New York City. The Big Apple. A place where you can experience four seasons in a single week if you aren't careful. If you’re visiting from basically anywhere else in the world, trying to figure out the weather in New York city celsius can be a headache because Americans insist on using Fahrenheit for everything.
It’s confusing.
Most people think NYC is always either a frozen tundra or a literal sauna. Honestly, they’re kinda right, but the reality is more nuanced than the movies suggest. You've got the biting winds of January that make 2°C feel like -10°C, and then the swampy humidity of July where 30°C feels like you’re walking through a bowl of soup.
The Reality of Weather in New York City Celsius
If you're looking for a quick baseline, the annual average temperature in Central Park sits around 13°C. But that number is a total lie. It’s an average of extremes. NYC is a humid continental climate, which is just a fancy way of saying "expect everything."
Winter: The Deep Freeze (December to February)
Winter is no joke here. In January, the coldest month, daily highs average around 4°C, but it's the nights that get you. Temperatures regularly dip below 0°C. If you’re visiting during this time, you need a serious coat. Not a "fashion" coat. A real, insulated, down jacket.
- December: Highs of 6°C, lows of 0°C. It’s festive but damp.
- January: The peak of the cold. Highs of 4°C, lows of -3°C.
- February: Similar to January, though slightly drier. Watch out for the wind.
The wind chill in Manhattan is a specific kind of misery. Because the streets are laid out in a grid, the skyscrapers create "wind tunnels." A mild 2°C day can feel brutal if you're walking against the wind on 6th Avenue.
Spring: The Great Unpredictable (March to May)
March is the trickiest month. It’s officially spring, but NYC doesn't always get the memo. You might get a beautiful 15°C day followed immediately by a snowstorm. Seriously. By April, things settle into a range of 10°C to 16°C.
It rains. A lot.
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May is arguably the best month to be in the city. The flowers are blooming in Central Park, the humidity hasn't kicked in yet, and the temperature sits at a perfect 21°C. It’s the kind of weather that makes you want to walk 20,000 steps without even noticing.
Why Summer in NYC is a Different Beast
When people check the weather in New York city celsius during July, they see 29°C or 30°C and think, "That's not so bad."
They are wrong.
The humidity is the silent killer. Between the concrete reflecting heat and the lack of a breeze, the "real feel" is often much higher. We’re talking 35°C or more in the shade.
Survival Tips for the Heat
- Subway Stations: They are hotter than the surface of the sun. The trains are air-conditioned, but the platforms are basically ovens.
- Hydration: Carry water. You'll sweat more than you think.
- Air Con: New Yorkers love their AC. You’ll go from a 32°C street into a 18°C store. It’s a shock to the system.
August is basically July's twin, though sometimes you get more tropical storms or heavy rain towards the end of the month. If you hate being sweaty, avoid visiting between June 15th and August 30th.
Autumn: The Local Favorite (September to November)
Ask any New Yorker their favorite time of year, and they’ll say October. The air is crisp. The light is golden. In September, you still get some summer vibes with highs of 24°C, but the oppressive humidity usually breaks.
By November, the transition to winter begins. You’ll see highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. This is peak "light jacket" weather. It’s comfortable. It’s iconic. It’s the NYC you see in the movies where everyone is wearing scarves and holding coffee.
Typical Monthly Breakdown (Celsius)
| Month | Avg High (°C) | Avg Low (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4 | -3 |
| February | 5 | -2 |
| March | 10 | 2 |
| April | 16 | 7 |
| May | 21 | 12 |
| June | 26 | 18 |
| July | 29 | 20 |
| August | 28 | 20 |
| September | 24 | 16 |
| October | 18 | 10 |
| November | 12 | 5 |
| December | 7 | 0 |
Extreme Weather and Records
While the averages give you a good idea, NYC likes to break rules. The record high is a blistering 41°C (set back in 1936). On the flip side, it has dropped as low as -26°C.
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Snow is another factor. Some years we get a "Snowpocalypse" with 60cm of snow in a single day, and other years we barely see a flake. Currently, in early 2026, we're seeing the influence of a weak La Niña, which often leads to more variable winters—sometimes warmer than average, sometimes punctuated by sharp, cold snaps.
What to Pack: A Practical Guide
Honestly, the secret to surviving NYC weather is layers.
In the winter, you need waterproof boots. Not just for the snow, but for the "slush puddles." These are deceptive pits of gray, icy water at every street corner that look shallow but can be ankle-deep. If you step in one with sneakers, your day is ruined.
In the spring and autumn, a trench coat or a leather jacket works wonders. You want something that cuts the wind but won't make you overheat when you're underground in the subway system.
For summer? Linen. Everything linen. Or very light cotton. Avoid polyester at all costs unless you want to feel like you’re wrapped in plastic wrap.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
- Check the "RealFeel": Use an app like AccuWeather or Carrot. In NYC, the raw temperature never tells the whole story because of the wind and humidity.
- Download a Radar App: Rain in New York can be sudden and intense. Knowing if a storm is 20 minutes away helps you time your museum visits.
- Pack for the Subway: Even in winter, the subway can be warm. Wear a heavy coat that is easy to unzip or carry so you don't melt once you get on the train.
- Footwear is Priority One: You will walk more than you ever have. Don't bring brand-new shoes. Bring broken-in, comfortable, and ideally water-resistant footwear.