September in New York: what to do, how to dress, the weather and more!
Are you thinking of traveling to New York in September? Then be sure to check out today’s post! I’ve put together a complete list of useful tips and events to enjoy throughout the month in the city. You’ll find out what the temperature is like during this time, how to dress and much more. Curious? Come and check it out!
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What the weather is like in New York in September
September is probably my favorite month for sightseeing here in New York. It’s a month when the seasons change, so it can have two different kinds of temperatures, but it’s usually mild, unlike summer, which is a bit of a sauna, and winter, when it’s bitterly cold.
Generally speaking, it doesn’t get cold, so you don’t need to worry about coats, boots, etc. At most a denim jacket, a light faux-leather jacket or a sweatshirt is what I usually wear, but towards the end of the month or in some evenings, but again, it doesn’t usually get cold before then, on the contrary. Of course, NY can always surprise you. But it’s still a hot month here, it starts to cool down a bit more “for real” in my opinion from the second half of October.
The beginning of the month is usually warm with lots of sunshine and little rain. During this period, temperatures tend to vary between 20-28 degrees on average according to recent years. It’s the last call to enjoy the city’s summer excitement! In the second half of the month, the weather becomes cooler and more pleasant – autumn is setting in – with temperatures ranging from 17 to 28 degrees Celsius. At the end of the month, temperatures drop or rise and moderate rainfall is more common in this second period. Sometimes it rains and out of nowhere it’s a mild 18 degrees with wind one day and the next it’s 27 degrees again. Then the next day it’s in the low 20s again! September and May are the most uncertain times in my opinion, so when in doubt about what to pack, ALWAYS check the app for the week you’re traveling and consider the temperature.
How to dress in New York in September
As I said above, September and May are the most uncertain times in my opinion, so when in doubt about what to pack, ALWAYS check the app for the week you’re traveling and consider the temperature. But as a general rule, for the first part of the month I recommend packing light, cool clothes such as t-shirts, shorts, sneakers and shorts. As the thermometers are still high, you’ll need comfortable clothes to walk around the parks and enjoy outdoor activities during the day. Despite the heat, it’s always good to take a light jacket so you don’t risk getting cold if the temperature drops a bit one day or if you go somewhere with a lot of wind or strong air conditioning. Of course, some rooftops and restaurants may call for more sophisticated pieces. I always recommend having a wildcard combination for these occasions.
Towards the second half of the month, as the days are still a bit hot but can start and end cooler, especially towards the end of the month, I recommend packing a denim jacket or something light.
Shopping
The beginning of September is a good time to go shopping in New York, as most stores tend to offer great deals for Labor Day. This holiday is celebrated on the first Monday of the month, but the sales already start before then. In addition to the Labor Day discounts, you’ll find lots of cheap products due to the change of collection. I recommend a visit to the Outlets and the city’s major department and discount stores if you want to do a lot of shopping.
As September is still summer here, be sure to check out this post HERE with incredible tips on what to do here at this time of year!
The main events in September in New York
US Open Tennis
US Open is one of the biggest tennis events in the United States and the world. It takes place annually between August and September at Flushing Meadows Corona Park and usually attracts thousands of spectators. In addition to the matches, New York itself has a great party atmosphere: people cheering, live music and lots of entertainment. If you like sports, I highly recommend this experience! But remember, tickets can be very expensive. Secure yours in advance to get the best seats.
How to buy discounted US Open tickets: To get U$20 off your US Open ticket, insert coupon code BLOGNY HERE! Valid for first time customers and for tickets over U$50. Or get U$20 off your first $200 ticket purchase using coupon VS20 HERE!
New York Fashion Week
New York Fashion Week is a very popular event that attracts many designers and personalities from the world of fashion to the city. During the shows, the world’s most famous brands present their new products and trends for the season. It’s incredible! Most of the shows are closed, but find out more here.
If you dream of attending NYFw, I highly recommend checking out DIFAD. They specialize in Fashion Experiences and can help you get tickets to NYFW!
Oktoberfest
Do you like beer and having a good time? Then get your German hat now and enjoy the best of Oktoberfest in New York! The festival – known all over the world – usually starts in mid-September and lasts until October, offering participants plenty of entertainment, games, food and, of course, lots of beer! In addition to the official party at the Watermark Bar (78 South St Pier, 15, New York, NY 10038), several bars in the city celebrate the date with parties and special events. It’s a fun time! Find out more about the official event schedule by clicking here.
Labor Day
Labor Day is an American holiday that always falls on the first Monday in September. As previously mentioned, the date is marked by lots of promotions and discounts in the stores and even a parade in Brooklyn.
SummerStage
September is the last month to enjoy the SummerStage live shows. This festival, which takes place annually in Central Park and other city parks, usually attracts thousands of spectators to its more than 100 free concerts. It starts in June and runs until the end of September. Check out the updated schedule on the official website.
Feast of San Gennaro
The Feast of San Gennaro usually rocks the Little Italy area for 11 days of great food and excitement! The event, which takes place in mid-September, pays homage to the patron saint of Naples, Saint Gennaro, and celebrates Italian culture in one of Manhattan’s most historic neighborhoods. The festival is full of fun attractions, typical food and live shows. It usually takes place along Mulberry Street.
Follow the updated schedule on the official website.
9/11 Memorial Day
9/11 Memorial Day is not a public holiday, but it is an important date for the whole world, especially for those who are in New York, the place where the sad attack of September 11, 2001 took place. On this day, the Memorial area is very busy with authorities, police officers and family and friends of the victims, and if there is an event to pay tribute, it is closed to visitors. On this day, the memorial hosts a program that includes a beautiful tribute of lights that can be seen from almost 90km away.
Visit one of New York’s observatories
This is an experience that everyone should do when traveling here! It’s an incredible experience to see the city from above. On the links below you can buy at a discount and with free cancellation, very useful in case your plans change or the weather isn’t favorable the week of your trip!
- Summit (use the code NYABOUT10OFF to buy with 10% discount)
- Edge (use the code NYABOUT10OFF to buy with 10% discount)
- Empire State Building (use the code NYABOUT10OFF to buy with 10% discount)
- Top of The Rock (use the code NYABOUT10OFF to buy with 10% discount)
- One World Observatory (use the code NYABOUT10OFF to buy with 10% discount)
Another tip is to buy the attraction passes, depending on which one you choose, you’ll have access to 4 of the 5 observatories (The Summit isn’t on the best attraction passes yet – 2024). I recommend either this, this, this or this one.
Walk around the main parks
It may sound cliché, but one of the best things to do during summer in New York is to stroll through the parks. And don’t think I’m just talking about the famous ones like Central Park and Bryant Park! The city is full of green spaces, such as Battery Park, Domino Park, Prospect Park, Riverside Park, Washington Square Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, High Line, Hudson River Park, Madison Square Park, Astoria Park, Gantry Plaza State Park and many others.
During the summer you can take advantage of the warm weather (when it is actually nice and not super humid) in the parks to take photos and enjoy outdoor activities such as cycling, movie nights, running, having a picnic, playing ball and whatever else you prefer! Central Park for example even hosts dance classes and a pickle ball court!
See a Broadway show
And of course, you can’t miss a good Broadway show! Broadway shows are unique and make every trip more special – and escape the heat outside! And for those who don’t want to go because they think it’s too expensive, there are several ways to try and get a discount, click HERE to find out more!
Grab a bite and drinks at one of NYC’s amazing rooftop bars
New York is the place to be at night or at the end of the day on a rooftop, and there’s no shortage of options. Here on the blog there are several posts about rooftops, my favorites are in my New York guide (click HERE to learn more and download) but HERE you can also find a variety of posts on this topic.
Eating in a restaurant by the river
Being a city surrounded by water, it’s common to find some restaurants located right next to New York’s rivers. They are excellent options for a lively happy hour with friends or a dinner for two on a summer day. Some of the most notable are Cecconi’s, The River Cafe and Celestine in Brooklyn; City Winery on Pier 26, The Frying Pan boat in Chelsea, overlooking New Jersey and some of the restaurants at Brookfield Place. In addition, I recommend some in Long Island City, close to the river, such as American Brass and Brooklyn Osteria. I’ve already talked about most of them and many other unmissable restaurants in my New York guide, click HERE to download!
Enjoying a late afternoon in Little Island
Little Island is a “floating park” located on the Hudson River. In addition to the green space, beautiful views of the city and New Jersey, various events take place there all year round! Admission is free. Visit the official website HERE!
Take a cruise
Sailing down the Hudson and East Rivers is an incredible experience, not only because of the wonderful views of Manhattan, but also because the cruise itself is so nice, it’s like treating yourself and going somewhere nice without actually leaving NYC. There are different options such as dinner, lunch and brunch cruises. This one HERE and this one HERE are my favorite ones! Use my code NYABOUT10OFF to get 10% off your booking! But make sure to click HERE for more cruise options!
Are you traveling to NYC? Get my NYC guide now and save time, money and explore the city like a true New Yorker!
What’s inside?
- 16 detailed step-by-step itineraries to explore NYC from morning to evening with all the attractions, shops, spots you can’t miss and restaurants I recommend in each area (organization is key when exploring NYC so don’t worry, I got you!) and much much more. PLUS:
- Travel to and from the airports
- How to use the NYC subway (metro)
- Budget friendly hotels and hostels
- Weather in NYC
- Month by month event calendar
- Store guide
- The best outlets near NYC
- Restaurants you can’t miss in every neighborhood
- NYC FAQ
- NYC with kids (the best things to do and attractions)
- Free attractions you can’t miss
- Extra tips, fun facts, movie and TV shooting locations
- Exclusive discounts for my readers
- “Instagrammable” spots
- Most used Apps in NYC
- Google maps exclusive links, so you can simply use your phone and find the attractions mentioned on the book near you
- Gluten-free and vegan restaurants
- What to do in the winter and summer in NYC
- And much much more!
Get the ebook version HERE (it includes free updates for this edition!)
Get a copy on Amazon HERE!
Discounts in NYC:
Attractions, tours and experiences:
You can book all of the above with a 10% off discount and free cancellation by using my coupon code NYABOUT10OFF HERE!
Where to buy your discount passes for New York attractions:
If you wanna save money on tickets and have plans to visit some of the best attractions, I recommend checking out some of the passes below:
CityPASS at the normal price on the official website HERE!
CityPASS with a 10% discount HERE! (code NYABOUT10OFF)
The Sightseeing DAY PASS at the normal price on the official website HERE! (one of my favorites)
The Sightseeing DAY PASS with a 10% discount HERE(code NYABOUT10OFF) (one of my favorites)
The Sightseeing FLEX Pass at the normal price on the official website HERE! (one of my favorites)
The Sightseeing Flex PASS with a 10% discount HERE (code NYABOUT10OFF) (one of my favorites)
Go City New York Explorer Pass: with a 10% discount HERE! (code NYABOUT10OFF) (one of my favorites)
Go City: The New York Pass with a 10% discount HERE! (code NYABOUT10OFF) (one of my favorites)
How to save money in New York:
Accommodation:
Hotels: Click HERE to check out my post with the best hotels in Queens (super close to Manhattan) and HERE for hotels in NYC in general.
Airport/Hotel Transfer:
Brazilian driver – special discount for my readers: Alex is the blog’s official driver and he offers a special discount on his services when you mention you follow me! You can reach him via text and Whatsapp: (917)6567299 or on instagram HERE
Travel eSims:
I never travel without an international sim card, I ran way too many times into issues with local mobile companies, plus, they are more expensive most of the time. I love that now we can buy digital sim cards, and they are super easy to activate. The two major companies I recommend are:
Airalo: With the code NYANDABOUT10, you receive 10% off HERE!
HolaFly: With the code MARTHASACHSER, you get a discount HERE!
