Things To Do in NYC this Summer
Planning a summer in NYC? Our wonderful city offers you a world of things to do, but some are best enjoyed when the weather is hot. Read our guide of the best things to do in NY in the summer - whether you’re trying to get out of the heat or make the most of the sun!
Is New York good to visit in summer?
New York can have a reputation for sweltering summer heat waves, but there are some summer activities in New York that are just too good to miss! With the right preparation, New York has plenty to offer in the hotter months - and you’re not a true New Yorker if you haven’t seen the city in all of its amazing seasons.
What is the hottest month in NYC?
How hot does it get in New York? Pretty hot! Our summers tend to see temperatures between 68°F (20°C) and 93°F (34°C).
This doesn’t limit the fun summer activities in New York that you can do - you can enjoy the warmer weather without feeling too overwhelmed with an itinerary that works around the weather.
How hot does it get in New York’s city center?
If you’re out all day on foot amidst NYC’s pavement, you will find the temperature far above the forecast with midtown Manhattan’s sea of asphalt and concrete absorbing the sun’s heat. That’s why true New Yorkers try to find the best things to do in NYC in the summer that don’t involve soaking in the heat from above and below all the time - save your walking around for later in the evening or for a cooler month!
NYC Summer Night Activities
When it’s hot out, New York really comes alive at night when there’s a cooler temperature and magic in the air. Here’s some fun ways to enjoy summer in NYC at night - the best time to see the city lights!
Shakespeare in the Park
What better thing to do on a hot day in NYC than to hear the immortal words of Shakespeare? The open-air Delacorte Theater in Central Park has hosted free productions of Shakespeare’s works since 1962 for all to enjoy. Famous actors have also made an appearance - Meryl Streep and Denzel Washington, for example, have taken part! The Delacorte is closed for the 2024 season as renovations are underway, but Shakespeare in the Park will return for summer 2025!
NYC Night Markets
One of the amazing NYC summer night activities to do is enjoy the various markets that appear!
The Queens Night Market, an open-air night market in Queens with more than 100 vendors with food, drink, art and more, also offers cultural performances that celebrate the history of the area.
There’s also the Bronx Night Market, Uptown Night Market, Brooklyn Night Market, and more recently the Chinatown Night Market. There’s themed markets such as the Vegan Night Market and the Latin Night Market too!
Family Activities for Summer in NYC
Looking for ideas of what to do in the summer in New York when you’ve got all your family with you? Here are our best New York summer activities for families!
Luna Park in Coney Island
Ice cream by the water sounds delightfully refreshing in the New York summer heat - and entertainment for all the family as well? Luna Park amusement park in Coney Island has it all!
There’s rides for the adventurous sort, and less scary thrills for younger visitors who are more interested in candy and games. You can spend hours here enjoying traditional amusement park activities in the sun and keep cool by taking a dip in the water when it gets too hot.
NYC Beaches
If you’re really wanting to escape a hot day in NYC, you can visit one of the city’s many beaches for one of New York’s traditional summer activities. From Coney Island Beach to Manhattan Beach Park and more, there are stretches of sand and pebblestone all along the south side of the city and outer city limits. Spend the day enjoying the waterfront and then come back into town when it’s cooler in the evening.
RiseNY
When the heat is just too much but you don’t want to miss out on seeing the best of the city’s history and culture, RiseNY is one of the best things to do in NYC in the summer. You can visit during the day or the evening to escape the heat of the city but still enjoy a trip through the Big Apple’s most memorable cultural moments and historical changes.
Walk around exhibits from some of the best New York museums all in one place, meaning you don’t have to walk down the hot sidewalks to see everything you want to see! From amazing historical artefacts and memorabilia from the entire history of New York to an immersive ride over the skyline of New York, you won’t miss out on seeing the best of the city!
Book your tickets for our three-in-one experience now!
