Month guide · New York City · United States
New York City in September
What September 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
September is one of the best months to visit New York City. Expect average highs of 25°C (77°F), lows of 17°C (63°F), about 9 rainy days and roughly 12.4 hours of daylight. Warm and less humid — one of the best months — but the UN General Assembly pushes hotel prices up late in the month.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 25°C (77°F) / 17°C (63°F)
- Rainy days
- About 9
- Daylight
- About 12.4 hours
- Sea temperature
- 21°C (70°F)
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- Highest
Weather in September
September is the 4th-warmest month in New York City: days average 25°C (77°F) against a yearly average high of 17°C (63°F), and nights fall to about 17°C (63°F). Rain falls on roughly 9 of its 30 days. Compared with August (28°C (82°F)), September is cooler; by October highs drop to around 18°C (64°F).
- Sunrise (15 September)
- About 06:36
- Sunset (15 September)
- About 19:06
- Daylight
- About 12.4 hours
- Sea
- 21°C (70°F)
Autumn (September–November). Warm September days, crisp October weather and autumn colour in Central Park, with high hotel prices around the UN General Assembly and Thanksgiving.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, September rates 4 for crowds (the peak is June at 5) and 5 for hotel prices (highest in May). Book accommodation early: September is one of the pricier months.
Events in September
- Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy (usually mid-September)
- UN General Assembly high-level week (usually late September; heavy traffic and high hotel prices)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in September
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
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Park · Central Park
Central Park
Walk or cycle from Columbus Circle to Bethesda Terrace and Bow Bridge, then leave by the Met on Fifth Avenue.
- Time needed
- 2–4 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- Kids
- Outdoors
- Couples
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Landmark · Liberty Island
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
Ferries from Battery Park stop at Liberty Island, where the statue, a gift from France dedicated in 1886, has a museum and pedestal views, and at Ellis Island, whose immigration museum tells the story of the roughly 12 million people processed there between 1892 and 1954.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Iconic
- History
- Kids
- Views
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Landmark · Midtown
Empire State Building
Late-evening visits are often quieter than sunset and show the city lights at their best.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Iconic
- Views
- After dark
- Architecture
- Kids
Viewpoint · Midtown
Top of the Rock
The observation decks at the top of 30 Rockefeller Plaza look south straight at the Empire State Building and north over the full length of Central Park — a view many prefer to the Empire State's own.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Views
- Couples
- After dark
- Iconic
The sea averages 21°C (70°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near New York City.
What to pack
For highs near 25°C, lows near 17°C and 9 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is September a good time to visit New York City?
One of the best months to visit New York City, with 2 notable events on the calendar. The other best months are April–June and October. Compare every month.
New York City in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is September a good time to visit New York City?
It is one of the best months to visit New York City. Warm and less humid — one of the best months — but the UN General Assembly pushes hotel prices up late in the month.
+How warm is New York City in September?
Average highs are around 25°C (77°F) and lows around 17°C (63°F).
+Does it rain a lot in New York City in September?
Expect rain on about 9 days of the month.