Complete NYC planning guide for World Cup 2026. June weather (hot + humid explained), MetLife Stadium packing checklist, subway safety tips, thunderstorm prep, rain day alternatives. Be prepared!
Updated: Feb 12, 2026
Temperature
78-88°F (26-31°C) daily averages
Early summer
Rain Days
9
65% humidity
Safety Rating
Very Safe (9/10)
Very safe
Nearest Hospital
NYU Langone Medical Center
Midtown East - 10 min from Times Square
Critical Items
7
Must pack
Don't Bring
8
Prohibited items
Backup Plans
6
Covered scenarios
New York City in June offers hot summer match day weather—78-88°F (26-31°C) with HIGH humidity (60-80%) that makes it feel 5-10°F hotter. Expect afternoon thunderstorms (8-10 rainy days per month, brief but intense). MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ, 10 miles from Manhattan) is open-air with NO roof—you'll feel every drop of rain and ray of sun. Pack sunscreen, rain gear, and prepare to sweat.
MetLife Stadium is open-air (NO roof) - bring sunscreen SPF 30+, rain poncho, hat, and hydrate constantly. Humidity makes 83°F feel like 90°F.
Season
Early summer
Temp Range
78-88°F (26-31°C) daily averages
Feels Like
HOT and sticky - heat index 85-95°F with humidity
Hot summer weather with HIGH humidity. Afternoon thunderstorms common (20-25% chance any day) but brief (30-90 min). MetLife Stadium open-air means you'll feel the heat. UV index 8-10 (very high).
Rainfall
3.8 inches
Rainy Days
9
Humidity
65%
Sunlight
15 hours
Hottest and most humid month. Stadium area 85-88°F, occasionally 90-95°F during heatwaves. Thunderstorms more frequent. High humidity (70%+) makes it feel oppressive.
Rainfall
4.4 inches
Rainy Days
10
Humidity
70%
Sunlight
14.5 hours
Pleasant, lower humidity. Best time for outdoor activities before heat sets in.
Humidity: 60-65%
HOT and humid. Full sunshine. Thunderstorms possible 4-7 PM.
Humidity: 65-80%
Warm and humid but more comfortable. Excellent for outdoor dining.
Humidity: 60-70%
Hot sun with NO stadium roof - full exposure to weather
NYC in June averages 8-10 rainy days. Afternoon thunderstorms (4-7 PM) are common but brief (30-90 min). Heavy downpours with lightning.
MetLife Stadium has NO roof - you WILL get wet! Matches delayed ONLY for lightning (30-60 min delays common). Bring poncho in clear plastic bag.
Tips:
Skip the lines on rainy days. From $28 per person. Instant confirmation.
Skip the lines on rainy days. From $25 per person. Instant confirmation.
June-July occasionally has heatwaves (10-15% chance). Humidity makes 90°F feel like 100°F.
Response: Seek AC immediately, drink water with electrolytes, rest. Serious cases: Call 911. Heat exhaustion is real in NYC humidity.
Pack for heat, humidity, rain, and LOTS of walking. Essentials: Sunscreen SPF 30+, rain jacket/poncho, comfortable walking shoes (6-9 miles/day), moisture-wicking clothes, and CLEAR BAG for stadium. MetLife Stadium is strict: backpacks prohibited, only clear bags 12x6x12 max. NYC = walking city, break in shoes BEFORE trip.
Digital (downloaded to wallet) + printed backup. Phone dies = disaster.
Required for domestic flights, bars (21+), hotel check-in
10,000+ mAh power bank. Phone essential for maps, tickets, Uber, subway apps.
Visa + Mastercard backup. Notify bank of travel.
Food trucks, tips, subway MetroCard. Most places take cards.
12x6x12 max. Backpacks STRICTLY prohibited at MetLife.
Printed copy (phone backup).
NOT new shoes. 6-9 miles/day on concrete. Break in 2-3 weeks before trip or get blisters.
Lightweight, quick-dry. It's HOT and humid in NYC summer.
Moisture-wicking for humidity. NOT cotton (holds sweat). Light colors reflect sun.
For nice restaurants or cooler subway trains (AC is freezing)
For match day atmosphere
Subway trains = FREEZING AC (65°F). Platforms = HOT (85°F). Bring layers.
Thunderstorms common (8-10 days in June). Packable, fits in daypack.
Pack EXTRA - humidity = you'll change 2x/day. Moisture-wicking socks (not cotton).
Lightweight - hotels may have AC set cool
NFL-compliant clear bag. Buy on Amazon before trip ($10-20).
Save $6-8 each. Must be factory sealed (no opened bottles).
Reapply at halftime. UV index 8-10 (very high). Small travel size fits in clear bag.
Essential. MetLife has NO roof - full sun exposure.
MetLife is open-air. Thunderstorms = you WILL get wet. Pack in clear bag.
Photos, video, tickets. Power bank 10,000+ mAh.
Food, drinks, souvenirs at stadium. Card lines are long.
Any prescriptions, pain relievers (ibuprofen for walking soreness)
Lips burn easily in NYC sun
Goldfish, fruit pouches, granola bars ALLOWED
Stadium reaches 100-130 dB. ESSENTIAL for kids under 10.
Buy large bottle (8 oz+) for trip. Reapply every 2 hours. UV index 8-10 (very high).
For sunburn. Common NYC travel ailment in summer.
6-9 miles/day walking. Blisters = trip ruiner.
Prescriptions (carry-on only), pain relievers, anti-diarrheal
Band-aids, pain relievers, anti-itch cream
Use before eating, after subway
Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant (hotels provide shampoo/soap)
Humid climate but subway AC can dry out contacts
USB-C or Lightning. Bring wall plug.
Phone drains fast with maps, photos, Uber, subway apps
Phone camera usually sufficient. Pro cameras NOT allowed in stadium.
For flights, subway rides (noise canceling recommended for subway)
US uses 110V, Type A/B plugs
Refill at fountains (tap water safe). Save $3-4 per bottle. Central Park, Bryant Park have fountains.
For subway rides, Central Park walks, emergencies
For sightseeing (NOT for stadium - leave at hotel on match day). Anti-theft recommended.
Alternative to rain jacket for thunderstorms
For subway rides, Central Park relaxation
Organize small items, protect phone in rain
For heat/humidity at stadium. Wet it, wring it out, stays cool for hours.
STRICTLY prohibited at MetLife Stadium. Security will turn you away.
✓ Alternative: Use clear bag (12x6x12 max) only. Leave backpack at hotel.
Prohibited at stadium (safety concern)
✓ Alternative: Bring poncho instead. Compact umbrella for sightseeing only.
Prohibited at stadium
✓ Alternative: Buy beer inside ($14-18)
Prohibited everywhere
✓ Alternative: Leave at home
Prohibited at stadium (phone cameras OK)
✓ Alternative: Phone camera only
Prohibited in stadium area and most NYC areas
✓ Alternative: Leave at home
Risk of theft on subway, Times Square. Pickpockets target tourists.
✓ Alternative: Leave expensive items at home, use hotel safe
It's summer - you won't need them. Pack light.
✓ Alternative: Light jacket for subway AC only
Don't waste time finding SIM card stores. Activate eSIM instantly on your phone before you arrive. Plans from $4.50 with unlimited data options. Works on iPhone and Android.
New York City is one of the safest major cities in the USA (safer than LA, Chicago, Philadelphia). Manhattan is very safe 24/7 in tourist areas. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. Main risks: Pickpockets (Times Square, subway during rush hour), petty theft, scams. Use common sense, stay aware, keep valuables secure. Emergency number: 911.
Biggest Risks: Pickpockets in crowded areas (Times Square, subway), tourist scams (costume characters, CD sellers), petty theft (leaving bags unattended)
550 1st Ave, New York, NY 10016
Midtown East - 10 min from Times Square
1 Gustave L. Levy Pl, New York, NY 10029
Upper East Side - near Museum Mile
525 E 68th St, New York, NY 10065
Upper East Side - multiple locations citywide
462 1st Ave, New York, NY 10016
Midtown East - Level 1 trauma center
Medical emergencies in the US can cost $10,000+. Travel insurance covers medical care, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and emergency evacuation. Get instant coverage starting at $1-$160.
Massive police presence 24/7. Crowded = safe. Millions of tourists daily. Violent crime virtually non-existent. Main concern is pickpockets in crowds and aggressive panhandlers/scammers.
Residential, family-friendly neighborhood. Museums, Central Park, low crime. Safe day and night. Popular with families and tourists.
Wealthy residential neighborhood. The Met, Guggenheim, very low crime rates. Safe all hours.
Historic, LGBTQ-friendly neighborhood with nightlife. Safe 24/7. Crowded on weekends (bars, clubs). Washington Square Park safe during day.
Trendy neighborhoods, gentrified in recent years. Safe for tourists day and night. DUMBO crowded with tourists (very safe), Williamsburg nightlife area.
Safe during business hours with heavy foot traffic. After 7 PM it's quieter (fewer people = less safe feeling). Still low crime but use awareness.
South of Cross Bronx Expressway
Why: Higher crime rates, drug activity. No tourist attractions. Tourists have no reason to visit.
Alternative: Stick to Manhattan, Brooklyn tourist areas, MetLife Stadium in NJ. Yankee Stadium area OK during games only.
Eastern Brooklyn, east of Brownsville
Why: Highest crime rates in Brooklyn. No tourist sites.
Alternative: Stay in DUMBO, Williamsburg, Park Slope (safe Brooklyn neighborhoods).
East of Fifth Avenue, above 96th St
Why: Less touristy, higher crime than Central/West Harlem. Use caution at night.
Alternative: Central Harlem (125th St) safe during day. West Harlem near Columbia University safe. Uber at night.
Far southeastern Queens
Why: Isolated beach area, higher crime, far from tourist areas.
Alternative: No reason to visit - closer beaches available (Coney Island).
Costumed characters pose for photos then aggressively demand $20-40, sometimes following you or blocking your path.
✓ How to Avoid: Politely decline photos BEFORE they pose. If you take photo, offer $1-5 max (you're NOT obligated). If they follow, ignore and walk away. Never pull out wallet to show 'no cash' - they'll see credit cards.
People hand you 'free' mixtape CDs then demand $10-20 after you've touched it.
✓ How to Avoid: Don't accept ANYTHING handed to you. Keep hands in pockets. If you do take it, immediately hand it back without engaging. Walk away quickly.
People in robes give you 'blessing' or bracelet then demand $20+ 'donation'.
✓ How to Avoid: Real monks don't pressure for money. Decline and walk away. If they put bracelet on you, remove it and hand back.
Street game where you bet on which card is the queen. It's rigged - you WILL lose. Accomplices act as winners to lure you in.
✓ How to Avoid: Never participate. It's illegal and you'll lose $50-100+. Walk away immediately.
Driver claims meter broken, quotes inflated flat rate ($100+ JFK to Manhattan vs $70 actual).
✓ How to Avoid: Use Uber/Lyft or insist on meter. Report to TLC (311) if driver refuses. Yellow taxis MUST use meter by law.
Street sellers offer 'discount' Broadway tickets, Statue of Liberty cruises (fake or invalid).
✓ How to Avoid: Buy tickets ONLY from official sources: Ticketmaster, theater box office, statuecruises.com. Never buy from street vendors.
People outside subway stations sell 'discounted' MetroCards (empty or stolen).
✓ How to Avoid: Buy MetroCards ONLY from MTA vending machines or station agents. Never buy from individuals on street.
NYC in June is hot, humid, and prone to afternoon thunderstorms. Main concerns are heat exhaustion (humidity makes it feel hotter), sunburn (UV index 8-10), and lightning during storms.
NYC subway has frequent delays and weekend service changes. If your line is delayed: check Citymapper or Google Maps for alternative routes (NYC has 27 subway lines). Uber/Lyft backup option ($15-40 depending on distance). Walk if under 20 blocks (1 mile).
Uber/Lyft from MetLife Stadium to Manhattan ($50-80 with surge pricing after matches). Wait time can be 30-90 min with heavy traffic. Walk to designated rideshare pickup zone.
Common questions about planning your New York City World Cup 2026 trip.