Manhattan, New York Weather in August

August heat and rain

August in Manhattan feels hot, humid and often sticky, especially on crowded sidewalks and subway platforms. Afternoon highs reach 29°C, matching July, while nights cool to around 19°C. Rain falls on 13 days, so showers can interrupt a day out.

You'll have 7.8 hours of sunshine a day on average, with long daylight for sightseeing. Central Park, the High Line and waterfront walks work well, but the midday heat can make long stretches on foot tiring. Save indoor stops like the Met or the Tenement Museum for the hottest hours.

Events and crowds

Summer Streets brings car-free routes to parts of Manhattan on select August Saturdays. It's a fun chance to walk or cycle along streets usually filled with traffic; check the route and dates for your visit. Harlem Week also celebrates Harlem with performances and community events, though its programme varies each year.

Families with young children may find air-conditioned museum breaks easier than a full afternoon of outdoor sightseeing.

August is still summer high season, so popular sights and hotels can be busy and costly compared with quieter winter months. But the city can feel less packed later in the month, when some residents leave for vacation. September and October are popular too, so August isn't always the pricier choice.

A local tip

For a cooler evening, take the Staten Island Ferry from Lower Manhattan. The ride is free, and the open deck gives you views of the Statue of Liberty and the skyline without a long walk. Go near sunset, but expect other visitors to have the same idea.

If you're heading to a Broadway show, keep the hot walk through Times Square short and use the subway for longer trips. The platforms can feel even stickier than street level.