New York is the city that never, ever sleeps and always remains as tourist-friendly as ever. In August, The Big Apple comes alive with new vigor in its spirit as summer gradually comes to an end, and so does the peak tourist season.
The prices drop significantly across the city, but the streets, sightseeing spots, eateries, and shopping centers are still abuzz with enthusiastic crowds. But at the same time, many residents of the city choose to fly out to cooler coastlines or go for a countryside escapade, making NYC less crowded than usual. August is one of the most ideal months to take outdoor trips in NYC as well or go for outdoor festivals, jet skiing, river cruises, or open-arena sporting events.
Weather in New York City in August
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August is among the hottest months in New York City. As the summer season draws to an end and the city prepares for a lovely fall and winter, the mercury peaks one last time. The average temperature in New York City during August remains at 82-83 degrees Fahrenheit (27-28 degrees Celsius). The weather cools off after the sunset, and during the night, the mean temperature stays around 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius).
Along with the temperature, the weather in NYC during August is also quite humid. One can expect 19-21 days of sunlight and 7-9 days of rainfall. Therefore, you will have to be ready for the possibility of sudden and unexpected showers and pack accordingly.
What to Pack to Visit New York City in August
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If you are visiting in early August, it is best to pack light, breathable, and loose-fitting clothes that you are comfortable in. Also, carry hats, sunglasses, and use sunscreen to protect yourself from the heat of the sun at all times.
It is best to keep an umbrella or a raincoat handy - whichever you prefer - since rainfalls are sudden in August and can be pretty heavy as well. Towards the end of August, you can expect a bit of chill in the air, for which a light jacket should suffice.
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One simply cannot miss the attraction that Central Park is when they are in New York. The park spreads across 843 acres and has multiple attractions that you can visit. The Central Park Zoo, Central Park Carousel, Bethesda Terrace, Delacorte Theatre, Hallett Nature Sanctuary, Ramble and Lake, Conservatory Garden, Loeb Boathouse, Belvedere Castle, and the iconic Ice Skating Rink are among the best things to see in Central Park.
However, there is nothing quite as enjoyable as simply sitting on the grass and soaking in the sun, listening to some good music, or reading a book. You can also rent a bike and take a tour around the park instead of walking. A horsecar ride at Central Park is as cliched and touristy as it can get, but you might as well enjoy one while you are there anyway.
Address: New York, NY, United States Hours: Everyday - 06:00 AM to 01:00 AM
2. Have a day out at an NYC beach
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August is hot in New York City, and one great way to escape that is to plan a day at the beach. There are a number of them scattered all around Manhattan - all you need to do is pack a bag with the right stuff and set off early to get yourself a good vantage point to settle in. Manhattan Beach, Coney Island, Brighton Beach, Cedar Grove Beach, Rockaway Beach, Jacob Riis Park Beach, and Fort Tilden Beach are among the best.
If you are looking for a more secluded location, Wolfe’s Pond Beach in Staten Island is a hidden gem that you might want to explore. Some of these beaches have a lovely, long promenade for you to walk and relax, while others are more adventure and beach sport-oriented. Get ready to swim, surf, kayak, jet ski, or play volleyball if you are activity-minded, or simply lay down for a sunbathing session.
3. Catch a Broadway show
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A visit to New York is incomplete for the theatre-lovers without attending a show on Broadway. There are always a number of plays and musical events taking place at Broadway - you will have to keep an eye out and book the tickets on time. Throughout August 2021, the venue is hosting Mrs. Doubtfire, The Phantom of the Opera, The Lion King, Aladdin, Moulin Rouge!
The Musical, and several other great watches. For musical fans, Broadway is set to host stars like John Legend, Lady Gaga, Alicia Keys, and others in August 2021.
4. Enjoy the Harlem Week
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The Harlem Week festival is one of the biggest socio-cultural and philanthropic festivals of New York City, celebrating one of the most culturally and historically affluent neighborhoods of the city. It takes place every year during the month of August. Last year, the festival took place online between August 16 to August 23 with the theme, ‘Our Local History Creates a Global Impact’.
Online visitors could explore local Harlem shops online, book viewings on the Imagenation Film Festival, and watch the musical performances by the Harlem Music Festival All Star Band and the Alvin Ailey Dance Company on the final day of the event. This year also the event will take place virtually, but the dates are yet to be decided.
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Every year, New York City celebrates the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in August to celebrate the fifth moon of the lunar calendar. It is a multicultural sporting event held on Meadow Lake in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens borough. More than 150 dragon boats from around North America participate in the race that takes place on the lake, which is a spectacle to watch in itself.
On top of that, there are stalls for Chinese food as well as traditional Chinese dance, music, and martial arts performances, making the festival a must-witness in NYC.
6. Go sightseeing on a jet ski
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Instead of taking a walking tour or a bus ride to New York’s attractions, ride a jet ski on the Hudson River to take a tour of the places. There are multiple providers of jet skis - choose the one you feel is the most trustworthy. You will almost always be accompanied by a guide who will take you to the spots with the best views.
The stops on an average one-hour jet ski tour are likely to be Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty, Freedom Tower, Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, Governor’s Island, and others. This way, you can beat the heat of August as well.
7. Visit the New York City museums
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The city of New York is dotted with a number of world-famous museums that you visit on your trip. Whether you are an art enthusiast or more leaned towards natural history, there is something for everyone in New York. Moreover, you will get to beat the heat of the sun as well.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, American Museum of Natural History, Guggenheim Museum, and The Museum of Modern Art are some of the top-visited ones in NYC. If you want a taste of something different, try New York City Fire Museum, 9/11 Memorial and Museum, and The Morgan Library and Museum.
8. Shop at Fifth Avenue
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Fifth Avenue is the lifeline of New York’s shopping scene. From global retailers to high street brands - everything has a store along New York City’s Fifth Avenue. If you are a shopaholic, taking a stroll down Fifth Avenue is an absolute must. Among several big names, you will find stores of Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Bergdorf Goodman, Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, and the evergreen shop of Tiffany & Co.
Source The Bronx Zoo is known for its massively diverse collection of animals. Located within the Bronx Park, it is a combination of four different zoological ecosystems and an aquarium and is home to more than 650 different species of animals.
Address: 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx Park, Bronx, New York, 10460 Hours: Monday to Friday - 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM, Saturday to Sunday - 10:00 AM to 05:30 PM
10. Take a food tour
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Last but not least, indulge in the eclectic culinary wonders that New York City has to offer. There are a number of companies that conduct food tours in NYC, either on foot or via bus. You can sign up for one of those, or you can go on one on your own.
Pizza tour in Brooklyn, Caribbean and African food tour in Harlem, street and car food tour in Chelsea Market and High Line, exotic food tour in Chinatown or Little Italy - these are some of the perfect food tours to start off with.
Tips for Travelling to New York City in August
1. While hotel prices can drop during August, flight prices might go up. So, you will have to arrange your booking accordingly. Source2. Midtown and Times Square are the best places to book accommodation. If you want it quiet and quaint, Brooklyn is a good option as well. Source3. If you will be taking trips around the city a lot, get yourself a New York Sightseeing Day Pass. They are available for different durations, starting from one day to ten days. The pass is easily purchasable via the Sightseeing Pass app and will give you access to as many as 150 different local attractions and other offers on food and drinks. Source4. As the sun will be hot and burning, you can go for bus tours instead of walking tours. Source 5. In case you prefer using the local transport and not hire a car or a cab for the day, buy a MetroCard. They can be used in both buses and subway trains and are easily rechargeable. Source6. New York City sees multiple concerts and film and music festivals during the month of August, such as the Central Park Film Festival and Bryant Park Movie Nights, as well as sporting events like the Australian Open and Major League Baseball. If you want to attend any of these events and they require you to buy tickets, book them in advance as they are always in demand. Source7. If you are a culture and sports enthusiast and booking an event at the Madison Square Garden, go for the All Access Tour. You will get to take a look at ‘Behind The Scenes’ and also take a tour of the iconic venue that has witnessed some of the most significant events in the history of American culture and sports. Source
This is everything you need to know to take a trip to New York City in August. In a place as bustling as NYC, you will never have any dearth of attractions to visit, places to eat at, and things to do.
