When Do They Turn Water Fountains On and Off in Central Park NYC

Central Park does not provide an official date for turning water fountains on and off, as this is slightly dependent upon temperatures.

You can usually expect them to turn the water/drinking fountains on sometime in April and off again in November. We visit Central Park daily and will update this post with the changing statuses of the water fountains.

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Timeline of When Central Water Fountains Turn On and Off

Read below to see if Central Park’s water fountains are on or off. 👇

FALL 2025 UPDATE #2: As of November 10, 2025, the water fountains are now OFF in Central Park. Oddly enough, on November 12, some of them were back on. Bottom line, we’re close to the time when they turn off completely and I would not rely on them for exercise, dogs, or general refreshment.

FALL 2025 UPDATE #1: As of October 31, 2025, the water fountains are still ON in Central Park. Especially important if you’re preparing for the NYC Marathon and plan to run in the park.

SPRING 2025 UPDATE #2: As of April 5, 2025, the water fountains are now ON in Central Park. But keep in mind that sometimes they go off again if it gets too cold..

SPRING 2025 UPDATE #1: As of March 12, 2025, the water fountains are still OFF in Central Park.

FALL 2024 UPDATE #1: As of November 15, 2024, most of the water fountains are now OFF in Central Park.

FALL 2024 UPDATE #1: As of November 11, 2024, most of the water fountains are still ON in Central Park.

SPRING 2024 UPDATE #3: As of April 7, 2024, most of the water fountains are ON again in Central Park.

SPRING 2024 UPDATE #2: As of April 4, 2024, the water fountains are still OFF in Central Park.

SPRING 2024 UPDATE: As of March 1, 2024, the water fountains are still OFF in Central Park.

FALL 2023 UPDATE #2: As of November 15, 2023, most of the water fountains are now off. A couple are still on, like on the main drive near the Shakespeare Garden, but most are off!

FALL 2023 UPDATE: As of November 8, 2023, most of the water fountains are still on. Some are off, but most are still on!

SPRING 2023 UPDATE #2: The fountains are off again as of March 31, 2023

SPRING 2023 UPDATE: Yes, the water fountains are now ON in Central Park, as of March 27, 2023.

They usually turn on in April and then off in November, but it truly can vary. The weather, a possible drought, etc. could determine when they’re turned off.

Are There Water Fountains in Central Park That Stay On During the Winter?

There are some drinking water fountains that stay on year-round, but even that is disputed and can change. Many people recommend the water fountain immediately east of the East Drive near 101st street.

There is also one just east of Rumsey Playfield that is open year-round AND has a dog bowl part.

Shouldn’t there be a system to track this? I guess that’s one of the positive parts of social media! Here is a map (created by someone else) showing water fountains in NYC, including Central Park, that are on during the winter months.

Remember that for the winter ones, you have to hold the button for longer since the valve is underground, which allows water out.

Recap of When Central Park Water Fountains Turn On/Off

The water fountains are now off in Central Park for the winter 2025-2026 season.

Come back in the spring to enjoy the delicious (truly) NYC water! 💧