July in New York City is the time to get outside and enjoy the parks, stroll the avenues, bike the pathways, sail on the water, enjoy an outdoor concert, have a meal at an outdoor cafe or perhaps take in one of the city's numerous farmer’s markets. The average high temperature in NYC in July is 83 degrees, and the average low is 68. Average precipitation in July is 4.17 inches.
New York City Parks
There are over 140 parks within New York City’s five boroughs. The granddaddy of them all, Central Park, offers a multitude of daily options and activities for visitors. Activities in the park include guided walking tours, horseback riding, biking on 6.1 miles of pathways, bird watching of over 251 species throughout the park, row-boating, 26 ball fields, catch and release fishing in the Harlem Meer, and picnicking or lying under the stars for a concert or theatrical production. Other parks offer fitness programs, arts and crafts, children’s activities and programs, to name but a few.
Kayak and Canoeing
Get off the pavement and traverse the waterways of the Big Apple.The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation has created the New York City Water Trail, charting out over 160 miles of connected waterways, from creeks to rivers and bays to oceans throughout and around the five boroughs. You must acquire a permit to use the trail and launch sites. As of 2010, the permit fee is $15.
Bicycling
In 1993, the City of New York set in motion a plan to create a greenway, an area of open spaces and trails connecting areas of the city and waterfront for public use. The greenway provides a safe area for walking, jogging and biking. As of 2010, 100 miles of a proposed 350 miles of public greenway has been completed throughout the boroughs. You can also mountain bike while in New York City. Mountain biking trails have been completed for use in Highbridge Park in Manhattan and Cunningham Park in the borough of Queens.
Beaches
New York City has 14 miles of beaches, with seven lifeguarded beaches, two of which are surf beaches and one a freshwater pond beach. Brooklyn’s Coney Island Beach is a decades-old favorite with its amusement park and boardwalk. Various events are held during July, such as sandcastle competitions and music festivals. Rockaway Beach offers swimming, playgrounds, fishing and events and nature programs such as Plover Day led by the Urban Park Rangers.
Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks
Don’t miss the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks display if you are visiting NYC over the holiday. It's touted as the nation’s largest Independence Day display, and the colorful fireworks explode over the Hudson River with a musical backdrop. Live performances by the New York Pops and other top performers enhance the atmosphere of this long-time American tradition. You can view the fireworks from any city area with a view of the sky above the Hudson River. Macy’s suggests the best viewing is along 12th Avenue below 59th Street. The festivities starts at 9 p.m.
Considerations
July in New York City can be the hottest and wettest month of the year. Humidity typically brings late day thunderstorms, and subways and trains can be uncomfortably hot in July. Pack for the day accordingly. If your day plans evolve into evening, carry a bag packed with a light jacket or sweater as nights, especially along the waterfront, can cool down considerably. Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
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