The best time to visit New York City is in spring and fall when hotel prices are reasonable. The city’s crowds are thinner than in summer and the temperature is comfortable.
January through March is the off season in terms of weather, but if you don’t mind snow this can be an excellent time to score deals on hotels and enjoy special events.
Spring
The weather is beautiful in spring with warm and sunny days, with the sun setting later in the evening. Temperatures are perfect for walking, shopping and enjoying all the attractions. Men can pack away their puffer jackets and tights and replace them with stylish blazers, while women can swap out ankle boots, stilettos and ballerina flats for comfortable going-out ensembles.
During this season, the snow has usually melted and parks like Central Park are ablaze with flowers. Restaurants and cafes open back up, and the city is alive with a sense of newness and energy.
It’s a great time to visit NYC for family-friendly events like the Annual Village Halloween Parade and for sports fans who can catch the first round of the Big East Basketball Tournament or see a baseball, football, or hockey game. In early September, the Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy and Armory Art Show are major draws. Also in September, Broadway Week features 2-for-1 theater tickets.
Summer
New York City is a vibrant and lively place to be during the summer with many events, outdoor activities and restaurants opening up. It is considered the high season as international tourists arrive in large numbers along with domestic travelers who take three day weekends off work and are visiting NYC to see family and friends.
But it can get crowded with everyone soaking in the nice weather and all the special events and festivals taking place. June through August are usually the busiest times for attractions. But if you want to experience something unique, try walking the Brooklyn Bridge at sunrise during the fall months. That way you will avoid all the morning crowds and enjoy the views with peace and quiet. This is a great time to save money as the hotels will be cheaper due to the shoulder season. It is also good if you want to enjoy the local markets and restaurants with less people.
Fall
The weather is cooler but still warm enough for a walk in Central Park or a Brooklyn Street Art Walking Tour. Many neighborhoods put on special events such as the West Indian Carnival in Brooklyn and Halloween parades and jack-o-lantern displays.
November is great for foodies because Restaurant Week offers two-for-one deals on meals. The city is much less crowded as New Yorkers head back to school and summer vacations come to an end.
The highlight of fall in NYC is the spectacular multi-color foliage. It is also a good time for some of the city’s most popular seasonal events such as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Halloween Parade and the Great Jack-o-Lantern Blaze. It is also the start of holiday season with dazzling lights and festive activities including Christmas in Rockefeller Center and the Radio City Music Hall Nutcracker ballet.
Winter
Winter in New York City is quite chill, but it’s also one of the most festive times to visit. From November until April, visitors can enjoy holiday events, see the famous department store windows lit up for Christmas, and attend New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Winter is also great for shopping, dining, and attending concerts or sports events. For example, in January the city is flooded with NBA and NHL season openers as well as Restaurant Week, which offers huge discounts on meals.
Spring is a pleasant time to explore the city, with temperatures warming up and flowers beginning to bloom. It’s also the best time to take part in outdoor activities like the annual NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade. In the summer, you’ll find the city is booming with life as locals enjoy the warm weather. However, it’s important to keep in mind that summer is high season, so you may face long queues at attractions and experiences.
