New York City Weather in October: Crisp Air, Fall Colors & What to Pack
New York City Weather in October – What It's Like in the Flatiron District
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By
Paul Martinez
- Updated
We know NYC is one of the most iconic places in the world, full of great places like the Flatiron District. So why not enjoy one of my favorite times of the year, along with the New York City weather in October?
With Fall well underway, New Yorkers get truly into the spirit of Halloween with decorations and themed events throughout town. And the weather gets chillier, so we get to dress in our most stylish clothing to explore every place we want to.
🍁 Why Visit NYC in October? Top Highlights
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🍂 What’s NYC Weather Like in October?
Fall is in full swing with daytime highs near 64°F (18°C) and cool evenings dropping to 50°F (10°C). Trees are bursting with color, and it’s one of NYC’s driest months—just 7 rainy days on average. -
☔ What to Do If It Rains in Flatiron
Cozy up with a latte at Birch or Devoción, browse Rizzoli Bookstore, shop ABC Carpet & Home, or warm up over Italian food at Eataly’s rooftop. Plus, MoMath and the Museum of Sex offer indoor fun nearby. -
🎃 Seasonal Events & Unique October Fun
🍁 Admire fall foliage in Madison Square Park
👻 Join ghost tours & haunted houses near Flatiron
🎭 Explore pop culture at NY Comic Con
🎃 Travel to the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
🛍️ Stroll through NYC flea markets for vintage gems -
🧳 NYC Travel Tips for October
Pack layers (trench coat, waterproof shoes, scarves), sunglasses, and gloves for colder nights. Stay local in the Flatiron District for easy subway access and fewer tourist crowds.
And there is no better place to start than the Flatiron District. One of Manhattan’s best areas, I love staying (and living) here because we can get pretty much anywhere with the subway system. It is the best way to feel like a local!
New York City weather in October is perfect for people who want to experience a chilly NYC without dealing with the extreme temperatures of winter.
This article is going to help you enjoy your every second in town, tell you all about the weather to plan accordingly. And I’m also going to tell you why the Flatiron District is your best accommodation bet!
Top photo: Statue of Admiral David Glasgow Farragut on the North Side of Madison Square Park
Average Temperatures in New York City in October
October is the month when we can feel our weather turn into chillier territories, with hot summer days being only a memory. We start walking around in long sleeves and jackets, often buying hot drinks just to warm up.
Daytime averages hang around 18°C (64,4°F), reaching lower points when we get closer to November. Nights reach considerably lower points around 10°C (50°F).
Facing lower temperatures is hard sometimes, but staying in the Flatiron District helps a lot. There are many cozy spots you can hang out at, with a good cup of coffee or mid mid-afternoon sweet treat.
Is the New York City Weather in October Rainy?
October is a great month for tourism, if only for the fact that it is super stable. There are few chances of rain and even less of truly rainy weather like in summer months, where storms are almost a given.
It rains very little, so you will hardly need to stop your plans for it. Just be ready by carrying an umbrella or a windbreaker to avoid getting wet!
How Much Does It Rain in October?
Following the trend of September, October will be a perfect time to hit the city for people who want to avoid rain without being too cold. There are only 73 mm (almost 3 inches) spread over seven days.
This is one of the driest months of the year, but we still need to have some plans for when it inevitably gets a little wet. Thankfully, we won’t need to leave the Flatiron District to have an incredible day.
New York City weather in October is remarkably dry, but we can still have some plans in the bag for when it does rain. The Flatiron District is a perfect stage for a rainy day adventure!
Best Things to Do in New York City When it Rains
You don’t have to be bored just because it is raining! You can take advantage of the Flatiron District for an amazing day, even if it is raining.
- 🖼️ Visit a Museum: New Yorkers love a cultural program, that’s why we have so many museums. The Flatiron District has a few great ones, with the MoMath being perfect for a funny and interactive morning.
- ☕ Grab a Coffee at Devoción or Birch Coffee: I mentioned a couple of times before in this article, but October is perfect to sample all the seasonal drinks coffee shops come up with. I recommend Devócion or Birch Coffee; their menus are always amazing.
- 🍽️ Eataly Flatiron: Cold and rainy weather is perfect for having some great food, and there is no better place than Eataly Flatiron. You can sample small snacks or even sit down for a hearty meal at their heated rooftop restaurant.
- 🛍️ ABC Carpet & Home: Sometimes, the rain will last for a few minutes only. Heading into a nice decor store can be perfect to get some new ideas for our own homes!
- 📚 Rizzoli Bookstore: Reading is one of my favorite pastimes, and if you like it too, or maybe you just want to check another spot from your list, head into Rizzoli for a great time. They have books on everything you could imagine!
There is much to do in the Flatiron District but we can also head to other indoor spaces in town quite easily from the 23rd Street Station.
Is it Hot in New York City in October?
New York City weather in October is the peak of fall, so it doesn’t ever get hot. You will feel cold in the streets, but most indoor places have heating to make you feel cozy.
How Cloudy is New York City Weather in October?
As we get closer to winter, the chances of having cloudy or overcast days increase. October has a chance of 47% chance of either of those being your background of the day.
How Humid is it in New York City in October?
October is far away from muggy summer days, with the feeling of crisp air early in the morning staying throughout most of the day. Humidity is around 74% the whole month. Places like Credo Beauty and The Detox Market can be helpful when we need a skincare boost.
How Windy is it in New York City in October?
The weather during the spookiest month of the year has winds to match. It isn’t the windiest month, but it has speeds of up to 13.5 mph (21.7 kph). It feels cold in the evenings. I recommend carrying a thicker layer if you plan on just staying out!
When are Sunrise and Sunset in New York City in October?
Exact times can vary a lot as the month goes on! We can still have some idea of when they’ll happen during October:
- Sunrise: 7:30-8:00 AM
- Sunset: 6:00–6:30 PM
Even if the New York City weather in October is colder, we can still enjoy this city’s amazing skyline from heated rooftop bars. The Flatiron District by Birreria is amazingly well located and has a great menu.
Is the Water Warm in New York City in October?
It isn’t cold, but it isn’t exactly warm either. You could still head to the beach for a quick dip, but anything more than that might be too much.
How Warm is the Water in New York City in October?
Like I said, the water is still warm enough to swim! The exact temperatures range from 68.1°F (19.2°C) to 71.9°F (23°C), depending on the weather.
The water is chilly, going from lows around 59°F (15°C) to highest temps around 65.8°F (20.3°C) depending on when you’re coming over.
What to Wear in New York City in October
Because October’s weather gets chilly, you need to be prepared for it, especially if you plan on getting stuff done. Besides being comfortable, you will also need to blend in with stylish locals in the Flatiron District and beyond. Here are some items to pack:
👚 Neutral base layers – Your outfit is going to begin with good basic layers, so think sturdy pieces in strong neutral colors. Should you need to get some things in town, the Uniqlo Store in 5th Avenue is a great spot.
🧥 Lighter outer layers – Because the weather is getting chillier, you will need thicker outer layers. A good trench coat or leather jacket can make your whole look come together.
🧤 Beanies and other accessories – With colder days, we need to start carrying things like beanies or gloves in case it gets cold enough to need them. And even if it isn’t hot, sunglasses are an accessory for every season.
👢 Waterproof shoes – Can you imagine stepping on a puddle and getting your socks wet in the cold? This is why waterproof shoes are so important! Try to wear them whenever possible, just in case.
🎒 Comfy backpacks or totes – Spending a day in NYC means that we are going to buy things, so carrying a comfy backpack or folded tote can be a lifesaver.
Unique Things to Do in New York City in October
Check Out the Fall Foliage at City Parks:
October marks the peak of the fall season, which means that every tree and foliage of NYC is reaching beautiful warm shades. One of the best things to do is to just head to city parks, you can see nature at its best in each of them! Since Central Park is usually a bit crowded, I suggest heading to Madison Square Park in the Flatiron District for fewer crowds!
Walk Through Haunted Mansions or Take a Ghost Tour:
New Yorkers always throw themselves into celebrating each holiday, and Halloween isn’t any different. There are parades, haunted mansions, and even ghost tours happening. The Flatiron District is one of NYC’s oldest districts. Many events are happening around you here, so just ask your front desk!
Check Out the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze:
Okay, this isn’t exactly in the Flatiron District, but if you have the will to go a little further, the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is one of New York’s most beloved Halloween attractions. Hundreds of pumpkins get turned into light displays worthy of a spot in your Instagram feed.
Shop Your Way Through a Flea Market:
If you are hoping to feel like a local during your time here, head over to a flea market! You get to walk amongst New Yorkers while browsing stalls full of vintage and unique items for bargain prices.
Attend the NYCC:
This one is for pop culture fans! New York City has had its own comic con for a while now, held just short of two miles in the Flatiron District at the Javits Center. You can get autographs from or take pictures with famous people, buy stuff from cool artists, and more. Just make sure to get your tickets in advance!
As mentioned earlier about internet access, getting an eSIM is a smart move when traveling abroad. There are plenty of providers and plans to choose from—read some reviews to find the best one for you.
New York City in October: Ultimate Travel Guide
There is so much to be done in NYC during October, we will need a little help to make the most of it. Here is a brief but ultimate guide for all those little details your planning needs to think of:
Is New York City Safe to Travel To?
While New York City is a major urban center, we still feel pretty safe most of the time. I’ve done everything (within reason) and had almost no problems throughout my years of living here. My friends who came to visit also loved every second!
Your first step for a safe trip is doing a lot of research into the area you plan on staying at, so if you choose the Flatiron District, just head over to the rest of our blog! We also need to look up our accommodation to make sure we’ll be safe. Remember: major hotel chains generally have concierge services for tours and shows, which we should always take advantage of.
Another thing I consider to be an important safety precaution is using safe methods of transportation only, especially when it gets dark. Don’t try to figure out the transit system for the first time at night! Some places we will visit, like churches, have some rules we should follow in order to be respectful.
Your trip will definitely be safe, but keep your loved ones updated just in case; it will help everyone keep their peace of mind intact. NYC will be amazing if you just take care and plan properly!
Where is New York City, USA?
New York is one of the most important cities in the United States! It is a place where much of the early history of our country took place, so it is both a modern and ancient place to visit.
What State is New York City In?
New York City has the same name as the state it’s a part of. New York is known for a lot of natural beauty nestled between Pennsylvania and Connecticut. The state goes as far as Canada in some points! You can find Niagara Falls in this shared international border.
NYC shares its name with the state it is in. New York State is a beautiful place situated between Connecticut and Pennsylvania, even bordering Massachusetts in some areas. You can go as far as the Canadian border starting from New York State!
How to Get to New York City, USA?
Because New York City is so well located in the northern US, it can be easily accessed by both air and road:
By Air: There is more than one airport you can use to reach NYC. LaGuardia and JFK are the closest airports, both in town, easily accessible by the public transit system or ride-share apps. You can also fly into Newark to avoid most of the traffic around city airports.
By Road: New York City is connected to the US incredibly well by different highways. You can rent a car, go there by bus, or hire a private transfer to get where you need to go from your airport.
Best Places to Stay in New York City in October
New York is what I would call a long city. There are many places to go to, so the best place to stay will always be one that gives us mobility. In NYC, the Flatiron District is that place. You can go anywhere in town by subway or bus starting here!
Is there Uber in New York City?
There is Uber, as well as other apps that work just fine here. The only thing we will need is a good internet connection to make sure they work properly.
New York City in October: Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Best Months to Visit New York City, USA?
The most recommended months to visit New York are always late Spring through summer (March through September). We have many kinds of weather in them, and we also have the opportunity to escape peak travel season in March and October. Summer months are great, but they are also the peak of travel time so come with patience.
Does it Get Cold in New York City?
It can get pretty cold in New York City! After all, we do have world-famous winters. Wintery temperatures stay between 4 and -4 degrees Celsius (40-25°F) during the season. It is still an incredibly popular time to visit the town despite the extreme temperatures!
What is the Coldest Month in New York City?
Cold weather has its peak in January every year. Temperatures hover around 1 degree Celsius (34°F) pretty much every day, with the chance of falling lower when it gets dark.
Packing for New York City in October: What to Bring?
The month of October has considerably lower temperatures; we are getting closer to winter after all, so your packing list needs to be a little sturdier. You will need to pack long pants along with thicker (preferably long-sleeved) shirts and jackets. Shoes still need to be comfortable, just thicker than your early fall shoes.
Other small items you can bring are sunglasses and a water bottle; both of these are indispensable for traveling, no matter the season. And if your hair is long, ties and clips are a must!
Is October a Good Time to Visit the USA?
I am a firm believer that there isn’t a bad time to visit NYC. The month of October can be perfect for people looking to experience the chilly air without the chance of snow, all the while enjoying the Halloween season in a city that truly celebrates it.
Final Thoughts: Visiting New York City in October
New York in October can be the perfect trip with a little planning. You get the chilly air and festive atmosphere without dealing with the crowds (and snow) of late November and December. You can just enjoy walking through the streets of the Flatiron District and beyond.
Every day will be an adventure starting from these blocks in manhattan, no matter what you decide to do. You will be able to do i9t all especially because there is so little chance of rain getting in the waay of your plans.
Lesser crowds and chilly weather make for ann amazing trip. You can never start planning too early, so head over to MeetFlatiron for a bunch more of helpful articles.
More Articles to Help Plan for NYC Weather
- Check out: New York City Weather in September
- Check out: New York City Weather in November
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