Surviving NYC’s Summer Heat: Activities, Tips & Packing List

New York City can be very hot, humid, and sticky during the summer months. Additionally, June is one of the wettest months in New York City. This makes for an interesting and unique experience when traveling to New York in the summer.

In this article, we’re going to help you prepare for NYC’s summer heat with tips on:

• Understanding the challenge of the subways
• Packing for the heat
• Things to do
• The best food and drink options for hot summer days in New York City
• A common travel challenge in the summer

Let’s look at them all below. 👇

Note: This article was written by a real human who lives in NYC, not artificial intelligence. 🥸

The NYC Heat & Subway Experience

While you may think you’re used to hot weather, there is a big difference between dry heat and wet heat. New York City often has humidity at 80% or higher, and when coupled with 90+° temperatures, it makes for a very sticky situation.

Being in New York City in the summer is like being in a wet hair dryer. The second you step outside, you will feel slightly damp and be a little bit sweaty. That’s just the way it goes.

On a safety note, though, these extreme temperatures can be very challenging for people, especially elderly folks and children. If this includes people in your travel party, be sure to plan accordingly for extra rest breaks, hydration, and time inside with air conditioning.

Subway Temps

One of the stranger experiences is the intense heat inside subway stations. There is no AC in New York City subway stations, and while you think it would be cooler underground, the energy from the subways makes it extremely hot.

Subway stations are frequently 10-15° hotter than the outside temperature. An analysis conducted in July of 2015 found that the Brooklyn Bridge City Hall 456 platform hit 106.6°F, despite the outdoor temperature hovering around 90°F.

Luckily, once you get on the subway, most of them do have AC, but be aware that that AC may not feel very strong if the car is packed with hundreds of people who are also hot and sweaty.

So, how can you handle that heat? Well, the right packing list will help.

NYC Packing List for Summer

While we have a general NYC packing list, we’ll cover some essentials for the hot summer months.

Here are items you should bring to NYC during the summer:

• Travel sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Portable fan
• Hat
• Lightweight, breathable clothing
• Electrolytes
• Reusable water bottle
• Compact umbrella

Travel Sunscreen

Sunscreen in the summer is non-negotiable. Try to bring a compact, travel-friendly sunscreen so you can keep it with you throughout the day. At a minimum, wear sunscreen on your face.

Sunglasses

While sunglasses may seem like a no-brainer, it’s important to know that reflections from certain buildings in New York City can be blinding.

Portable Fan

This may actually be one of the most important things to add to your packing list: a portable fan. Portable fans are great no matter where you are during your travels in New York City, but especially in the subway station while waiting for the next train to arrive.

Most of them will last all day on a single charge and can be easily recharged.

Hat

Well, I know hats are not for everyone. Keeping your face or even neck protected during the extremely hot hours of the day can help you feel much cooler.

When in doubt, buy a Yankees hat.

Lightweight, Breathable Clothing

While we’re not going to provide a full list of clothing items to pack for the summer in New York City, we will say to prioritize lightweight, breathable clothes.

Whether you’re choosing pants, shorts, or a shirt, opt for something that is lightweight and breathable to help you stay cool.

Electrolytes

Heat exhaustion is no joke, and I promise you don’t want to spend time in the emergency room during your trip to New York City. With that being said, prioritize staying hydrated, especially by using electrolytes.

Electrolytes can speed up your rehydration process and help you experience fewer heat-related effects.

Reusable Water Bottle

New York City has plenty of water fountains, depending on where you are. By having a reusable water bottle, you can stay hydrated while also minimizing plastic waste.

This collapsible and compact water bottle from Hydrapak is amazing!! I’ve had mine for a couple of years and use it when I travel, at music festivals, or anytime I’ll be out for the day.

Compact Umbrella

Don’t let unexpected rain showers dampen your NYC adventure.

Pack a compact umbrella that easily fits in your bag or backpack. It will come in handy during sudden downpours, which happen frequently in the summer, and help keep you dry while exploring the city.

Best NYC Summer Activities & Where to Cool Down

NYC has no shortage of fun activities, and that’s true even in the summer. Let’s look at some things to do when it’s hot outside, and you need a place to cool down in New York.

• Museums
• Public library, specifically the flagship 5th Ave location
• Broadway
• City parks
• Beaches
• Ferries

Museums

New York City has unbeatable museums that shouldn’t be missed, and luckily, in the summer, they are always very cold. Going to a museum is probably the best daytime activity on a hot summer day.

Feel like you’ve already seen most of the museums in New York City? Be sure to check out our list of seven overlooked and unique NYC museums.

Public Libraries

New York public libraries are great places to cool down for a moment, refill your water bottle, or use the restroom. Plus, the NYPL Fifth Avenue location is more like a museum than a library. Trust us, you’ll want to check it out.

It is one of the most beautiful buildings in New York.

Broadway Shows

Regardless of the season, seeing a Broadway show in New York City is a must-do for every traveler. Plus, in the summer months, it’s a great place to escape the heat, especially if you can catch a matinee.

Be aware that the Broadway theaters are often very cold. Even if it’s 90° outside, bring a light jacket for inside the theater.

City Parks

New York City’s park system puts on loads of free community events during the summer months, so when you have your travel time planned, be sure to check the calendar of events for parks like:

• Central Park
• Bryant Park
• Riverside Park
• Lincoln Center
• Park Slope
• Battery Park

Our favorite activity every summer is Silent Disco at both Riverside Park and Lincoln Center.

Beaches

While I wouldn’t recommend going to a New York City beach if you’ve only been here once or twice, it is a great option if you are ready for more off-the-beaten-path activities.

Plus, in the summer months, you can’t beat lying on the beach and cooling down in the water.

Ferries/Boats

Speaking of water, one of the best ways to beat the heat in New York City is to get on the water via a ferry or boat.

New York City has an extensive ferry system, many of which are paid, but some of which are free, like the Staten Island Ferry.

You can also book boat tours, a fun way to see the city, learn about the sights, and cool down on a hot New York City summer day.

Hot Day in NYC? Get Ice Cream

One of the best ways to survive the NYC summer heat is to eat ice cream! Some of our favorite ice cream spots in NYC include:

• Mr Softee, classic
• Salt & Straw
• Cafe Panna
• Van Leeuwen
• Italian Ice

Generally speaking, many bars and restaurants will offer frozen drinks or summer drink specials.

You’ll Have to Check It Out – Pier i Cafe

Pier i Cafe is both a phenomenal spot to eat on the Upper West Side AND something fun to do!

It’s open from May to mid-October. But when open, it’s an amazing spot to grab some delicious food and take in beautiful NYC days with a view of the water.

They offer local beers, fresh salads, really tasty fish and chips, and so much more.

The cafe is right near a pier and offers plenty of outdoor seating. We love coming here with our dogs!

Traveling To & From NYC in the Summer

Almost every summer we have traveled to or from New York City, we’ve experienced delays at some point during air travel. While New York City is very hot, it often gets many lightning strikes and thunderstorms in the summer months. Those storms often lead to ground stops, delays, and travel issues when flying in and out of New York City.

If you are able to, base your travel plans on baking in a little extra time just in case you hit delays; it’s worth it.

Beat the Heat in NYC Recap + Next Steps

We hope you don’t feel intimidated by some of our points in this article, because frankly, the summer is one of the best times to visit New York City. There are fewer crowds, fewer locals, and, overall, a very fun vibe throughout the city.

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