Labor Day signals the unofficial end of summer in New York, and the weather usually matches that seasonal shift. Most years, daytime highs land in the upper 70s to near 80°F, so it’s warmer than Memorial Day but not as steamy as July.
At night, temperatures often dip into the 60s, which makes evenings pleasant for outdoor plans.
Rain could make an appearance, but honestly, the odds favor dry weather. About two out of every five Labor Day weekends end up completely dry, so you’ve got a better shot at clear skies than on some other holidays.
When storms show up, they’re usually quick late-summer downpours or scattered thunderstorms, not all-day washouts.
This mix of warm afternoons, cooler nights, and moderate rain chances means you get a variety of conditions that can influence your plans.
If you’re hoping to hit the beach, wander the city, or just hang out in the backyard, knowing the typical weather patterns around Labor Day can help you get ready.
Typical Labor Day Weather in New York
Labor Day in New York City usually brings late-summer warmth, but honestly, the weather can swing quite a bit from year to year.
You’ll often see temperatures warmer than Memorial Day, sometimes with a bit of humidity and a chance of rain, though long dry weekends aren’t rare.
Average High and Low Temperatures
During Labor Day weekend, daytime highs generally sit around 78–82°F (25–28°C).
The National Weather Service keeps track of highs above 90°F, but those only pop up in certain years.
Nighttime lows tend to hover near 65°F (18°C), so evenings feel more comfortable than the dog days of summer.
These numbers run about five degrees warmer than Memorial Day, so you still sense summer hanging on in September.
Some years, though, cooler air can drop highs into the 60s and lows into the 50s.
It’s a good idea to prep for both warm afternoons and the possibility of a cool morning, depending on what kind of air mass is hanging around.
Humidity and Comfort Levels
Humidity really shapes how the weekend feels.
In some years, you’ll get moderate to high humidity, especially if a tropical system passes offshore or a warm front sticks around.
That extra moisture can make afternoons feel sticky, even if the thermometer only reads the low 80s.
If drier air arrives from Canada, though, the city feels a lot more comfortable.
Dew points in the low 60s or below make walking, eating outside, and events way easier to enjoy.
These nice breaks usually follow a cold front.
Since Labor Day sits right at the seasonal turning point, you might get muggy late-summer air or crisp early-fall breezes.
Honestly, checking the National Weather Service forecast before making outdoor plans is the way to go.
Daytime Versus Nighttime Conditions
Daytime hours tend to bring the warmest and muggiest weather, with the sun heating up the city’s concrete and buildings.
That heat can build up, making afternoons in Manhattan feel hotter than in the suburbs.
At night, temperatures drop, but sometimes not enough to feel truly cool.
If humidity is high, lows in the low 70s can make sleeping without AC a challenge.
Other years, you’ll wake up to crisp mornings in the 50s.
This day-to-night swing matters for planning.
If you’re going out, dress light for the day but bring an extra layer for the evening, especially if you’ll be near the water—breezes off the river can add a chill.
Precipitation and Rainfall Patterns
Rainfall around Labor Day in New York City really depends on the weather systems in play—passing cold fronts, sometimes a tropical influence.
Some years stay dry and sunny, while others bring scattered showers or even heavy downpours from storms rolling up the coast.
Chance of Rain During Labor Day Weekend
You’ve got a moderate chance of rain over Labor Day weekend in New York City.
Long-term records show about 2 out of every 5 weekends stay completely dry, while the others get at least a little precipitation.
Most of the time, rain falls as quick showers or thunderstorms, not long-lasting systems.
The National Weather Service points out that tropical remnants sometimes affect the area in early September, but direct hits are rare.
When tropical systems do show up, rain totals can jump fast.
On average, New York picks up about 3–4 inches of rainfall in September, spread across 8–10 days.
For Labor Day itself, the daily chance of measurable rain sits around 30–35%.
It’s worth planning for wet weather, even if most of the weekend ends up dry.
Historical Precipitation Trends
Looking back, Labor Day weekends have seen all sorts of rain patterns.
For example, 2000 brought rain every day of the holiday, but 2011 was bone dry.
Big rain events don’t happen often, but they’re memorable.
In 1998, over 2 inches of rain fell on Labor Day, making it one of the wettest on record.
Plenty of years in the 1980s and 1990s saw dry weather, which just goes to show how unpredictable things can be.
After a tropical system passes offshore, you sometimes get cooler, unsettled weather.
Tropical Storm Ernesto in 2006 dumped more than an inch of rain on the Saturday, then skies cleared up.
Storm tracks can really change how much rain you’ll see.
When you’re making plans, keep in mind that while dry weekends are common, New York’s early September climate can still throw in a sudden shower or storm.
Sunshine and Cloud Cover
Around Labor Day in New York City, days start to get a bit shorter, but you still get plenty of sun.
Some days bring long stretches of clear skies, while others see more cloud cover that can cut down on direct sunlight.
Typical Sunshine Hours
In early September, daylight runs about 12.5 to 13 hours each day.
On average, you’ll get 7 to 8 hours of sunshine daily, which is still pretty bright compared to what’s coming later in the fall.
The summer peak of nearly 9 hours of sunshine in July has already passed, but you’re not in October’s gloom yet.
By mid-September, daylight drops by about 2 to 3 minutes per day—if you’re in town for a week or more, you’ll notice the change.
Labor Day really does feel like a transition point.
Mornings and evenings look dimmer, but the midday sun still packs some punch.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, you can count on reliable light through the afternoon, though the sun sits lower in the sky than it did in midsummer, so shadows stretch out.
Cloudiness and Sky Conditions
Cloud cover in New York City during early September is usually moderate.
The clearer part of the year runs from late June to early November, so Labor Day mostly falls in a stretch of pretty bright skies.
Most years, you’ll see partly cloudy conditions, with clouds covering 30–50% of the sky at times.
You’ll often get alternating periods of sun and shade, which can make outdoor temperatures a bit more comfortable.
Rain chances are lower than in midsummer, but quick showers can still pop up.
Clouds rarely stick around all day, though.
Most afternoons still offer a few hours of direct sun, so it’s a good time to get outside—maybe hit a park or stroll by the water.
Weather Variability and Historical Extremes
Labor Day weather in New York City has run the gamut from unseasonably cool and wet to hot and humid.
You might see big swings in temperature, rainfall, or even a brush with a tropical system.
It’s honestly a wildcard weekend some years.
Record Highs and Lows
The warmest Labor Day weekend on record in New York City happened in 1973, when all three days soared into the 90s, peaking at 96°F.
More recently, highs of 92°F in 2015 and 90°F in 2018 and 2022 showed that late-summer heat can still hang around.
Usually, though, Labor Day highs hover closer to 80°F, and 90-degree readings are pretty rare.
Cool extremes have made an impression too.
The coldest Labor Day morning dropped to 51°F in 1986, with other chilly starts in the low 50s in 1976, 1991, and 1994.
Extended cool spells, like in 2002, kept highs in the 60s with steady rain.
That swing between 50s at night and 90s during the day just shows how quickly things can change.
If you’re planning to be outside, it makes sense to prep for both warm afternoons and the chance of a cool evening.
Notable Weather Events on Labor Day
A few Labor Day weekends in New York City really stand out.
In 1996, Hurricane Edouard threatened Long Island but stayed offshore, leaving only rough surf along the coast.
A decade later in 2006, Tropical Storm Ernesto brought over an inch of rain and highs stuck in the 60s.
Thunderstorms have caused issues too.
In 1998, severe storms dumped more than 2 inches of rain, making it the second wettest Labor Day on record.
In 2013, muggy air fueled scattered storms, and Manhattan finally saw rain after a decade-long dry streak on the holiday.
On the flip side, some years have been almost boringly pleasant.
From 2008 to 2011, Labor Day stayed dry, with 2011 marking the eighth straight rain-free holiday.
Storms can hit hard, but you might luck out with a long stretch of great weather instead.
Comparison to Other Times of Year
Labor Day weather in New York City usually sits at the edge of summer warmth, but you can sense the cooler, less humid days coming.
Conditions often feel noticeably different from both July’s peak heat and the crisp air that shows up later in September.
How Labor Day Weather Compares to Summer
By early September, average highs in New York City reach the upper 70s to near 80°F.
That’s about 5–7 degrees cooler than July, when highs often climb into the mid-80s.
Nights start to feel better too, dropping into the low to mid-60s instead of the muggy 70s that stick around in midsummer.
Humidity starts to let up compared to August.
You might still run into a muggy day, but those oppressive stretches happen less often.
This shift makes walking tours, park outings, or rooftop dining a lot more appealing.
Rain chances stay moderate.
Unlike late spring, when it seems like it rains every other day, early September usually brings longer dry spells.
About 40% of Labor Day weekends stay completely dry, which is better odds than Memorial Day.
Hot extremes don’t happen much.
Since the 1970s, Labor Day has hit 90°F only a handful of times, while July racks up several 90-degree days every year.
It’s a sign that peak summer is winding down.
Transition to Fall Weather
Labor Day really marks the seasonal turning point.
Average highs drop below 80°F as September rolls on, and by late in the month, daily highs usually fall into the low 70s.
Nights cool off more, often reaching the 50s in the suburbs and the low 60s in the city.
Skies tend to clear up more in September.
It’s actually one of the sunniest months of the year in New York City, with clear or partly clear skies about 60% of the time.
That makes it a great time for sightseeing and outdoor events.
Tropical systems aren’t out of the question.
Hurricanes or tropical storms sometimes brush by, like Edouard in 1996 and Ernesto in 2006.
These are rare, but they can bring heavy rain, gusty winds, and rough surf.
Compared with October, when fall really takes over, early September still feels like summer.
You might get a hot afternoon, then wake up to a cool, dry day that feels like autumn’s on the way.
That mix of conditions is what makes Labor Day’s weather so distinctive.
Planning Outdoor Activities for Labor Day
Labor Day weekend in New York usually brings mild temperatures, low humidity, and a nice mix of sunshine with some clouds. You’ll probably find it easier to enjoy outdoor gatherings, travel around the city, or check out seasonal events since you don’t have to deal with that sticky summer heat.
Best Times for Events and Travel
Early September mornings and late afternoons generally work best for outdoor plans. By midday, the sun can feel pretty warm, with temperatures often climbing into the upper 70s to low 80s °F.
If you’re thinking about hitting up parades, festivals, or the U.S. Open, try to get there earlier. You’ll dodge bigger crowds, and the air feels a bit more comfortable.
As the day winds down, cooler air settles in, usually dropping into the 60s °F. That’s perfect for rooftop dinners, fireworks, or maybe a concert in the park.
Walking at night feels pretty pleasant, too, since it’s less humid than July or August.
Traffic and transit delays seem to pop up everywhere during Labor Day, so it’s smart to plan ahead. If you can, leave early in the morning or later in the evening to skip the worst congestion on bridges, tunnels, or subway lines.
Quick guide:
- Best for walking tours: 9–11 a.m.
- Best for beach or park visits: 3–6 p.m.
- Best for city views and rooftop events: after 7 p.m.
Weather Tips for Holiday Plans
Get ready for all sorts of weather—Labor Day tends to surprise people. A cold front might roll in and bring scattered showers, then suddenly the skies clear up. Honestly, tossing a light rain jacket or umbrella in your bag just makes sense.
Pack some layers. Temperatures can swing 10 to 15 degrees from day to night. You’ll probably want a short-sleeve shirt during the day, but once evening hits, a light sweater or jacket feels pretty good.
Heading to the beach? Ocean water usually stays warm, but those Atlantic breezes can make the air feel chillier than you’d expect. Don’t skip the sunscreen, either. UV levels stay high even in early September, which always seems to catch people off guard.
If you’re checking out city events, wear comfy shoes. Bring bottled water too. Humidity usually drops compared to midsummer, but standing around at parades or outdoor concerts can still wear you out if you’re not drinking enough.