Things to do in New York

Plan your trip to New York in August with this guide

Last Updated:

New York, often dubbed "the city that never sleeps," epitomizes diversity with its vibrant tapestry of cultures. Its relentless pace mirrors the energetic spirit of its inhabitants, who hail from all corners of the globe. Affectionately referred to as "The Big Apple," the city boasts an iconic skyline, tantalizing street cuisine, upscale dining establishments, extensive subway networks, a thriving fashion scene, and unparalleled shopping opportunities. Navigating through its labyrinth of skyscrapers and bustling streets offers an unmatched urban adventure. As August arrives, the scorching summer temperatures gradually subside, rendering the city ideal for exploration. With a myriad of festivals and events dotting the August calendar, New Yorkers truly embrace the summer heat with gusto.

What Makes New York in August Special?


new york in august

In August, New York City becomes a haven for tourists, thanks to its sunny skies and a plethora of events. While locals may escape the city for vacations, the streets remain bustling with visitors, filling attractions and shopping spots. The radiant weather invites leisurely sunbathing sessions in Central Park or by the beaches. To beat the heat, adventurous souls can opt for jet skiing along the Hudson River or embark on a refreshing river cruise. The month is ripe with outdoor festivities, concerts, rooftop soirées, and exhilarating cycling expeditions. Sports enthusiasts can catch the excitement of baseball season with games featuring the New York Yankees or Mets. With an abundance of activities and sights, a trip to New York City in August promises an unforgettable and enchanting experience.

New York Weather in August


August in New York City marks the tail end of summer, as the city begins its gradual shift towards the cooler days of September. Typically, the weather is characterized by mostly sunny and pleasant conditions, although it can still be quite hot and humid. Daytime temperatures can soar up to 27°C, while evenings cool down to around 19°C after sunset. Humidity levels vary between 50% to 75% throughout the day. Rainfall is infrequent, with less than 10 days of expected precipitation in the month. However, there is a possibility of a few thunderstorms occurring during this time.

New York in August : Things to Do


1

Central Park

new york in august


Central Park, with its rolling green lawns, and numerous trees, ponds and sculptures, offers a refreshing contrast to the concrete jungle that is New York City. In August, the park is perfect to take a stroll in, cycle or just laze around on the lawns, sunbathing. Several summer concerts and shows are held in the park in August, that is worth checking out.

August Timings
Daily: 6 AM - 1 AM

2

9/11 Memorial & Museum

new york in august


Pay a tribute to the victims of the horrible terrorist attack by visiting the 9/11 Memorial. The memorial consists of twin pools, with the names of all the victims of the attack inscribed on the walls, and is located where the original twin towers used to stand.

August Timings
Daily: 7:30 AM - 9 PM (Memorial)
Sun - Thu: 9 AM - 8 PM. Last Entry at 6 PM (Memorial Museum)
Fri - Sat: 9 AM - 9 PM. Last Entry at 7 PM (Memorial Museum)

Location

Z180 Greenwich Street, New York,
NY 10007, USA
Getting There ›

3

Empire State Building

new york in august


A visit to NYC is incomplete without riding up to the top of one of New York’s most iconic skyscrapers, the Empire State Building. The open-air observatory on the 86th floor gives you panoramic views of the city. Enjoy the warm summer breeze as you let the views of the sunset and the sprawling stretch of Manhattan mesmerize you.

August Timings
9 AM - 12 AM

Location

20 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001,
USA
Getting There ›

4

Gulliver’s Gate

new york in august


Want to feel tall? Get a glimpse of what Gulliver’s world, from the classic children’s tale, was like at Gulliver’s Gate, the latest addition to New York City’s list of attractions. The setup contains interactive miniature versions of some of the most iconic landmarks in the world, that is sure to delight you.

August Timings
Daily: 10 AM to 8 PM

Location

216 W 44th St, New York,
NY 10036, USA
Getting There ›

5

Circle Line NYC Landmarks Cruise

new york in August


Hop on a luxurious cruise boat that takes you through all of New York City’s boroughs, and attractions, with an audio guide explaining each attraction. From the Statue of Liberty to the Yankee Stadium, this tour ensures you do not miss any of the city’s famous bridges, landmarks, and monuments.

August Timings
Daily: 10 am, 12 pm & 1.30 pm

new york in august

Pier 83, West 42nd Street , New York City
USA
Getting There ›

6

A Day Trip to Niagara Falls

new york in august


Take a break from the hustle and bustle of New York City to marvel at one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, the Niagara Falls, where you can indulge in cycling, boating, hiking and more. You can also take a stroll through the Niagara Falls State Park and relax amidst nature.

August Timings
Guided Tours from NYC to Niagara Falls start at 4:00 am

7

Catch a Broadway Show

new york in august


A Broadway show is a must-watch, whether you’re a theatre fan or not. Many of the shows are award-winning, and feature artists with phenomenal talent. From drama to children’s musicals, there are a plethora of shows for you to choose from, and you can be sure your mind will be blown away no matter which shows you watch.

August Timings
Timings Vary Depending On The Show & Availability

Location

Theater District New York, NY
USA
Getting There ›

8

Statue of Liberty

new york in august


Standing between the states of New York and New Jersey on the Hudson River, the Statue of Liberty is more than just an architectural marvel; it is a symbol of freedom and hope. Head up to the crown of the statue for panoramic views of the skyline of both cities, and explore Liberty Island and Ellis Island for a better understanding of the history of the city.

August Timings
Daily: 11:30 AM onwards
Ferry Timings: 8:30 AM to 5 PM (every 25–30 minutes approximately)

new york in august

New York, NY 10004,
USA
Getting There ›

9

Whitney Museum of American Art

New York in july


The Whitney Museum of American Art is dedicated to American Art from the 20th century. With over 21000 paintings, sculptures and artwork by over 3000 artists, the museum attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. The building itself is an architectural marvel with exhibits spread over 9 floors. Some of the exhibits include works by Marsden Hartley, Andy Warhol, Edward Hopper and more.

August Timings
Daily 10.30 AM to 6 PM.
Closed on Tuesdays

new york in august

99 Gansevoort St, New York,
New York, USA
Getting There ›

New York in August : Events to Look Out For


new york in august

Restaurant Week 2022

July 24 - August 20, 2023
The NYC Restaurant Week takes place twice a year, offering locals and tourists the opportunity to indulge in first-class food at reasonable prices. If you’re a foodie, you’ll want to register for this event as early as possible, as there are hundreds of the hottest and newest restaurants participating, giving you the chance to try delicious food at a discounted price.

new york in august

Harlem Week

August 9 - August 16, 2023
Harlem Week is a festival that celebrates and promotes the uniqueness of African-American, Caribbean, Hispanic and European culture, history, arts, religion, entertainment and sports. The festival sees millions of people every year and hosts different events spread across the month. This year’s theme is “INSPIRATION, IMPACT, LEGACY”.

new york in august

Live Concerts

All of August
Catch all your favourite artists play in New York this August! Some of the biggest names in the music industry like, 50 Cents, Jonas Brothers, Goo Goo Dolls, Snoop Dog, The Lumineers, Alter Bridge, Lamb Of God and many more, are hitting multiple stages all over New York!

new york in august

U.S Open Tennis Tournament

August 28 - September 10, 2023
The U.S Open Tennis Tournament is one of the most prestigious events in tennis. It is held annually at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City, and is the culmination of the US Open Series – a collection of hard court tournaments leading up to the US Open.

NYC in August: 5-day Itinerary


NYC August Essentials


?

LanguageEnglish

?

Time zoneGMT-4

☎

Country Code917 | 212 | 718

?

Socket Type A & B

?

CurrencyDollar ($)

New York Weather in August

In August, New York City typically experiences predominantly sunny and humid weather. At the start of the month, temperatures tend to stay quite warm, gradually cooling down to around 20-22°C by month's end. As the days progress towards the end of August, the weather becomes milder and less humid. While rainfall can occur, it is generally minimal, with thunderstorms observed on fewer than three days throughout the month.

Where to Stay in August

  • Luxury: Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown, The Dominick, Loews Regency New York Hotel
  • Mid–Range: Park Central Hotel New York, Candlewood Suites New York City, Hotel St. James, The Jane
  • Hostel: The Brooklyn Riviera Hostel, Broadway Hotel & Hostel

What to Pack in August

As the weather in August is hot and humid, it is a good idea to pack clothing appropriate for summer. Pack light clothing, like sundresses, shorts, and cotton tees. Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen and sunglasses. There may be a few rainy days as well, so pack a raincoat or an umbrella. Walking shoes are recommended to comfortably explore the city on foot.

Getting Around New York in August

  • MTA – Subway and Buses:The New York City rail and bus system is one of the most well-connected transportation systems in the world. Running throughout the five boroughs of the city, the buses and the trains are frequent and operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, making it one of the most convenient ways of travelling around the city.
  • Cab: The city’s fleet of yellow taxicabs and green Boro Taxis are licensed and regulated by the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission. Cabs make for a convenient option if constantly having to switch trains or buses does not appeal to you.
  • Bike: Many bike rental services are available throughout the city, offering you a low-cost option of travelling the city at your own pace.

New York in August: Seasonal Delicacies


new york in august
Pizza

New Yorkers love their pizza. The pizza here is served with a thin crust topped with sweet marinara sauce flecked with heaps of oregano and a generous hand of mozzarella. Make sure you pick up a slice at any of the street-side restaurants.
Where to eat: Di Fara Pizza

new york in august
Cheesecake

How could you expect to leave New York without trying at least one of the many famous sandwiches? The BEC, or the bacon, egg and cheese sandwich is a breakfast staple in New York. You can also try it after a night of heavy drinking.
Where to eat: Junior’s Cheesecake

new york in augsut
Pastrami

Pastrami on rye is about as “New York” as it gets. The pastrami sandwich, complete with a pile of hand-carved beef pastrami, yellow mustard, and freshly baked rye bread is a must-eat in New York City.
Where to eat: Katz’s Delicatessen

new york in august
Falafel

Falafel, or fried chickpea fritters, is another one of New Yorkers’ favourite dishes. The Middle Eastern dish is often served with tahini, fresh veggies and pita.
Where to eat: Mamoun’s Falafel

new york in August
Hotdogs

Another dish famous in New York City is hot dogs. Traditionally made of ground pork, beef or both, these frankfurter-style sausages are flavoured with garlic, mustard and nutmeg before being encased, cured, smoked and cooked. Pick up a hotdog at the street carts on city corners.
Where to eat: Gray’s Papaya

Tips for Visiting New York in August


  • Flight tickets and hotels are likely to cost more in August, so be sure to book them in advance.
  • Download the map of the NYC subway to easily navigate the subway system.
  • It is cheaper and more convenient to buy a MetroCard, which can be used for both, the buses and the trains if you’re staying for more than 3 days.
  • The Bryant Park Summer Film Festival of New York will show movies on a giant screen in Bryant Park every Monday at sunset from July to August. You can sit in front of the giant screen with your blanket and picnic opens at 5 pm. Then, movies start usually between 8 and 9 pm.
  • If you’re a tennis fan, head over to Flushing Meadow to watch the US Open Tennis Tournament, from August 26th to September 8th 2019.
  • There are several music concerts taking place at Barclays Center, Madison Square Garden and Jones Beach Theater throughout August, that you can check out. Madison Square Garden offers an All Access Tour where you can see behind the scenes.

Discover New York Through The Year


Jan
new york in august
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
new york in august
Jul
Aug
Sep
new york in august
Oct
Nov
Dec

FAQs


What is the weather like in New York in August?

The weather in New York in August is hot and humid. The average temperature is around 82 degrees Fahrenheit (28 degrees Celsius). There are often thunderstorms in August, so be sure to pack an umbrella!

What are the things to do in New York in August?

There's no shortage of things to do in New York City during the summer months, and August is no exception. Whether you're looking toBeat the heat with some cool indoor activities, enjoy the outdoors at one of the city's many parks or beaches, or take in some culture at a museum or Broadway show, there's something for everyone in NYC during August.

What should I pack for New York in August?

New York in August can be hot, humid, and sticky. Be sure to pack light and airy clothing that you can layer. A light sweater or jacket is also a good idea for cooler evenings. Comfortable shoes are a must as you'll likely be doing a lot of walking.

What are the best events in New York in August?

Some of the best events in New York during August include the US Open, Restaurant Week 2022 and Harlem Week.

Is New York in August crowded?

New York is one of the most populous cities in the United States, so it is no surprise that it can be quite crowded during the summer months. However, August is not typically as busy as some of the other months like June or July. If you are looking to avoid large crowds, you may want to visit New York during a different time of year.