Fall in New York City, roughly September through November, brings a gradual cooldown from summer’s heat toward winter’s chill, along with some of the most pleasant and most photographed weather of the year.
The Temperature Slide
September often still carries summer-like warmth, with highs frequently in the 70s and occasional 80s early in the month. By late October, highs have typically settled into the 50s and 60s, and by November the region sees its first real taste of winter cold, with the first frost of the season usually arriving sometime in that month across most of the five boroughs.
Peak Foliage
Fall foliage in the city’s parks and in the wider Hudson Valley region typically peaks in mid-to-late October, though the exact timing shifts from year to year depending on temperature and rainfall patterns through the preceding weeks. Central Park, Prospect Park, and the Bronx’s larger green spaces are popular spots for viewing the color change.
The Tail End of Hurricane Season
Atlantic hurricane season officially runs through November 30, and while a direct hurricane strike on New York City is historically rare, the region has felt major impacts from tropical systems and their remnants, including widespread flooding and damage during storms like Sandy in 2012 and heavy rainfall from the remnants of Ida in 2021. Fall is the season to keep half an eye on tropical outlooks, particularly for anyone in coastal or flood-prone neighborhoods.
Getting Ready for Winter
Fall is also the practical season to prepare for what’s ahead: servicing heating systems, checking weatherstripping on windows and doors, and keeping a basic emergency kit ready in case of an early season storm. The transition from fall to winter can happen quickly once the first sustained cold snap arrives.
Our Fall & Autumn Weather section covers foliage updates and any tropical systems that could affect the area.