Too hot in New York?

QUESTION: My family will be staying in New York in late July/early August for two weeks. I know that it can be hot at this time of the year, but a friend has suggested that "the city closes down and everyone who can afford to, leaves town". This has put a damper on our holiday plans. What advice can you give? - Gloria Fitzhenry

ANSWER: Your friend is correct in that this is the hottest and wettest time of the year, with average highs of around 29 degrees Celsius and sky-high humidity. However, while some New Yorkers do leave town for their holiday homes in cooler climes, New York City certainly does not 'close down'. It remains packed with residents and tourists and it is actually a great time for summer concerts and outdoor film festivals, most of which are free! Don't fret about the weather, you'll soon adjust. After all, most of the hotels, stores, restaurants, theatres, and museums are air-conditioned. While the subway trains are air-conditioned, the stations can be as hot as saunas, so you make want to use buses and taxis.