Month guide · New York City · United States
New York City in August
What August is really like in New York City: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
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Quick answer
August is a quieter month with trade-offs. Expect average highs of 28°C (82°F), lows of 21°C (70°F), about 10 rainy days and roughly 13.8 hours of daylight. Humid and sticky; many New Yorkers leave on holiday, and the beaches are at their busiest.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 28°C (82°F) / 21°C (70°F)
- Rainy days
- About 10
- Daylight
- About 13.8 hours
- Sea temperature
- 23°C (73°F)
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in August
August is the 2nd-warmest month in New York City: days average 28°C (82°F) against a yearly average high of 17°C (63°F), and nights fall to about 21°C (70°F). Rain falls on roughly 10 of its 31 days. Compared with July (29°C (84°F)), August is about as warm; by September highs drop to around 25°C (77°F).
- Sunrise (15 August)
- About 06:07
- Sunset (15 August)
- About 19:55
- Daylight
- About 13.8 hours
- Sea
- 23°C (73°F)
Summer (June–August). Hot and humid, with Pride, Fourth of July fireworks, free outdoor concerts and theatre, and busy beaches.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, August rates 4 for crowds (the peak is June at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in May). Book accommodation early: August is one of the pricier months.
Events in August
- US Open tennis in Queens (late August to early September)
- Summer Streets car-free days on Park Avenue (usually August)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in August
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Park · Chelsea
The High Line
This elevated park on a disused freight railway runs about 2.3 km from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to Hudson Yards at 34th Street, planted with wild grasses and perennials and dotted with public art.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Art
- Views
Experience · Financial District
Staten Island Ferry
Stand on the right-hand side heading to Staten Island for the best views of the statue, then simply ride back.
- Time needed
- 1 hour round trip
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- Kids
- Couples
Neighbourhood · DUMBO
DUMBO and Brooklyn Bridge Park
Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, DUMBO's cobbled streets frame the classic view of the Manhattan Bridge from Washington Street.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- Kids
- Photo spot
- Couples
Museum · Fort Tryon Park
The Met Cloisters
Use the same-day Met ticket, take the A train to 190th Street and walk up through Fort Tryon Park.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Art
- History
- Off the beaten path
- Views
The sea averages 23°C (73°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near New York City.
What to pack
For highs near 28°C, lows near 21°C and 10 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is August a good time to visit New York City?
A quieter month with trade-offs, with 2 notable events on the calendar. If your dates are flexible, April–June and September–October are better overall. Compare every month.
New York City in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is August a good time to visit New York City?
It is a quieter month with trade-offs. Humid and sticky; many New Yorkers leave on holiday, and the beaches are at their busiest.
+How warm is New York City in August?
Average highs are around 28°C (82°F) and lows around 21°C (70°F).
+Does it rain a lot in New York City in August?
Expect rain on about 10 days of the month.