You've probably seen the classic movie scenes: steam rising from manhole covers or characters buried in three meters of snow. New York City weather is a bit of a legend. But if you’re trying to pack a suitcase or plan a move, "legendary" doesn't help much with the logistics. Most of the world thinks in metric, yet NYC stubbornly clings to Fahrenheit. It makes things confusing.
New York City weather degrees Celsius averages can be a shock if you're expecting a mild coastal climate. It's actually a humid subtropical zone. That sounds tropical. It isn't. Not even close. You get the biting chill of the Atlantic and the trapped heat of a concrete furnace.
The Reality of NYC Weather Degrees Celsius by Season
Honestly, the range is wild. You can go from -15°C in a freak winter wind tunnel to 38°C during a July heatwave. Most years don't hit those extremes daily, but they happen.
Winter: The Biting Chill (December – February)
January is usually the coldest month. We're talking average highs of 4°C and lows that hover around -3°C. But that doesn’t tell the whole story. The "wind chill" is the real killer. Between the skyscrapers, the wind accelerates, making a -1°C day feel like -10°C.
Last winter, we saw several days where the temperature barely cracked 0°C. If you’re visiting, you’ve got to think in layers. Thermal underwear is a literal lifesaver. Don't forget the slush. When snow melts at 1°C, it turns into a grey, icy soup that destroys shoes.
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Spring: The Great Unpredictable (March – May)
March is a tease. One day it’s a crisp 10°C, and the next, you're hit with a "Nor'easter" and 15 centimeters of snow. By April, things settle into a more comfortable 15°C to 18°C range.
May is arguably the best time to see the city. The average high is around 22°C. Central Park is exploding with color. It’s light jacket weather. Kinda perfect, really.
Summer Heat and Why the Humidity Wins
If you think 30°C sounds manageable, you haven't experienced New York in July. The nyc weather degrees celsius stats might say 29°C or 30°C on average, but the humidity turns the subway stations into saunas.
In June 2025, Kennedy Airport actually hit 38°C (100°F). That was the first time in over a decade. When the city hits those numbers, the asphalt radiates heat long after the sun goes down.
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- July: The peak of the heat. Average highs of 30°C, but often feels like 35°C+.
- August: Similar heat, but with more frequent, dramatic thunderstorms.
- The Subway Factor: It is always at least 5 to 10 degrees hotter underground. Seriously.
Autumn: The Local Favorite (September – November)
September starts warm, usually around 24°C, but the humidity finally breaks. By October, you're looking at a brisk 18°C. This is "sweater weather." It’s the version of New York you see in the movies. November gets chilly fast, dropping down to 12°C or lower.
Record Breaking Extremes in the Five Boroughs
New York isn't just "average." It has a history of some pretty intense swings. According to the National Weather Service, the all-time record high for Central Park is 41°C, set way back in 1936. On the flip side, the coldest it ever got was -26°C in 1934.
While we haven't seen -26°C lately, the 2024-2025 period was remarkably warm. In fact, 2024 was globally the warmest year on record. New York felt it. We had fewer "deep freeze" days and more days where the temperature stayed stubbornly above 5°C in the middle of December.
- Hottest month: July (Mean of 25°C)
- Coldest month: January (Mean of 0.5°C)
- Wettest month: Often May or July, thanks to those heavy summer bursts.
How to Pack for the Metric Traveler
If you’re coming from a place where 20°C is standard, New York will feel like a different planet depending on the month.
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Basically, if it's under 5°C, you need a heavy wool coat or a high-quality puffer. If it's between 10°C and 18°C, a trench coat or denim jacket works. Once you cross 25°C, stay in linen or light cotton. Anything else and you'll be a sweaty mess within three blocks.
The city is a walking city. You will walk more than you think. If your feet are cold or wet, your day is ruined. Check the "RealFeel" or "Feels Like" temperature on your app. That's the one that actually matters when you're standing on a corner in Manhattan waiting for a light to change.
Actionable Next Steps for Planning Your Trip
- Download a converter app: Most local news stations like NBC New York or ABC7 use Fahrenheit. Keep a converter handy so you aren't surprised by a "30 degree" forecast that actually means 0°C.
- Book for May or October: These months consistently offer the most comfortable nyc weather degrees celsius for outdoor exploration.
- Check the wind speed: In winter, a 5°C day with 30 km/h winds is much harsher than a -2°C day with no wind.
- Prepare for rain: NYC gets a lot of it. Roughly 1,200mm a year. It’s spread out fairly evenly, so an umbrella is a year-round accessory.
New York's climate is as loud and unpredictable as its residents. You might get four seasons in one week. Just watch the numbers, dress for the "feels like," and you'll handle the concrete jungle just fine.