Seasons · 5 min read
Halloween Weather 2026: What to Expect for Trick-or-Treating
Halloween falls on a Saturday in 2026, which usually means more trick-or-treaters out for longer. We looked at 36 years of weather data for New York (1990-2025) to see what October 31 typically brings, and how dark it already is by the time the first doorbells start ringing.
Photo: HeatherMarieKosur, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
In this article
How cold does it usually get on Halloween?How dark is it by trick-or-treat time?Dressing for both the costume and the coldChecking closer to the dateFrequently asked questionsHow cold does it usually get on Halloween?
Based on 36 years of data for New York (1990-2025), the average high on October 31 is around 15°C (59°F), with the average low closer to 7°C (44°F). That is cool enough that a costume alone rarely cuts it once the sun goes down, and most years call for a jacket layer underneath. Measurable rain has fallen on this date in about 1 year in 5 over that period, so it is dry far more often than not, but worth a glance at the forecast before heading out.
| Year | Notable October 31 | Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Warmest Halloween | 27.6°C (82°F) |
| 2019 | Wettest Halloween | 22.7mm rain |
| 2011 | Coldest Halloween | 6.7°C (44°F) high |
Source: our own calculation from Open-Meteo historical weather data for Central Park, New York, 1990-2025.
How dark is it by trick-or-treat time?
In New York, the sun sets around 5:53pm on October 31, with dusk settling in over the following half hour. Since Halloween 2026 falls before clocks change for daylight saving time, trick-or-treaters heading out in the early evening will already be doing most of their rounds in the dark. A flashlight or light-up accessory is worth packing regardless of the forecast, since visibility matters as much as the weather once the sun is down.
Dressing for both the costume and the cold
The classic trick-or-treat problem is that a costume and a warm coat rarely work well together. Layering underneath, rather than over, keeps the costume visible while still adding warmth: thermal layers, leggings or an extra hoodie worn under a costume tend to work better than a bulky coat on top of it. Checking the evening temperature specifically, not just the daytime high, is the more useful number here, since trick-or-treating typically happens well after the warmest part of the day has passed.
Checking closer to the date
A 36-year average is useful for knowing roughly what to pack, but it is not a forecast for this specific Halloween. Check the weather in New York in the days before October 31 for the actual conditions, and see our guide on how accurate a 14-day forecast really is for how much to trust it as the date gets closer.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average temperature on Halloween in New York?
Based on 36 years of data (1990-2025), the average high on October 31 is around 15°C (59°F) and the average low is around 7°C (44°F).
How often does it rain on Halloween?
Measurable rain has fallen on October 31 in New York in about 1 year in 5 over the last 36 years.
What time does it get dark on Halloween?
In New York, sunset is around 5:53pm on October 31, with dusk following over the next 20 to 30 minutes, so early evening trick-or-treating usually happens in fading or full darkness.
Is it better to wear a costume or dress warm?
Layering warm clothing underneath a costume, rather than wearing a coat over it, is the most common way to stay warm without covering up the costume.
Check the weather in New York or search another place on the locations page.