The climate of New York City, located at the mouth of the Hudson River on the Atlantic coast of the United States, is classified as humid subtropical (Köppen Cfa) with borderline humid continental characteristics (Köppen Dfa). This classification reflects the city's warm, humid summers, relatively mild winters, and year‑round precipitation.
Geographical Influences
- Proximity to the Atlantic Ocean moderates temperature extremes, providing warmer winter nights and cooler summer days compared with inland locations at similar latitudes.
- Urban Heat Island Effect raises average nighttime temperatures by 1–3 °C (2–5 °F) relative to surrounding suburban and rural areas, particularly during summer.
- Topography is largely flat, with the boroughs situated on coastal plain and low‑lying islands, limiting orographic precipitation.
Temperature
| Month (Average) | High (°F/°C) | Low (°F/°C) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 39 °F (4 °C) | 26 °F (‑3 °C) |
| July | 84 °F (29 °C) | 70 °F (21 °C) |
- Annual mean temperature: approximately 57 °F (14 °C).
- Record high: 106 °F (41 °C) on July 3, 1936.
- Record low: –15 °F (‑26 °C) on February 9, 1918.
Precipitation
- Annual total: about 49 inches (1,240 mm), fairly evenly distributed throughout the year.
- Monthly averages range from 3.5 inches (89 mm) in February to 5.0 inches (127 mm) in July.
- Snowfall: averages 25–30 inches (64–76 cm) per winter season, with occasional heavy snowstorms (e.g., the “Blizzard of ’96”).
Seasonal Characteristics
- Spring (March–May): Gradual warming, with increasing precipitation and occasional late‑season snow.
- Summer (June–August): Hot and humid; thunderstorms are common, and heat‑wave conditions can be amplified by the urban heat island.
- Autumn (September–November): Mild temperatures and decreasing humidity; foliage coloration is notable in surrounding parks and boroughs.
- Winter (December–February): Cool to cold, with a mix of rain, sleet, and snow; sea‑derived moisture contributes to occasional coastal snow squalls.
Climate Trends
Observations from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) indicate a modest upward trend in both average temperature (≈0.5 °C/0.9 °F per decade since the mid‑20th century) and precipitation intensity, consistent with broader regional patterns attributed to climate change. However, specific attribution to local factors versus global trends remains the subject of ongoing research.