New York City – Summer Outfits – Packing

If you are about to visit New York City in the summer and want to know which clothing items to pack for the hot weather and which outfit is appropriate, we got you covered.

Please jump directly to your desired month

Our clothing and styling insights are written by an NYC local and cover every aspect a potential visitor should be aware of.

 

JUNE

Weather insights, outfit guide, and packing tips for your June trip to NYC:

Weather Overview

June is a warm and sometimes hot, humid month in New York City. There may be some cooler temperatures in the evenings, so be prepared with a light jacket or hoodie to enjoy nighttime outings.

The city can be hot and humid in June, especially in the afternoons, so pack some sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for shade during the daytime. The weather gets the hottest toward the end of June, so you will need especially lightweight summer clothes at the end of the month, including shorts and tank tops.

Here are the average high temperatures during this month:

  • Early June: 75°F (24°C)
  • Mid-June: 79°F (26°C)
  • Late June: 82°F (28°C)
A Typical Day

A typical day in June in NYC is warm and can get hot, with the highest temperatures in the afternoons.

There may be some breeze especially after sunset and in the early awnings, which can get cool at times, especially in early June. We like to always have a light jacket or hoodie for nighttime outings.

💡 Read our practical June clothing tips for women and men in the sections below.

Early June has slightly cooler temperatures than later in the month, which can get very sunny and humid. A short-sleeved shirt or tank top, jeans, and comfortable walking shoes will be best for most days in June in NYC.

The end of June can get quite hot and humid as July approaches, so you may want to wear shorts and tank tops for late June days. Also, pack comfortable walking shoes as you will be walking a lot during your trip.

Daily temperature progression on a typical June day in the city:

  • Morning (8 AM): 71°F
  • Afternoon (3 PM PM): 80°F
  • Evening (10 PM): 74°F
Rain

June usually includes several rainy days in NYC, with an average of 11 days of rain during the month. The rain can also lead to humidity, which will make the temperatures feel hotter.

To prepare for the rain, you will need light rain boots, an umbrella, and a poncho or rain jacket. For humidity, you will want to carry a water bottle so you stay hydrated and cool.

Tip: Read our new and complete guide about NYC in June with weather details for each week and many unique activity tips for this month.

What to Wear / Packing Guide

Brooklyn Bridge: Tourists wearing light clothing items.

In June, you wear lightweight, breathable clothing in New York City. Pack jeans, short-sleeved shirts or tank tops, a light jacket, shorts, and comfortable shoes for walking. The first half of the month is slightly cooler, so you will be more likely to need your jacket at this time.

Nights can be cooler any time though, so a jacket is perfect to stay warm when you go out at night.

If you plan to attend upscale events such as Broadway shows or go to lounges, bring evening wear such as a nice pair of shoes or low boots (not tennis shoes), a button-down shirt for men, and a dress or skirt for women. Avoid open-toed shoes like sandals for formal affairs.

June is a mild time of year in NYC, with warm days and slightly cooler temperatures in the early mornings and at night. It rains occasionally in June, so pack rain gear and light layers.

Tip: Casual Summer Dress
Bestseller No. 1
WNEEDU Women's Summer Casual T Shirt Dresses Short Sleeve Swing Dress with...
  • This simple dress is very soft and stretchy, which makes it light and ideal for summer weather but heavy enough to...
Bestseller No. 2
DB MOON Women Summer Casual Short Sleeve Dresses Empire Waist Dress with Pockets...
  • Fabric Material: 95% Rayon, 5% Spandex. Material is lightweight, flowy, soft and stretchy
Bestseller No. 3
MEROKEETY Women's Summer Striped Short Sleeve T Shirt Dress Casual Tie Waist...
  • Size Guide: S=US 4-6, M=US 8-10, L=US 12-14, XL=16. Lightweight and soft fabric, we accept 30 days money back!

By the end of June, temperatures are warmer and you may want to wear tank tops and shorts. It’s also a good time to wear summer dresses. We like to wear biker shorts or similar shorts under dresses and skirts as you will be going up and down stairs a lot in the subway and people may be able to see up your skirt if you don’t have any shorts under it.

Shoes

The best way to get around New York City is by walking and taking the subway so bring comfortable sneakers. Make sure you “break in” your sneakers and walk in them regularly for at least a week before your trip so you know they’re comfortable. Also, pack light rain boots or water-resistant shoes for a rainy day.

Women’s Outfit Tips

For women visiting in June, pack lightweight clothing and a jacket or hoodie to stay warm on nights that may get windy. Bring short-sleeved shirts, tank tops, jeans, a jacket or hoodie, and rain gear. Also, don’t forget sunglasses and sunscreen for sunny days.

You may also want to bring summer dresses or skirts, especially if you plan to go out to clubs or formal events. If you are traveling to NYC in late June, you should bring summer tank tops and skirts or shorts for hot weather.

Be prepared for some rainy days with water-resistant shoes, an umbrella, and a poncho or light rain jacket.

Tops

Wear summer clothes including short-sleeved shirts or tank tops as well as jeans or skirts for your June trip. Most days will be warm or even hot by the afternoon, so wear a short-sleeved base layer with jeans or a skirt that you can dress up or dress down.

Nights

Sometimes, the nights get chilly, especially in early June. So, bring a light jacket or hoodie. We often wear jackets or hoodies in the evenings as the temperatures may get cooler after the sun goes down.

If you’re planning to go out at night to lounges, clubs, or theater events, bring some evening wear such as black boots or flats, a nice jacket, and a dress or nice shirt with a skirt.

Jacket

June is generally a warm month here, but sometimes it gets windy and chilly at night, so it’s good to bring a jacket. A jacket can also help you dress up an outfit if you are going out to a bar or night-time event.

💡 Suggestion: Bring a rain jacket! As it might rain on several rainy days in June in New York, a rain jacket will not only keep you dry as you sightsee but also serve a dual purpose.

Firstly, it offers protection against the wind and the chill during the night, keeping you comfortable as you explore the city’s vibrant nightlife. Secondly, it protects against possible rain showers. This combination of benefits makes a rain jacket an ideal choice.

Alternative: If you prefer to bring a more stylish jacket instead of a rain jacket, we recommend packing a poncho as an additional item.

Bestseller No. 1
UNIQUEBELLA EVA Raincoat Waterproof Rain Poncho Reusable Unisex for Women Long...
  • WATERPROOF & FASHION: Adopting high quality, environmentally friendly and transparent EVA material, non-toxic, no...
Bestseller No. 2
Unisex Rain Poncho Raincoat Hooded for Adults Women with Pockets(Yellow)
  • [Portable]: Comes with a convenient color-matched storage pouch, making it easy to carry and pack away when not in...

Ponchos are lightweight, easy to pack, and can offer the same rain protection as a jacket. Plus, they can be quickly put on over whatever you’re wearing, making them convenient for unpredictable weather changes.

Shoes

Pack comfortable shoes because these will keep you the most comfortable in the walking city of New York. You will be seeing lots of sights and walking a lot in warm weather, so comfortable sneakers are a must. (Check out our tips on the best NYC attractions to hit at the end of this article!).

Comfortable sneakers in dark colors won’t show dirt from the subway or city streets. Ankle boots or dress flats are also a versatile way to dress up if you’re going out in the evenings. Make sure you break in any new shoes and walk in them before your trip so you know they’re truly comfortable.

If you are dressing up and going out in the evening, consider wearing your comfortable walking shoes and bringing heels or dress shoes in your bag for when you get to your destination.

In New York, we like to be able to walk easily on the subway and city streets and often use this method of carrying dress shoes. Also, bring rain-resistant shoes to keep your feet dry on rainy days.

Pants

Jeans are a staple in the city, and you can pair them with different tops to dress up or down. For hotter days in June, you can also wear shorts or skirts to stay cool.

Accessories

June in NYC is warm and mild so the only weather accessories you’ll need are sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for shade.

For going out at night, bring a purse or small bag. During the day, you may need a larger bag for carrying water, your wallet, phone, sunglasses, sunscreen, and hand sanitizer.

Also, we highly recommend a bag with anti-theft features (see our recommendation above) to keep your belongings safe in the city!

Men Outfit Tips

For men traveling to New York City in June, bring jeans, t-shirts, water-resistant boots, a jacket, sunglasses, and an umbrella. You’ll also want to pack comfortable sneakers to walk around the city. If you plan on going out at night or attending theater events, also pack a nice button-up shirt to dress up.

Tops

June is the beginning of summer here, with warm temperatures and some rainy days. The hottest part of the day is in the afternoons, and nighttime can be cool to warm.

The temperatures can be hot and humid, especially at the end of the month. Wear summer clothes during the daytime and bring a light jacket or hoodie to stay warm at night, when it sometimes gets windy and cool.

Jacket

June weather in New York is generally warm or hot, with some rain and humidity. Sometimes it is winder and cooler at night. Bring a light jacket or hoodie for cooler nights.

Jeans

Jeans are a staple for versatile outfits that you can wear casually, with sneakers and hoodies or t-shirts, or dress up with a button-up shirt and boots.

Rain Gear

Be prepared for June rain showers with an umbrella, rain jacket, and weather-resistant shoes.

Shoes

Pack comfortable walking shoes that you will be able to explore the city in. We like to wear dark sneakers that don’t show dirt. Also, pack waterproof shoes or rain boots for your June trip to New York.

Packing Checklist

  • Light jacket
  • Rain boots
  • Sneakers
  • Jeans
  • Short-sleeved shirts
  • Hoody
  • Hat for shade
  • Tank tops
  • Socks
  • Umbrella
  • Sunglasses
  • Poncho or rain jacket
  • Shorts
  • Toiletries, including sunscreen

JULY

Weather insights, outfit guide, and packing tips for your July trip to NYC:

Weather

July is usually a hot month, with somewhat cooler temperatures at night and in the early mornings. You may need a light jacket for some windy nights. Especially in the afternoons, it can be hot and humid, so pack some sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for shade during the daytime.

Here are the average high temperatures:

  • Early July: 83°F (28°C)
  • Mid-July: 85°F (29°C)
  • Late July: 84°F (29°C)
A Typical Day

A typical day in July is hot and oftentimes humid, with the highest temperatures in the afternoons. There may be some wind and a drop in temperature after sunset so a light jacket is good to have for nighttime excursions.

The month of July in NYC is consistently warm and hot, with the highest temperatures during the afternoons. Therefore, wear lightweight summer clothes for the daytime, including shorts or skirts, tank tops or tee shirts, and sunglasses for sun protection.

Also, bring comfortable sneakers to walk around the city and sightsee. More clothing tips later.

Daily temperature progression on a typical day in July:

  • Morning (8 AM): 74°F
  • Afternoon (3 PM PM): 83°F
  • Evening (10 PM): 73°F
Rain

July usually has several rainy days in NYC, with an average of 10 days of precipitation during the month. Most rainy days in July include short periods of rainfall so an umbrella should be enough rain protection for your trip.

Rain often brings humidity so carry a water bottle to stay hydrated and cool. Wear lightweight, breathable clothing.

Nee more weather details? Make sure to read our complete NYC July guide with weekly weather insights and many unique local tips.

What to Wear | What to Pack | Outfits

For a New York City trip in July, pack jeans, short-sleeved shirts or tank tops, a light jacket, shorts, and comfortable shoes. You can wear lightweight summer clothes as the days a usually hot. Bring a jacket for evening outings when it gets windy and a little cooler at night.

💡 If you plan to go to clubs or theater events, bring some evening wear such as a nice pair of shoes, flats, heels, or low boots (not tennis shoes or open-toed sandals), a button-down shirt for men, and a dress or skirt for women.

July is a hot time of year in NYC, with hot and humid days and slightly cooler temperatures in the early mornings and at night.

It rains occasionally, so bring an umbrella or a poncho. It’s a good month to wear tank tops, shorts, and summer skirts and dresses.

Tip: Casual Summer Dress
Bestseller No. 1
WNEEDU Women's Summer Casual T Shirt Dresses Short Sleeve Swing Dress with...
  • This simple dress is very soft and stretchy, which makes it light and ideal for summer weather but heavy enough to...
Bestseller No. 2
DB MOON Women Summer Casual Short Sleeve Dresses Empire Waist Dress with Pockets...
  • Fabric Material: 95% Rayon, 5% Spandex. Material is lightweight, flowy, soft and stretchy
Bestseller No. 3
MEROKEETY Women's Summer Striped Short Sleeve T Shirt Dress Casual Tie Waist...
  • Size Guide: S=US 4-6, M=US 8-10, L=US 12-14, XL=16. Lightweight and soft fabric, we accept 30 days money back!

July is a good time to wear summer dresses. We like to wear biker shorts or similar shorts under dresses and skirts as you will be going up and down stairs a lot in the subway and people may be able to see up your skirt if you don’t have any shorts under it.

Shoes
SaleBestseller No. 1
Rocket Dog Women's Cheery Sneaker, Canvas White, 8
  • Trendy Chunky Style: Step up your style game with these chunky sneakers, offering a fashionable flair and supreme...
Bestseller No. 2
adidas Women's VL Court 3.0 Sneaker
  • A soft suede upper elevates the classic aesthetic with a refined touch. The cushioned midsole delivers...

New York City is a walking city. Even if you take the subway, you will be walking and standing a lot so bring comfortable shoes. Make sure you “break in” your sneakers and walk in them regularly for at least a week before your trip so you know they’re comfortable.

Women’s Outfit Tips

For women visiting NYC in July, pack lightweight clothing and a jacket for nights that sometimes get windy.

💡 Bring short-sleeved shirts, tank tops, jeans, shorts, a jacket, and an umbrella or poncho.

Also, don’t forget sunglasses and sunscreen for sunny days. You may want to bring summer dresses or skirts, especially if you plan to go out to clubs or formal events.

Local Tip: We like to wear biker shorts or similar shorts under dresses and skirts. When you take the subway, you will be going up and down stairs and people may be able to see up your skirt if you don’t have any shorts underneath.

Tops

Bring lightweight summer tops like tank tops and t-shirts for your trip. The afternoons will get hot and humid, so pack shorts or lightweight jeans to go with your tops.

Bring a jacket for possible windy nights (find more jacket tips below).

If you will be attending nighttime events or lounges, pack some evening wear such as flats or heels, a nice jacket, and a summer dress or skirt.

Jacket

July is usually hot here, but sometimes it gets windy and cool at night. Bring a light jacket for nights out, and make sure it’s stylish for clubs or evening events.

A jacket can also help protect you in case it rains. Check out our top picks above for jacket suggestions.

Alternative: If you prefer to bring a more stylish jacket instead of a rain jacket, we recommend packing a poncho as an additional item.

Bestseller No. 1
UNIQUEBELLA EVA Raincoat Waterproof Rain Poncho Reusable Unisex for Women Long...
  • WATERPROOF & FASHION: Adopting high quality, environmentally friendly and transparent EVA material, non-toxic, no...
Bestseller No. 2
Unisex Rain Poncho Raincoat Hooded for Adults Women with Pockets(Yellow)
  • [Portable]: Comes with a convenient color-matched storage pouch, making it easy to carry and pack away when not in...

Ponchos are lightweight, easy to pack, and can offer the same rain protection as a jacket. Plus, they can be quickly put on over whatever you’re wearing, making them convenient for unpredictable weather changes.

Shoes

Shoes are your most important asset in New York because you’ll be walking a lot on your trip. Pack sneakers to explore the city. (Check out our tips on the best NYC attractions to hit at the end of this article!).

Wear comfortable sneakers in plain dark colors because they will be easy to match with your outfits and will not show dirt from the city streets. Also pack ankle boots, heels, or dress flats if you plan to go out in the evenings or attend Broadway shows.

Make sure you try out new shoes before your trip so you know they’re truly comfortable.

Local tip: If you are dressing up and going out in the evening in heels, consider wearing your comfortable walking shoes and bringing the dress shoes in your bag for when you get to your destination. In New York, we like to be able to walk easily on the subway and city streets and often use this method of carrying heels.

Pants

Summer in NYC is good for shorter-length jeans, shorts, and skirts. Stay cool with lightweight bottoms.

Jeans Tips
SaleBestseller No. 1
ETTELO Womens Jeans High Waisted Straight Leg Loose Stretchy Lightweight Tummy...
  • Jean For Women Excellent Workmanship, No Odor, Soft And Lightweight, Straight Design Stand Accentuate Your...
SaleBestseller No. 2
luvamia Wide Leg Jeans for Women Trendy High Waisted Flare Jeans Cropped Denim...
  • luvamia high rise flare jeans for women are crafted from stretchy denim fabric which is comfortable and breathable....

These summer jeans are lighter in weight and are perfect for the warmer weather.

Accessories

July in New York is usually hot, so pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for shade.

When you go out at night, bring a purse or small bag. During the day, you may need a larger bag for water, your wallet, phone, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Additionally, we always recommend a bag with anti-theft features (see our recommendation above) to keep your belongings safe in the city!

Men Outfit Tips

For men traveling to New York City in July, pack jeans, shorts, short-sleeved shirts, and a hat and sunglasses for sun protection.

Bring your most comfortable sneakers for exploring the city. If you plan on going to theater events or clubs, bring a nice button-up shirt and dress shoes or boots.

Tops

July is often hot and humid in NYC, especially in the afternoons. Wear lightweight summer clothes and jeans during the daytime and bring a light jacket for nights that can be windy or when you want to dress up.

Jacket

This is a hot month here but sometimes it gets cooler and windy at night. Bring a light jacket for nighttime excursions.

Jeans

Jeans are versatile for traveling in New York, and you can create different looks by wearing a variety of shirt styles, including t-shirts and button-up shirts.

Rain Gear

There are usually mild rain showers in NYC during the month, so bring an umbrella or a poncho for protection.

Shoes

Wear comfortable walking shoes for your trip so you can enjoy exploring the city. We like to wear dark sneakers that don’t show dirt.

Packing Checklist

  • Light jacket
  • Rain boots
  • Sneakers
  • Dress shoes
  • Jeans
  • Short-sleeved shirts
  • Hat for shade
  • Tank tops
  • Socks
  • Umbrella
  • Sunglasses
  • Poncho
  • Shorts
  • Toiletries, including sunscreen

AUGUST

Weather insights, outfit guide, and packing tips for your Augusttrip to NYC:

Weather Overview

August tends to be one of the hottest months of summer in New York. The average high temperatures throughout the month range from 84°F to 80°F (29°C-27°C).

However, New York City is very humid in the summer, making it seem slightly hotter than it actually is. Keep that in mind when planning which clothes to wear during the day.

Typical Day

On a typical day in August, the temperature is highest in the afternoon (between 12 PM to 3 PM). You’ll find the temperature to be cooler in the early morning (between 7 AM and 9 AM) and evening (after 7 PM).

An average temperature progression goes from 74°F (23°C) in the morning (around 8 AM), then rises to 83°F (28°C) in the afternoon (around 3 PM), and finally falls back down to 76°F (24°C) in the evening (around 9 PM).

Rain

Do not expect much rain. If any should occur, do not be discouraged. New York’s summer weather can be very temperamental, and it will likely only rain for short periods throughout the day.

While wearing a rain jacket is not necessary in August, we recommend packing a light rain poncho.

What To Wear / What To Pack

New York: SoHo, Manhatten in August

New York City is a stylish epicenter, especially when the temperature starts rising. You will see people wearing things you wish you had, as well as some of the craziest get-ups you’ve ever seen.

That being said, when you pack for your summer NYC trip, take this chance to create some colorful, bold outfits. (Hot tip: don’t overdo it, sometimes just a pop of color can elevate an outfit.) There is no dress code in the city, so however, you choose to present yourself is perfect.

Pack summer clothing for an August visit to New York. Typically, you wear shorts, skirts, lightweight pants, t-shirts, tank tops, and crop tops. Be sure to also include 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 suggest just 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.

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.

Ladies | Outfit Tips

For the ladies, we advise packing clothing that either leaves space for airflow (such as sundresses or flowy skirts) or items that leave a certain amount of skin exposed (such as tank-tops, shorts, crop-tops, short sleeves, open front/back tops).

The humidity can get quite intense during August in NYC if you’re not used to it. It tends to make clothing that hugs tighter on the body feel a bit sticky.

However, for those of you planning on exploring the nightlife, go ahead and pack something in that area for the humidity will start to clear by nightfall.

Our Shoe Tips for Ladies:

An example of a stylish outfit perfect for New York City in August might be a scarf top, a lightweight colorful long-slitted skirt, a pair of neutral or color-matching sneakers, and a color-coordinated or black small shoulder bag, purse, or (if you have) a characteristic cloth tote is always a good way to go.

Special Tip: Another alternative for those of you wanting to save luggage space as well as look good exploring the New York City streets in August, playsuits or jumpsuits can be a great option to bring along.

Shopping Tips
Tops
Jacket

August is generally a warm month here, but sometimes it gets windy and chilly at night so it’s good to bring a jacket. A jacket can also help you dress up an outfit if you are going out to a bar or night-time event.

Sneakers/Boots

Pack comfortable shoes because these will keep you the most comfortable in the walking city of New York. You will be seeing lots of sights and walking a lot in warm weather, so comfortable sneakers are a must. (Check out our tips on the best NYC attractions to hit at the end of this article!).

Pants

Jeans are a staple in the city, and you can pair them with different tops to dress up or down. For hotter days in August, you can also wear shorts or skirts to stay cool.

Accessories

August in NYC is warm and mild so the only weather accessories you’ll need are sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for shade.

For going out at night, bring a purse or small bag. During the day, you may need a larger bag for carrying water, your wallet, phone, sunglasses, sunscreen, and hand sanitizer.

Also, we highly recommend a bag with anti-theft features (see our recommendation above) to keep your belongings safe in the city!

Men | Outfit Tips

For the guys, we advise bringing along lightweight short-sleeve t-shirts for your August trip in New York City. You can elevate an outfit quite easily by incorporating a graphic t-shirt. A thicker, casual jacket would also be a good addition for when it gets slightly chiller in the evenings.

Add a nice button-down shirt to your luggage for nights out. In regards to bottoms, lighter-weight pants are your friend! For example, stylish casual trousers or looser-fitting jeans.

If you’re the kind of guy that likes a good pair of knee / thigh-length shorts, be sure to bring those as well. Something that might also go well with the summer weather is a stylish co-ord set.

When it comes to packing shoes, take with you a minimum of two to three shoes (depending on how long the trip will be). Avoid bringing any shoes too fancy, such as dress shoes. We advise keeping your shoe selections to sneakers (or if you’re a sandal person, add a pair to your luggage. More than one will most likely not be necessary).

Sneaker culture is very much prevalent in New York City. That being said, bring with you sneakers that are both stylish, and comfortable, and have the ability to be either dressed up or dressed down.

You’ll also want to bring with you either one larger day bag or a large day back (for example, a backpack or a satchel), double that as part of your carry-on during travel, and a smaller cross-body bag to walk around with (for example, a sling bag or a saddlebag).

Packing Checklist

  • Shorts/skirts
  • Shirts (t-shirts, short-sleeve, blouses, crop-tops)
  • Tank-Tops
  • Pants (lightweight material / light-wash jeans)
  • Light cardigan / hoodies
  • Dresses
  • Socks
  • Undergarments
  • Sneakers (i.e. comfortable walking shoes)
  • Dress shoes
  • Stylish day and night bag (i.e. compact purse, shoulder bag, small backpack, or cloth tote)
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat (not very necessary, but if you prefer hats bring one or two)
  • Accessories (jewelry, handkerchiefs, hair scarves, belts, etc.)
  • Sleepwear
  • Adapter
  • Portable charger
  • Reusable, portable water bottle
  • Toiletries

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