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Brooklyn, New York·Half marathon· Third Saturday of May

RBC Brooklyn Half Weather & What to Wear

The largest half marathon in the US, from Prospect Park to the Coney Island boardwalk. Mid-May can be perfect or the first hot day of the year.

By Brett Heimlich, part-time runner.

The quick answer

Plan for about 58°F (14°C) at the 07:00 start, feeling like 55°F (13°C), with 84% humidity and 7 mph wind, warming to roughly 66°F (19°C) by the finish. It rained on 4 of the last 10 race days. Wear: Short Sleeve Tech Shirt, Capris or Light Tights, Running Cap, Waterproof Jacket.

Average start

58°F (14°C)

Average finish

66°F (19°C)

Rain days

4 of 10 years

Start range

52° to 66°F

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Race-day weather, 2016 to 2025

Conditions at the 07:00 start on the race's usual date each year (third Saturday of May). Years when the race was cancelled or moved still show that date's weather. Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 archive.

YearStart tempFeels likeFinishHumidityWindRainSky
202566°F (19°C)69°F69°F95%5 mph0.11 inOvercast
202458°F (14°C)55°F68°F80%6 mph0.12 inOvercast
202358°F (14°C)57°F62°F93%6 mph1.12 inDrizzle
202263°F (17°C)66°F80°F98%2 mph–Overcast
202152°F (11°C)49°F71°F80%5 mph–Mostly clear
202061°F (16°C)58°F69°F84%12 mph–Overcast
201955°F (13°C)50°F66°F73%8 mph–Clear
201852°F (11°C)48°F53°F92%10 mph0.54 inRain
201759°F (15°C)51°F60°F59%14 mph–Mostly clear
201653°F (12°C)51°F60°F86%4 mph–Overcast

Coldest start: 52°F (11°C) in 2021. Warmest: 66°F (19°C) in 2025. Wettest: 1.12 in in 2023.

What to wear for a typical Brooklyn Half

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

    Short Sleeve Tech Shirt

    Breathable running tee

  • essential

    Waterproof Jacket

    Breathable rain protection

Lower body

  • essential

    Capris or Light Tights

    3/4 length for moderate warmth

Accessories

  • essential

    Running Cap

    Keep rain out of eyes

Footwear

  • recommended

    Trail or Waterproof Shoes

    Better grip and water resistance

Race-day tips for the Brooklyn Half

  • •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.
  • •It has rained on 4 of the last 10 race days. Pack a brimmed cap and a disposable poncho for the start, and consider a second pair of socks for the drop bag.
  • •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 RBC Brooklyn Half?

Over 2016 to 2025 the start averaged 58°F (14°C) (feels like 55°F (13°C)) with 84% humidity and 7 mph wind, warming to about 66°F (19°C) by the finish. It rained measurably on 4 of those 10 race days. The coldest start was 52°F (11°C) in 2021; the warmest was 66°F (19°C) in 2025.

What should I wear for the Brooklyn Half?

For a typical 58°F (14°C) start: Short Sleeve Tech Shirt, Capris or Light Tights, Running Cap, Waterproof Jacket. 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 Brooklyn Half?

The RBC Brooklyn Half is usually held on third Saturday of May. The next expected date is Saturday, May 15, 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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