Top of the Rock Weather Playbook – Rain, Wind, Winter

NYC weather can turn on a dime. Fortunately, the three levels at TOTR give you options to adapt and keep shooting.

Weather Playbook

• Rain: Head to 67th for indoor views; leverage reflections; keep lenses dry.
• Wind: Favor 69th behind the glass; pop up to 70th in brief bursts.
• Cold: Layer up; take quick warm-up breaks on 67th.

What to Wear & Pack

• Windbreaker or compact shell; gloves in colder months.
• Microfiber cloth (for glass and lenses) and lens hood or hat brim to reduce flare.
• Closed water bottle; no open food — eat before or after.

When to Reschedule

• Heavy rain + low cloud ceiling can obscure views entirely.
• Sustained high winds make 70th less comfortable; consider an alternate session.
• If your plans are flexible, re-book for a clearer window.

Tip: Fog can be magical if the skyline peeks through — a telephoto helps isolate shapes as they emerge.

Bottom Line

Adapt level-by-level. Even in mixed weather, you can come away with striking frames.