Things to Do on a Rainy Day in NYC, 25 Fool-Proof Ones.

Deeply rooted in American culture, New York City’s jazz scene dates back to the 1920s. Intimate and inviting, the city’s most famous jazz clubs were centered in Harlem and Greenwich Village where legends like Billie Holiday, Miles Davis, and John Coltrane used to play.

From soulful ballads to exhilarating high notes on the saxophone, each night promises a unique experience. If you’re visiting New York City to mark a special occasion, make reservations at a famous jazz club (here are the 15 best jazz clubs in NYC). It’s the perfect NYC rainy day date night idea!

The West Village is arguably the most charming neighborhood in NYC rain or shine. Every charming corner cafe and cozy little wine bar serves as an invitation to linger for a bit while waiting for the rain NYC to pass. The neighborhood takes on a magical glow right after a rainstorm.

My advice? Park yourself at a small bar for a relaxing afternoon of cocktails and light conversation (I recommend the Hot Toddy at Bar Pisellino). Don’t feel chatty? Pack a book instead.

If you’re you’re looking for tried-and-true rainy-day activities in NYC, it’s hard to beat visiting a museum. The Big Apple is home to more than 80 museums, so it’s easy to get overwhelmed by options. If helpful, here’s a roundup of the best museums in New York City (in my opinion).

From the colossal Metropolitan Museum of Art (the 5th largest museum in the world) to the more intimate Frick Collection, there are endless opportunities to explore the city’s robust art scene. The perk of having so many options is that anyone can find something that piques their interest. Plus, many museums have cute cafes and restaurants, easily turning this activity into a leisurely day-long escape from the rain NYC.

My advice Show up early! Visiting a museum is the most popular rainy day activity in New York City, crowds are all but guaranteed.

What better way to spend a rainy day in New York City than sipping on the brown in a cozy setting with good company (sometimes that’s just a book!). Thankfully, there’s no shortage of great whiskey bars in NYC to choose from. A few of my favorites are.

If you’re looking for something a bit more active then check out Manhattan’s only whiskey distillery. Great Jones Distillery offers tastings and tours of the distillery. Why not gather a group of friends and learn about Scotland’s greatest export during the next rainy day in NYC?

Remember during the pandemic when everyone was taking up new hobbies (DIY haircuts, anyone?), well, a rainy day in NYC is a perfect excuse to keep learning new skills. My favorite spot for cooking classes is the Platform by the James Beard Foundation at Pier 57.

The James Beard Foundation is like the Oscars of cooking, so it’s a huge deal when a restaurant or chef earns one of these prestigious awards. The Platform at Pier 57 hosts events and classes with award-winning chefs that are so much fun! Sign up (here’s the event’s calendar) to enjoy a meal made by famous chefs, or, better yet. Take a cooking class instead. This a great date idea for a rainy day in New York City.

It’s hard to think of a better way to spend a rainy day in NYC than by seeing a Broadway show. Every year, theaters on Broadway draw millions of visitors from around the world, everyone eager to experience the thrill of seeing a live performance (ranging from comedies and musicals to dramatic plays).

A Broadway show not only offers an escape from the rainy streets but also a chance to enjoy an famous New York tradition, it’s the best of both worlds!

You can go to a cocktail bar if you please, but where’s the fun in that? Speakeasies offer a more intimate atmosphere with a dash of intrigue (getting in through a telephone booth? Say less). Wait, what’s with all the hushed tones and secrets? Well, speakeasies are a byproduct of Prohibition, which occurred in the 1920s.

Being the most populous city in the country, New York was hit especially hard. But New Yorkers are a resilient sort, so secret bars (called speakeasies) started cropping up. Today, there’s a handful of great local spots to choose from. If helpful, here’s a roundup of my favorite speakeasies in NYC.

Wine tasting on a rainy day? Groundbreaking, I know. But if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? I’ve been getting more interested in wine lately, so my roster of charming wine bars is slowly growing. Admittedly, I enjoy this activity more on a sunny day, but hey, there’s something oddly romantic about a gloomy- weathered wine date.

Here’s a roundup of my favorite wine bars in NYC (spoiler alert. The West Village has the lion’s share, all the more reason to visit).

The NBA season runs from October to April, aligning perfectly with the winter season in New York City. As such, catching an NBA game at the Madison Square Garden (home to the New York Knicks) is a great call. Admission varies by game, but you can often score a decent deal. The NY Rangers hockey team also plays in Madison Square so there’s always a game to see. Here’s the schedule for the Knicks & Rangers.

My advice If you’re catching a show or game at Madison Square Garden (MSG), take advantage of the great food scene in the area! MSG is located in Koreatown, which has some of the best Korean BBQ in NYC (I love Jongro).

Forget the corner bodega’s luke-warm six packs – New York City’s exciting craft beer scene brims with bold IPAs, funky sours, and memorable ales. NYC is home to more than 24 local breweries, the only challenge is knowing where to start.

While Manhattan is home to only one brewery that’s actually based on the island (boo), Queens and Brooklyn have plenty to go around. A few of my favorites include Evil Twin, Other Half (especially their Domino Park location), and Focal Point. If you’re looking for more recommendations I happen to have written all about the best breweries in New York City.

You will be doing a lot of walking in New York City, and during a rainy day, you’re going to want shoes that will keep your feet dry and comfortable. Here’s my go-to pair of weatherproof shoes. Better yet, you might want to read.10 Best Shoes for Walking Around New York City (By Season).

New York City averages more than 63 million visitors per year, meaning crowds are all but guaranteed rain or shine. That’s a lot of people trying to eat at the same popular restaurants and do the same popular thing. Show up early and bring an umbrella in case there’s a line out the door.

Nothing bothers a New Yorker more than a person who stops smack-dab in the middle of the sidewalk. It’s inconsiderate and you’re guaranteed to garner eye rolls. There are two ways you could inadvertently hog the sidewalk, walking side-by-side in a large group and stopping in the middle of the sidewalk, effectively preventing access. Make sure you step to the side of the sidewalk if you need to stop.

Does it rain a lot in NYC?

On average, New York City experiences a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year, averaging between eight to ten rainy days a month.

When is the rainiest month in NYC?

The rainiest month in New York City tends to be July, but there isn’t a big difference from month to month.

Does it rain New York City in the summer?

Yes, it does rain New York City during the summer months, typically experiencing occasional showers and thunderstorms.

Is it worth exploring NYC on a rainy day?

Exploring New York City on a rainy day can still be worthwhile, as the city offers numerous indoor attractions, museums, restaurants, and cultural experiences to enjoy.

What to do in NYC when it rains with kids?

When it rains in NYC with kids, you can explore indoor attractions like museums such as the American Museum of Natural History, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, or visit indoor play spaces like Chelsea Piers or the Brooklyn Children’s Museum.