New York City: What To Expect in July
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New York City is an exciting place to visit any time of the year, but July is especially special. As summer peaks, the city has plenty of opportunities for fun and adventure.
It may seem odd to visit New York in a season where residents try to escape the summer heat in the middle of July, but visitors don’t have to feel concerned. July is a popular month to visit New York City to enjoy what it offers this time of year. Let us find out how you can make the most of a visit to New York City in July.
What to pack
Typical summer clothing should be the order of the day. Bring extra clothing, as July’s oppressively humid weather is often a sweaty experience. Shades, caps, sunscreen, comfortable and water-resistant shoes, light jacket to keep you warm in air-conditioned museums, Broadway entertainment shows, shopping malls, and cinemas. A picnic blanket comes in handy if you wish to enjoy the scenery at Central or watch free concerts and film screenings available across various public spaces.
Weather in NYC in July
July is typically hot and humid in New York City, so bring light clothing and stay hydrated throughout the day. The temperature will range from 75-90 degrees Fahrenheit, so it’s best to plan your activities early in the morning or late in the evening when it’s a little cooler. Staying hydrated, bringing an umbrella or hat, and wearing light, comfortable clothing when you arrive is advisable.
Beating the Heat
It gets hot in New York during the summer, so bring plenty of water and sunscreen wherever you go. If you’re looking for a place to cool off, there are plenty of public pools around the city — most offer day passes, so don’t forget your swimsuit! You can even head to one of the city’s many beaches for a dip in the ocean.
No matter what you decide to do while visiting New York in July, you’re sure to have an amazing time. The city is alive with life and culture, so take it all in and make some incredible memories!
It’s Peak travel season
With the peak travel season fast approaching, it’s important to make sure that you book your hotel rooms as soon as possible. If you’re planning a trip to New York City anytime soon, now is the ideal time to get your reservations in order. NYC is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and hotels sell out quickly during the busiest times of the year.
You can easily compare rates online to find the best deal but don’t wait until the last minute or risk settling for an inconvenient or expensive hotel. Plan and start researching your options to maximize your chances of finding the perfect accommodation. This will give you more time to narrow down your choices, negotiate better deals, and ensure that you won’t miss out on experiencing all NYC offers. Book your hotel room early and enjoy your stay in the city that never sleeps!
NYC July Events & Festivals
With warm temperatures and blue skies, summer is the perfect time to explore New York City. Plenty of fun events are happening throughout the month, so here’s a guide to help you get the most out of your July in the Big Apple!
July 4th Fireworks
If November features Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in the Big Apple, July also has a unique holiday experience in spectacular Macy’s fireworks, a 25-minute showcase displayed over East River and viewed from many Manhattan locations, as well as Brooklyn and Queens. For more details, click here.
New York Restaurant Week
New York Restaurant Week is an event that allows New Yorkers and tourists alike to enjoy gourmet cuisine from some of NYC’s finest restaurants. Taking place twice a year – in both summer and winter – these special restaurant menus offer three-course lunches at $25 and dinner at $38 – a fraction of what these delicious dishes usually cost! With over 300 eateries participating, this event is like a foodie paradise, offering diners the chance to sample new cuisines, celebrity chef-created menus, or classic favorites without breaking the bank.
But it gets even better: with over 15 neighborhoods participating, there’s something for everyone within easy reach. Whether you’re looking for Michelin-starred fine dining or downhome soul food – New York Restaurant Week has you covered! So don’t miss out on your chance to save while experiencing some of the best food the Big Apple has to offer.
Smorgasburg
Summertime in NYC is all about outdoor events and experiences. The Smorgasburg food festival is a must-visit for foodies and adventurous eaters alike. Every week, vendors from across the city gather at rotating locations in Brooklyn and Queens to bring tasty treats and unique foods to New Yorkers. From BBQ and tacos to homemade pastries and empanadas, there’s something for everyone to savor.
Queens Night Market
Don’t miss the Queens Night Market if you want an even bigger experience. This event is home to over 100 international vendors cooking up cuisines from around the world. You can also find live music and entertainment throughout the fair. It’s the perfect way to sample dishes from around the globe without leaving New York City.
Music & Entertainment
New York City is bustling this July with music and entertainment ranging from classical to contemporary. The renowned Lincoln Center hosts New York Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera, and English National Ballet performances. On the East Side, Carnegie Hall will host an energizing lineup of jazz and contemporary music events throughout the month.
If you want a more intimate experience, head to Village Vanguard in the West Village. This iconic jazz club has hosted some of America’s greatest performers, including Billie Holiday and Miles Davis. Its low-lit atmosphere and cozy seating make it the perfect venue to experience live music up close.
Meanwhile, Times Square is buzzing with musical theater performances of classics like Rent, Wicked, and Hamilton. Families can also enjoy shows at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan or performances by the House Theatre and Puppet Company on the Upper West Side for a unique and fun theatrical experience.
SummerStage
Summers in New York City come alive with the vibrant atmosphere of SummerStage, a free music series in Central Park and other venues around the city. For over thirty years, SummerStage has provided visitors and locals with unparalleled musical experiences ranging from folk to rock, funk to classical, Latin jazz to hip hop, and everything in between.
Every summer, SummerStage gathers some of the world’s best musicians for performances throughout the city. Whether you’re looking for a low-key evening of relaxation after work or an outdoor dance party under the stars, there’s something for everyone at SummerStage. Enjoy live music in the open air, delicious snacks and cold drinks, and activities like hula hoop and yoga classes. Best of all, admission is completely free!
SummerStage also strives to create an inclusive experience for all New Yorkers—and beyond—with diverse musical programming and activities designed to appeal to a broad spectrum of individuals and families. By partnering with cultural organizations and businesses, they provide free entry to all events, making it accessible to people of all backgrounds and income levels.
Bryant Park Film Festival
The Bryant Park Film Festival is one of the Big Apple’s signature outdoor movie events, sponsored by HBO for several decades. Since its inception, the popular film festival has offered classic movie screenings in the heart of New York City’s Bryant Park – and it’s not to be missed! Every summer evening, visitors flock to the park’s sprawling Lawn to secure their spots just before sunset, creating a festive atmosphere full of anticipation.
Once everyone gets settled in with their food and drinks, attendees are treated to some of the cinema’s greatest hits. Classics like The Breakfast Club, Little Miss Sunshine, and The Princess Bride often showcase at this event, so cinephiles will delight in watching them again on the big screen in such perfect weather. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, a die-hard fan of a particular movie, or just someone looking to spend a fun evening under the stars, the Bryant Park Film Festival offers something for everyone. So get there early and don’t miss the quintessential NYC summertime experience!
Concerts in the Park
There’s no better way to spend summer nights in NYC than by taking in the sights and sounds of world-class events at one of the city’s many public parks. One event that New Yorkers look forward to each year is the annual orchestral and opera performances held at various parks around the city.
The New York Philharmonic, the nation’s oldest symphony orchestra, and a celebrated world-renowned ensemble, often schedules concerts at popular parks around town, such as Central Park and Prospect Park. Often opening its gates for free to the public, these concerts feature some of the most talented classical musicians playing timeless classics under the starry night sky. For those looking for something more modern and romantic, The Metropolitan Opera often holds performances at Battery Park City. Featuring the Met’s stellar singers dressed in elaborate costumes amidst a beautiful backdrop of the Hudson River, this is sure to be an experience like no other.
Whether you’re looking to relax on a warm summer evening or get swept away by some of the greatest music of all time, mark your calendar before these spectacular ensembles come to town. Not only will you relish in some of the finest music and enjoy a unique outdoor setting, but it’s also an unbeatable way to support local artists and culture in New York City.
Sports
July in New York City is a sports fan’s paradise. There is something for everyone, from professional sports teams to college athletes to local club games.
MLB Season
The New York Yankees and Mets are in full swing at this time of year, with the Yankees playing home games at their iconic Bronx Bombers stadium. The Mets are also at home, playing in their iconic stadium in Queens. Both teams provide an exciting and enjoyable atmosphere as they compete against some of the top teams in the league.
The Major League Baseball is in its full swing in July, sandwiched by the All-Star Break, and you could watch the New York Mets and New York Yankees take on their division rivals or schedule the “subway series” between these two teams at this time.
Mets schedule | Yankees schedule
WNBA: Women’s pro basketball
During NBA’s offseason, the women’s pro basketball league is in the thick of the action in July, and the city’s New York Liberty team hosts some games at Madison Square Garden or Westchester County Center.
Click here for the team’s schedules.
Major League Soccer
New York also has a soccer team playing for Major League Soccer playing its host games at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey. Check the team’s schedule here.
Local clubs and sports tournaments are also abundant during the summertime in NYC. Top amateur clubs, from soccer to lacrosse to tennis, can be found all over the five boroughs, providing an exciting opportunity to witness the great competition between talented teams on a smaller stage.
Finally, don’t forget about all the outdoor activities you can participate in through July. Whether it’s baseball or track events in Central Park or beach volleyball down by Coney Island, there is plenty of opportunities for fun physical activity for everyone.
NYC July Travel Tips
As the warm weather of summer begins to set in, travelers planning a trip to New York City should be sure to plan accordingly. With some essential tips and things to remember, visitors can ensure their stay is as enjoyable as possible.
Stay Well-Hydrated
Visiting NYC during the hot months of July means staying on top of hydration more than ever. Bring plenty of bottled water and perhaps even an insulated tumbler that can easily be refilled throughout the day. Dehydration often results in symptoms such as headache, dizziness, and fatigue, so it’s important to ensure you stay well-hydrated while sightseeing or participating in other activities.
Avoid Subway Platforms
To avoid the intense heat that builds up on New York City subway platforms, try to opt for other forms of travel when possible. Though occasional air-conditioned carriages are available, these can fill up quickly, leaving travelers with no choice but to face the oppressive heat.
Take Advantage of Public Pools
Though many hotels have pools, NYC also offers free public pools throughout the various boroughs. Most pools are open between 11 am and 7 pm (with a 3 pm – 4 pm cleaning break), but it’s important to note any rules regarding attire, belongings, etc., before arrival at the pool. If you’re looking to cool off during your visit, this is one great way to do so without breaking the bank.