Best Time to Visit New York City
Month-by-month guide to weather, crowds, prices, and what to expect
⚡ Quick Answer
The best time to visit New York is late April to early June or September to early November. You'll get pleasant weather (55-75°F), manageable crowds, and the city at its most beautiful. Avoid mid-July to August if you hate humidity, and December if you hate crowds (or love holiday magic and don't mind paying for it).
At a Glance: NYC by Season
🌸 Spring (Apr-May)
Perfect weather, cherry blossoms, outdoor dining. Prices rise but worth it.
☀️ Summer (Jun-Aug)
Hot, humid, crowded. Free outdoor events. Broadway deals in August.
🍂 Fall (Sep-Nov)
Stunning foliage, crisp air, fashion weeks. Best overall value.
❄️ Winter (Dec-Mar)
Holiday magic in Dec, then bargains Jan-Feb. Cold but cheaper (mostly).
Month-by-Month Breakdown
January
Low crowds27-39°F (-3 to 4°C) · 💰 Budget
Post-holiday quiet. Great hotel deals, but bundle up — temperatures regularly drop below freezing. Indoor attractions like museums and Broadway shows are perfect for this weather.
February
Low crowds29-42°F (-2 to 6°C) · 💰 Budget
Still cold, but Fashion Week brings energy to the city. Valentine's Day sees restaurant prices spike. Presidents' Day weekend can be busy at museums.
March
Medium crowds35-50°F (2 to 10°C) · 💰💰 Moderate
Weather is a gamble — could be 60°F or snowing. St. Patrick's Day parade brings massive crowds to Fifth Avenue. Spring break travelers start arriving.
April
High crowds45-62°F (7 to 17°C) · 💰💰💰 Higher
Cherry blossoms in Central Park, perfect walking weather. Easter brings families. This is when NYC starts feeling magical — but everyone else knows it too.
May
High crowds55-72°F (13 to 22°C) · 💰💰💰 Higher
Arguably the best month. Warm but not humid, long days, outdoor cafes open. Memorial Day weekend is packed. Book everything well in advance.
June
Very High crowds64-80°F (18 to 27°C) · 💰💰💰💰 Peak
Pride Month brings celebrations and crowds. Schools out means families everywhere. Free outdoor concerts and Shakespeare in the Park. Humidity starts creeping in.
July
Very High crowds69-85°F (21 to 29°C) · 💰💰💰💰 Peak
July 4th fireworks are spectacular but intense. Heat and humidity can be brutal. Rooftop bars thrive. Many New Yorkers actually leave the city.
August
High crowds68-84°F (20 to 29°C) · 💰💰💰 Higher
Hottest month. Sticky, sweaty, subway platforms become saunas. But it's the best time for Broadway deals as locals vacation. US Open tennis starts late month.
September
Medium-High crowds61-76°F (16 to 24°C) · 💰💰💰 Higher
Heat breaks, kids are back in school, perfect walking weather. Fashion Week and UN General Assembly mean parts of Manhattan get hectic. Generally excellent.
October
High crowds50-65°F (10 to 18°C) · 💰💰💰 Higher
Central Park foliage is stunning. Columbus Day weekend is busy. Halloween in the Village is legendary. Crisp, perfect weather — but everyone knows it.
November
Very High (late) crowds42-54°F (6 to 12°C) · 💰💰 → 💰💰💰💰
Early November is underrated and affordable. Then Thanksgiving hits and prices explode. The parade, Black Friday, and holiday season kickoff make late November insane.
December
Very High crowds32-43°F (0 to 6°C) · 💰💰💰💰 Peak
Rockefeller tree, holiday windows, ice skating — it's a movie set. But hotels cost a fortune, restaurants need reservations weeks out, and Times Square is a zoo.
💰 When to Visit on a Budget
Want the cheapest trip possible? Here's the honest truth about saving money in NYC:
Cheapest Times to Visit
- 1. January (post-New Year's) — Hotels drop 40-50% from December peaks. Cold, but museums are warm.
- 2. February (except Valentine's week) — Similar deals, slightly less brutal weather.
- 3. Early March — Before spring break crowds arrive.
- 4. August weekdays — Locals leave, hotels discount. Just bring deodorant.
- 5. Early November (before Thanksgiving) — Fall beauty, pre-holiday prices.
🚨 Avoid These for Budget Travel
- • Thanksgiving week (hotel prices 3x normal)
- • December 20 - January 2 (absolute peak)
- • Fashion Week (early Sept, early Feb)
- • UN General Assembly week (late Sept)
- • Marathon weekend (early November)
🌡️ What to Actually Expect Weather-Wise
New York has four distinct seasons, and none of them are subtle. Here's what nobody tells you about NYC weather:
Summer humidity is no joke
It's not just hot — it's sticky. The subway platforms feel like saunas. Your clothes will cling to you. 85°F in NYC feels worse than 95°F in dry climates. July and August afternoons can be genuinely miserable if you're not prepared.
Winter wind is the real enemy
35°F sounds manageable until you're walking through the wind tunnels created by skyscrapers. "Feels like" temperatures can be 15-20 degrees colder than actual. Layer up, bring a good scarf, and accept that your face will hurt.
Spring is unpredictable
March can swing from 70°F to a snowstorm within days. April and May are generally lovely, but pack layers. One day you're in a t-shirt, the next you need a jacket.
Fall is (usually) perfect
September through early November offers the most consistent pleasant weather. Crisp, cool, clear skies. This is when New Yorkers themselves are happiest about living here.
📅 Major Events to Plan Around
These events either make or break a NYC trip depending on your interests:
Worth planning FOR
- 🎭 Broadway Week (Jan & Sept) — 2-for-1 tickets
- 🌸 Cherry Blossom Festival (April) — Brooklyn Botanic Garden
- 🏳️🌈 Pride March (June) — Historic celebration
- 🎆 July 4th Fireworks — Spectacular if you stake out a spot
- 🎃 Village Halloween Parade (Oct 31) — Uniquely NYC
- 🦃 Macy's Thanksgiving Parade — Iconic (arrive 6 AM for views)
- 🎄 Rockefeller Tree Lighting (early Dec) — Magical chaos
Might want to AVOID
- 🎽 NYC Marathon (Nov) — Streets closed, transit rerouted
- 🏛️ UN General Assembly (Sept) — Midtown becomes a fortress
- 👗 Fashion Week (Feb & Sept) — Hotel prices spike
- 🏈 Super Bowl Sunday — Great day to visit (everyone's indoors)
- 📅 New Year's Eve Times Square — Unless you want to stand for 12 hours
🗽 For First-Time Visitors
If this is your first trip to NYC, here's my honest recommendation:
The Sweet Spot: Late September to Mid-October
This is when NYC is at its absolute best for first-timers. Here's why:
- ✓ Weather is perfect for walking (60-70°F, low humidity)
- ✓ Central Park foliage is stunning
- ✓ Kids are back in school, so fewer family crowds
- ✓ Broadway fall season has great new shows
- ✓ Outdoor activities are still possible
- ✓ Restaurant reservations are easier than summer
Second choice: Late April through May. Similar vibes, just with cherry blossoms instead of fall colors.
🌅 Manhattanhenge: NYC's Most Instagrammable Moments
Twice a year, the setting sun aligns perfectly with Manhattan's east-west streets, creating a breathtaking "urban Stonehenge" effect. If you're in NYC during these dates, don't miss it.
2025 Manhattanhenge Dates
🌞 Late May
- • May 29: Half sun on grid (8:12 PM)
- • May 30: Full sun on grid (8:13 PM)
🌞 Mid July
- • July 12: Full sun on grid (8:20 PM)
- • July 13: Half sun on grid (8:21 PM)
📍 Best Viewing Spots
- • 42nd Street: Tudor City overpass (classic shot)
- • 34th Street: By the Empire State Building
- • 14th Street: Less crowded alternative
- • Arrive 30+ minutes early for a good spot
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New York worth visiting in winter?
Absolutely — if you're prepared. December has holiday magic you won't find anywhere else. January and February are cold but offer the best hotel deals of the year. Just pack layers, plan indoor activities, and embrace the cozy restaurant/museum vibe.
What's the worst time to visit NYC?
Subjectively? Late July to mid-August if you hate heat and humidity. The city can feel oppressive. For crowds and prices, the week between Christmas and New Year's is the most chaotic and expensive time of year.
How many days do you need in New York?
First visit: 4-5 days minimum to hit the highlights without exhausting yourself. You could spend a lifetime here and not see everything, but 5 days gives you a real taste. 3 days feels rushed; a week is ideal.
Should I visit New York in December?
If you want the holiday experience — tree, ice skating, window displays — yes. But book hotels 2-3 months ahead, expect high prices, and prepare for crowds everywhere from Rockefeller Center to the Dyker Heights lights. It's magical but intense.
Plan Your Trip
Last updated: December 2025. Weather averages based on historical data; actual conditions vary.