a small umbrella, just in case. Pack a few colorful handkerchiefs (cotton-based, preferably) as well. They can come in handy to soak up any sweating you may experience when exploring the city.

💡 For more tips on what to wear in the month of August in NYC, see our article on What to Wear in New York City in August.

The Best Things to Do in August

Aside from visiting world-class museums, and seeing all the iconic attractions, there are many underrated and unusual things to do in New York City in August.

Make sure to read our insider tips for each tip:

Go Roller Skating

  • Cost: $17-$23
  • Best Time: August (also great in June and July)
  • Google Maps Location: Wollman Rink

Enjoy some outdoor fun at one of NYC’s outdoor roller skating rinks in August. DiscOasis offers roller skating, music, dancing, and good vibes at Wollman Rink in Central Park. If you already have skates and want to go on your own, you can skate on the Central Park Loop circling the park for free.

Tip: Get evening tickets to beat the summer heat.

Visit a Rooftop Bar

NYC is known for its rooftop bars, and for good reason. There’s nothing quite like enjoying a drink with a stunning view of the city skyline. Whether you’re looking for a fancy cocktail bar or a more casual hangout spot, there’s a rooftop bar for every mood.

Insider Tip: The Rooftop at Pier 17 in the Seaport District is a great spot to catch some live music while enjoying a drink and a view of the Brooklyn Bridge. If you’re a music lover, check get tickets to one of the summer concerts on the Rooftop at Pier 17.

Visit Brooklyn Bridge Park

  • Cost: Free
  • Best Time: Great in August. Otherwise between May and October
  • Google Maps Location: Brooklyn Bridge Park

See the best Manhattan skyline views and the Brooklyn Bridge for free from Brooklyn Bridge Park in August. This waterfront park in Dumbo, Brooklyn, is just one stop from Manhattan on the subway and offers iconic views, lots of walking paths, restrooms, and snack options.

Tip: Go on a weekday morning to beat the crowds and get the best photos.

Take an Evening Cruise to See NYC Lit Up
  • Cost: $44 per person
  • Best Time: Excellent in August. Otherwise from May to September
  • Google Maps: Location

New York City comes to life at night in the summer, and you can see the whole city lit up on a nighttime cruise during August. Grab your travel partners and enjoy drinks on board as you snap shots of the city’s best nighttime views. We’ve gone on summertime evening cruises in NYC and love the brilliant sunset views of the skyline and the fun atmosphere.

Tip: Try Circle Line Harbor Lights Cruise Skip-the-Box-Office for an unforgettable boat tour to see NYC’s most iconic landmarks lit up at night, including the Statue of Liberty, Freedom Tower – One World Trade Center, the Empire State Building, and more.

Kayaking on the Hudson River

Paddling on the Hudson River offers an entirely different perspective of Manhattan. It’s a unique way to explore the city’s skyline, bridges, and waterside parks.

The best part? It’s completely free! NYC Parks hosts free kayaking events all summer in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Staten Island. Check out Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse for the best city views from start to finish. The parks provide kayaks, paddles, and life jackets, and no prior experience is required.

Brooklyn Bridge Park is the most scenic location for kayaking! You’ll get incredible views – and photos – of the NYC skyline from the waterways and enjoy a fun summer workout. Just show up, sign a waiver, and hit the water.

Note: This tip is based on last year’s events but it should still apply.

Tip: Wear water-resistant clothing and bring a towel, sunscreen, and a change of clothes.

Explore the Abandoned City Hall Station

  • Cost: Free
  • Best Time: Sundays are generally the least crowded on the subway
  • Google Maps: Location

Did you know that New York City has an abandoned subway station that’s been closed to the public for over 70 years? The City Hall Station is a hidden gem that’s worth exploring. The station’s architecture is impressive, with vaulted tile ceilings, arched windows, and brass chandeliers.

It’s free to see it by taking the subway. You can only see the City Hall Station by taking the 6 train to its final stop and staying on the train as it makes its turnaround. When the train makes its last stop at the Brooklyn/Bridge City Hall Station, the conductor will say to exit the train.

If you duck down and stay on the train, you will pass through the abandoned subway station as the train turns around.

Tip: For a more in-depth tour of the abandoned station on foot, the NYC Transit Museum offers private tours to museum members. Tickets are $50 and sell out quickly. You can find out more here.

Take a Helicopter Tour of the City
  • Cost: $180 per seat to $329 per seat
  • Best Time: August is a great time. Otherwise every warm and mild month from May to October.
  • Google Maps: Manhattan Helicopters Location

Seeing the city from the sky is an unforgettable experience, and taking a helicopter tour is an excellent way to do it. You’ll get to see the city’s landmarks from a new perspective, including the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. Try Manhatten Island Helicopter for breathtaking aerial views of the city. Book your tour in advance and before the end of your trip in case you need to reschedule due to weather conditions.

Tip: Bring a camera or your smartphone with enough free space to capture the views.

Visit SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
  • Cost: $39 for general tickets, $73 for VIP experience
  • Best Time: Early morning or one hour before sunset for the best views
  • Google Maps: SUMMIT ONE Vanderbilt Location

The SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is the newest observation deck in New York City, and it offers breathtaking views of the city skyline. The experience is immersive and takes you on a journey through experiential art and views of New York City. The multi-floor exhibits include 30,375 square feet of mirrors and mind-bending art by Kenzo Digital.

Tip: Visit during the late afternoon for the best lighting and views of the sunset.

Visit Edge Observation Deck
  • Cost: $40-$58
  • Best Time: Mornings year-round
  • Google Maps: Edge Location

The Edge Observation Deck is the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, and it offers unobstructed 360-degree views of the city. The experience is exhilarating, with a glass floor and angled glass walls that give the illusion of floating above the city. You can see all the iconic landmarks in NYC from the observation deck, including the Statue of Liberty and Central Park.

Tip: Visit in the morning hours to avoid the crowds and get a more intimate experience.

Watch a Movie Outdoors
  • Cost: Free
  • Best Time: June, July, and August evenings
  • Google Maps Location:

Bryant Park, McCarren Park, Intrepid Museum

There’s something special about watching a movie under the stars, and NYC has several outdoor movie screenings during the summer. Some of the most popular locations include Bryant Park in Midtown Manhattan, McCarren Park in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and the Intrepid Museum on the West Side in Manhattan.

Note: Check for new movies for this year here: https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/free_summer_movies

Tip: Bring a blanket, snacks, and insect repellent.

Picnic in Central Park
  • Tip: Arrive early and go on a weekday to get a great spot.
  • Cost: Free
  • Best Time: Great in August. Otherwise from April to September
  • Google Maps: Location Central Park

Central Park is the heart of New York City and a perfect spot for a picnic. You can enjoy the park’s beautiful scenery, people-watch, and even catch some live music or theatre performances. The park’s Great Lawn is an ideal spot for a picnic, and there are several vendors selling food and drinks nearby. You can easily get to the Great Lawn by entering the park at the West 81st Street entrance across from the Museum of Natural History.

Visit the High Line

The High Line is a public park built on an abandoned elevated rail line on Manhattan’s west side. The park’s elevated walkway offers unique views of the city and features beautiful gardens, public art, and plenty of seating. End your High Line walk with a visit to historic Chelsea Market for window shopping or some tasty local eats.

Go on a Queens Food Tour
  • Cost: $95-$150, depending on the tour you choose
  • Best Time: April, May, June, July, August, September, October
  • Google Maps Location: Flushing

Queens is known for its diverse culinary scene, and taking a food tour is an excellent way to sample the best of it. Food tours will take you to some of the neighborhood’s hidden gems, where you can try everything from dumplings to Colombian empanadas.

Culinary Backstreet Walks offers delectable food tours covering different parts of Queens – you can pick your cuisine, with options including southeast Asia and Latin America.

Tip: Try the Flushing Food Tour for an inside look at NYC’s largest Chinatown.

Stargaze at the Hayden Planetarium
  • Cost: $16 per child, $22 for students and seniors, and $28 for non-resident adults
  • Best Time: Year-round
  • Google Maps: Hayden Planetarium Location

The Hayden Planetarium is one of the best places in the city to stargaze. The planetarium is located in the Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The planetarium’s “Dark Universe” show takes you on a journey through the universe, and its Space Show presents the latest in space exploration.

Tip: Reserve your tickets in advance.

Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is an iconic New York City landmark and offers incredible views of the city from its observation deck. The building’s Art Deco architecture and history make it a must-visit attraction.

Tip: Purchase the VIP pass for a more exclusive experience, skip the lines, and gain access to additional exhibits.

Statue of Liberty
  • Cost: $12 – $25
  • Best Time: Great in August! Otherwise in the mornings from May to October
  • Google Maps: Statue of Liberty Location

The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of freedom and an essential part of New York City’s history. Visitors can take a ferry to Liberty Island and explore the statue’s pedestal, museum, and observation deck.

Tip: Reserved tickets go fast so book well in advance of your trip. General Admission tickets are the most widely available and include entry to both the Statue of Liberty Museum and the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration.

Ellis Island Tour
  • Cost: $12 – $25
  • Best Time: Great during August in the mornings. Otherwise from May to October
  • Google Maps: Ellis Island Location

The Ellis Island Tour takes visitors on a journey through the history of immigration in the United States. The tour includes a visit to the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, where you can learn about the experiences of immigrants who came to America in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Tip: Plan your Statue of Liberty tour to include a visit to Ellis Island. General Admission tickets include your ferry to see the Statue of Liberty and entry to both the Statue of Liberty Museum and the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration.

Museum of Ice Cream

The Museum of Ice Cream is a fun and interactive experience that’s perfect for all ages. The museum features several rooms that celebrate ice cream and other sweets, with interactive exhibits and samples along the way. It’s the perfect place to capture colorful social media photos and videos for souvenirs of your trip.

Tip: Book tickets in advance, and bring a change of clothes as some of the exhibits are interactive and may get messy. Book a daytime ticket to save 30 percent off for visits before 12:30 pm.

NYC: Lower East Side Food Tastings and Culture Tour
  • Cost: $70-90
  • Best Time: Great in August. Otherwise between May and October
  • Google Maps Location: Lower East Side

Take a Lower East Side Food Tastings and Culture Tour to learn about the vibrant history and culture in downtown Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Taste quintessential New York pizza and learn about the eclectic mix of immigrants who settled in the area. The three-hour tour hits the diverse neighborhoods of Chinatown, Little Italy, and the Lower East Side.

Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather.

Coney Island

Coney Island is a uniquely Brooklyn place where you can stroll on the boardwalk, lounge on the beach, or enjoy some local eats from favorite spots like Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs.

Tip: Ride the iconic Dino’s Wonder Wheel, a vintage ferris wheel that offers beautiful views of the boardwalk and beach from 150 feet in the air.

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