What October feels like in New York
For New York, October is the heart of autumn. Mild afternoons make it easy to spend hours outdoors. After dark the temperature drops clearly: nights are cool. Moist air is typical, yet it seldom feels heavy at this time of year.
Rain in New York in October
It is a changeable month: rain comes about one day in 3, with dry spells in between. Rainy days are intense, averaging about 12.9 mm (0.5 in) — downpours rather than drizzle. That is heavier than New York's usual 10 mm per rainy day across the year. It is among the three wettest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in October
Mid-month, New York gets 11 h 12 min of daylight, from sunrise near 7:06 am to sunset near 6:18 pm. Compared with mid-September, the day has lost 1 h 20 min. Measured sunshine covers about 70% of the daylight — there are plenty of bright spells.
How October compares to the rest of the year
In New York's temperature order, October sits as the 6th warmest month. Against September, the average high is 6.1°C (11°F) lower, with 12 mm more rain. The cooling trend carries on into November. November averages a high of 11.7°C (53.1°F).
Who October suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — comfortable enough to explore on foot all day.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — comfortable for long walks and picnics.
- Beach: less ideal — too many rainy days.
Tips for visiting New York in October
Versatile Layers
Mornings and evenings are cooler than midday, so dress in layers.
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Sunglasses
Bright days make sunglasses worth packing.
Quick questions
How warm is New York in October?
Afternoons average 18.3°C (64.9°F) and nights about 10.3°C (50.5°F) — mild by most people's standards. It is the 6th warmest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in New York in October?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about one day in 3 and totals about 116 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in New York in October?
The numbers point to versatile layers, rain protection and sunglasses. Add a layer for after dark.
Is October or November better for visiting New York?
October scores better on our climate ranking (#2 of 12 vs #8), rated Great against Fair. November is cooler and has fewer rainy days.