The Best Time to Visit New York City (According to a Local)

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The best time to visit New York City is from May to the end of October. The weather will be at its best for outdoor excursions, with plenty of walking opportunities, and the main attractions will be open. The summer and winter are popular times to visit; however, you need to consider larger crowds and more extreme temperatures. The city has something for everyone, year-round. You can plan your itinerary around what you’re looking to do, and I’m here to help you do that.

As a local to New York City for nearly a decade, I’ll cover the best time to visit for special events, traveling with kids, catching a game, and more. Equally important, you need to consider where to stay in New York City, as location will be the most crucial factor alongside the time of year you’re traveling. 

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When is the Best Time to Visit New York City

The best time to visit New York City is either May to June for warmer weather, less humidity, and spring blooms, or September to October for sweater weather, fall colors, and pumpkin-spiced lattes sold at every cafe.  

Finding things to do in New York City will keep you busy for a lifetime. However, each season offers something different, and it’s paramount to plan in accordance with your budget, interests, and priorities. You won’t see everything in one trip, so each day needs to be carefully mapped out based on your personal preferences.

When to Visit New York City for Good Weather

New York City was reclassified as a humid subtropical climate, characterized by summer temperatures over 72°F on average, and winter temperatures averaging over 27°F [Source]. 

For this reason, I advise traveling from early May to June to avoid torrential rain and heat, and from September to October for the crisp fall air. These months have more walkable days, especially important for outdoor attractions like Central Park and the High Line. 

There’s so much to do in Central Park that it’s worth dedicating an entire day. The summer and winter are also popular times to visit the park. However, you’ll need to consider the heat and high humidity from late June to August, as well as frigid, below-freezing temperatures from early January to mid-March. 

There’s no such thing as a “bad time to visit New York City,” but you will need a few backup plans during the summer and winter months, especially. 

When to Visit New York City on a Budget

While New York City is world-renowned for culture, cuisine, and famous attractions, it’s also infamously expensive. Unless you’re a Rockefeller descendant, you’re probably traveling to New York City on a budget. Less costly times to visit are January (after New Year’s Day) and February. 

These two months will have fewer crowds since the holiday season will be over, meaning shorter lines for popular attractions like The Empire State Building. NYC Hotel Week runs from January 2nd to mid-February, offering discounted room rates during the slower season. 

The downside of traveling during January and February will be colder, often frigid temperatures. If you don’t mind spending most days indoors, this is an excellent time to travel at a discount. 

The Big Apple will never let you down on attractions, with Winter Jazzfest taking place in early January, and NYC Winter Restaurant Week running from late January to mid-February. While Central Park will require warmer clothing, it’s still worth visiting during the winter to go ice-skating at the Wollman Rink and see landmarks like The Bethesda Terrace. 

Don’t forget, New York City is the home of world-class museums like the MoMA and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, with year-round rotating event schedules. You can find days offering discounted and free admission at select museums [Source]. 

👉 Want to save on attractions? The New York CityPASS saves you up to 40% with package options including popular sites like the Edge at Hudson Yards, American Museum of Natural History, and the Intrepid Museum. 

When to Visit New York City for Sunny Beach Days

Now, one thing New York City isn’t known for is beaches. Yet, we have them! Don’t expect the Turks and Caicos, but a trip to the beach is possible if you plan on visiting during the summer season. 

Rockaway Beach in Queens and Coney Island Beach in Brooklyn are popular among New Yorkers escaping the heat in July and August. If the weather is warm enough, you can plan a beach day in late June to early September.  

My personal favorite is Manhattan Beach Park in Brooklyn, just east of Brighton Beach. It’s smaller, with volleyball, tennis, and handball courts. The beaches are free to enter, making them budget-friendly and family-friendly. 

When to Visit New York City for Families with Kids

I remember my parents taking me to New York City as a child, and the memories I made are what cultivated my desire to live here. The best time to visit for families with kids is from the spring to early summer, or during the winter holiday season from late November to New Year’s Day.

While late spring to summer is the busiest with more crowds, Central Park in full bloom, and outdoor excursions make the trade-off worth it. Young children will have a blast at the Central Park Zoo or take a ride on the Central Park Carousel. During the winter, Wollman Rink is open for ice skating from late October to mid-March.

If you want to leave Manhattan, the Brooklyn Botanical Garden and the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx are exquisite to see, and parents can relax in a secure area. The Bronx Zoo is one of the best-rated zoos in the United States, with over 11,000 animals.

Seeing The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular in December is a core childhood memory, and the first city visit I can recall. Taking a family photo at the Rockefeller Christmas Tree is worth bracing for large crowds from late November to early January. Take your kids ice skating at the  Bryant Park Winter Village in Midtown, and grab hot chocolate at one of the kiosks. 

When to Visit New York City to Avoid Crowds

The coldest months in New York City are January to early March, which keeps the crowds to a minimum. If you don’t mind braving the frosty weather, this is a great time to travel for cheaper hotel rooms and discounts. 

Another benefit? Once the holiday season ends, activities like ice skating in Bryant Park’s Winter Village still run until March 1st. Wollman Rink in Central Park is open for ice-skating from late October until March 16th. The rinks will be far less congested than during the holiday season.

NYC Winter Outing offers incredible deals on restaurants, tours, hotel stays, and more from January 21st to February 9th. Pack extra warm clothes and benefit from far fewer crowds, better discounts, and know you’re helping New York City businesses during the slow season. All around, it’s a win-win! (Minus some frosty air.) 

When to Visit New York City for Outdoor Festivals

While New York City hosts festivals and events year-round, the best time to visit for outdoor festivals is from early June to September. The spring bloom breathes life into the city after the winter, and new event schedules kick off across the boroughs. 

The SummerStage season usually begins in early June in Central Park, marking the start of free concerts throughout the city parks. Every style of music is honored, from salsa to hip-hop, until early October. Early June is also the start of the Museum Mile festival, offering free admission to all New York City museums along 5th Avenue between 82nd and 110th Street. The NYC Pride March takes place in late June. 

Festivals are not limited to the spring and summer, but I recommend these seasons to enjoy the outdoors fully. It can be cold later at night during the fall and winter, so make sure you start your day early for plenty of sunlight.  

When to Visit New York City for Restaurant Week

If you consider yourself a foodie, be sure to visit during New York City restaurant week. The event occurs twice a year, with New York City Summer Restaurant Week running from mid-July to mid-August, and the Winter Restaurant Week from late January to mid-February. Despite the name, it’s longer than one week. 

Over 600 restaurants throughout the five boroughs offer discounts, prix-fixe menus, and introduce new dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The specials usually only take place Monday through Friday, unless the restaurant specifies differently. Overall, this is another way to save money if you’re on a budget. 

Fan of Italian food? The Feast of San Gennaro Festival takes place from mid to late September in Little Italy, with enough pasta dishes, pizza, and cannoli to feed you for a year. 

When to Visit New York City for Sports

Baseball, football, and basketball are the three biggest sports in New York. Here’s when and where to see your favorite teams in action: 

⚾ Baseball – Major League Baseball typically begins in late March, with the season ending in early October, when the World Series takes place. The New York Yankees call Yankee Stadium in the Bronx home, while the New York Mets play in Citi Field in Flushing, Queens. 

🏈 Football – NFL pre-season begins in the summer, with the New York Jets and the New York Giants’ home games playing at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. It’s a running joke that the two New York teams play in New Jersey. You can get there by taking the train from Penn Station. 

🏀 Basketball – The New York Knicks play their home games at Madison Square Garden, while the Brooklyn Nets play at Barclays Center. Basketball season runs from October to June. Tickets are usually more expensive, especially for a New York Knicks home game. 

As I mentioned, these are the three biggest sports; but you can see the New York Rangers play hockey from mid-October to early April. The US Open in Flushing hosts tennis every year, with championship matches in late August and early September. 

Visiting New York City for a sporting event will depend entirely on the sport you wish to see.

When and Where to Catch a New York City Sunset

There are multiple vantage points in New York City to catch the sunset, and some of your best pictures will have the sunset as a backdrop.

You’ll need to pay attention to the seasonal time differences, with the sun setting earlier starting in November, and later in March. If you’re traveling from November to March, begin your day early to enjoy more sunlight, and plan to find the perfect spot for the sunset around 3:30 pm.

Now the question “where to go” is just as crucial. Here’s my top picks:

• Manhattan: Battery Park, Vessel at Hudson Yards, Pier 57 Rooftop Park, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt (indoor option during winter)
• Brooklyn: Brooklyn Heights Promenade, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Sunset Park waterfront
• Queens: Gantry Plaza State Park, Hunter’s Point South Park, Rockaway Park (spring/summer)
• Underrated/Hidden Gems: Panorama Room, Roosevelt Island, Arlo Williamsburg Rooftop, Lost in Paradise Rooftop, Staten Island Ferry (free!) 

You may have heard of Manhattanhenge, which occurs four times a year, twice in late May and July. The sun sets between the skyscrapers perfectly, aligning with Manhattan’s grid system. You will find hundreds of people with their phones out, trying to get the best sunset shot. 

You have a few places to go for the best view; 14th, 23rd, and Midtown 34th, 42nd, and 57th will be very crowded. West 72nd, Columbus Circle, and 21st and Broadway are underrated in my opinion. Just make sure the streets are wide enough for a good shot. 

Underrated Times to Visit New York City

The most underrated time to visit New York City is the week of the New York City Marathon. You’ll get perfect fall weather, can wear a sweater or light jacket, and experience the city at its peak. If you really want to maximize your trip, stay in New York City for the Halloween Parade and the Marathon. 

If you travel for Halloween, check out The Day of the Dead celebrations at Museo del Barrio on Museum Mile. Usually taking place on November 1st or 2nd, the museum puts on incredible performances and showcases costumes in a family-friendly atmosphere. 

If you have children, I recommend coming during Broadway Week, taking place twice a year in September and January/February (dates are subject to change). The tickets go on sale, and you can get 2-for-1 deals for roughly two weeks. If your kids have been begging you to see The Lion King, Broadway Week is the best time to go. 

New York City Travel Seasons

Fall (Late September – Early November)

In my opinion (and in the opinion of most New Yorkers), fall is the best season to visit New York City. The weather is perfect and the leaves are changing color, and you can finally enjoy pumpkins, sweet potatoes, and hot apple cider. 

You can expect larger crowds during the fall season, but it’s not as bad as during the holiday season post-Thanksgiving day. There are plenty of fall festivities to enjoy, even with the crowds:

• 🍺 Oktoberfest NYC, mid-September – late October: For adults, located at 78 Stone Street at Pier 15.
• 🍝 Feast of San Gennaro, mid to late September: Family-friendly food specials in Little Italy.
• 🎃 Halloween Parade, October 31st: Family-friendly but very crowded, with incredible costumes and spooky-themed floats.  
• 🏅 NYC Marathon,fFirst Sunday of November: Very family-friendly, with passionate runners throughout the boroughs, DJs performing, and closed-off streets for fans.
• 🦃 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, fourth Thursday in November: Family-friendly but crowded parade taking place from Central Park to Midtown. 

Winter/Holiday Season (December – March)

Winter in New York City is a magical time, even with colder weather. The city sees a spike in tourism from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day. Even with crowded streets, the holiday spirit, lit-up brownstones, and special events make it worthwhile. 

January to March sees a tourism drop when the holidays end, but this is when you’ll find fewer crowds and hotel deals. Be sure to dress warmly, as temperatures can reach below freezing.

• 🎄 Rockefeller Tree Lighting Ceremony, typically the first Wednesday of December: Very family-friendly but crowded tree lighting to kick off the holiday season in Rockefeller Center.
• ⛄ Winter Village Bryant Park, late October to March 1st: Family-friendly with ice skating and a festive holiday market.
• ⛸️ Wollman Rink, late October to Mid-March: Family-friendly ice skating in Central Park.
• 🎁 Dyker Heights Christmas Lights (Brooklyn), early December to early January: Very family-friendly, you can book a tour to see an entire neighborhood of Christmas lights. 
• 💃 Radio City Christmas Spectacular, early November to early January: Get tickets to see the Rockettes and experience my favorite childhood memory. 

Spring (April – June)

Spring is another great season to visit, akin to fall in terms of popularity. The city comes back to life with more daylight, flowers blooming, and warmer weather.

I would recommend traveling in early May if you want warmer days. March can still be quite cold, and April experiences a lot of rain. However, you’ll find plenty of different seasonal events to suit your preferences:

• 🍀 St. Patrick’s Day Parade, March 17th: Family-friendly, typically the start of the spring season with festive floats, band marches, and bar specials throughout the city for adults.
• 💐 Macy’s Flower Show, late April to late May: Incredible flower displays at Macy’s flagship store in Herald Square.
• 🌸 Cherry Blossoms in Brooklyn Botanic Garden, late April to mid May: Take the family to see the cherry blossoms during the flowering season.
• 🎞️ Tribeca Film Festival, early-mid June: Great for adults and film fans to see live viewings, hear discussions, and experience immersive events. 

Summer (Late June – September)

Summer is the peak travel season in New York City, since schools are out and the sun sets late. The streets are more crowded and the prices are higher. However, the season is popular for a reason, as a summer day in New York City should be on everyone’s bucket list.

The daytime temperatures are often hot and humid in July and August, with an average high of 84°F. Be mindful of dehydration and wear plenty of sunscreen if you’re outdoors for long periods. My advice is to take advantage of the evenings after 4 pm, when the temperatures cool down and the streets become electric.

You won’t find a shortage of summer-time events:

• 🎸 SummerStage in Central Park, late May to early October: Over 70 free & ticketed outdoor concerts across multiple parks.
• 🍿 Bryant Park Movie Nights, early June to mid-August: The lawn opens at 5 PM; movie starts at 8 PM on select dates with free admission.
• 🎭 Shakespeare in the Park, early August to mid-September: Free first-come, first-served tickets to see family-friendly theatre performances at The Delacorte Theater in Central Park.
• 🎤 BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!, early June to late August: Free performing arts festival in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, with multiple dates.
• 🎆 Fourth of July Fireworks, July 4th: Macy’s annual fireworks over the East River or the Hudson River (location changes). 

New York City Weather and Climate

New York City experiences all four seasons to the fullest extent. Rain, snow, sleet, ice, sun, humidity. You name it, we have it.

The rain consistently falls throughout the year in New York City, with thunderstorms most intense during the summer. The wetter season runs from early April to the end of August, with an over 29% chance of rain any given day [Source]. 

Summer in New York City has many high-humidity days, making the air feel warmer than the outdoor temperature. If you’re doing plenty of walking, be prepared to sweat. It’s not uncommon for temperatures to reach the mid to high 90s in July and August. 

The winter weather sets in towards the end of December, and warmer weather doesn’t arrive until April. The beginning of April can still experience snow and freezing temperatures; be sure to pack warm clothes. Many travelers assume April warms up, but there’s often a surprise snowstorm before spring arrives. 

The safest months to travel weather-wise are from late May to the end of June, and early September to early November. You’ll get away with light to medium-warmth clothing, and New York City temperatures are at their best. 

Tips for Visiting New York City

Tip #1 – Never do New Year’s Eve in Times Square/ Midtown

If I were offered $1 million to do New Year’s Eve in Times Square, I would be reluctant to say yes. I apologize if I’m ruining any bucket-list life goals, but cross off New Year’s Eve in Times Square and go skydiving instead. 

Yes, the rumors that people wear diapers are true, and there is nowhere to go to use the bathroom. You’ll have to stand for hours, and once you’re in a location, it’s almost impossible to move. Leaving Times Square after midnight will look like a scene from The Walking Dead, and the subway will be congested. 

If you plan on spending New Year’s Eve in Times Square, be sure to book a central hotel like Hotel Riu Plaza Times Square or New York Marriott Marquis. 

Tip #2 – Skip the Empire State Building Tours

I don’t want to knock down seeing The Empire State Building entirely, but there are better locations for incredible skyline views of the city. 

With the Vessel in Hudson Yards, Edge NYC, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, and One World Observatory, there are more options than ever for a top-tier view of the city. 

If you’re on a budget, check out Panorama Room in Roosevelt Island or Lost in Paradise in Long Island City. You’ll experience skyline views on a rooftop while enjoying a cocktail for a fraction of the price. 

Tip #3 – Never Have Dinner Near Times Square or Midtown

In a food capital like New York City, never eat near Times Square or Midtown in general. If you’re staying in Midtown, walk over to Hell’s Kitchen for the food scene. 

The best areas in Manhattan for diverse cuisines are Greenwich Village, the Lower East Side, the Upper West Side, and Tribeca for fine dining. 

The real hidden gems are Astoria and Jackson Heights in Queens, as well as Williamsburg, Greenpoint, and Carroll Gardens in Brooklyn. 

If you’re in the Bronx, Arthur Avenue is a historic neighborhood known for its close-knit Italian-American community and incredible family-style Italian dining. For more dining ideas and options, see my list of my favorite restaurants in NYC. 

Tip #4 – Avoid Taxis and Take the Subway

One of my top NYC travel tips is to take the subway. The subway is well-connected throughout the boroughs and operates 24 hours a day. For $2.90 one-way, you can’t beat a better deal on transportation. For late nights, use Lyft, Uber, or a yellow, metered cab to stay safe in NYC.

Tip # 5 – Pack an Umbrella

New York City experiences a lot of rain. Even if promised clear, sunny skies, it’s not uncommon to get a bout of rain in the middle of the day.

Add a small umbrella to your NYC packing list, no matter the time of year you’re visiting. If you get stuck in the rain, stores sometimes charge anywhere from $20-$40 for an umbrella, taking advantage of your desperation. 

Tip #6 – Plan your itinerary in advance

There are many incredible New York City neighborhoods to visit, beyond just Manhattan. You won’t have the chance to see everything on your first trip, so it’s vital to map out your New York City itinerary in advance. 

Even if you only have a few days, try to visit one of the other boroughs, Queens or Brooklyn in particular. You won’t truly understand how exceptional New York City is until you leave the main tourist attractions. 

👉 Short on Time? See my guide to one day in New York City

FAQs About When to Visit New York City

When is the high season in New York City? 

The high season in New York City is during the holiday season, from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve, and summer between late June and early September. 

What is the best month to go to New York City? 

The best month to visit New York City is October. The weather cools down, and the changing leaves are beautiful to see. The holiday tourists have yet to arrive, and prices are still reasonable. Plus, the sun doesn’t set until 6-7 pm, so you can enjoy a full day of sunlight. 

When is the coldest month in New York City?

The coldest month in New York City is January. Temperatures are close to freezing or below on an average day. Make sure to pack extra warm clothes if you’re traveling during January. 

When is the cheapest time to visit New York City?

The cheapest time to visit New York City is early January to the end of February. The slow season offers discounts on food, attractions, and hotels. Flights are also cheaper this time of year. 

What are the hottest months in New York City?

The hottest months are July and August. With high heat and humidity, travelers should be mindful of dehydration, sunburn, and larger crowds leading to congestion. The temperatures reach the high eighties and nineties, so consider early morning and late evening for outdoor attractions. 

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Thank you for reading my guide! And remember, there’s no such thing as a bad time to visit New York City. 

Feel like you need more local advice? Here’s my article on things you should know before you visit.