Best Time of the Year to Travel to New York City

If you're sure that New York is the destination for your next trip, but you're not sure when is the best time of the year to visit this spectacular city, read on!

María Cano

María Cano

14 min read

Best Time of the Year to Travel to New York City

Sunset in Manhattan | ©Luca Bravo

We can all agree that there is no bad time to visit New York: day, night, any time of the year .... The capital of the world has a lot to offer, whenever you go.

However, New York is a city that is characteristically very cold in the winter months and very warm in the summer. So a good time to enjoy it to the fullest is spring and autumn.

However, you also have to take into account other factors for your trip, such as price and tourist saturation. Below, I'll reveal everything you need to know so you can plan your trip to New York in the best way possible, depending on what you want to do.

What is the best time to visit New York according to the weather?

Empire State Building from the streets of New York| ©Hellotickets
Empire State Building from the streets of New York| ©Hellotickets

Considering the weather and sunshine hours, the best time to visit New York is in spring and autumn, i.e. April, May, early June, September and October, when temperatures are moderate and the days are long enough to make the most of your visit.

However, there are other very special times to travel to New York. For example, if you go in December, despite the cold, you can enjoy the magic of Christmas, and if you go to New York in January, February and March you'll find some bargains you won't see at other times of the year.

In the summer months, on the other hand, prices are higher and the city is very uncomfortable because it's overcrowded from a tourist's point of view. There are a lot of queues and you won't be able to move around as much.

High and low season in New York

  • The low season in New York is January, February and early March. During these months temperatures are very low (between -5 and 4°C), days are short, and there is virtually no tourism. In New York in February you will find that there are virtually no tourists.

  • The high season in New York runs from late June to mid-September. During these months there is a lot of tourism and prices, both for flights and hotels, skyrocket.

Book a tour of New York

When is the best time to visit New York based on price?

Brooklyn Botanic Garden, an unmissable place to visit in autumn.| ©NYC Go
Brooklyn Botanic Garden, an unmissable place to visit in autumn.| ©NYC Go

The cheapest months to travel to New York are January, February and March because, although travelling to New York is always expensive, it's more feasible to find deals on your trip at this time of year due to the extreme temperatures.

The cheapest months for shopping are May and October, as these are the months of the year when there are fewer tourists and prices are lower. If you go to New York at the end of October, keep in mind that Halloween may push up prices for that weekend.

Book a New York shopping tour

When is the best time to visit New York with children?

Central Park ice rink at Christmas time| ©Georgio
Central Park ice rink at Christmas time| ©Georgio

If you are going to New York with children, I recommend you to go, without a doubt, at Christmas time. It's a unique time to visit the city, as Christmas in New York is in full swing. You'll be able to enjoy the skating rinks, the Christmas markets and see the lights and the best Christmas trees. It will be an unforgettable experience for the little ones at home!

Another top plan with children in New York at this time of year (or any other) is to go to a Broadway musical, where you'll have a great time at an unforgettable show.

Book tickets for Broadway in New York

When is the best time to visit New York if you want to take a cruise?

View of New York from the cruise ship| ©Hellotickets
View of New York from the cruise ship| ©Hellotickets

If you want to enjoy a cruise on your trip to New York, don't hesitate to go in the months of April, May, September and October when temperatures are moderate.

Book the best cruises in New York

When is the best time to visit New York if you want to take photos?

Must-see photo at the Statue of Liberty| ©Hellotickets
Must-see photo at the Statue of Liberty| ©Hellotickets

If you are a photography lover looking for a dream photo album, don't hesitate to come to New York in April, May, September or October.

These are months when the city is not overcrowded with tourists and you'll be able to shoot your camera in comfort. Moreover, at this time of year there are still enough hours of sunshine to allow you to take more photos throughout the day.

Book a photo shoot in Brooklyn

When is the best time to visit New York if you want to see it with few people?

Springtime at the Arch in Washington Square Park| ©Bex Walton
Springtime at the Arch in Washington Square Park| ©Bex Walton

Everyone agrees that the best time to travel to New York is the spring and autumn months, especially from mid-September onwards in New York and also in October, because temperatures are more moderate, there are not many tourists and the days are longer for the most complete programme possible.

When is the best time to visit New York if you want to save money?

Visit Time Square| ©Hellotickets
Visit Time Square| ©Hellotickets

If you want to travel to New York, but are on a budget, I recommend you go between January and March, as you'll be able to find cheaper flights, and hotels have lower prices in these months of the year due to the lower temperatures.

When is the best time to visit New York to make the most of your trip?

New York Museum of Natural History| ©Wikimedia
New York Museum of Natural History| ©Wikimedia

If you want to travel and make the most of every day, I definitely recommend you go to New York in June. The opening hours of attractions and museums have been extended and the days are longer so you'll be able to make the most of your trip. There won't be as much tourism as in the middle months of the year, so you'll be able to get around more quickly and without being interrupted by crowds of tourists.

In this post you've read all the details about the best and worst times of the year to travel to New York, but it all depends on your budget, what you want to see and your resistance to extreme temperatures. Still, from my point of view, New York is a trip you shouldn't miss and the time of year shouldn't condition you - it's an unforgettable trip!

Visit New York in the summer if you like the heat and outdoor activities

Coney Island in Summer| ©Dennis Yang
Coney Island in Summer| ©Dennis Yang

Visiting New York in summer is not a good option, as it is very hot and humid. Besides, the city is very touristy and you can't see it as calmly as in other months of the year.

Even so, it has a number of advantages: the days are longer and the opening hours of the attractions are extended. In addition, there is a wide range of outdoor activities on offer.

Here is the post 10 things to do in summer in New York.

Advantages of visiting New York in summer

  • Temperatures: Summer temperatures can be both an advantage and a disadvantage, as in the south of Spain, where temperatures are usually very high, there may be days that wake up with moderate temperatures and are ideal for walking and outdoor activities.

  • Outdoor activities: At this time of the year there is a wide range of outdoor activities on offer: street markets, concerts, shows and summer cinemas...

  • The days are longer: On these days it gets dark at around 20:30 h. and, in addition, the attractions extend their opening hours, so you can make the most of your days. Unlike in winter, when everything closes much earlier and you can't schedule so many activities in a single day.

  • New York Beaches: I guess it's something you haven't thought about, the possibility of swimming at a New York beach. These days, people take the opportunity to go to Coney Island, City Island or Staten Island and take a dip to escape the heat.

Disadvantages of visiting New York in summer

  • The heat: If you can't stand the heat, I recommend that you don't go in July and August, as the temperatures are high and the high humidity makes it feel more stifling.

  • High prices: The prices of flights and hotels are the most expensive at this time of year, along with Christmas.

  • The city is crowded: While New Yorkers leave during these months of the year, tourists invade the city. It is more uncomfortable to see the attractions, as they are overcrowded, and it is common to have to wait in long lines to get in.

The best

The days are longer and there is a wide range of outdoor activities on offer.

The worst

July and August in New York are very hot and humid. Flights and hotels are more expensive than in other months of the year.

Visit New York in winter to enjoy the Christmas season

Snow in Battery Park| ©Will Hedington
Snow in Battery Park| ©Will Hedington

If you visit New York in winter you have to take into account that it is very cold. And when I say very cold, I mean very cold. You'll need to be well prepared with warm clothes and shoes with thick, non-slip soles, as it can get icy at times.

Still, the advantage of going to New York in December is that you'll be able to enjoy the magic of Christmas. Also, if you go from early January to mid-March, you'll be able to find bargains that aren't available in other months of the year.

Here is the post 10 things to do in winter in New York.

Advantages of visiting New York in winter

  • Enjoy Christmas: Travelling to New York in December has its advantages, as you can enjoy Christmas in the month of December. Enjoy the Christmas decorations in the shop windows of Fifth Avenue, Manhattan or the peculiar neighbourhood of Dyker Heights; visit Christmas markets such as Winter Village in Bryant Park or Grand Central Holiday Fair in Grand Central Terminal; ice skating at the Rockefeller or Bryant Park rink; or see the Christmas trees in Rockefeller Center, Madison Square Park are magical plans that you can only experience at this time of the year.

  • Lower prices: Another advantage of travelling from the first week of January to mid-March is that from the end of the Christmas holidays until Easter, prices for travel to New York drop considerably, as do hotel stays.

Affordable shows: In winter, not only will travel be cheaper, but also tickets to shows and restaurant menus are cheaper.

  • The beauty of snowy New York: Also, from January onwards, you have the chance to see the city in snow: its parks, skyscrapers... and I assure you that it has a special charm.

  • Comfort: One of the most important factors to take into account when going to New York in winter is that you will have the opportunity to see the city comfortably. New York is a city with a lot of tourism and only at this time of the year you will have the city to yourself and you will be able to enjoy all the attractions without any inconvenience.

Disadvantages of visiting New York in winter

  • Low temperatures: The biggest drawback of visiting New York in January and February is the freezing temperatures, which can reach three to four degrees below zero, as well as the humidity, which makes it feel even colder.

  • Shorter days: Around 4:30pm and 5:30pm it starts to get dark in winter, and you don't have the chance to make as much use of the days as you would on a trip at other times of the year, as some attractions close an hour or even two hours earlier than usual.

  • More expensive prices: If you go in December around Christmas time, prices are higher and the crowds of tourists will not allow you to see the city comfortably. Even so, it's worth visiting at this time of year, as the city looks like something out of a fairytale.

Recommendations if you visit New York in winter

  • Bundle up: If you're going to New York at this time of year, I recommend you pack warm, insulating clothing, thick-soled, non-slip shoes and polar coats, along with hats, earmuffs, gloves and any other winter accessories you can think of.

  • Plan your visit well: Another tip to keep in mind if you're travelling during these months is to combine outdoor activities with a visit to the museums where you can warm up. The MoMa, the Natural History Museum, the Wax Museum, the options are numerous.

The best

Enjoy the magic of Christmas and the cheap prices you can find between January and the beginning of March.

The worst

The cold temperatures.

Visit New York in spring to enjoy its parks

The Loeb Boathouse, a restaurant in Central Park from iconic movies| ©Posta.com.mx
The Loeb Boathouse, a restaurant in Central Park from iconic movies| ©Posta.com.mx

If you choose spring to visit New York you won't regret it. It's a wonderful time of year as the temperatures are ideal for strolling and enjoying the city outdoors. Plus, the city has a special light.

Most importantly, it' s not crowded with tourists and you can see it comfortably and, finally, during these months of the year, the outdoor season begins. You'll love discovering New York's best parks with their flora and fauna in full bloom.

Advantages of visiting New York in spring

  • Weather: The biggest advantage of visiting New York at this time of year is undoubtedly the weather. In June temperatures can reach up to 20 degrees Celsius and in April in New York (and part of May) it will be between 5 and 15 degrees Celsius, so you'll need to wrap up warm, but you'll still be able to enjoy the many outdoor activities and attractions in comfort.

  • Longer days: Days are longer, due to the time change in the first week of March. Specifically, in this month it starts to get dark at 19:00 h. and, since May in New York, it gets dark around 20:00 h. By extension, the opening hours of museums and tours begin to extend, so you can make better use of the days.

  • The essence of spring: From the beginning of March in New York and the beginning of April, with the arrival of spring, flowers start to bloom and the city's parks take on a special colour and aroma. I recommend that if you go during these months of the year, take a long walk through Central Park, Bryant Park... and enter all the parks and gardens you come across on your way.

  • Outdoor activities season: In the spring, outdoor activities such as concerts, cinemas and street markets that are suspended in the winter months start up.

  • Enjoy the city by bike: You'll be able to enjoy the city by bike, something you can't miss if you go at this time of year.

Disadvantages of visiting New York in Spring

  • Rainfall: April and May are the months with the highest rainfall. So bring an umbrella, a mackintosh and good shoes if you are travelling during these months.

  • Low temperatures: If you go between March and May, you'll need to bundle up because temperatures are still very low. Even so, you'll still be able to walk comfortably in the open air.

The best...

Temperatures are not as cold, the days are longer and outdoor activities such as markets and concerts begin.

The worst...

The rain may surprise you on your outdoor visits.

Visit New York in autumn and celebrate Halloween while enjoying the ochre colours in its parks

Halloween Village Parade in New York| ©Steven Pisano
Halloween Village Parade in New York| ©Steven Pisano

The autumn months are also an ideal time to travel to New York, especially in September and October, when temperatures are moderate and the crowded tourist season of the summer months has passed.

In addition, in autumn there are key dates such as Halloween and Thanksgiving when you can enjoy a unique experience and, from late October-November, it smells like Christmas. The ice skating rinks open and the season of markets, so typical of this time of year, gets underway.

Here is the post 10 things to do in autumn in New York.

Advantages of visiting New York in autumn

  • Moderate temperatures: September is an ideal month to travel to New York in terms of temperature, as temperatures are still warm and you can comfortably enjoy the city outdoors. In October it will start to cool down, but both October and November in New York will be warm enough and you can still take advantage of the outdoor activities.

  • The arrival of autumn: As in spring, the parks in autumn have a special colour from mid-October onwards. If you have the chance to go at this time of year, take as much time as you can to wander around these enclaves.

  • Halloween: Yes, haven't you thought about it? If you go at the end of October you will be able to enjoy Halloween, the pumpkin and skeleton decorations that we have seen so many times on television and that we are gradually adopting in Europe. Believe me! It has nothing to do with it. It's worth enjoying this holiday in New York.

  • Thanksgiving: Right at the end of November you can enjoy this date marked in the American calendar and that means the starting signal for Christmas.

  • Skating rinks: The skating rinks are open from mid-October, so if you are there in mid-October you can enjoy some ice racing.

Disadvantages of visiting New York in autumn

  • Temperatures: If you choose to visit New York in September you can enjoy the ideal temperatures for your trip, but in November the thermometer registers temperatures below freezing and you should be well prepared for the cold.

  • Shorter days: In November the time changes, it gets dark from 4.30pm and attractions have shorter opening hours.

The best...

The preamble to Christmas with the opening of the ice rinks or key dates such as Halloween or Thanksgiving.

The worst...

Days are shorter and temperatures are very low from the end of October onwards.

All in all, we compare the different times to visit New York

Vehicles passing through one of New York's iconic streets| ©Darian Garcia
Vehicles passing through one of New York's iconic streets| ©Darian Garcia
  • New York in Winter
  • Very short days
  • Christmas crowds
  • Very cold temperatures
  • High Christmas prices
  • Good for Christmas shopping and Christmas lighting
  • New York in Spring
  • Long days
  • Little tourism
  • Mild temperatures
  • Affordable prices
  • Good for outdoor activities
  • New York in Summer
  • Very long days
  • Crowded
  • Very high temperatures
  • High prices
  • Good for outdoor activities
  • New York in Autumn
  • Short days
  • Little tourism
  • Mild temperatures
  • Affordable prices
  • Good for outdoor activities