I'm planning to travel to NY sometime this summer. Either late July- early August OR early Sept (around labor day). How hot and humid will it be? Is there really a difference between these two sets of dates? Thanks for your opinions.

It can get really hot in July and August. We broke 100 several times last year.

Like almost everywhere else in the northeast, August are the dog days in NY. Hold off until September for the more comfortable weather.

If you are referring to Manhattan, the heat and humidity make it very unpleasant in the summer. I have visited the city at all times of the year, and I must say, I think I'd prefer to be there in January during a blizzard than brave the heat of July or August. Part of the charm of the city is being able to walk, and with heat like that, it is just not possible to go far without needing a shower. Unless you plan to stay inside the whole trip (which would be a shame) or simply dart from your hotel to a cab, I'd pick another time of year. May and October are the traditional "best months" to visit.

the 3 H's - Hazy, Hot and Humid. Ny can be quite uncomfortable in July and August.

The weather can also be beautiful in August. I'd lay the odds 25% very hot and humid, 50% bearably warm, 25% beautiful.

Good luck!

Frankly, I don't think there would be that much variation between your two possible travel dates. Labor Day is too early in September to count on cooler days - and as earlier posters have mentioned, summer weather here runs the gamut, but can be oppresive. (This week alone, we've had cool days that barely broke 60, today is hot & humid, tomorrow is expected to be in the 90's. Not easy to pack for!)

In the dog days, life here may slow down somewhat, but doesn't come to a halt - people (sob) go to work, go out, etc. July and August are prime time for outdoor concerts and the other things that make life in the big city worthwhile (for me, anyway.) I think a rewarding visit can be had, if you have realistic expectations of what can be accomplished on the hottest days. (Sample itinerary: a nice, cool museum, followed by a shady park bench, and finally collapse in your icy-cold hotel room. What more could a person want?) Good luck, whatever you decide.

I loved Helen's post and she is so right, it's HOT here sometimes during the summer, but that is part of the "charm" of the city. We are after all RIGHT on the coast so you can find cool spots, like Coney Island, or better still Jones Beach and our favorite Fire Island.

You can take the train (which we do almost everyweekend) out of Penn Station out to Long Island and then hop in a cab to the Ferry over to the island. We go to the Sunken Forest which is beautiful and the beach on Fire Island is wonderful during the hot days in the city.

There are LOADS of tourists all over the city during the summer, and the Theatre is running with lots of new shows for the season.

So come and have a great time.

gail

Hot town, summer in the city, back of my neck gettin dirt and gritty..." Can hardly wait for NYC in August.

Hey, don't encourage the tourists. We like having the City to ourselves in the summer!