What's the Weather like in New York in August
Temperature
After July the hottest month of the year for New York, USA the weather starts to cool down in August.
During this month, the average temperature for the city begins at 23°C, created by highs of 27°C during the daytime and lows of 19°C after dark, and drops down to 21°C, created by highs of 25°C during the daytime and lows of 17°C after dark, making the beginning of the month the best time to go if you want to visit the city when it's at its warmest.
Compared to September, which has an average temperature of around 21°C
Even though it only occurs on an average of 10% of days, temperatures have been known to rise above 32°C and drop below 13°C in New York in August. The hottest temperature which has ever been recorded in New York at this time of year is 37°C, whilst the coldest temperature ever registered here at this time of year is 13°C.
Because August is one of the warmest months of the year for New York, this time is best suited to travellers who love the sunshine and want to do a bit of sunbathing during their holiday. Although New York hotels don't have large pools and solariums like most holiday resorts, some do have small rooftop pools and sun decks where you can swim and sunbathe.
Thanks to the warm temperatures, August is also great for holidaymakers who want to do a lot of sightseeing outdoors during their trip.
If you plan to visit New York at this time of year, you'll need to bring a mixture of light clothes, such as t-shirts, shorts and skirts, to keep you cool during the day, as well as warmer clothes, such as cardigans, jumpers and jeans, to keep you comfortable on an evening.
Rainfall
During an average August New York is subject to 87mm/3 inches of rainfall spread out between 12 rainy days that's slightly less than in July. With precipitation falling on over 1/3 of days across the month, there is a good chance you'll get some rainfall during your holiday, so be prepared and take an umbrella with you.
The probability of rainfall making an appearance in New York in August stays constant across the month starting off at 38% on August 1st, dropping down to 37% by August 14th and rising up to 38% by August 31st.
The most common forms of precipitation you can expect to see in the city at this time of year are light rain (which happens on 44% of days with rainfall), moderate rain (24%), thunderstorms (15%) and heavy rain (11%).
Average Sunshine Hours
Across the month, New York enjoys an average of ten hours of daily sunshine that's one hour less each day than the previous month along with median cloud coverage which ranges between 76% at the beginning of the month and 72% by the end of the month.
On an average day, the sky is clear/mostly clear 31% of the time, partly cloudy 14% and mostly cloudy/overcast 48% of the time.
Humidity
The relative humidity for New York in August ranges between 54% (mildly humid) and 91% (very humid), rarely falling below 35% (comfortable) or reaching as high as 100% (very humid).
The air tends to be at its driest around August 1st, when the relative humidity falls below 65% (mildly humid), whilst it tends to be at its most humid around August 6th, when it rises above 87% (very humid) three days out of four.
Wind
Compared to the rest of the year, August is quite a calm month for New York. At this time of year, typical wind speeds vary between 0 m/s (calm) and 5 m/s (moderate breeze), rarely going above 9 m/s (fresh breeze).
The highest average wind speed of 3 m/s (light breeze) happens around August 20th, when the average daily maximum is 5 m/s, whilst the lowest average wind speed of 3 m/s occurs around August 7th, when the average daily maximum is 5 m/s.
You can check the forecast here.
New York Hotels in August
Broadway Plaza Hotel
Located in Flatiron in New York City, Broadway Plaza Hotel is a boutique hotel set amongst streets bustling with shopping boutiques, fine dining restaurants, parks, and the entertainment venues of Broadway.
Accommodation is provided in the form of smoking and non-smoking guestrooms and junior suites, each of which was renovated in 2013 and features 42" satellite TV, iPod docking station, WiFi access (paid), air conditioning and a private bathroom with toiletries.
Guests can enjoy 24-hour in-room dining, complimentary daily continental breakfast, free Starbucks coffee and Lipton tea 24/7, discounted parking nearby and daily housekeeping.
Ramada New York
Ramada New York is another top pick when it comes to affordable accommodation in New York. Situated in Murray Hill close to the Empire State Building, Fifth Avenue's shops and boutiques, Madison Square Gardens and Times Square's attractions, this hotel is perfect for families who want to enjoy an action-packed sight-seeing holiday without blowing the budget plus children under 17 stay for free.
Accommodation is provided in the form of double rooms with king- and queen-sized beds, each of which comes with free WiFi access, free daily continental breakfast, free local calls, coffee and tea making facilities and flat-screen HDTV.
Although there are no real services or facilities available within the hotel, there is a huge selection of bakeries, coffee shops, bars, restaurants and cocktail lounges nearby.
Courtyard New York Manhattan
If you want a hotel which has it all, consider staying at the Courtyard New York Manhattan. One of the finest Upper East Side hotels, this hotel is situated close to the Yankee Stadium, Metropolitan Museum of Mart, Randall's Island, Central Park and Museum Mile, as well as loads of shopping boutiques, restaurants and coffee shops.
Within the hotel you'll find the Market which is open 24/7 and stocks a wide selection of healthy snacks and drinks, fitness room with treadmill, weights, cardio equipment, sauna and steam room, swimming pool, whirlpool and business centre. There are also around 20 bars and restaurants within a one-mile radius of the hotel.
Bars and Restaurants
Basso56
Basso56 is an Italian restaurant located in New York's theatre district. This eatery features contemporary white and beige décor which allows the seasonal dishes created by the Italian head chef to really shine through.
The lunch and dinner menus offer a selection of antipasti, salads, fish, meat and pasta dishes, with gluten-free and whole wheat pasta options available, too.
The dessert menu is made up of Italian classics, such as panna cotta, tiramisu and gelato which are served up alongside ports, sherries and dessert wines. The wine list is extensive and features red, white, rose and champagne from all around the world.
Patzeria Family & Friends
When it comes to quality fast food in New York, it's got to be Patzeria Family & Friends. Open Sunday to Thursday from 7.15am until 11.15pm and Friday to Saturday from 7.15am to 12.15am, this restaurant specialises in a small number of Italian main courses, pizzas and pastas all of which are priced reasonably.
Some of the most popular dishes include garlic knots and Neapolitan pizzas on which you can add extra toppings. As well as traditional dining, you also have the option to order a takeaway or place your order online and pick it up at the restaurant.
Buddakan
If you prefer Asian food, consider dining at Buddakan. This modern restaurant has a contemporary Asian design, with Thai-inspired statues, oriental pants and colourful patterns decorating the dark walls.
The menu features a selection of dim sum, hot and cold appetisers, noodles, rice and main dishes which focus on vegetables, tofu, beef, lamb, pork, chicken, duck and fish. The drinks menu is made up of red, white, rose and sparkling wine available by the glass or bottle, speciality cocktails, tea, coffee and spirits.
Crompton Ale House
If you're looking to unwind after a long day of sightseeing, then look no further than the Crompton Ale House in the upmarket Chelsea neighbourhood. A favourite with locals and tourists alike, this characterful pub brings rustic Irish charm to the heart of New York and stocks an impressive array of beers, whiskeys and spirits.
Things to do in New York in August
Jazz at the Lincoln Centre
Music lovers won't want to miss the chance to see Jazz at the Lincoln Centre. This venue hosts a large number of events and performances throughout the year from solo musicians, groups and even dance academies so be sure to check the website to see what's on during your holiday.
You can choose to book a ticket for the show alone, or opt to pay for a package ticket which includes show and drinks or show, drinks and a meal. Thanks to its location inside the Lincoln Centre, this venue boasts some of the very best acoustics in New York City and also offers panoramic views across the city.
Carnegie Hall
Carnegie Hall is another top location to catch some entertainment during your holiday in New York. This venue is made up of the Perelman Stage, Zankel Hall and Weill Recital Hall which together host a wide range of music performances, including those performed by solo singers, bands, groups, academies and entire orchestras.
Performances vary greatly from dancing and instrumental shows to singing-only and a combination of all three, providing something for everyone to enjoy. Around two shows take place each evening, so check the programme on the website to see what's happening whilst you're in New York.
Museum at Eldridge Street
Museum at Eldridge Street is an old synagogue built in 1887 located in the Lower East Side of New York. Open Sunday to Thursday 10am to 5pm and Friday from 10am until 3pm, this museum provides you with comprehensive info about the architecture, history and spiritual significance of the Eldridge Street Synagogue in the form of various art exhibitions and Jewish practice displays divided between the balcony, sanctuary and vestibule of the building.
Visitors can also sign up for a walking tour which includes a visit to a Yiddish newspaper building, Jewish dancehalls, other synagogues, the home of a Jewish gangster and the best pickle shop in New York City.
Ellis Island
Next to the Statue of Liberty you'll find Ellis Island, a New York landmark which pays homage to the city's multicultural heritage. Carefully preserved exhibits and artefacts help bring history to life, telling the story of the 12 million people who passed through the immigration centre from the 1890s to the middle of the 20th century.
