New York in August - Too Hot?
 

My husband and I are going to plan a long weekend in New York this August and several people have told me how hot it is there at that time. I understand that it's summer and could be in the 90's but that is the same here in Michigan where I live. Is it really that big of a deal? Please advise.

It can be very hot and humid--or not--depends on those freakish shoreline weather patterns. In any case, most places you visit will be blasting the air conditioning.

The worst thing is the lack of breeze and the heat radiating off the buildings.

The only reason many people see it as a big deal is that New York is a walking city -- so you're more aware of the heat than in a car culture.

And of course you're correct -- it's hot just about everywhere in the US in August -- no more so in NYC than anywhere else.

Dress comfortably and enjoy!

Yes it does get hot, but then again with the weather here in NYC this year, it may snow!! It only recently got warm (last week finally hit the 70's and 80's) but we're still having our rainy and cold days and it's the middle of June! I find it hotter in Manhattan than in the other boroughs, so consider taking a day trip outside the city if it gets to be too much.

Two scenarios:
1-It will be wet and chilly (just the way it is now)
2-It will be Hazy Hot & Humid (just the way it always is in August)
We also have some fabulous summer days when it is dry and sunny and a breeze is blowing and everyone plays hookey so they can be outdoors!

I avoid Chinatown in August, the aroma is a little too overpowering for me~

Scarlett is correct...we may not have a summer this year. :-\

Hmm...when I vacationed in Michigan in August of '95, it was freezing!

Its tough to predict but generally the last week to 10 days is better than the beg. of the month. Also, plan your days intelligently--walk early in the am and after 5pm. Plan to eat in an air conditioned place for lunch or do a museum. The Met is great--they have a wonderful sculpture garden on the roof, with amazing views, various noshing spots in the museum and a regular dining room. Likewise, the Natural History Museum (w/o the roof garden).
I would not plan on strolls along 5th ave midday, on the other hand.

I never care how hot it is on vacation. You can dress comfortably and duck into air conditioned stores. And with the kind of weather we're experiencing now, we may never break 70!

Just stay out of the subway - it is positively brutal down there. Try to take buses & taxis.

Yes, the subway can be brutally hot--on the platforms. Most trains are well air conditioned.

We visited last July and as God is my witness it was the hottest I have ever been in my life. No air moving, hot as heck, air you could see and smell, absolutely unbearable. If my son wasn't visiting NY for the first time I would never have left the hotel. Sightseeing was like walking on the Sun. And the smells. We got off the subway in lower Manhattan in midday and I swear that I smelled some smells that I have never in 48 years of living EVER smelled before and never want to smell again. I THOUGH I WAS GOING TO DIE. Hot, I tell you. I have nightmares about that trip. But if you decide to go, have fun!

I too live in Michigan. Someone said earlier the heat from the buildings makes it seem hotter, I agree with that. My son and I usually go in either July or August and it can be like our humid days here. There are plenty of air conditioned placed to go into to cool off. Have a great time.