Climate and Dress

New York’s climate is temperate; in summer (June–August) temperatures can exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) and in winter (December–March) can occasionally fall below 10 degrees Fahrenheit (-12 degrees Celsius). Alternating hot and cold spells are common. Expect frequent rain showers in the spring months of April and May, with occasional thunderstorms and spells of humidity in the summer. Windy snow showers and ice storms blow into New York during the winter months. All public buildings are heated in the wintertime, and most are air conditioned in the summer.

Light cotton is the most comfortable fabric for summer dressing, as New York can get extremely humid. In the fall and spring, heavier cottons such as denim should suffice, but woolen clothing is recommended for wintertime. A warm winter coat (preferably waterproof), scarf, gloves, and a hat are essential, and waterproof boots can come in handy. New York City skyscrapers often turn the city’s streets into wind tunnels, which can make the weather seem more severe. You’ll need rain gear and a sturdy umbrella that can withstand strong winds.

Clothing worn by college and university students is informal. Jeans are standard attire for students throughout the year at school, movies, concerts, museums, sports events and most bars and restaurants. Informal attire is not acceptable, however, at fine clubs, upscale bars and restaurants, places of worship, or concert halls. In the business world dress codes remain conservative. Women typically wear suits, dresses, or formal pants, while men dress in suits and ties. Many offices have a “business casual” dress code, meaning that men can leave off a tie and wear a more informal shirt with a sports jacket, and women can wear more casual skirts or pants and a shirt or sweater. Denim jeans, shorts, and athletic wear are not considered business casual attire.