1. People are noticeably happier. New York’s weather patterns tend to call for cold weather that usually sets in mid-way through the fall semester, and it doesn’t warm up until May. This means that most of the year, pedestrians bustle by in thick overcoats with their heads down against the biting wind. Take time this summer to flaunt your shorts, pedicure, tattoo(s), or whatever else you’ve been hiding during the winter.
2. Speaking of flaunting your style, what better place to do it than the beach? Easily forgotten is that about 45-60 minutes away from lower Manhattan you can find a beach to lay out on in Brooklyn, and catch up on your summer reading (or perhaps, that article you have to read for your summer class). I’m not talking about just Coney Island, either! To escape the crowds, check out Fort Tilden, Rockaway, or Jacob Riis Beach.
3. While there’s always some event going on in the city, the summer brings a wide variety of festivities, such as the famous music festival, Governor’s Ball, Shakespeare in the Park, Pride, free outdoor movies, and a slew of block parties only to be enjoyed while the warm weather lasts.
4. All those froyo and ice cream parlors that are buried in snow in February suddenly become a lot more appealing in July when it's 85 degrees outside. Splurge on your favorite flavor, or try a new one, at parlors such as Sundaes and Cones in East Village, or Big Gay Ice Cream Shop in East and West Village.
5. Admittedly, the weather does not automatically become predictable just because it’s summertime. There will be cloudy, rainy days, but don’t let this bring your down. Rather, visit one of the many galleries or museums the city has to offer, take it as a time to catch a break from your city romping– watch a movie, clean your room, do your laundry. If it’s not raining too hard, take a walk around the block, and notice the vibrant colors that pop with the additional moisture in the air, the quiet streets, and the fact that the warm summer drizzle doesn’t leave you shivering. Don’t forget to catch the sunsets on these days. They are spectacular, especially seen from a rooftop.
6. Traveling underground can get pretty stuffy and gross, but fear not because aboveground, walking or biking to destinations that seemed far in the winter is a lot more plausible in the summer. This will also save you some extra cash, with the MTA fare now hiked up to $2.75 a ride. If you do take the train, know that you will come to worship the AC that they blast in the cars (or perhaps curse if you’re taking a long ride).
7. Finally, there’s nothing like the warm weather to get you motivated! Go to a show in Brooklyn, take a bike ride with your friend, walk along the Hudson River greenway, explore the Smorgasburg flea market, and just take time to relax, sleep in, and take advantage of the city without worrying about the pressures of the school year.
