September Weather in New York: Hottest on Record, Average Temperatures, & Humidity

How you experience New York depends on the season. During the winter months, expect snowy conditions and freezing temperatures, but there is no better place for Christmas shopping, and there are hundreds of cozy restaurants with toasty fireplaces. However, summer is a lot of fun in New York, too. Residents and tourists love exploring Central Park or taking the free ferry to Staten Island that sails right past the Statue of Liberty. But there’s just something about fall. September weather in New York is divine. It’s not too hot or humid, and it’s not freezing cold, making it perfect for people who want to spend a lot of time outdoors or sightseeing.

September Weather in New York

The average maximum temperature in New York during September is approximately 71 degrees Fahrenheit, and it rarely falls below 62 degrees or exceeds 84 degrees Fahrenheit. Minimum temperatures drop below 57 degrees, but rarely decrease below 48 degrees or exceed 73 degrees Fahrenheit. But, while rare, September temperatures can rise above 84 degrees or fall below 44 degrees Fahrenheit. In fact, the highest September temperature ever recorded in New York was a scorching 93 degrees Fahrenheit. Furthermore, the coldest temperature on record in New York during September was 42 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you want to experience the city during its hottest month, July is the perfect time to visit. July is the hottest month of the year in New York, where temperatures range from 71 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the coldest month in the state is January, with temperatures ranging from 28 to 39 degrees Fahrenheit.

Rainfall

New York typically receives around 10 days of rain throughout the month of September, resulting in around 4 inches of rainfall. Therefore, there is a good chance you will experience some rainy days while visiting New York in September, but luckily, there’s plenty to do in the city when it’s raining. Unfortunately, there is no way of telling when rainfall will occur in the city during September, as its constant throughout the month. However, it is very likely that any rain experienced during the month of September will be light drizzle. But, sometimes, New Yorkers experience moderate or heavy rain during the month.

Humidity 

If you have ever been to New York during the summer, you have experienced its intense humidity. While September is not as bad, it still gets pretty humid. For example, humidity in the city fluctuates between 55% (mildly humid) and 91% (extremely humid). Unfortunately, September’s humidity rarely falls below 35%, which is comfortable. But luckily, it never reaches 100%.

So, if you want to visit the city in September but if you want to avoid the humidity, aim for the beginning of the month, as September 1^st usually has the driest air, and humidity falls below 65%. Furthermore, avoid the end of the month, as humidity typically rises above 85% around September 23^rd.

Natural Disasters

New York’s hurricane season occurs between June and November, so severe weather may occur during September. For example, Hurricane Ida struck New York on September 1^st, 2021, causing severe flooding and 29 fatalities.

Visiting New York in September

September is an ideal month to visit New York as it’s not too hot or too cold. And the cherry on top, the leaves are changing colors, so the view isn’t too bad either. It is the perfect time of year to get out and experience everything New York has to offer, including:

A Walk Across Brooklyn Bridge

September is a great month for leisurely walking over the Brooklyn Bridge. Once you’ve made it across, take a stroll through Brooklyn Bridge Park, where you can admire the mighty New York Skyline. While there, try one of the famous Shake Shack burgers, and if you’re too tired to walk back, there is a subway station nearby.

Take a Walking Tour of the City

New York offers several walking tours, including themed tours, like the Sex and City Walking Tour. You can go on a guided tour or experience it on your own for free. Other themed walking tours include food tours, New York TV and movie tours, Greenwich Village Literary Pub Crawl, and Bowery Boys Walks (historical tours).

Broadway’s Week of Two-for-One Tickets

You can’t visit New York without catching a Broadway show, and there’s no better time than September. Broadway Week occurs twice a year, once in January to early February and again in September. During Broadway Week, many shows offer two for the price of one ticket, but they sell out fast, so be sure to purchase tickets as soon as they come on sale.

Walk the High Line

September weather in New York calls for a walk on the High Line. A unique public park created on a historic freight rail line. You can find this fascinating park elevated above NYC’s West Side. The rail line was initially going to be destroyed, but residents saved it. In 2009, the park was opened as a place where visitors can experience the views of the city from a space filled with nature, art, and design. The park runs from Hudson Yards to Chelsea and takes around half an hour to walk if you don’t stop to admire the view or outdoor artwork.

Eat at San Genarro Festival

If you love Italian food, then you will love being in New York in September! Every year Little Italy hosts the San Genarro Festival, an 11-day-long celebration of the Patron Saint of Naples in September. The streets are packed with guests waiting to dig into their carbonara, pizza, or cannolis and soak up the culture, music, and activities. This year, the festival runs from September 14th to September 24th.

Hop On Hop Off Buses

One of the best ways to see New York is on a Hop on, Hop off bus. These double-decker, open-roofed buses travel all over the city, allowing passengers to get off at any of the stops and do some sightseeing. They also have a guide who informs passengers about New York’s history, architecture, and tourist hot spots. It’s much better than trying to navigate the subway!

Explore Central Park

This world-famous park was built in early 1858 as an oasis for the rapidly growing city. Central Park was intended to serve urban residents as a type of countryside, a place to escape the rush of the city and get in touch with nature and their fellow man. And today, it still serves that purpose, with many using it as a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle. There are so many things to do in the park, like exercise, yoga, tours, and swimming. You can also visit the Central Park Zoo or eat at the lavish Tavern on the Green Restaurant.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Francois Roux/Shutterstock.com