Weather conditions can often make or break a marathon. Warm temperatures, high humidity, and strong winds can all derail months of hard training and lead to slower times. Fortunately, the New York City Marathon has enjoyed mostly favorable running weather over the last 15 years.
Most experts will agree that cool, overcast, conditions with low humidity and a slight breeze is the best weather for running a marathon. Thirteen of the past fifteen years, it has been at least Partly Cloudy (minimum of 38% of the sky covered with clouds). Also, in 11 of those years, the temperature, humidity, and dew point have been within or very close to the ideal range. This year is shaping up to be one of those ideal weather condition years.
Tools You Can Use
You can view the weather for past years on our New York City Marathon Historical Weather page.Also, our New York City Marathon Weather Tool is live. Plug in your Goal Time and Start Wave to see weather conditions at various points on the course (temperature, conditions, headwind/tailwind, etc.).
The only common weather condition that has plagued the race the last few years has been strong winds. The race in 2014 was a prime example with winds at 15-20 mph for most of the race and gusting up to 35 mph. Eight of the last 16 years have had winds in excess of 13 mph at the start of the race with stronger gusts.
If there happens to be high winds, the ideal wind direction for the New York City Marathon is considered SW or SSW since 47% of the course travels in a Northeasterly or North-Northeasterly direction. Winds from the NNE can also be considered beneficial since the majority of the last 5 miles are run toward the SSW. Nothing like a nice tailwind to push you through those last few miles.
Ideal & Historical Conditions
What conditions to expect (and hope for) for the New York City Marathon
| 15 Year Average | 15 Year Range | Ideal Range | |
| Start Temperature | 52F | 44 – 62F * | 45 – 55F (depending on other conditions) |
| Dew Point | 39F | 26 – 52F | < 55F |
| Conditions | At least Partly Cloudy 13 of last 15 years | <— | Overcast |
| Wind Speed | 10mph | 0 – 18mph (Gusts from 0 to 30mph) | From the SW or SSW (Tailwind 47% of the Course) OR From the NNE (Tailwind for 60% of the last 5 miles) |
* The slowest average finishing times were 2003-2005 and 2015-2017. These years also had the highest starting temperatures of all the years.
