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New York City, New York5K Saturday before the NYC Marathon

Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K Weather & What to Wear

From the United Nations up Sixth Avenue to the marathon finish line in Central Park. Early-November mornings are usually crisp and cool.

The quick answer

Plan for about 48°F (9°C) at the 08:00 start, feeling like 43°F (6°C), with 74% humidity and 7 mph wind, warming to roughly 48°F (9°C) by the finish. It rained on 1 of the last 10 race days. Wear: Long Sleeve Tech Shirt, Capris or Light Tights, Running Shoes.

Feels like 43°F (6°C) at the start · finish 48°F (9°C) · rain 1 of 10 · start air from 37°F (3°C) to 64°F (18°C)

Race-day weather, 2016 to 2025

Conditions at the 08:00 start on the race's usual date each year (saturday before the NYC Marathon). Years when the race was cancelled or moved still show that date's weather. Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 archive.

No time in mind?
PR band2025202420232022warmest20212020coldest201920182017201630°F40°F50°F60°F70°F

Bar: air temperature from start to finish · dot: feels-like effective temperature · ≫ windy (15+ mph) · rain · shaded: PR band 40–50°F

See the numbers
YearStart tempFeels likeFinishHumidityWindRainSky
202549°F (9°C)42°F49°F57%8 mph–Mostly clear
202453°F (12°C)46°F53°F50%9 mph–Clear
202344°F (7°C)40°F44°F80%3 mph–Overcast
202264°F (18°C)65°F64°F90%8 mph–Mostly clear
202142°F (6°C)37°F42°F78%4 mph–Clear
202037°F (3°C)31°F37°F82%6 mph–Clear
201944°F (7°C)39°F44°F65%3 mph–Clear
201857°F (14°C)53°F57°F93%14 mph0.29 inDrizzle
201747°F (8°C)41°F47°F65%8 mph–Overcast
201644°F (7°C)39°F44°F75%6 mph–Clear

Coldest start: 37°F (3°C) in 2020. Warmest: 64°F (18°C) in 2022. Wettest: 0.29 in in 2018.

How we estimate this

The time estimates apply published temperature–performance curves to this race's ten-year weather history. Performance peaks at an effective race temperature of roughly 40 to 50°F and degrades faster the warmer it gets and the slower you run (Ely et al., 2007; El Helou et al., 2012). Wind adds a cost that grows with the square of the wind speed (Pugh, 1971), split into head and tail components on point-to-point courses. Shorter races are penalised less. This is a model, not a prediction; your training and the course matter more.

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What to wear for a typical Dash to the Finish

Built from the 10-year average start conditions by the same engine as the live tool. Treat optional items as corral-only layers you can shed.

Upper body

  • essential

    Long Sleeve Tech Shirt

    Breathable moisture-wicking fabric

Lower body

  • essential

    Capris or Light Tights

    3/4 length for moderate warmth

Accessories

  • recommended

    Light Gloves

    Thin running gloves

  • recommended

    Headband

    Ear coverage without overheating

Footwear

  • essential

    Running Shoes

    Your regular training shoes

Race-day tips for the Dash to the Finish

  • •This is near-ideal racing weather. Dress as if it were 15°F warmer than the start temperature and resist the urge to add a layer.
  • •Humidity here is high. Sweat will not evaporate well, so wear the lightest, most open fabric you own and apply anti-chafe balm generously.
  • •Nothing new on race day: run your long runs in exactly what you plan to race in, including the socks.

Race-day gear picks

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Frequently asked questions

What is the weather usually like for the Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K?

Over 2016 to 2025 the start averaged 48°F (9°C) (feels like 43°F (6°C)) with 74% humidity and 7 mph wind, warming to about 48°F (9°C) by the finish. It rained measurably on 1 of those 10 race days. The coldest start was 37°F (3°C) in 2020; the warmest was 64°F (18°C) in 2022.

What should I wear for the Dash to the Finish?

For a typical 48°F (9°C) start: Long Sleeve Tech Shirt, Capris or Light Tights, Running Shoes. Dress for about 15°F warmer than the start temperature, since the race itself adds that much, and plan to shed anything you only need in the corral.

When is the next Dash to the Finish?

The Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K is usually held on saturday before the NYC Marathon. The next expected date is Saturday, November 6, 2027. Confirm on the official site, since dates occasionally move.

How accurate is the race-day forecast?

The live forecast on this page comes from Open-Meteo and unlocks 16 days before the race. Forecasts inside 7 days are reliable for temperature within a few degrees; rain timing firms up in the last 2 to 3 days. Until then, the 10-year history above is the best planning guide.

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