Wondering when is the best time to visit New York? The answer is: anytime! New York fascinates in each season. There are plenty of reasons why one should visit New York several times and at least one time per season. New York is delightful during spring and summer; the city is absolutely beautiful during autumn and it feels so magical in winter.
High Season in New York
In New York City, high season takes place over two periods, first one being between June to July and second one spreading over November and December. Summers in New York attract lots of tourists. However, during the Thanksgiving and Christmas you might experience even greater crowds as lots of domestic and international tourists come here for the Holidays. Usually, prices on both flights and accommodation during November and December are at their high. You should definitely consider booking your stay in advance, as hotel rooms sell fast around the Holidays. See also: 10 Best Cheap Hotels in New York City.
Low Season in New York
As the winter gets stronger, there comes the time of low temperatures and snow storms. A period from January to March is considered being the low season for travel in New York. However, cold weather has its advantages. Tourist crowds are low at the museums and attractions, while there are also a bunch of bargains available for cheap airfares and hotels. In addition, January to March are considered the easiest to find tickets for Broadway shows. If you’d like to avoid tourist crowds, visiting New York during the low season might be the best option for you. Just remember to pack a coat and a pair of comfortable, warm boots!
Weather
Summers in New York are warm and humid, while winters are usually cold and windy. According to weatherspark.com, over the course of the year, temperatures in New York City vary between 28°F to 85°F. January to March are the coldest months. The weather in New York is warmest throughout June to mid-September.
Best time to visit New York with Family: April, May, October.
Best time to visit New York for Shopping: November, December, April, July, August.
Best time to visit New York for Sightseeing: April, May, June, September, October.
Why to visit New York in January?
If you are a fan of Broadway, then visiting New York in January is a really good idea. One of the most exciting events that takes place in January in New York City is the Broadway Week, during which you get 2-for-1 tickets for over 20 popular shows. That’s an opportunity you cannot miss! If you are a fan of Jazz music, you might be interested in visiting the Winter Jazzfest. Those that are after gastronomic experiences might want to visit the NYC Restaurant Week where you get a chance to enjoy deals at over 300 of New York’s best restaurants.
Why to visit New York in February?
Even though February is certainly one of the coldest months of the year in New York City and the tourism activity is pretty low, there are so many fabulous events for you to attend! The Annual Lunar New Year Festival/Parade at New York’s Chinatown features fireworks, parade and a street fare. An event that many dog lovers look forward to each February is the Annual Westminster Kennel Club Show which is one of the oldest dog shows in the World. Finally, the event that excites fashion lovers from all over the World is the Semi-Annual New York Fashion Week.
Why to visit New York in March?
While in the beginning of March you may still observe the snow on the NYC streets, by the end of the month the weather changes dramatically and we get to see the spring. One of the most notable events that takes place in New York during March is the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Did you know that the New York’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the oldest and largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the World? Isn’t it a reason enough to attend it? Then, to even further enhance your spring mood, visit the Macy’s Flower Show and the Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden to enjoy spectacular floral arrangements and displays.
Why to visit New York in April?
April is the month when New York is blooming. Spring is finally here, temperatures are rising, so it’s a perfect time for going out and about. One of the most notable events that take place in New York during April is the Sakura Matsuri Cherry Festival at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, where you will see over 200 cherry blossoms in bloom. Other events worth visiting include the Easter Parade & Bonnet Festival and the Tribeca Film Festival.
Why to visit New York in May?
May is considered to be one of the best months to visit New York for sightseeing. Days are sunny and warm and there aren’t as many tourists on the streets, as there are in the summer months. This is definitely an advantage for those who are into sightseeing! However, there are also several events happening in New York throughout May that are worth visiting. For example, food lovers might be interested to go to the Ninth Avenue International Food Festival, where you get to experience lots of ethnic cuisine. Those that are into art, should visit the Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit. If you are visiting New York during the Memorial Day, make sure to attend the Fleet Week, where you get to experience multiple arrangements in celebration of the Memorial day, incl. the Hudson River Parade of Ships.
Why to visit New York in June?
There are lots of exciting activities happening in New York City during June. First of all, June is the Pride Month, so if you are planning to visit New York City during June, you might want to attend the NYC Pride Festival and March. One of the most highly anticipated events that takes place in New York during the beginning of June is The Governors Ball, which is a music festival held in Randall’s Island. The event brings lots of big-name artists and features an array of music genres, incl. but not limited to pop, rock, hip-hop and electronic.
Why to visit New York in July?
July is one of the busiest months when comes to NYC tourism. So, be prepared for longer queues at major tourist attractions and landmarks. However, July is also one of the most exciting months when it comes to events. First and foremost, Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks are so spectacular that they draw thousands of crowds each year. Next, comes the Bastille Day on 60th Street, which is an annual celebration of French food and culture. The NYC Restaurant Week happens yet again in July. Furthermore, around mid-July starts the annual Shakespeare in the Park Festival, where you get to see Shakespeare plays absolutely for free, performed at the Central Park’s Delacorte Theater.
Why to visit New York in August?
The Shakespeare in the Park Festival continues until around mid-August. However, one of the most popular events that takes place in NYC during August is the Harlem Week. There you get an opportunity to learn about different cultures through the music, food, dance seminars and much more. Another cultural event that New York hosts annually around mid-August is the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival. Curious to experience a little of Hong Kong culture or want to taste some delicious Asian cuisine? Or, maybe both? Make sure not to miss out on this amazing event!
Why to visit New York in September?
September in New York is a very exciting time for tennis lovers. For two weeks in September, Flushing Meadows in Queens hosts the U.S. Open, which is one of the most famous tennis events in the World. Furthermore, on the first Monday in September is when the United States celebrate the Labor Day. The Labor Day celebration is a way marks the end of summer season. NYC is quite busy during the time. Over the Labor Day weekend, NYC hosts a lot of fun events, one of them being the Electric Zoo Festival which features live performances from top international DJ’s and acts. Then, in September, we get to enjoy the Broadway Week again. Other notable events happening in New York City during September include Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibition and the New York Fashion Week.
Why to visit New York in October?
In October, weather in New York gets cooler and we get to see the beautiful Fall colors. October in New York is considered being the “shoulder season”, which means that there aren’t that many tourists on the streets, but the tourism activity isn’t on the low either. If you prefer lower tourist crowds, visiting New York City in October is a great option. In addition, October is rich on events to attend. Some of the most notable events that take place in New York City during October are the New York Film Festival, Columbus Day Parade and New York City Wine & Food Festival.
Why to visit New York in November?
The pre-Christmas season in New York is absolutely spectacular! Around mid-November stores begin to set up their Christmas decor and displays. If you are visiting New York in November make sure not to miss out on the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Ceremony, which is held the Wednesday after Thanksgiving.
Why to visit New York in December?
Around Christmas and New Year’s Eve New York turns into a fairytale. Without a doubt, New York is one of the most beautifully decorated cities for the Holidays. Everyone must, at least once, visit New York in December. Holiday lights and decorations, numerous Christmas Trees and magnificent window displays will quickly get you into the holiday mood! However, besides observing the beautiful decorations, there are also several events for you to attend. Go to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Celebrate the New Year’s Eve at Times Square and see the famous ball drop at midnight. And of course, if you’ll be visiting New York during the Holidays, remember to check out the iconic Ice Skating Rink at Rockefeller Center!
In conclusion, I would like to say that no time is wrong for visiting New York. The City, indeed, never sleeps! Whenever you visit New York, there is always something interesting going on, which gives you a plenty of reasons to come back to the city again!
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