NYC in July
The hottest weeks, afternoon storms and the free concert season.
Month guide
New York in August: the US Open and the last of summer
August is the last full month of summer and one of the busiest: hot days, warm evenings and the US Open arriving at Flushing Meadows. Plan outdoor time for the morning and keep an indoor option for the afternoon.
Typical high / low84°F / 68°F (29°C / 20°C)
Rain daysAbout 10 a month
CrowdsVery busy
What's onThe US Open from late August; Restaurant Week to mid-August
DaylightAbout 13¾ hours
Checked 2 November 2026. Prices, opening hours and transport details were verified against official sources. Things change — confirm before you book. How we check.
The short version
High summer, with a tennis tournament attached
August keeps July's heat but begins to lose its light. The month's identity is the US Open, which fills Queens in the final week, and the slow shift toward the calmer days of September.
Average highs sit around 84°F (29°C) with lows near 68°F (20°C). Daylight is down to about thirteen and three-quarter hours by the end of the month, and the first hints of an easier season appear in the evenings.
The US Open starts in the last week of August at Flushing Meadows, and Restaurant Week runs until mid-August. If tennis is not your reason, use the month for early-morning park walks, the waterfront and the museums at their coolest.
Weather
What August weather feels like
Hot and humid, with warm evenings and occasional afternoon storms.
| Measure | Typical |
|---|---|
| Average high | 84°F (29°C) |
| Average low | 68°F (20°C) |
| Rain days | About 10 a month |
| Daylight | About 13¾ hours |
| What it feels like | Hot and humid, with warm evenings and occasional afternoon storms. |
| Best use | Early outdoor mornings and indoor afternoons; Flushing for the tennis. |
What's on
What is on in August
The US Open arrives and the summer programme begins to wind down.
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From late August — The US Open
The tennis arrives at Flushing Meadows in the final week of the month (2026: 30 August–13 September). Grounds passes are the affordable way in; check the official site for current dates.
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Until mid-August — Restaurant Week
The summer edition of prix-fixe menus runs into mid-August.
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All month — Free summer concerts
The summer concert season runs through August; check the programmes for the final shows.
How to spend it
How to spend an August day
Early outdoors, indoors in the heat of the day, then out again for the warm evening.
Morning
A park walk early
Start by 8am; the park is cool and quiet before the day heats up.
Afternoon
Indoors
Museums, the library or a long lunch; the hottest hours are best spent inside.
Evening
Queens or the waterfront
Take the 7 train to Flushing for the tennis, or head to Brooklyn Bridge Park for the sunset.
Practical
August planning notes
August is very busy, with summer holidays continuing and the US Open adding a specific surge in Queens. Book hotels early and expect the big sights to be at capacity.
Light summer clothing, sunscreen, a hat and a water bottle, plus a light layer for air conditioning. A small umbrella for afternoon storms.
Other months
The rest of the year
NYC in September
Warm days, the fewest rain days and thinner crowds.
When to visit New York
Weather averages, events and holiday trade-offs across the year.
Questions
Month questions
Is August a good time to visit New York?
It is hot and busy, but it is also when the US Open arrives and the summer calendar is still full. Plan around the heat and book ahead.
How hot is New York in August?
Average highs are around 84°F (29°C) and lows around 68°F (20°C), with high humidity and occasional afternoon storms.
When is the US Open?
The tournament typically starts in the last week of August; the 2026 edition runs 30 August–13 September. Check the official site for current dates and tickets.
What is on in August?
The US Open from late August, the final weeks of Restaurant Week and the summer concert season.