If you’re planning a trip to New York in September or October 2024, I have plenty of suggestions for how to make the most of your visit!
Weather in September and October in New York
Average highs: September: 24°C (75°F) | October: 18°C (64°F)
Average lows: September: 16°C (60°F) | October: 10°C (50°F)
For the most accurate weather report, it’s best to check the temperatures the week before your trip, in addition to reading this article on NYCTT!
In September, New York still enjoys warm weather with temperatures reaching up to 75°F (24°C), though mornings and evenings can be cooler. It’s a fantastic time to visit the city as the weather is pleasant and tourist crowds are smaller since many families have returned to school.
By October, temperatures drop further, and rain becomes more common. Depending on the year, you might experience beautiful sunny days with highs in the upper 20s degrees Celsius (68°F) or cooler days with temperatures around 10°C (50°F) if it rains. Rarely, it can even snow by the end of October; for instance, many New Yorkers were surprised by snow in October 2011! 🙂
When packing for your October trip to NYC, I recommend checking the forecast last minute to ensure you bring a mix of clothing suitable for both warm and cool weather! 🙂
Traveling in October is perfect for photography lovers as the foliage turns colorful. You can witness stunning autumn colors, especially in Central Park. With a little sunshine, you’ll be able to capture beautiful pictures!
Share a romantic moment with your loved one on a leisurely stroll through Central Park. Another great idea is to rent a small boat and paddle around the scenic heart of New York City surrounded by fall colors—an experience you won’t forget.
Special Days in September and October in New York
Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States, celebrating the contributions of workers. In 2024, Labor Day will fall on Monday, September 2.
As a federal holiday, banks and government offices will be closed, but all tourist attractions will remain open, including the MET, which is known to have extended hours on Labor Day.
This holiday gives New Yorkers a chance to unwind with friends—often the last official beach day before fall sets in. You can also enjoy a barbecue in Central Park or attend the West Indian American Day Carnival in Brooklyn.
Cultural Events in September and October in New York
Cinemalic at Hunter’s Point Park
Every summer, an open-air cinema is hosted at Hunter’s Point Park (next to Gantry Plaza State Park), featuring classic American films.
The views here are breathtaking (check out the photo below)!
Date: June 22 to October 26, 2024
More info here: www.cinemalic.com
©Movie-goers at CinemaLIC in 2019, courtesy of Jessica Sechrist
Tribute in Lights
On September 11 each year, the 9/11 Memorial and the 9/11 Memorial Museum host a private ceremony for the families of the victims. The museum is closed to the public all day, but the Memorial reopens at 3 PM and remains open until midnight. A stunning light installation called Tribute in Light illuminates the Memorial Plaza from 6:00 PM until dawn the next day.
Oktoberfest
New York City hosts its own Oktoberfest, perfect for sampling world-class beers! 😀
Date: September 14 to October 27, 2024
More info here: www.oktober-fest.nyc/
San Gennaro Festival in Little Italy
This festival is the oldest and most celebrated holiday for Italian Americans. San Gennaro, the patron saint of Naples, is widely honored in the neighborhood of Little Italy from September 12 to 22, 2024.
During this festival, indulge in various foods from local stands and restaurants, enjoy live music, try your luck at carnival games, and savor delicious specialties like tiramisu, gelato, Zeppole (fried pastries), Mostaccioli Riepieni (fruit and nut cookies), Torrone (honey and sugar candy), Pork Braciole (garlic, cheese, pepper, and oregano-stuffed pork), fried Oreos, and sausages.
The festival stretches along Mulberry Street between Canal Street (south) and Houston Street (north) and across Grand Street between Baxter and Mott Streets. Expect larger crowds on weekends and evenings. If you’re visiting with children, the best tip is to go on weekdays for easier navigation, especially if you’re bringing a stroller.
New York Film Festival
The New York Film Festival primarily caters to the press, but a selection of films is available to the public. Since its inception in 1963, this festival has showcased renowned American and international filmmakers like Martin Scorsese, Pedro Almódovar, and Alain Resnais.
Date: September 27 to October 24, 2024
More info here: www.filmlinc.com
New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2024 is perfect for fans of comics, graphic novels, anime, manga, video games, toys, movies, and television.
This is your chance to meet favorite creators, preview shows before their public release, and find unique merchandise!
More info
Columbus Day
Every second Monday of October, the United States celebrates Christopher Columbus’s “discovery” of America on October 12, 1492. In New York, the Columbus Day Parade takes place on Fifth Avenue between 44th and 86th Streets from 11:30 AM to 3 PM.
This year, Columbus Day will be observed on Monday, October 14, 2024, with over 35,000 participants expected to join the parade. A mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral at 9:30 AM that same day in honor of Columbus.
Halloween
This Celtic-inspired celebration is a favorite among New Yorkers. Numerous Halloween parties and parades take place throughout the city! With so many options, it can be tough to choose just one! Depending on your preferences, check out my article on Halloween in NYC, which includes a special focus on the Halloween Parade.
Sports in New York
From August 26 to September 8, 2024, the US OPEN will be held at Flushing Meadows, a suburb of New York (close to LaGuardia Airport). This prestigious event is one of the four Grand Slam tournaments alongside the French Open, Australian Open, and Wimbledon, played on Deco Turf, the fastest surface among all tournaments.
If you’re a tennis fan, this is an event you don’t want to miss!
Official website: www.usopen.org
US Open Tickets
Catch MLB Baseball, NBA Basketball, NFL Football, or Soccer MLS games
METS Tickets | Yankees Tickets
Knicks Tickets
Since the 2012 season, you can also catch the Brooklyn Nets. If you’re not a big Knicks fan but still want to enjoy a basketball game, this is a great opportunity, plus tickets are often more affordable! 🙂
Brooklyn Nets Tickets
If you’re looking to catch a football game, this is where to do it!
Giants Tickets | NY Jets Tickets
The local soccer team plays from March to October at the Red Bull Arena, located in New Jersey, just a 20-minute train ride from Manhattan. You can also check out New York City FC, which has several international players.
Red Bulls Tickets | NYC FC Tickets
Broadway Shows, Concerts, and More…
New York is famous for its outstanding shows and concerts. To book tickets, check out my article on TKTS, where I share tips on getting discounts of up to 50% off.
You’ll find most concerts listed in my New York events calendar.
To explore events by artists, you can use TicketNetwork, a reputable site for purchasing tickets to concerts, Broadway shows, sports events, and more.
Conclusion
Now you’re equipped with a wealth of ideas for your upcoming visit to New York—enjoy everything this remarkable city has to offer!
