Wearing layers is essential in September in New York. Pack good-quality pants, sweatshirts, lightweight jackets, sweaters, and vests. For slightly warmer days, especially in early September, you’ll want easy-to-shed layers and versatile short—and long-sleeved shirts.
Keep in mind that early September often still feels like summer during the day, so pack a few t-shirts and shorts as well, next to your layers for the cooler mornings and evenings.
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Visiting later? Make sure to check our other guides for the fall months and early winter:
Packing Overview
In September, NYC experiences generally mild temperatures compared to the summer heat. The average temperature ranges from 61°F to 76°F (16°C to 24°C), making it a perfect time for transitional clothing.
- Tops: Opt for lightweight long-sleeve shirts, blouses, or light sweaters. In early September, plain t-shirts will be your daytime go-to.
- Bottoms: Jeans, trousers, and skirts are great choices. For warmer days, shorts or capris might still work.
- Dresses: Choose lightweight midi dresses or maxi dresses for a comfortable yet stylish look.
- Outerwear: A light jacket or cardigan for cooler evenings in late September and air-conditioned spaces. Additionally, pack a lightweight rain poncho (more later!)
- Footwear: Sneakers are suitable for walking around the city.
Read on for more advice and packing tips:
September| Essential Clothing Items
These are the must-have clothing items, including tips and explanations, for an unforgettable fall in the city:
Denim Jeans
- Premium Material: These jeans for women trendy are crafted from a stretchy, durable, and breathable zimbaplatinum...
- Warm Tips: Our baggy jeans run true to standard US sizes, we will recommend referring to our size chart. If you...
Denim jeans are my top choice for fall outfits in NYC. They offer versatility and comfort in fluctuating temperatures. Combine them with a long-sleeve shirt for a classic and stylish look, perfect for visiting a museum or enjoying a rooftop bar.
Buy Jeans on Amazon | Outfit Deals
Jacket/Coat
- Butter-Soft & Flexible Comfort: Say goodbye to stiff outerwear! Crafted from premium vegan leather, this medium...
- Buttery-Soft & Wipe-Clean Convenience: Crafted from vegan leather with a smooth, non-absorbent surface, this jacket...
In September, coats like trenches, leather jackets, and light-down jackets are perfect for the city. These coats are great because you can wear them with t-shirts when it’s not too cold or sweaters when it’s chillier to stay warm.
Buy Fall Jackets on Amazon | Outfit Deals
Tops
- Soft Material: TNNZEET long sleeve shirts for women are made of 92% polyester and 8% spandex stretch fabric...
- SOFT FABRIC Crafted from an 82% Polyester, 12% Rayon, 6% Spandex blend that delivers a soft, breathable feel with...
The tops you pack depend on the usual temperature. It’s good to bring some t-shirts to go with a leather jacket or trench coat. Also, pack some sweaters, which can be worn even without a coat or jacket, based on the weather. Jeans and a sweater always make a great outfit.
T-Shirts and Warm-Day Tops
- Materials - Basic tops for woman are made of 95% Rayon and 5% Spandex, ensuring the super soft and comfort. The...
- Classic Straight Fit: Designed with a relaxed, straight silhouette that drapes naturally over the body without...
Bring a few plain t-shirts and light tops as well. In the first half of September you will wear them most of the day. They also work as a base layer under a sweater or a jacket when it cools down in the evening.
Dresses and Skirts
- All-Day Comfort Fabric: 65% polyester + 30% viscose + 5% elastane blend delivers soft stretch; breathable knit...
- Fabric: This 3/4 sleeve dresses features soft, skin-friendly texture, retains its shape throughout daily wear and...
Fall is a good time to pack dresses and skirts. You can wear them with tights and a jacket. Depending on the month and weather, you might need thermal tights. Remember to check the weather app to see what it’s going to be like.
Shorts, Capris or a Light Dress
- Lounge Shorts For Women: This 3 pack of ultra soft comfy sweat shorts is made for lounging around the house, sleep...
- Soft, Breathable & Lightweight Fabric: Made from a blend of 60% Polyester, 35% Rayon, and 5% Spandex. Whether...
On the warm days in early and mid September, shorts, capris or a light dress work well during the day. It can get humid in the city, so you will be happy about something light. Not every day is warm though, so pack these as an extra and not as your main outfit. For the evening, jeans or trousers are usually the better choice.
Sweaters
- Comfort in Effortless Style - We've crafted this sweater to be your daily favorite. The 60% cotton content ensures...
- Material: LILLUSORY long sleeve sweaters for women are made from High-Quality Materials with 50% Viscose...
Sweaters are a staple for your fall outfits in NYC. Opt for chunky knits or lightweight layers, depending on the temperature. They’re great for mixing and matching with jeans or skirts.
Lightweight Rain Poncho
- PREMIUM WATERPROOF MATERIAL - 100% Polyester. Strong waterproof backing with heat-sealed seams, Waterproof...
- Quick-Zip Entry: Featuring a quick-release zipper, this rain poncho is easy to put on and take off in seconds, even...
Even though it’s more sunny than cloudy in September, sometimes it can rain unexpectedly. It’s a good idea to pack a lightweight rain poncho. These ponchos are super easy to carry because they can fold up really small and fit into your pocket or a little bag.
They hardly take up any space in your luggage, so you won’t even notice you’re carrying one until you need it. After checking the weather forecast, you can decide whether to bring it with you for the day.
This makes it worth bringing one along, just in case it rains. You can keep having fun on your day out, without having to lug around a heavy raincoat.
Sneakers/Boots
- CLEAN LINE SILHOUETTE: Contemporary profile delivers casual confidence for modern wardrobes; streamlined shape...
- ICONIC COMFORT: Enjoy all-day comfort with anatomical cushioning, anti-odor insole technology and arch support that...
As you’ll be walking a lot, pack comfortable sneakers and/or boots. Flat or low-heeled styles are a good choice for long city walks. You don’t need heavy winter boots.
Packing Checklist
- Pants (jeans, trousers, etc.)
- Full-length skirts and/or long day-time dresses
- Shorts or capris (early and mid September)
- Light dress (early and mid September)
- Fall coat or jacket (bomber, pea-coat, trench, etc.)
- Wind or Down Jacket (my favorite is Uniqlo’s compressible Ultra-Light Down Jacket)
- Light rain poncho
- Short-sleeve and/or long-sleeve t-shirts
- Vests (be it sweater, puffer, or utility)
- Sweatshirts and/or hoodies
- Cardigans and/or sweaters
- Accessories (jewelry, hats (optional), etc.)
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Reusable water bottle
- Toiletries
- Day bag (backpack, saddle bag, shoulder bag, tote, etc.)
- Walking shoes (i.e. sneakers, comfortable boots, etc.)
More Outfits | Packing List | Styling Tips
With the transitioning weather, you’ll find that layers are your best friend. Picking out a few favorite sweaters, hoodies, and down jackets can be a real savior when temperatures start to shift unexpectedly or on cloudy days when the breeze becomes chillier.
September in New York City is full of possibilities (both packing-wise and in regards to activities). One of the popular holidays in September is Labor Day Weekend. If you plan to travel to the city during Labor Day weekend, be advised it can be quite an event-filled weekend in the city.
Shoes
Visiting New York City means you’ll be walking a lot. Pack some stylish sneakers. If you plan on exploring New York’s nightlife, perhaps include one fancier shoe or heel that can go with multiple outfits.
Labor Day Weekend
Labor Day weekend tends to be the last period when perfect summer weather can be experienced. So, if you’re planning to experience this weekend in the city, plan accordingly. Pack something nice (and preferably white) for a brunch, perhaps, or something casually chic to go watch the Labor Day NYC Parade in.
Ladies
Ladies! When packing for your September travels to the infamous New York, we’ve provided a few pointers for guidance.
Pants
- Mid rise, regular fit
In regards to bottoms, we advise narrowing your selection to pants (such as jeans, trousers, etc.) and full-length skirts. Jeans are a staple in NYC and we like to wear them in casual and dress-up situations.
You can pair said bottoms with short-sleeve shirts or breathable long-sleeve shirts or button-ups. As mentioned earlier, do not forget to pack layers.
Some good options would be cardigans, sweaters or sweater-vests, stylish graphic or old-school sweatshirts, or hoodies:
If you do plan to visit earlier in September, one or two long daytime dresses and a pair of shorts might also be a good addition.
💡 For the chillier days, especially if you visit from mid to late September, we advise packing a dependable fall coat or jacket. This could be a bomber, pea-coat, stylish trench, or a down jacket.
Being that the weather can be quite nice but still precarious when packing shoes, we suggest focusing on one or two sneakers that have the style flexibility to be either dressed up or down.
Jacket
A lightweight jacket will keep you warm and comfortable during chilly autumn nights and cooler days in NYC in September.
Tops
September in New York can range from warm to chilly so it’s essential to pack layers. A solid long-sleeved top is perfect for a base layer.
Our Shoe Tips:
Keep in mind that you’ll be walking a lot. Pack some stylish and comfortable sneakers for your NYC explorations.
We love these retro sneakers, as they can also handle outdoor terrain (see below):
For the nature-lovers interested in exploring the best areas in New York (outside the city) to view the fall foliage and scenic landscapes, we advise packing a sneaker that can handle rockier terrain and hills.
Accessories
Pack a zippered bag that will keep your belongings secure on the go in NYC. Dark, solid colors are the perfect choice to stay stylish and prevent unsightly stains.
We highly recommend a bag with anti-theft features (see our recommendation above) to keep your belongings safe in the city!
Men
For the guys, we also recommend sticking to comfortable pants, such as jeans or trousers of some sort. A good combination to pair this with would be a casual, breathable long-sleeve t-shirt and a vest (some good vest options are puffer, utility, or sweater).
Another good option to sustain a September outing around New York would be a comfortable, stylish sweatshirt or hoodie with a base layer underneath (such as a basic short-sleeve).
In early September it is often still warm during the day. A short-sleeve shirt and shorts are fine for daytime walks, just take one light layer with you for the evening.
💡 The most important thing to keep in mind when packing your outer layers is having something for the chillier days that can also be easily switched out for those warmer days.
A similar suggestion to that of ladies is to bring a fall coat. A bomber, light puffer, leather, or down jacket are some perfect stylish, yet appropriate options.
Tops
- Classic fit for loose comfort
September is usually a mild time of year in NYC but the weather can change quickly so it’s a good idea to bring some light layers. A long sleeved, solid-colored top is a must for fall. You can add layers for cooler days.
Jacket
- CLASSIC DESIGN: This Men's Original Iconic Racer Jacket brings back the 80s fashion with a modern twist. It’s the...
September temperatures can get cool with chiller temps at night time. Bring a light, casual jacket to stay warm during your trip. You will be stylish and comfortable with this jacket.
Jeans
- Same great jeans, brand new name! Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. is now Levi Strauss Signature Gold
Jeans are versatile and you can dress them up for nights out or wear them with a hoodie or long-sleeved shirt for a more casual look.
Shoes
- Men's casual skate-inspired sneakers for every day
Wear comfortable sneakers as New York is a walking city and you will be on the go a lot.
Weather Overview
September in New York is also one of the best months to explore both the city, as well as the quaint upstate towns outside the city (many of which are easily accessible by the Metro-North or LIRR).
Whether you go on just a day trip or a small exploration weekend during your travels, these charming spots are great places to watch the changing fall foliage and (if you’re a nature buff) beautiful areas to go on a scenic hike.
September weather tends to be quite pleasant. The average high temperature is around 76°F (24°C), while the average low temperature is around 62°F (17°C).
The first few weeks of September somewhat resemble early summer temperatures, and slowly, as the month passes, the temperature will transition into perfect autumn weather.
Temperatures Through the Month
Average high temperatures:
- Early September: 80°F (27°C)
- Mid-September: 77°F (25°C)
- Late September: 73°F (23°C)
The first half of the month can still feel hot. It is often humid in the city, so 80°F (27°C) feels warmer than it is. Days around 90°F (32°C) happen as well, mostly in the first two weeks.
A Typical Day
In a typical day in the early weeks of September, daytime temperatures will fall between mid-to-high 70’s°F (between 24°C – 26°C) while nighttime (and early morning) temperatures fall to around mid-60’s°F (between 16°C-18°C).
As the autumn weather begins to settle in, you’ll find that temperatures will shift. At this point, daytime high temperatures, on average, tend to reach only 70°F (21°C). Meanwhile, in the evenings and early mornings, temperatures fall to around the mid-50’s°F (about 13°C).
💡 Good to know: The difference between day and evening is big in September. You can wear a t-shirt at 2 pm and want a jacket at 9 pm. Take one light layer with you in your bag every day.
Rain
Being a transitional month weather-wise, you will be sure to experience some light to medium rainy days. Fortunately, on average, it only rains seven days in the month. That being said, you should expect a handful of partly cloudy days.