Planning a vacation can be difficult, and almost always all you need is the promise of an amazing trip instead of you to make things smoother The best time to visit a location is one of the most important attributes of any vacation planning. You also want to make sure the weather is great, that there are fewer crowds, that the prices are reasonable, and that you don’t miss out on big events. New York is a location with a lot going on all year, and each of the four seasons can be stunning in its way. Here’s a roadmap to help you figure out when the great time to visit New York is.
When is the best time to go New York? Find out before you book your trip.
The months of April to June, as well as November and December, are ideal for visiting New York. The months of April to June are spring when the weather is warm and there are fewer visitors than normal. In November and December, New York is at its most colorful, with Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. There are so many festivals and special experiences to choose from that you will have the time of your life!
For Specific Types of Travelers the Best Time to Visit New York
- April, May, June, September, and October are the best months for sightseeing.
- September, October, January, February, and March are the best months for backpackers.
- April, May, June, September, and October are the best months for honeymoon couples.
- April, July, November, and December are the best months for festivals in New York.
Throughout the Year in New York
New York is home to over 8.5 million residents, and while that might seem like a large amount, consider that the city receives over 62 million visitors per year! Many of these visitors come during peak season, so here’s what to predict.
The summer high season in New York runs from June to August, and the winter high season runs from November to December. Summer draws a large number of foreign visitors, resulting in long lines and crowds at many of the city’s attractions. During the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, many domestic visitors come to enjoy the festivities. Airfares are skyrocketing, and lodging is quickly running out, so it’s best to book ahead of time.
Spring and autumn are New York’s shoulder seasons, and although tourist numbers are down, special events or festivals can see a surge in attendance. During the shoulder tourist seasons of April to May and September to October, you may be able to get exclusive offers on activities and even lodging. The weather is good, making it an ideal time for walking tours and visits to attractions with shorter lines.
Low Season in New York lasts only a few months, from January to March, before winter reigns supreme. The city is seeing more snowstorms as a result of climate change, but the city never stops! It’s a good time to get discounted airfares and accommodations, as well as tickets to Broadway performances, and the best advantage of all is that museums and places of interest are less crowded. Just allow for possible delays in transportation and dress safely in multilayer jackets and warm boots.
Anytime is a good time to visit New York. Each season in Gotham provides visitors with a variety of reasons to come. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and holiday decorations bring crisp breezes, bright sun, and comfortable temperatures to early fall, while the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and holiday decorations bring cheer to late fall and winter. The coldest months are January and February, but this also means lower hotel prices. Spring has arrived, and New Yorkers are taking to the streets, buying at outdoor markets, cavorting in Central Park, and eating al fresco to appreciate. Summer is hot, but so are a lot of these places, and however, this is New York, after all.