The timeless allure of the Big Apple attracts millions of tourists every year, through every season – there’s never a bad time to be in New York. Even when it’s raining, there are countless museums and galleries to visit, as well as famous eateries where you can escape the weather with a steaming cup of coffee and a plate of something delicious.
But if you’re traveling a long way to see the sparkling lights of the Manhattan skyline, chances are you’ll probably want decent weather for at least part of your trip. With that in mind, here’s our season-by-season guide to the best time to visit NYC.
Spring
Spring in New York is often considered one of the best times to visit. The weather tends to be mild, and tourist numbers are lower than in the peak summer months, giving you more space to explore without being pulled along by crowds. However, whilst you can hope for sunshine, you will need to be prepared for rain, with April often being one of the wetter months of the year here.
April also brings with it the return of several outdoor markets, such as Queen’s Night Market and Bronx Night Market, which focus on foodie offerings at a reasonable price – a must-have for any visitor. If you’re fortunate enough to get the timing right, you’ll also be able to enjoy the beauty of the cherry blossom trees in full bloom.
Summer
If you want to reduce the risk of a rainy day and enjoy the heat of the city in full flow, then opting for summer is your best bet. The warmer months are all about getting outdoors and enjoying the good weather, whether you’re luxuriating in a picnic and reading a good book in Central Park, or seeking out thrills on the rollercoasters at Coney Island.
If the pace of the city gets too much, you can escape to one of New York’s beaches, thanks to its coastal location. Whilst for some you’ll need to hire a car, others, such as Jacob Riis Park Beach, are accessible by public transport.
Of course, any visitor to New York should remember that 4th July is American Independence Day, so this may impact your visit. Plan ahead if you’ve got anything specific you want to do – or if you want to be there for the celebrations.
Fall
Autumn in New York once again brings with it more reasonable temperatures, so if you don’t want to swelter in the heat, consider delaying your trip to September or October. This way, you can also take advantage of the scenic beauty of the golden falling leaves, and cozy up in scarves and sweaters as the season moves towards the colder temperatures (although September often remains blissfully warm).
One of the biggest events on the New York calendar also happens in November – the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This is a huge spectacle of music, dancing and other shows that takes over the streets of New York, and you can watch for free and experience the day as a local.
Winter
The arrival of winter in the city brings with it the magic of snow, Christmas decorations and plenty of fun activities. Beware that temperatures are very cold, so you’ll need to plan plenty of indoor stops on your daily itinerary – but rather than this being a problem, it makes it an even better time to have a foodie adventure.
You can also warm up by taking in a Broadway show, or spending the afternoon in a gallery or art exhibition. Just remember that you’ll want to pack plenty of warm clothes and sturdy shoes so that you can get the most out of your stay.
Make the most of your time in the city that never sleeps
With so many things to do right on your doorstep, you’ll have plenty of choices when it comes to activities for your New York trip. Whether you’re there for a week or just a day or so before you go on to other places in the USA, you’re sure to have an amazing time.
We hope you found this blog post on When Is The Best Time To Visit New York City? useful. Be sure to check out our post on How To Get Around New York As a Newbie for more great tips!
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