This post is an overview of the weather in New York in August as well as providing tips on how to dress and what to do during this relatively warmer month.
- Average Temperatures
- How Much Sun and Rain
- What to Wear
- Things to Do in August
- Seasonal Outlook
- When is the Best Time to Visit NYC?
- Free Tours by Foot
NYC HOTEL DEALS ON TRIPADVISOR - If you haven't already booked your accommodations.
How Hot Is New York in August?
Early August normally sees daytime high temperatures in the low to mid 80's F (27-29 C) with about 3-5 days this month reaching or exceeding 90 F (32 C).
Overnight lows tend to be mostly in the mid to upper 60's F (19 - 21 C) during the first half of this month.
As the month draws to a close, however, the afternoon temperatures will cool slightly averaging mostly in the upper 70's F to near 80 F (25-27 C) while overnight lows now dip into the low to mid 60's F (16-19 C).
A couple of the cooler mornings could even dip into the mid to upper 50's F (13-15 C).
Past Augusts have seen temperature extremes as high as 104 f (40 c) to as low as 50 f (10 c).
More important than the temperatures though is the humidity. The average humidity for NYC averages between 50% and 75%, depending on the time of day.
How Often Does It Rain in August?
Sunny or at least partly sunny skies are likely on about 21 days this month which makes this a good time for those outdoor events.
Some rainfall, however, can be expected on about 9 days this month.
However, significant rainfalls of 1/2 inch (13 mm) or more occur only on about 3 days and mostly in the form of showers or thunderstorms.
Some of the thunderstorms can be accompanied by strong gusty winds.
SEASONAL OUTLOOK - June to August 2023 New York City
There is a 76% chance for normal to above normal temperatures and a 72% chance for normal to above normal rainfall.
What to Wear
Like July, the weather in New York in August means that it is best to dress for summer comfort this month with light summer-weight clothes.
We've made a list below of what to pack for New York in August:
1. Shorts!
August in New York is hot and humid, so you're going to want to wear light clothes.
Shorts and skirts are great to pack, and a dress or two if you are going out somewhere nice for dinner.
2. Cotton Tops
Cotton tops are great for keeping you cool as you walk around New York in the summer heat.
These tops by Pure Cotton are great for a walking tour and can also be worn for a nice dinner out.
3. Sun Protection
The sun's out so you want to be prepared and protect yourself. Be sure to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and an umbrella (great for sun and rain protection!).
Check out these sunglasses by Joopin!
THINGS TO DO IN AUGUST
Below is the top 10 list from our post on things to do in NYC in August.
See our full post on things to do any time of year in NYC for even more ideas.
Several of the items below are already included for free with the purchase of a tourist attraction discount pass.
- Summerstage Concerts
- See a Rock Concert
- See a Broadway Show
- Stroll the High Line
- Watch a Sporting Event
- Attend Shakespeare in the Park
- Go to the Beach
- View the City from an Observation Deck
- Enjoy a Great Meal During Restaurant Week
- Watch a Movie Alfresco
Get more ideas on our full post of things to do in August.
If you are coming at the start or end of the month, be sure to check out our guides for July and September and see our full post on things to do any time of year in NYC for even more ideas.
