When is the Best Time to Visit NYC?

When to visit NYC? That’s a highly subjective question.

Some visitors love the Holiday Season (mid-November to New Year’s Day) when the city is decked out in dazzling Christmas decorations. Others loathe the season’s massive crowds, frigid temperatures, and whopping expense. Summer offers out-of-door pleasures and abundant cultural events (most free) …along with sweltering heat and humidity.

Harlem under a blanket of snow. Photo: Jeff Dobbins

New York City has four distinct seasons. December – February can occasionally be bitterly cold and, while infrequent, snow storms make it difficult to get around. June – August is a great time to explore the city, particularly the parks, beaches, and surrounding areas. However, the heat and humidity can become intense, greatly impacting one’s comfort and stamina.

In general, April – mid-June and September – early November have the most consistently pleasant weather (with the caveat that climate change has made “normal” weather patterns a thing of the past).

Here are New York’s “average” climate statistics:

One more consideration: while the weather in January – March can be less than ideal, it is “slow season” for tourism to NYC. That means discounts on flights and accommodations, no crowds, and great availability for popular restaurants, theater tickets (lots of discounts offered) and free tapings of television shows like “The View” and “The Tonight Show.”

With so much to see and enjoy in New York, if you are prepared for the varied weather conditions, any season can be a wonderful time to visit NYC.

Beach with a view. Governor’s Island’s Water Taxi Beach. Photo: Jeff Dobbins