Visiting New York in

August

What to expect
Getting around
Things to do
Rainy day

August is the beginning of the end of summer. Whether it's one last splurge or your first long-awaited summer vacation, New York City in August will be an unforgettable get-away. NYC weather in August is at its warmest. The average high temperature in New York in August is in the mid-80s, but the humidity can often make it feel warmer.

What to expect

Wetter

Average Daytime Temperatures: 82F (27C)
Average Overnight Temperatures: 68F (20C)
Sunny or partly sunny days: 21
Rainy days: 7-10, 3 with significant rainfall

What to wear

Pack loose-fitting light clothing
Don’t forget sunscreen, hat and sunglasses – protect yourself from the sun
Carry a bottle of water with you
Small umbrella might be handy for those cloudy days with possible showers
Light jacket for indoors, New Yorkers like their air-con a lot

New York Prices in August

You will also notice hotel prices beginning to drop a little this time of the year. It’s a good time to plan your family visit, little bit easier for the budget than in July and almost guaranteed weather.

Book your flights and accommodation in advance for best prices, midtown & times square are the most popular choices, but there are plenty of other options, especially in Brooklyn with convenient transport options to Manhattan attractions.

Planning your trip is a key to a balanced budget, use free online resources like our maps & guide or the itinerary tool, if you are going to visit some iconic attractions, get a sightseeing pass, it will easily save you 50% on regular admission prices – see more

Getting around

New York is easy to navigate, but if you can't walk to your destination there are plenty of options

Subway

The quickest way to travel around, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from as low as $2.75 per ride, with stops usually every 8-10 blocks.

Taxis

If the top taxi number is illuminated it's available, minimum metered fare is $2.50, which increases 50 cents every fifth of a mile or every minute.

Hop on, Hop off Buses

These buses connect major attractions all over the city and provide many photo opportunities, it's also a good way to catch a break or eat your sandwich while still sightseeing.

New York Travel Tips

Perks

New York City Subway Map

New York Tourist Map

Things to do in August

Check out the following list of ideas for fun things to do in New York in August:

1. Summer Street

For three Saturdays in August, the city closes the main thoroughfares to vehicles of any kind from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. This gives you seven miles of open streets to explore the city. Go on foot or rent a bike and take a cruise before the day heats up. Summer Streets begins at the Brooklyn Bridge and continues on to Central Park along Park Avenue and connecting streets. Plan a trip as long or short as you wish.

2. Coney Island Beach and Boardwalk

There's a theory that the locals are tired of the beach by August. Test it and cool off with a day at Coney Island. Three miles of sandy beaches and a sea breeze is the perfect respite from the steamy city. Coney Island also has recreational opportunities for volleyball, handball, and basketball with open courts. The amusement rides and boardwalk provide more fun.

3. Free Shakespeare in Central Park

The annual Shakespeare in the Park festival begins in mid-July and continues through the first half of August. Getting the free tickets can be tricky, but it is a unique event and worth the effort. It's where some superb actors like Meryl Streep, Denzel Washington, and Al Pacino got their start. The show begins in the cool of the evening at 8 p.m.

4. Harlem Week

One of the most popular August events in New York City, Harlem week lasts an entire month. Learn the local history and culture through performances, tributes, sports events, and a special children's festival. Go self-guided or pick a walking or food tour.

5. Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival

This annual event takes place at Flushing-Meadows Corona Park on a weekend around mid-August. The free festival lets you experience a little of the culture of Hong Kong while exploring the borough of Queens. Over 170 teams race long boats on huge Lake Meadows as they paddle to the beat of the boat's drummer. Afterwards, enjoy music, dance, and martial arts performances. Food vendors are on-site selling delicious Asian cuisine.

6. NYC Rooftop Bars

Cool off after sunset at one of the city's many rooftop bars. Sipping a signature cocktail amid warm breezes and twinkling lights will have you falling in love with New York. One of the best is the Strand Hotel's 21-st floor bar with a perfect view of the Empire State Building. To the left is the lit-up crown of Langham Place on Fifth Avenue, and to the right is the sparkling double-fin roof of the Epic.

For an eclectic mix of Old New York and the future, end the day at the St. Cloud Lounge atop the historic Knickerbocker Hotel. The hotel was once a haunt of elites like F. Scott Fitzgerald and John D. Rockefeller. Today the outdoor space has plushy "sky pods" built into the corners of the roof and wood floors with a metallic finish.

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Rainy Day Options in New York

Broadway Shows

Taking a Broadway show will chase away any rainy day blues during your visit to New York City. It might not be possible to get last minute tickets to every show, but you can find something a couple of hours before the show starts by visiting the box office of the theatre.

NYC Museums

Your weather app says it’s going to be raining the whole day? Head over to one of the best NYC Museums. Whether your interest is in art, science or city history, there’s something for everyone in just about every neighbourhood. Pick from MoMA, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, American Museum of Natural History, Whitney Museum of American Art, Museum of the City of New YorkorEl Museo del Barrio.