New York is an incredible city, and every season has its own appeal. Summer in New York is very hot and humid, and it’s also one of the busiest times for tourists. This post will help you figure out what to wear in New York in summer.
In this post you will find:
Weather in New York in summer
Visiting New York in summer (June–September) has its benefits. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the city outdoors, with lots of free activities like movies in Bryant Park, concerts, picnics in Central Park, and longer daylight hours.
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Temperature: Usually between 25°C and 30°C (77°F–86°F), with many humid days.
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July and August are the hottest months.
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During heat waves, temperatures can exceed 32–35°C (90–95°F).
What to wear in New York in summer
CLOTHING
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T-shirts. I recommend bringing light-colored T-shirts made of breathable fabrics. It’s best to pack basic colors that you can easily mix and match. You can bring several sleeveless tops like these and pair them with different skirts or pants.
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Shorts and skirts. Stick to basic colors so you can mix and match with your tops. Midi skirts like this or denim shorts are easy to style with sneakers. Another item I love and find super comfortable for summer travel is skorts like these.
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Dresses: Bring 1 or 2 long dresses, perfect for summer evenings. You can also pack a satin skirt for a more elegant night out, like going to the theater.
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Pants. Bring 1 or 2 lightweight long pants, like cargo styles. Some nights can get cooler, so you’ll need them.
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Light jacket. A light jacket like this one is great for cooler evenings or indoor places with strong air conditioning. A denim jacket also works well.
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Socks
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Underwear
FOOTWEAR
- Sneakers. One of the most important things for your summer trip to New York is the sneakers you’ll be walking in every day. Bring a pair you’ve already worn and that you can style with multiple outfits. I personally love Adidas Samba or Salomon ones if you’re looking for something more sporty.
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Sandals. Perfect for very hot days, as long as you keep in mind that you’ll be walking A LOT. I always recommend a pair of Birckenstock sandals—they adapt to your feet and are extremely comfortable for walking while keeping you cool all day.
ACCESORIES
- Caps: Essential for sun protection. They also add a stylish touch to any outfit!
- Sunglasses
- Crossbody bag or tote bag: Small, lightweight, and secure for moving around the city while keeping your hands free.
- Small umbrella
TOILETRIES
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Toiletries. Remember that in carry-on luggage, only containers up to 100 ml are allowed. The easiest solution is to use silicone travel bottles like these, which you can refill with your products.
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Cosmetics and makeup
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Toothbrush and toothpaste
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Deodorant
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Sunscreen
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Medications
ELECTRONICS AND OTHERS
- Portable charger: A must-have if you’ll be out all day.
- Universal adapter: Another travel essential. There are very affordable universal adapters like this that work in most countries
- Phone and headphones
- Water bottle/thermos: I always bring a reusable water bottle like this. In New York during summer, staying hydrated is essential, so you can refill it throughout the day.
What to pack in your carry-on or personal item
In your carry-on bag—whether it’s a backpack or a purse—you should pack everything you’ll need during the flight. Some things I usually bring are:
- Documents
- Wallet
- Toiletry pouch: moisturizer, toothbrush, hairbrush, lip balm, and sunscreen
- Glasses
- Book
- Reusable water bottle
- Snacks
- Headphones
- Phone charger
- Camera
Tips for traveling to New York in summer
- Light layers: Pairing a breezy top with a light jacket helps you adapt to changing temperatures.
- Light colors: They reflect sunlight and help keep you cool.
- Versatile outfits: Shorts or skirts that match multiple tops will save space in your suitcase.
- Comfortable shoes: You’ll be walking a lot in New York, so prioritize comfort over style.
- Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen
Some New York summer outfits:
Other posts about New York:
- Where to stay in New York: best areas and hotels
- Is the New York Pass worth it?
- Cheap hotels near Times Square
- New York attraction passes comparison
- New York winter packing list
- Best things to do in New York City
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