Best Time to Visit New York: Weather, Crowds and Prices

What's the best time to travel to New York? It's a question our traveling friends ask us all the time.

Below we'll walk you through the upsides and what happens each month in New York. So keep reading if you want to plan your dream trip right.

Which is the best month of the year?

Here are the most iconic activities for each month in New York, so you can decide which is the best time to travel to New York based on your interests:

January in New York

January is one of the coldest months, but also one of the cheapest for traveling, since hotels and flights drop in price.

You can go ice skating, the season of Woody Allen playing jazz kicks off, and stores hold huge clearance sales, among other options.

Read more about what to do in New York in January.

February in New York

In February it's still cold and everything is still cheaper.

Despite the winter there's plenty to do, for example the Chinese New Year celebration, Fashion Week, Valentine's Day and basketball season,

Read more about what to do in New York in February.

March in New York

In March it's still cold, but the days start turning sunny and clear.

It's the last month for ice skating, and toward the end of the month you can enjoy the first signs of spring in the botanical gardens.

Read more about what to do in New York in March.

April in New York

April is one of the best months to travel to New York.

The cherry trees bloom, it's the Tribeca Festival, baseball season begins and the Luna Park amusement park opens at Coney Island.

Read more about what to do in New York in April.

May in New York

May is the month of flowers, spring is in full swing in New York.

It's an ideal month to explore New York by bike.

You can head over to Governors Island, catch Manhattanhenge and enjoy longer, warmer days.

Read more about what to do in New York in May.

June in New York

In June the weather is lovely in New York. The stifling summer heat hasn't arrived yet.

There are concerts, festivals, theater and outdoor movies. Plus big parties like The Jazz Age Lawn Party and Pride Week.

Read more about what to do in New York in June.

July in New York

In July the thermometer climbs and the lineup of free cultural activities is enormous.

You can pick between movies under the stars, theater in Central Park, Broadway in Bryant Park or a dip at one of New York's city beaches.

Read more about what to do in New York in July.

August in New York

Temperatures stay high and there's still plenty to do.

July's cultural events keep going. Add in Restaurant Week and the opening of the US Open tennis tournament.

Read more about what to do in New York in August.

September in New York

Summer's heat is behind you, leaving mild days and cool nights.

The tennis open continues, another anniversary of September 11 is commemorated, it's Fashion Week and the Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy.

Read more about what to do in New York in September.

October in New York

October is peak fall, and by the end of the month you start to feel the cold.

It's an ideal month to wander New York's parks, shop the Columbus Day sales, catch the Halloween Parade or the end of baseball season.

Read more about what to do in New York in October.

November in New York

In November the cold already hints at winter and Christmas.

It's the month of the New York Marathon, the Thanksgiving Day Parade and the famous Black Friday.

The main ice skating rinks open.

Read more about what to do in New York in November.

December in New York

In December, New York is Christmas.

It's the best time to visit New York if you want to enjoy winter and the end-of-year holidays.

You can catch the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City, visit Santaland at Macy's, wander through Christmas markets, or check out the toy train displays.

Read more about what to do in New York in December.

What's the best time of year?

New York gets very hot in summer and very cold in winter, so in general the best seasons to visit are spring and fall (read more about the weather in New York).

Visiting in spring

March 21 to June 21

Spring is beautiful, with pleasant weather for exploring the city.

In March you can still feel the last frosts of winter, but by the second half of April everything is in bloom and the temperature warms up.

In May and June the weather is ideal, but the city is already filling up with tourists.

Click on what to do in spring in New York, where we share plenty of ideas for making the most of the season.

Visiting in summer

June 21 to September 21

In summer there are tons of outdoor activities around the city (check out what you can do in summer in New York)

There are theater, music, and film festivals in parks all over town. The city is bursting with activity, and with tourists too.

The downside is that it's peak season, so flight and hotel prices go up (it helps to book hotels well in advance).

On top of that, the lines at the most popular attractions are long (to skip them, tourist discount passes with «fast track» access come in handy)

Visiting in fall

September 21 to December 21

Along with spring, fall is the best time to visit New York (see what to do in fall in New York).

The summer heat is behind you and the trees are at their most spectacular.

In September and October the temperatures are pleasant.

By November the cold has set in, but flight and hotel prices drop noticeably, so if you're watching your budget these are ideal months to travel (take a look at these good, affordable hotels).

Visiting in winter

December 21 to March 21

The city in winter is magical, especially December with all the charm of Christmas in New York. The downside is that it's high season and everything gets pricier.

In January and February the cold is extreme, so if you're not used to it or don't have the right clothing, these may not be the best months for you.

If you're brave, see what you can do in winter in New York.