The best time to visit New York: a seasonal guide

Looking for the best time to visit New York? New York City experiences no real ‘off-season’. The city’s historic landmarks, world-class museums and famous attractions lure tourists year-round. 

From the sunny days of summer to winter’s chill, the city’s character shifts dramatically with the changing weather. Spring and autumn also bring their unique magic, from fragrant fresh blooms to crisper temperatures and spooky decorations. 

This article breaks down what to expect when visiting New York City in each season, along with the best activities to make the most of your time outdoors.

1. Pack according to the weather

New York has a continental climate – which means hot, humid summers and cold, windy winters that see snow and rain. In the summer, loose clothing and comfortable walking shoes are essential to combat the heat as you explore the city. A rain jacket and umbrella are also smart, especially in June – New York City’s wettest month of the year. In winter, it’s wise to bring warm layers, including a coat and boots with rugged soles, as ice and puddles are a common occurrence.

2. Consider the crowds

Crowds are commonplace in a city as busy as New York, but certain times of year attract more tourists than others. Peak tourist season typically occurs in the summer and the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, when people travel to experience the city’s world-famous seasonal celebrations and decorations. If you’re looking to avoid crowds, time your visit for late winter to early spring (January through May) and early autumn (September through early November).

3. Don’t limit yourself to Manhattan

New York’s most famous borough is a tourism magnet. After all, many famous landmarks are here – from Times Square to Central Park. However, there’s so much more to the city than the Empire State Building. Consider supplementing your sightseeing in boroughs further afield – most of which are a simple subway ride away. Brooklyn offers hip neighbourhoods like Williamsburg and Red Hook, Queens is great for food and bar-hopping and the Bronx is home to both the Bronx Zoo and Yankee Stadium.

Winter: December to March

Few, if any, cities celebrate the holiday season quite like New York. Come winter, the metropolis morphs into a wonderland of twinkling lights and attention-grabbing decorations. The streets may seem quieter on the city’s outskirts as people head indoors to escape the chill. Winter temperatures range from 0°C–6°C, but in Midtown, crowds convene in record numbers to shop, sightsee and mingle among the festivities. After the New Year, when tourists head home, the city finally quiets down and visitors enjoy smaller crowds.

What to do in winter in New York

1. Ice skating at seasonal rinks

Ice skating is a quintessential winter experience in New York City. At Wollman Rink in Central Park, you can enjoy views of the trees and the city skyline as you glide across the ice during skate sessions. The Rink at Rockefeller Center, located beneath the iconic Christmas tree, is just as picturesque and offers the chance to enjoy drinks inside a private chalet overlooking the ice. For something slightly less crowded, consider the rinks at Industry City in Brooklyn or Brookfield Place in the Financial District, which faces the Hudson River.

2. Holiday sights and lights

If you’re a fan of the holiday season, then winter is one of the best times to visit New York. The Big Apple goes all out when it comes to seasonal decorations. In early December, crowds convene to watch the Rockefeller Tree Lighting, which stays lit through January. Holiday markets at Bryant Park, Union Square, Columbus Circle and Grand Central Terminal offer unique gifts and treats in glass-enclosed stalls. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, featuring the Rockettes, is another beloved holiday tradition. For an equally eye-popping spectacle, head to Dyker Heights to see Christmas light displays that illuminate entire homes.

3. Discounted admission during Broadway Week

Tickets to Broadway shows are notoriously expensive, which is why in-the-know theatre-goers mark their calendars for Broadway Week. During this twice-annual event, producers sell two-for-one tickets to some of Broadway’s most popular shows, allowing you to score seats at half the typical cost. Same-day tickets can also be deeply discounted for award-winning performances, including The Lion King and Aladdin.

Spring: March to June

With the coldest months in the rearview mirror, New York stirs to life again come spring. Although days are mostly cloudy, temperatures continue to rise as the season progresses, from an average of 4°C in March to 20°C by the end of May. Parks begin to regain their colour, people take extended strolls outside thanks to increasing daylight hours and outdoor events pick up once again. Spring is the perfect time to enjoy mild temperatures and fewer crowds.

What to do in spring in New York

1. Cherry blossoms in full bloom

If you love cherry blossoms, then spring is one of the best times to visit New York. Cherry blossoms are a brief but beautiful springtime spectacle that you can see in certain spots throughout New York City. An promenade of cherry trees awaits at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, which provides a CherryWatch so you can check when blossoms reach peak bloom. The nearby Green-Wood Cemetery has cherry trees of its own, along with other notable sights including graves of famous figures and a population of monk parrots.

2. Ball games at iconic stadiums

In America, springtime marks the first baseball games of the season. Diehard baseball fans clear their schedules to attend Opening Day – the ceremonial start of the season that symbolises a fresh start in more ways than one. However, you don’t need to be a devotee to enjoy a love of the game. At both Yankee Stadium (home of the Yankees) and Citi Field (home of the Mets), you can chow down on food stand grub, enjoy ice creams in tiny baseball helmets, stretch your legs between innings and soak in the casual atmosphere.  

3. Boat tours on both rivers

One of the best ways to witness New York’s impressive skyline is by boat. Cruises along the East and Hudson rivers feature views of some of the city’s most distinctive architectural landmarks, including the Brooklyn Bridge, the One World Trade Center and the Statue of Liberty. Springtime’s cooler temperatures also mean you aren’t roasting on the deck in the sun, nor are you competing with summer crowds for that perfect picture. For a memorable experience, book a brunch or dinner cruise, which often includes onboard entertainment.

Summer: June to September

Summer in New York City can be sweltering. Days are hot and humid, with average temperatures between 20°C–30°C and frequent late-day thunderstorms. Locals maximise their time outdoors by being near the water or emerging later in the day when the heat begins to wane. From sandy beaches to sunset movie screenings, night markets and more, here’s how to make the most of summer in the Big Apple.

What to do in summer in New York

1. Old-fashioned fun on Coney Island

Coney Island, a seaside resort destination, has been a summertime escape since the 19th century. There are amusement park rides, an iconic boardwalk, an aquarium, miles of beaches and entertainment galore – including the annual Mermaid Parade that celebrates the arrival of summer with costumed merpeople, floats and more.

2. Outdoor concerts, movies and plays

Every night in New York there is a party come summertime. Throughout the season, the City Parks Foundation’s SummerStage puts on dozens of free outdoor concerts across many public parks. Some, like Fort Greene Park and Prospect Park, also host Movie Nights during select evenings, during which you can snag a spot on the lawn to watch famous flicks like Indiana Jones and Clueless under the stars. Meanwhile, literary types line up early for free tickets to Shakespeare in the Park productions, which take place at the revitalised Delacorte Theater.

3. Pop-up night markets

Sunset signals the start of yet another summertime activity: night markets. Open-air markets stir to life throughout the boroughs, luring food lovers and thrifters alike. The Queens Night Market (open on summer Saturdays) is known for its diverse, not to mention affordable, street food. The Brooklyn Night Market and Uptown Night Market in Harlem pair their snacks and merchandise with live music.

Autumn: September to December

By autumn, cooling temperatures and occasional breezes bring sweet relief from summer’s humidity. In early autumn, temperatures range from 12°C–25°C and trees begin their colourful transformation across the city’s parks. Shopfronts swap out swimwear for jumpers and pumpkins pop up on front stoops.

What to do in autumn in New York

1. Leaf-peeping around Manhattan

The East Coast is famous for its autumn foliage and New York is no exception. Places like Fort Tryon Park and Prospect Park are free to visit to see towering elm, oak, maple and sweetgum trees transform into rich yellow, orange, red and purple hues. Timing your visit can be tricky, as the intensity of autumn’s colour displays depends entirely on the weather. Early November is typically the best time to catch the colours. The Fall Foliage Tracker is a great way to keep tabs on when the trees reach their colourful peak. 

2. Food festival-hopping 

Autumn is harvest season – one of the most delicious times of year. Pumpkins and apples appear on restaurant menus, apple cider doughnuts, anyone? Here, you’ll also find some of the city’s most prominent food celebrations take over the streets. Beer halls throughout the boroughs honour Oktoberfest, a celebration of German beer and food, but few places do it better than Stone Street. September also welcomes the San Gennaro Festival to Little Italy, an 11-day event featuring Italian food, entertainment and a parade. After that, it’s only a few more weeks before the New York City Food & Wine Festival, a four-day celebration that comprises food tastings, cooking classes, celebrity chef appearances and more.

3. Larger-than-life cultural celebrations

Some of New York’s most anticipated annual events occur in autumn, attracting spectators from around the country. The season kicks off with the New York Film Festival, a celebration of cutting-edge cinema that brings A-list actors, directors and film buffs to Lincoln Center for screenings, panels and parties. 

The Greenwich Village Halloween Parade hits the streets in October, featuring extravagant costumes and live music. During the New York City Marathon in early November, crowds line up along the route to cheer on the athletes. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an even larger spectacle, during which giant balloons and musical performances on slow-moving floats make their way through the heart of Manhattan, marking the unofficial start of the holiday season.