Early autumn · Weather & things to do
New York City in September
New York City cools off: highs slip to 74°F (23°C), from 79°F in August, with lows of 64°F (18°C) and about 3.8 in (97 mm) of rain.
At 81/100 for comfort (the top score of the year), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 74°F (23°C)
- Avg low
- 64°F (18°C)
- Rain
- 3.8 in (97 mm)
- Humidity
- 77%
- Cloud cover
- 51%
- Daylight
- ~12 h 15 min
- Comfort score
- 81/100 · Great
What September feels like
Highs settle around 74°F (23°C), warm enough for short sleeves.
Nights cool to an average low of 64°F (18°C).
Humidity averages 77%, so the air feels sticky and the heat feels stronger than the thermometer says.
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 3.8 in (97 mm).
Plan around September
September is one of New York City's best months on the climate data.
- Last warm month for a while: October highs fall to 64°F.
- Comfort improves from 78/100 in August to 81/100.
- September sits inside the Apr – Nov window our Hudson Valley by Rail route recommends.
What to pack for September
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 74°F
- Quick-dry fabrics77% average humidity
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 3.8 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in New York City in September
September is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Grand Central Terminal
Beaux-Arts station with the celestial ceiling; Hudson Line trains to Beacon leave here.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Vast art museum on Central Park; the rooftop garden opens in summer.
Russ & Daughters
Appetizing shop since 1914 for lox, bagels and smoked fish.
The High Line
Elevated rail-line park with gardens and Hudson River views.
Why now September scores 81/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Katz's Delicatessen
Lower East Side deli since 1888 for hand-carved pastrami on rye.
Nearby in September
- Manhattan in September~5 mi · highs 77°F, 4.1 in rain · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Beacon in September~55 mi · highs 78°F, 4.4 in rain · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Philadelphia in September~81 mi · highs 79°F, 4.0 in rain · 3°C (6°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Hudson in September~107 mi · highs 76°F, 4.3 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, about as wet
These averages also cover Brooklyn, DUMBO & Brooklyn Heights and Midtown Manhattan.
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
New York City in September: quick answers
Is September a good time to visit New York City?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 81/100. Expect highs of 74°F (23°C) and 3.8 in (97 mm) of rain. September is inside the Apr – Nov window our Hudson Valley by Rail route recommends.
How hot is New York City in September?
Average highs are 74°F (23°C) and average lows 64°F (18°C), making it the 3rd-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in New York City in September?
Some: about 3.8 in (97 mm) of rain falls across September on average, the 2nd-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 51.7 in (1313 mm).
What should I pack for New York City in September?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 74°F), quick-dry fabrics (77% average humidity), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 3.8 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on New York City
Routes in season in September
- Hudson Valley by Rail Apr – Nov
Planning New York City in September?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.