Manhattan, New York Weather in September

September weather on foot

September feels warm rather than midsummer-hot, with pleasant evenings for a walk along the Hudson River Greenway. The average high is 25°C and the low is 15°C. Rain falls on about 10 days, so showers can interrupt outdoor plans.

It's a good month for Central Park, the High Line and ferry rides, though the sun can still feel strong on open stretches. Save long walks across exposed areas for cooler parts of the day, and have a museum in mind if rain sets in. The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Museum of Natural History both make easy rainy-day stops.

Events and city rhythms

Labor Day marks the end of summer for many New Yorkers. The West Indian American Day Carnival takes place in Brooklyn, not Manhattan, but you can reach the parade area by subway. The US Open also runs into September in Queens; take the 7 train from Grand Central to reach the tennis grounds. The 9/11 Memorial holds its annual commemoration downtown, with access and traffic around the site affected.

For tennis fans, it's worth knowing that the action is outside Manhattan, so allow time for the ride. The United Nations General Assembly can also bring security changes and traffic around Midtown East.

Crowds, costs and a local tip

After summer's peak, Manhattan usually feels less crowded, and hotel rates can ease compared with July and August. It's still a popular month, though, especially around Labor Day and major events. September is often a better-value choice than peak summer, but don't expect every hotel to be cheap.

Families with school-age children may find the city calmer after Labor Day, once many school routines resume. For a practical shortcut, ride the Staten Island Ferry from Whitehall Terminal: it's free, passes close to the Statue of Liberty and gives you skyline views without paying for a sightseeing cruise.