New York City Weather in October
October in New York City brings pleasant temperatures, with highs of 19°C (66°F) and nights dropping to 12°C (54°F). Rainfall is on the higher side this month, averaging around 109 mm (4.3 in), so keep a rain jacket handy.
Rainfall in New York City in October
Expect around 11 days of rain based on historical data, with 109 mm (4.3 in) average. When it rains this month, it tends to come down fairly heavily. Showers can be substantial even if they don't last all day.
Temperature in New York City in October
Daytime temperatures in New York City reach 19°C (66°F) in October, dropping to 12°C (54°F) at night. The difference between afternoon and evening temperatures is usually noticeable. At 12°C (54°F) overnight, it can feel quite a bit cooler after dark. Worth packing something warmer for evenings, but the cooler temperatures are ideal for sleeping.
Sunshine in New York City in October
The days are predominantly sunny, with an estimated total of around 213 hours of sunshine. These sun-filled days are perfect for playing sports, visiting parks, or going for a bike ride.
Wind Speed in New York City in October
Average wind conditions reach 5 m/s (10 knots) in October. This creates lively weather with fresh winds that make small trees sway noticeably. Remember this is an average: some days are less windy while others have particularly active windy conditions.
Average water temperature in October
The water temperature is 16°C (61°F) — chilly, but perfectly fine for a swim if you're not too sensitive to cold water. A short wetsuit can make longer sessions more comfortable.If your ideal day consists of dry skies and pleasant temperatures, September typically offers the best circumstances for New York City.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the United States of America, check out our New York City's climate page.
New York City Temperature in October
Min Temperature
12°C (54°F)
Max Temperature
19°C (66°F)
Water Temperature
16°C (61°F)
Chance of Rain
37%
Precipitation
109 mm (4.3 in)
Rainy days
11 days
Humidity
66%
Windspeed
5 m/s (10 knots)
Sunshine
213 hours
Percentage Sunshine
61%
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in New York City typically drop from around 21°C (70°F) at the start of October to approximately 16°C (61°F) by the end. Nights are cool, with lows typically ranging from 8°C (46°F) to 14°C (57°F).
Average temperatures in October
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in October
Historical weather for New York City in October
Browse day-by-day weather records for New York City spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
New York City historical weather extremes in October
Based on weather observations in New York City between 1976 and 2025, these are the recorded extremes during October.
- The hottest October day on record in New York City reached 31°C (88°F) (October 8, 2007).
- New York City experienced its chilliest October day on October 27, 1976, reaching only 6°C (43°F).
- The lowest overnight temperature recorded in October was -1°C (30°F) (October 23, 1997).
Best Places in the United States of America in October
Find out more about the weather in the United States of America and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of the United States of America in October →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
What to Wear in New York City in October
For New York City in October, you'll want flexible clothing. It's wise to pack cotton shirts, comfortable shorts, and a pair of jeans for cooler evenings. A light sweater or jacket is useful for air-conditioned spaces (like buses) or unexpected cool moments. High rain levels are expected, so pack waterproof gear and an umbrella or poncho. Expect water temperatures of around 16°C (61°F), which is definitely too cold for comfortable swimming. Your luggage space is better used for other items. And with plenty of sunshine hours, don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen, and maybe a sun hat.What To Do in New York City in October
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the United States of America, check out our New York City's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp
See the full New York City climate overview or explore weather in the United States of America.
