Cooling Centers Opened Across New York City — Locations Listed, Time, And More Details

During the heat wave emergency response, NYC is providing hundreds of places for residents to cool off. These are free public spaces that have air conditioning, and they have been set up so residents can cool off safely when it’s hot out, especially if they don’t have air conditioning at home.

Where the Cooling Centers Are Located

The cooling centers are situated throughout all five boroughs of New York City, and they’re usually located inside:

• Public libraries (NYPL, Brooklyn, and Queens library systems)
• Community/recreation centers
• Senior / older adult center
• Public housing sites and charity/nonprofit sites

The cooling centers are coordinated by several city agencies, such as NYC Emergency Management, along with multiple partner organizations, to create a city-wide network of cooling center spaces that are accessible to everyone.

Here are some examples of where the cooling centers are located:

• Manhattan: Libraries within the borough, community centers
• Brooklyn: Neighborhood senior centers, libraries
• Queens: Recreational and community centers
• Bronx & Staten Island: Libraries, civic buildings

Timings & Operating Hours

The hours of the cooling centers can vary depending on which type of facility you go to for cooling, but typically, the cooling centers are open during the day so that as many people can use them as possible during periods of high heat stress. It is common for the cooling centers to operate: 8 AM to 6 PM (exact hours may vary depending on the location).

In some cases, the cooling centers may have hours that are longer than 8 PM and as late as 9 PM at high-usage locations. Moreover, some locations may choose to open at 1 PM and stay open until 9 PM to coincide with the peak times when the heat index is at its highest during the day.

Stay Ahead of the Heat Curve

Best solar panels to buy India 2026?
 Check which solar panel brands offer the best value and performance in India.
Are solar trees the future energy?
 Discover how innovative solar trees could transform urban green energy solutions.
Why is solar cheaper than fossil?
 Explore the global shift making solar power more affordable than traditional fuels.
Which Hyderabad areas face worst heat?
 Check the neighborhoods most vulnerable during extreme heatwaves in the city.
Which Indian cities face extreme heat?
 Discover the regions across India at highest risk from rising temperatures.

How Many Centers Are Open?

When NYC is experiencing a high heat alert, the number of cooling center(s) in the area will vary each day. Generally speaking, the city has over 200 cooling centers open at all times regardless of location. However, this number may be reduced based upon the following:

Intense/Real-World Temperatures at Each Cooling Center Location

Neighborhood Demand for the Use of the Cooling Center

Availability of Cooling Center Facility to be Open

What Facilities Do They Offer?

The goal of the cooling centers is to provide safe and basic places to relieve stress from extreme temperatures. Thus, the cooling centers typically have the following amenities available:

• Air Conditioning
• Seating and Rest Areas
• Drinking Water
• Restroom Facilities

Who Should Use Them?

The main beneficiaries of these Cooling Centers are:

• The Elderly
• Individuals Without Air Conditioning in their Home
• Low-Income Families
• Individuals with Health Conditions

Final Words

Cooling centers will provide not only an option for cooling off, but also as an integral part of public safety during a heat wave. Therefore, the important thing to remember is to location, verify the open hours of the cooling centers in advance, because during a state of extreme heat, having access to a cooler environment may save your life!

FAQs