Summer Road Trips in New York
Routes
30
Avg Distance
451 mi
Avg Drive
9h 33m
Destinations
29
New York in the summer offers a diverse range of drives, with 30 routes averaging 450 miles and nearly 10 hours. You'll encounter gently rolling terrain, with max elevations reaching up to 1,985 feet. While EV charging can be sparse on some routes, you'll find options with up to 2 DC fast chargers. This season's focus highlights drives perfect for longer daylight hours and exploring state parks.
Fuel snapshot for this state
Regular
$4.51/gal
Diesel: $5.35/gal
Typical trip cost
$77–$89
One-way, ~451 mi avg @ 25.4 MPG
CO₂ per trip
~158 kg
ICE vehicle, one-way average
Source: US Energy Information Administration • week of 2026-06-01
Climate through the year: New York
New York peaks at around 85°F in Jul and cools to 40°F / 28°F in Jan. Wettest month is Jul at ~4.6 in of rain. Table highlights Summer months.
| Month | High °F | Low °F | Rain in | Snow in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 40 | 28 | 3.6 | 8.8 |
| Feb | 42 | 30 | 3.2 | 10.1 |
| Mar | 50 | 36 | 4.3 | 5 |
| Apr | 62 | 46 | 4.1 | 0.4 |
| May | 71 | 55 | 4 | — |
| Jun peak | 80 | 64 | 4.5 | — |
| Jul peak | 85 | 70 | 4.6 | — |
| Aug peak | 83 | 69 | 4.6 | — |
| Sep | 76 | 62 | 4.3 | — |
| Oct | 65 | 51 | 4.4 | 0.1 |
| Nov | 54 | 42 | 3.6 | 0.5 |
| Dec | 44 | 34 | 4.4 | 4.9 |
Source: NOAA NCEI Monthly Climate Normals, 1991–2020 reference period. Sampled at the major-airport station for NY — microclimates along specific routes can vary significantly.
Planning Tips
- Carry extra water — summer heat in the car and at rest stops dehydrates faster than you think.
- Start drives early or late to avoid peak afternoon heat, especially through desert or plains stretches.
- Check your tire pressure before long summer drives — hot pavement increases blowout risk with underinflated tires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Summer Routes
Editor's pick
Buffalo, NY → Montauk, NY
Through: Mt Pocono → Milford → New York City +6 more
This 491-mile drive boasts a high drive score of 8 and features access to parks across its gently rolling terrain. It's a solid choice for experiencing the state's summer landscape.
Editor's pick
Buffalo, NY → Springs, NY
Through: Mt Pocono → Milford → New York City +6 more
With a drive score of 8, this route covers 481 miles with a maximum elevation of 1,985 feet. Its terrain is gently rolling, making it an enjoyable summer cruise.
Editor's pick
Buffalo, NY → Amagansett, NY
Through: Mt Pocono → Milford → New York City +6 more
This 479-mile trip also scores an 8 for its drive quality. It passes through gently rolling terrain and offers park access, providing a fulfilling summer exploration.
Southold, NY → Amherst, NY
Through: Kennedy Airport → Cross Island Parkway North → Bronx +5 more
Buffalo, NY → Tuckahoe, NY
Through: Mt Pocono → Milford → New York City +4 more
Amherst, NY → Southampton, NY
Through: Clyde → Mt Pocono → Milford +7 more
Amherst, NY → Tuckahoe, NY
Through: Clyde → Mt Pocono → Milford +5 more
Buffalo, NY → Laurel, NY
Through: Mt Pocono → Milford → New York City +4 more
Brookhaven, NY → Portland, NY
Through: Kennedy Airport → Cross Island Parkway North → Bronx +5 more
Amherst, NY → Hampton Bays, NY
Through: Clyde → Mt Pocono → Milford +5 more
Buffalo, NY → East Quogue, NY
Through: Mt Pocono → Milford → New York City +4 more
Brookhaven, NY → Sheridan, NY
Through: Kennedy Airport → Cross Island Parkway North → Bronx +4 more
Buffalo, NY → Riverside, NY
Through: Mt Pocono → Milford → New York City +4 more
Buffalo, NY → Riverhead, NY
Through: Mt Pocono → Milford → New York City +4 more
Brookhaven, NY → Westfield, NY
Through: Kennedy Airport → Cross Island Parkway North → Bronx +5 more
Brookhaven, NY → Oakfield, NY
Through: Kennedy Airport → Cross Island Parkway North → Bronx +5 more
Brookhaven, NY → Grand Island, NY
Through: Kennedy Airport → Cross Island Parkway North → Bronx +5 more
Islip, NY → Lewiston, NY
Through: Cross Island Parkway North → Hempstead Avenue West → Grandstand +4 more
Buffalo, NY → Center Moriches, NY
Through: Mt Pocono → Milford → New York City +4 more
Brookhaven, NY → Newfane, NY
Through: Kennedy Airport → Cross Island Parkway North → Bronx +6 more
Buffalo, NY → Mastic Beach, NY
Through: Mt Pocono → Milford → New York City +4 more
Brookhaven, NY → North Collins, NY
Through: Kennedy Airport → Cross Island Parkway North → Bronx +4 more
Fredonia, NY → Smithtown, NY
Through: New York City → Leonia → Teaneck +2 more
Brookhaven, NY → Perrysburg, NY
Through: Kennedy Airport → Cross Island Parkway North → Bronx +4 more
Islip, NY → Ellington, NY
Through: Cross Island Parkway North → Hempstead Avenue West → Grandstand +4 more
Buffalo, NY → Sound Beach, NY
Through: Mt Pocono → Milford → New York City +4 more
Amherst, NY → Rocky Point, NY
Through: Clyde → Mt Pocono → Milford +5 more
Brookhaven, NY → Lackawanna, NY
Through: Kennedy Airport → Cross Island Parkway North → Bronx +5 more
Brookhaven, NY → Collins, NY
Through: Kennedy Airport → Cross Island Parkway North → Bronx +4 more
Buffalo, NY → Port Jefferson Station, NY
Through: Mt Pocono → Milford → New York City +4 more