Best NYC Boat Tour for a Rainy Day: What to Know Before You Book

Starship NYC’s 90-minute Landmark Sightseeing Cruise is a great rainy-day option because the boat has climate-controlled indoor seating and standing areas, large windows for sightseeing, and outdoor decks you can use when the weather cooperates.

We know what you’re thinking…a NYC cruise ride in the rain?!

Isn’t that better for a sunny day?

If the boat has an indoor, climate controlled cabin, then we can’t think of anything better. (After all, the alternative is walking around in the rain!)

So, you can still see many of New York’s most famous landmarks without spending the entire cruise getting wet. (And, really, what’s more romantic than seeing the NYC skyline in the rain?)

Here’s what to know before booking an NYC boat tour when the weather looks less than perfect.

Is a NYC boat tour worth it when it rains?

Yes! A New York City sightseeing cruise can still be worth doing in the rain, particularly if the boat has an enclosed, climate-controlled interior. You can check off major New York Harbor landmarks while staying warm and dry inside.

Of course, the bigger concern isn’t necessarily the rain itself. It’s visibility.

Light rain and cloudy skies may have little impact on sightseeing, while heavy rain, low clouds or fog can make distant parts of the skyline harder to see. So, while it’s still a good option (especially if you just want something to do for the day), you may want to quickly check the forecast. If the forecast looks questionable, check visibility along with the chance of rain before you go.

Either way, it’s an affordable and enjoyable way to spend some time in New York City.

What to keep in mind:

Not all climate-controlled boats have a proper indoor space.

A small canopy or partially covered deck is very different from a fully enclosed cabin where you can comfortably spend the cruise.

For a rainy-day NYC boat tour, look for:

• Climate-controlled indoor areas
• Large windows or good sightlines from inside
• Outdoor decks you can use if the weather clears
• A route that passes the major NYC landmarks you want to see
• A manageable cruise length if the weather stays poor

Starship NYC’s Landmark Sightseeing Cruise has climate-controlled indoor seating and standing areas, large windows and open-air decks for when conditions allow.

Why is Starship NYC a good boat tour for a rainy day?

Starship NYC’s Landmark Sightseeing Cruise lasts approximately 90 minutes and covers many of the major sights around New York Harbor.

The vessels have fully heated and air-conditioned indoor decks, along with outdoor space for unobstructed skyline views. That gives you flexibility on those very NYC days when it rains for 20 minutes, stops, looks beautiful, and then starts raining again.

Stay inside when you need to, and head outside when you can.

What are the rainiest months in NYC?

New York City doesn’t have one distinct rainy season. Rain falls throughout the year.

That said, summer is actually tthe wettest season on average. Based on NOAA’s 1991–2020 Central Park climate normals, June averages 4.54 inches of precipitation, July 4.60 inches and August 4.56 inches. March, April, September, October and December also average more than four inches.

So, yes: you can absolutely encounter rain even during peak summer sightseeing season.

If you’re visiting NYC in spring or summer especially, having a few activities that work in both good and bad weather can save your itinerary.

What can you see on Starship NYC’s Landmark Cruise?

The Landmark Sightseeing Cruise travels along both the Hudson River and East River and passes many of New York City’s best-known sights.

Highlights include:

• The Statue of Liberty
• Ellis Island
• One World Trade Center
• Hudson Yards
• Little Island
• The Brooklyn Bridge
• The Manhattan Bridge
• The NYC skyline

The cruise also gets close to the Statue of Liberty, with time built into the route for sightseeing and photo ops. That’s a lot of NYC sightseeing without spending hours walking from place to place in the rain.

Can you see the Statue of Liberty when it rains?

Usually, yes.

Light rain or overcast skies don’t automatically prevent you from seeing the Statue of Liberty. And because Starship’s Landmark Cruise gets close to Liberty Island, you aren’t relying on a distant view from across the harbor.

Heavy fog, storms or very poor visibility are another story. No sightseeing cruise can guarantee clear views when visibility is extremely low. (But, we can guarantee a nice, relaxing afternoon with friends and family either way!)

And you don’t have to crowd around a tiny window just because you’re inside. Starship’s indoor decks have large windows and clear sightlines, with room to move around and find another viewing spot. Seating is first-come, first-served.

What happens if it starts raining during a Starship NYC cruise?

Just head inside.

Starship’s Landmark Cruise has climate-controlled indoor seating and standing areas, while its outdoor decks are available when weather permits.

If the rain passes, you can head back outside for photos and open-air views. Or, you can “weather the storm” with a good umbrella and poncho!

Won’t the water be choppy if it rains?

Not necessarily.

Rain by itself doesn’t automatically mean rough water. Wind and stronger weather systems are more likely to make conditions feel choppy.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, check the wind and overall weather conditions, not just the percentage chance of rain.

Is 90 minutes a good cruise length when the weather is bad?

We think so.

Longer cruises have their advantages, but spending several hours on the water can feel like a bigger commitment when the weather is gray, rainy or cold.

Starship’s Landmark Sightseeing Cruise lasts about 90 minutes, giving you time to see major New York Harbor landmarks without taking over your whole day.

It also leaves plenty of time to pair your cruise with another rainy-day NYC activity — a museum, a long lunch, shopping, or a Broadway show. When the boat docks back at Pier 78, you’re only about a 10-minute walk from the 34 St–Hudson Yards subway station (7 train), so it’s easy to keep exploring without spending too much time out in the rain. The Intrepid Museum is also about a 10-minute walk up the waterfront, or you can head toward Hudson Yards for indoor shopping and dining, or into Hell’s Kitchen for lunch or dinner.

Are other NYC boat tours good when it rains?

Yes. Several New York cruise operators have vessels with enclosed indoor areas, including Circle Line and some Classic Harbor Line cruises.

But the specific vessel matters.

Some boats have large enclosed cabins, while others are built around open-air or sailing experiences. Cruise lengths also vary considerably, and some NYC cruises focus more on dining or entertainment than traditional sightseeing.

So, don’t just check whether a company says its cruises operate in the rain. Look at what the actual experience will be like if you end up spending most of your trip indoors.

For travelers looking specifically for a 90-minute sightseeing cruise with climate-controlled indoor space, large windows, outdoor decks and close-up Statue of Liberty views, Starship NYC’s Landmark Cruise is a strong option.

Do NYC sightseeing cruises get canceled because of rain?

Not necessarily.

Rain alone doesn’t automatically mean your NYC sightseeing cruise will be canceled. More severe weather or unsafe conditions on the water can affect departures.

If significant weather is expected, check your cruise status before heading to the pier. Starship NYC Tours will always send out a notification either way if we need to cancel.

What should you wear on an NYC boat tour in the rain?

Even with an indoor cabin, you’ll probably spend some time outside getting to the pier — and you may want to head onto the outdoor deck if the weather clears.

Bring:

• A lightweight waterproof jacket
• Shoes that can handle wet surfaces
• An extra layer for changing temperatures
• A small umbrella for getting to and from the pier

Once you’re on an outdoor boat deck, a rain jacket is generally much easier to manage than an umbrella if it’s windy.

Is a boat cruise a good rainy-day activity for families in NYC?

Yes, especially if the boat has a comfortable indoor area.

Instead of walking from landmark to landmark in the rain, families can see the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the skyline and several other major NYC sights during one 90-minute cruise.

Starship’s vessels also have onboard restrooms with changing tables, and strollers and wheelchairs are welcome.

And if the rain stops? Go outside!

So, what is the best NYC boat tour when it rains?

If you want a traditional New York sightseeing cruise on a rainy day, prioritize a fully enclosed, climate-controlled interior with good views from inside.

Starship NYC’s 90-minute Landmark Sightseeing Cruise combines:

• Climate-controlled indoor seating and standing areas
• Large windows and clear sightlines
• Outdoor decks when weather permits
• Close-up Statue of Liberty views
• Major New York Harbor landmarks
• A 90-minute sightseeing route

That means you don’t have to choose between seeing New York from the water and staying dry.

And, who knows? A little rain might just make the skyline more memorable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best NYC sightseeing cruise for a rainy day?

Look for a sightseeing cruise with a fully enclosed, climate-controlled interior and good views from inside. Starship NYC’s 90-minute Landmark Sightseeing Cruise has climate-controlled indoor seating and standing areas, large windows, and outdoor decks when weather permits.

Does Starship NYC have indoor seating?

Yes. Starship NYC’s Landmark Sightseeing Cruise has indoor climate-controlled seating and standing areas. Seating is first-come, first-served.

Can you take an NYC boat tour in the rain?

Yes. Rain doesn’t automatically mean an NYC sightseeing cruise will be canceled. If you’re booking when rain is forecast, choose a boat with a fully enclosed indoor area so you can continue sightseeing comfortably.

Can you see the Statue of Liberty from inside the boat?

Yes. Starship’s indoor decks have large windows and clear sightlines, and the Landmark Sightseeing Cruise gets close to the Statue of Liberty. For unobstructed outdoor photos, you can head onto the open-air deck when weather permits.

Does Starship NYC cancel cruises when it rains?

Rain alone does not necessarily mean a cruise will be canceled. More severe weather or unsafe conditions can affect sailing schedules, so check your departure status if significant weather is forecast.

Does rain make New York Harbor choppy?

Not necessarily. Rain itself doesn’t automatically create rough water, although wind and stormy conditions can make the ride feel bumpier. If you’re prone to motion sickness, check the overall weather and wind conditions before your cruise.