The best time to visit NYC is spring and fall. These months avoid the crowds of the summer while still offering pleasant temperatures and plenty of events.
Culture hounds should plan a visit during the height of the theater and opera seasons in late spring and early summer, when top museums mount blockbuster exhibitions. In fall, fans of tennis can catch the US Open at Flushing Meadows and Broadway lovers can take advantage of NYC Broadway Week (2 for 1 tickets).
January & February
If you’re looking for an exhilarating winter-wonderland experience, NYC is at its most festive and energizing in January and February. During this low season, hotels are cheaper and attractions less crowded. You can enjoy the city’s museums and art galleries, catch a Broadway show during NYC Restaurant Week, see a hockey, basketball or baseball game, and watch the famous New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square.
Fall is another great time to visit, as the weather is comfortable and the leaves are changing colors. October is home to the annual New York Comic Con and the Knicks, Rangers and Nets home openers. November kicks off the holiday season with the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The Nutcracker is also a popular event, from George Balanchine’s classic production to Alexei Ratmansky’s contemporary American Ballet Theatre version.
March & April
Sightseeing is ideal during the spring and fall because the weather is warm to cool, with less rain than during the summer. Museums are less crowded during these months, and tickets to Broadway shows are easier to get.
April and May bring gorgeous cherry blossoms to the city’s parks and gardens, making it a great time for hanami. May also brings baseball season and the Ninth Avenue International Food Festival in Hell’s Kitchen.
November through New Year’s is when NYC gets into the holiday spirit with Christmas markets, shows, and lights. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade are highlights. It’s also when the runner-friendly NYC Marathon takes place. Hotel rates and airfare are lower than during peak tourist seasons.
June & July
In June and July, the weather is perfect for exploring NYC outdoor attractions, like Central Park, and for enjoying some of the city’s best patio restaurants. Summer also offers great theater shows, including Shakespeare in the Park, and the annual Coney Island Hot Dog Eating Contest.
Autumn (September, October, and November) is a beautiful time to visit NYC with cooler temperatures and the changing colors of the foliage. The crowds start to disperse after Labor Day, and ticket prices drop. Many fun festivals and events take place, including the New York Film Festival, Broadway Week, and a variety of sports games and concerts. Halloween is a fun time to visit, with Greenwich Village Ghost Tours and other spooky-themed activities.
August & September
The weather is mild and the city re-opens its parks and gardens after the winter. It’s also a great time to enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms (Hanami) at the New York Botanical Garden or Central Park. Foodies can enjoy Restaurant Week and Broadway Week. Other events include the Easter Parade and Brooklyn Street Art Walking Tours.
Fall is a great time to visit NYC because the temperatures are comfortable, and crowds are thinner. Many visitors enjoy the changing color of the leaves in Central Park and Manhattan’s many gardens. The holiday season in December is a magical time to visit with events such as the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and the famous ball drop on New Year’s Eve. Also, hotels are cheaper at this time.
December & January
The city is quieter in winter, but the holiday season brings visitors for special events and bucket-list activities. You’ll see holiday lights and decorations, visit special markets, and enjoy shows like the Radio City Christmas Spectacular or the Nutcracker ballet.
Spring (March through May) is another great time to visit NYC, with warmer temperatures and flowers in bloom. March also celebrates St. Patrick’s Day and offers basketball fans the chance to catch the Big East Tournament. April is an especially beautiful month as it sees the Cherry Blossom Festival and Brooklyn Street Art Walking Tour, while May brings baseball, the High Line flower bulbs, and New York Fashion Week.
During the low season of late January through early March, hotels and flights are typically less expensive. This is also when Broadway’s first off-peak week starts, giving you two for one tickets on popular shows.
