September is a wonderful time to visit New York City, with generally comfortable temperatures, plenty of sunshine, and less summer heat as the month progresses.
As your tour guide with a background in meteorology, I provide practical weather information to help you plan your trip and know what to expect during your visit.
September starts out feeling like summer, but temperatures gradually cool as the month goes on. If you're planning outdoor activities, this is generally one of the most comfortable times of year to explore NYC.
New York Weather in September at a Glance
- Average high: Upper 70s to near 80 F (25-27 C) early in the month, falling to around 70 F (21 C) by the end
- Average low: Mid-60s F (18 C) early in the month, falling to the mid-50s F (13 C) by the end
- Sunny or partly sunny days: About 21 days
- Rain: About 30% chance of a cloudy or rainy day
- Heavy rain: Less than 10% of days
- 90 F (32 C) or warmer: About 1 day early in the month
- Below 50 F (10 C): About 2 days near the end of the month
In This Article
When Is the Best Time to Visit NYC?
What to WearSeptember is a wonderful time to visit New York City, with generally comfortable temperatures, plenty of sunshine, and less summer heat as the month progresses.
As your tour guide with a background in meteorology, I provide practical weather information to help you plan your trip and know what to expect during your visit.
September starts out feeling like summer, but temperatures gradually cool as the month goes on. If you're planning outdoor activities, this is generally one of the most comfortable times of year to explore NYC.
New York Weather in September at a Glance
- Average high: Upper 70s to near 80 F (25-27 C) early in the month, falling to around 70 F (21 C) by the end
- Average low: Mid-60s F (18 C) early in the month, falling to the mid-50s F (13 C) by the end
- Sunny or partly sunny days: About 21 days
- Rain: About 30% chance of a cloudy or rainy day
- Heavy rain: Less than 10% of days
- 90 F (32 C) or warmer: About 1 day early in the month
- Below 50 F (10 C): About 2 days near the end of the month
In This Article
When Is the Best Time to Visit NYC?
NYC HOTEL DEALS ON TRIPADVISOR - If you haven't already booked your accommodations.
What Is the Temperature Like in New York in September?
September temperatures in New York City gradually become cooler as the month progresses.
Early in September, daytime high temperatures are generally in the upper 70s to near 80 F (25-27 C).
By the end of the month, afternoon temperatures are more likely to be around 70 F (21 C).
A few warmer afternoons are possible, particularly during the first part of September, so sunscreen is still a good idea when spending time outdoors.
New York City Temperatures at Night
Nighttime and early morning temperatures also become noticeably cooler throughout September.
Early in the month, overnight lows tend to be in the mid-60s F (about 18 C).
By the end of September, lows are more likely to be in the mid-50s F (about 13 C).
How Hot Can It Get in New York in September?
September can still bring a few hot days, particularly during the first week or two.
Days when the temperature reaches 90 F (32 C) or higher occur, on average, about once early in the month.
At the other end of the spectrum, nighttime temperatures can occasionally become quite cool. Temperatures falling below 50 F (10 C) occur only about two days near the end of the month.
Overall, September is one of the best times to visit New York City, particularly if you want comfortable weather for walking and sightseeing.
Read more about the best times to visit NYC.
How Much Rain Does New York Get in September?
New York weather in September is generally favorable for outdoor activities.
On average, about 21 days during the month have clear or partly sunny skies, meaning you can expect sunshine or at least some breaks in the clouds on roughly 70% of days.
There is about a 30% chance of a cloudy day with some rain, while days receiving a more significant amount of rainfall—around 1/2 inch (13 mm) or more—occur less than 10% of the time.
Even when rain is in the forecast, September showers don't necessarily mean you'll lose an entire day of sightseeing. I recommend bringing a compact umbrella or lightweight rain jacket so you're prepared for changing conditions.
What to Wear in New York in September
The weather in New York in September can vary quite a bit depending on when you visit. Early September can still feel like summer, while the second half of the month can bring cooler mornings and evenings.
I recommend dressing in layers so you can adjust throughout the day.
1. Long Pants
Long pants, slacks, jeans, and leggings are all good choices for September in New York. Lightweight fabrics work well early in the month, while you may want something warmer later in September.
2. Short- and Long-Sleeve Tops
Since temperatures can vary throughout the month, bring a combination of short- and long-sleeve shirts.
A lightweight button-up shirt can work well on its own or as a layer on cooler days.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the clothing products we recommend below contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Our recommendations are based on our own judgment and are not influenced by the commission we may receive. See our full affiliate disclosure.Goodthreads is great for wearing on its own or layering under a sweater on a colder day.
3. Sweater or jacket
A sweater, hoodie, or light jacket can be useful, particularly in the evenings and if you're visiting later in September.
What to Do in New York City in September
September is one of my favorite times of year to explore New York City. The weather is generally comfortable for walking, and there are plenty of special events happening throughout the city.
Several of the attractions and activities mentioned below may be included with a New York City tourist attraction pass, which can help you save money if you're planning to visit several paid attractions during your trip.
Here are some of the best things to do in NYC in September:
- Take a Walking Tour
- See a Broadway Show
- Take Advantage of Broadway Week's 2-for-1 Tickets
- Stroll the High Line
- Watch a Yankees or Mets Baseball Game
- See a Music Concert
- Go to the Beach
- Attend the Feast of San Gennaro
- Visit the 9/11 Memorial and World Trade Center
- Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge
For even more ideas, see our complete guide to Things to Do in New York City in September.
If you're visiting at the beginning or end of September, be sure to check out our guides for Things to Do in August and Things to Do in October. You can also see our full guide to Things to Do in New York City for even more ideas.
Seasonal Weather Outlook for New York City
Seasonal outlooks can provide a general idea of what meteorologists expect for temperature and precipitation patterns, but they cannot predict the weather for a particular day of your trip.
For the latest seasonal information, check the NOAA Climate Prediction Center's seasonal outlooks.
