If you plan to visit New York City, deciding the best time to come can be challenging.
You may be wondering “When is the best weather?” or “When are hotels the cheapest?”
As a native New Yorker, I have my own take on the best times to be here based on the things I like to do in the city.
But as a local NYC tour guide for nearly a decade, I've listened to my tour guests and learned what they had to say about this question.
Here are some quick answers.
The best time depends on what "best" means to you.
If by best you mean the cheapest times to visit, that's simple to answer. Come in January and February.
However, there are other relatively cheap times to visit during the high season. I cover this all in the section below about the cheapest time to visit NYC.
If your definition of "best" is related to the weather, that's also easy to answer.
Visit in May and June and September, October and November when it is warmest and fairly dry.
Another consideration is to look at what each month has to offer. Are there activities that can be enjoyed only during that time?
For example, if your dream is to ice skate at Rockefeller Center under the Christmas tree, there's no point visiting in October.
In this post, you'll find in-depth information about when it's cheapest to visit NYC, when the weather is best and what each season and month offers travelers.
In covering these topics, my goal is to help you decide the best time to come to NYC and, by extension, the worst time.
As I mentioned above, as a tour guide in NYC, I've led thousands of guests through the streets of NYC in all four seasons, during all kinds of weather, and in peak and non-peak tourist seasons.
What I learned from them, together with my experience, is the basis of this post.
Now, let's get to it!
- Best Weather
- Cheapest Times to Visit
- Best Time for Christmas
- Each Month in Perspective
- How Many Days Are Enough for NYC?
- Things to Do in NYC
BEST TIME TO VISIT NYC WEATHERWISE
The answer to when the weather in NYC is best is subjective.
For example, I don't care much for July (because I don't do well in humidity) or January because of temperatures.
For most people, the best times to visit NYC weatherwise are roughly the months of May, June, September and October.
These months are my favorite because the weather is comfortably warm and there is very little rain.
During these months, the weather, both day and night, is stable and warm, without the humidity of the dead of summer and very little rain.
Late April, early July, late August and early November are somewhat similar, though you may encounter humidity any time in July and August.
Which Month is the Hottest in NYC?
The hottest month in NYC is July, with some carryover into August.
In my experience, it is the hottest and most humid from mid-July to mid-August.
If you are from a hot and humid climate, these months could work well for you.
I'm not a fan of humidity, so on the hottest days, I look for things to do inside, like spending time in NYC's museums.
If what you want to see in NYC includes many indoor attractions, temperatures won't affect your decision of when to visit.
Find out what is going on during these months and others by looking at our section on things to do by month.
Which Month Gets the Most Rain in NYC?
April gets the most rain on average, but as you can see in the chart below, several other months come close.
Like many other places in the world, it can rain on any day of the year.
But there aren't that many rainy days that you should be concerned about being stuck inside.
I don't worry too much about rain here in NYC and check the forecast every day anyway.
If it says rain, I'll grab an umbrella. I also wear comfortable waterproof shoes or sneakers.
We hardly ever get entire days of rain so you can enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities.
Our walking tours go out in the rain unless conditions are very bad. Bring a raincoat or poncho and join us!
Which Month Gets the Most Snow in New York City?
Statistically, February gets the most snow, but sometimes January will get a similar amount.
It just depends on if a snowstorm rolls in. Every year is different though and we can go for weeks at a time with no snow.
It seems to me and many of my friends here, that the amount of snow gets less and less each year.
For example, in 2024, we had the least amount of snow on record.
When it doesn't snow here at least once, it doesn't feel like winter to me.
But if it snows too much, I'm not a happy camper! I like a nice balance.
Although NYC isn't a particularly snowy city, you should be prepared to deal with snowy conditions.
Read our post on planning for snow in NYC for more information.
Weather Overview by Seasons
Autumn (Sept-Nov)
I love autumn here and think it is one of the best times to visit, especially weather-wise.
September and October are two months when the weather (both day and night) is stable and warm.
There is no humidity and very little rain, which works for me!
Daily high temperatures in September average between 70 – 80 F (21 – 26 C) with October seeing average high temperatures between 60 - 70 F (16 - 21 C).
Things start to cool off in mid-October/November when jackets and light coats are required, but the weather is generally pleasant.
Daily average high temperatures range between 50-60 F (9 - 16 C).
A pastime of mine is going to Central Park in October when the leaves change color. It is gorgeous.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
This is the coldest time of year and many of us prepare to hunker down.
Daily afternoon high temperatures in January and February will be mostly in the upper 30’s F to near 40 F (3-5 C), with evening and morning low temperatures around the mid to upper 20s F (-2 to -3 C).
As I mentioned above, snow is most likely in January and February but it can certainly snow in December and March.
This is when my winter coat and I become good friends.
Early December can sometimes be mild, but I've also lived through a few NYC Decembers when it was below freezing one day and in the 50s F the next.
Winter is the cheapest time to visit NYC (except Christmas and New Year's) and I've heard from so many of my tour guests that they loved saving money and also didn't mind cold days.
It's great for those who love indoor attractions and museums, ice skating and Broadway shows at lower prices.
New Yorkers handle the cold -- life doesn't stop for us in Winter.
Do what we do -- throw on a warm coat and gloves and enjoy the city with fewer tourists.
Spring (March-May)
At the start of March, average high temperatures reach the mid-40s F (6-7 C).
By the end of May, average daily high temperatures will reach the mid-70s F (22-24 C) by the end of the month.
NYC does not have a predictable rainy season. If I had to say what a rainy season here would be, then it's this 3-month period.
It might snow in March, but it's not something New Yorkers worry about as significant snowfall after this time seldom occurs here.
Over my 40 years in NYC, I have lived through one early April snowstorm.
In 1982, it snowed 10 inches in the first week of April! One last chance to sled in Central Park.
However, no month in NYC sees more than 4 inches. (10 cm) of rain a month on average.
The weather isn't very stable, particularly in March and the first half of April which can see frequent temperature and precipitation changes.
It's when New Yorkers swap out their closets in favor of lighter clothing.
My winter coat goes to the back and the lighter coats and jackets come to the front!
April is great for sports fans as professional baseball, basketball, and hockey are happening.
May is especially pleasant and is my favorite month of the year.
The air is fresh, flowers are blooming, and more outdoor activities take place.
Here's a photo of one of my tour groups taken on the Brooklyn Heights Promenade in May.
Look at these clear blue skies and my guests' light clothing!
If you can make it here in May, I highly recommend you do.
Summer (June - August)
June is great weather-wise, with average high temperatures around the mid-70s F (22 -24 C) at the start of the month and just a tad warmer at the end of the month.
After May, June is my second favorite month because temperatures are so nice.
It's when all the fantastic free things to do in Summer start, like outdoor movies and concerts.
Things start to warm up in July, with average high temperatures in the mid-80s F (26-29 C).
About 1/4 of the days will exceed 90 F (32 C) with high humidity.
In July and August, my air-conditioner is always on, so make sure you book a hotel with A/C.
The good news is that evening and morning lows average around the mid to upper-60s F (17-21 C), so you can take advantage of comfortable nights to be active outdoors.
The summer is a great time for one of our night walking tours.
August is similar to July, though temperatures come down towards the end of August, especially at night.
Summer sees lots of sunshine, and while there aren't many rainy days, when it does rain it's not for long.
There can always be a thunderstorm but they roll through very fast.
Just do what I do before going out. Check the forecast for the day and dress appropriately.
Best Time to Visit for Christmas
The holiday season is very popular with tourists drawn to the festive atmosphere and the lights and decorations that drape the city.
One of my annual traditions is to see the holiday lights and the department store window displays.
I hear from so many of my tour guests that they were so glad to have made the trip to NYC this time of the year.
Seeing the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a highlight for many travelers )and myself) and there are holiday shows like the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and The Nutcracker Ballet.
I also love shopping at the Christmas markets and if you are here between mid-November until just after the New Year, check out at least one of the markets.
If it's on your bucket list, come spend New Year's Eve watching the ball drop in Times Square!
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on the last Thursday of November is the unofficial start to NYC's Christmas season and many decorations are already up by then.
However, if you want to see NYC fully decked out for Christmas, the second and third weeks of December are the best time to visit.
As long as you come before Christmas week, hotels and flights are reasonably priced, relative to Christmas week to New Year's Eve prices.
CHEAPEST TIME TO GO TO NYC
Here's a summary of our in-depth post about the least expensive time of year to visit NYC, which also covers the cheapest times in the high season.
The short answer is that early January until early March is the cheapest time to visit NYC.
This period contains the best combination of low prices and offers on flights, hotels, and Broadway-types shows and musicals.
The second cheapest period is from early November until about the first week of December.
When deciding your trip dates, you might find it helpful to read our post, How Much Does It Cost To Visit New York City? This goes over costs at different times of the year.
Cheapest Hotel Prices
Average hotel prices, which approach $300/night for the year, drop to around $190/night city-wide during this low tourism period.
Our post on where to stay in NYC includes affordable options throughout NYC based on feedback from hundreds of members of our NYC Travel Tips Facebook group.
Although the graph doesn't show it, in the period between November 1 and early December, hotels are relatively inexpensive.
Other Helpful Articles
Cheapest Flights to NYC
Likewise, the cheapest time to purchase a flight to NYC is generally from early January until early March.
This is when some of my friends from both the U.S. and beyond come to visit me to save on airfare.
Prices for those coming from overseas are lower as well. Here's an example:
According to Google Flights, the average 5-day round-trip, non-stop flight from London to NYC can reach £1200 during the peak Christmas rush.
But, if you wait until after the Christmas season, the average round-trip flight from London is more than 4 times cheaper.
Other Helpful Articles
There are some caveats to hotel and flight offers during this time of year. You can find more details here.
Benefits of Visiting Between Early January and Early March
Museum Lovers
It's cold outside, but who cares? During the slow season, museums and other indoor attractions are less crowded.
While locals like me still go, there are way fewer tourists vying for space.
Not only are hotels and flights less expensive, but you can save more by taking advantage of visiting the many museums and attractions that have free entry or free days/hours.
A tourist attraction discount pass can also save you money on other attractions that aren't free.
Read how my friend and I saved loads by buying tourist passes when he came to visit.
Theater Lovers
Fewer tourists in town mean that tickets to shows are easier to get, especially on websites such as StubHub and TodayTix.
Late January is Broadway Week, a two-week period when you can get 2-for-1 tickets to many popular Broadway shows.
I take advantage of this special promotion every year.
At other times of the year, I rely on these ways to get cheaper theater tickets.
Dining Out
January until early March is a great time for dining out. Dinner reservations are much easier to come by with fewer tourists in town.
If you are a foodie like me, come in the second half of January when Restaurant Week takes place.
It's three weeks long and you can dine at New York City's finest restaurants for anywhere from 30-50% of regular prices.
I've had some unforgettable meals over the years at unbelievable prices!
Other Money-Saving NYC Travel Tips:
- Save 50% on Tours + Attractions
- Free Museums Things to Do in NYC
- NYC on a Budget
- 3 Days in NYC on a Budget
- Free Things to Do with Kids
- Shop at an Outlet Center
- Tips for Discount Shopping
- Cheap Eats
- Using the NYC Subway and Which MetroCard to buy
Monthly Weather Reports
BEST MONTHS TO VISIT NYC
If you are on a budget, this is a very good time to visit as hotels and flights generally cost less.
Plus, some holiday lights are still up and you can also go ice skating in the most iconic NYC places like Wollman Rink in Central Park without too many people to bump into!
I like skating at Winter Village in Bryant Park more since it is free if you bring skates.
There are two annual January events I mentioned above that can save you some serious money.
One of these is Broadway Week, where you can get two tickets to Broadway Shows for the price of one!
The other money-saving event is Restaurant Week, a nearly three-week period when you can dine at over 300 of NYC’s best restaurants with an incredibly affordable prix-fixe set menu.
January is also a great month for fans of professional ice hockey and basketball!
Similar to January, you can get good deals on hotels and flights and you can visit NYC attractions without the crowds.
Chinatown is filled with festive spirit as Chinese New Year takes place with parades and festivals. I love this celebration!
Both Broadway Week and Restaurant Week are still going on in early February as are ice hockey and basketball.
Mid-February offers Off-Broadway Week with two-for-one tickets for high-quality shows at smaller theaters.
You can see dogs at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and supermodels on the catwalk at New York Fashion Week.
Early March is still the off-peak season and flights and hotels will cost less than other times of the year.
March is when temperatures start to get warm in NYC.
Towards the end of the month, NYC sees signs of springtime with the Orchid Show and the Macy’s Flower Show.
Basketball fans will love March Madness and can see the Big East Tournament.
You can celebrate St. Patrick's Day when much of New York seems to turn green. You can even eat green bagels!
Looking for that perfect bagel? Read my list of the best bagels in NYC.
A month filled with flowers and colors!
There's the Easter Parade, and Cherry Blossom Festival, and flower bulbs pop out all over Central Park.
It's a great time to visit the New York Botanical Garden and the Brooklyn Botanical Garden.
Movie lovers like me can go to the Tribeca Film Festival, something I did once and it was great.
In addition to basketball, ice hockey and soccer, baseball starts, so you have a choice of four professional sports to see.
This is a great month to spend outdoors and at indoor attractions and museums before the summer crowds arrive.
The High Line and Central Park are blooming and baseball is in full swing.
Some special events are Fleet Week at the Intrepid Museum and the Annual 9th Avenue Food Festival.
Memorial Day is the start of beach season in NYC, and believe it or not, we have some pretty nice beaches.
May is when I start checking websites for all the free events scheduled for the summer.
In our Guide to Summer in NYC, I share with you hundreds of the best things to do this season.
Summer has arrived and though June (and July) are the busiest months to visit, there are also more fantastic annual events.
Two major free performance series start in June: Shakespeare in the Park and SummerStage.
I've been going to free concerts at SummerStage since 1987 and have been fortunate enough to get tickets to Shakespeare in the Park a few times.
These are two events that make living in NYC a real joy.
June is parade month! Celebrate the Gay Pride Parade, the Puerto Rican Day Parade, and the one-of-a-kind Mermaid Parade at Coney Island.
Independence Day brings Macy’s unbelievable Fireworks show. Even after seeing it for so many years, I am always amazed at what a spectacular Macys puts on.
The free fun continues with loads of free concerts and outdoor movie series, and both Shakespeare in the Park and Summerstage are still running.
Restaurant Week returns for two weeks at the end of the month with amazing price cuts at over 300 restaurants.
August does heat up a bit, but this is a bonus for visitors as many New Yorkers flee the city. This means museums and restaurants are emptier.
Since Restaurant Week is still on in the first two weeks of August, you'll have a better chance of getting reservations.
August is also Harlem Week which lasts two weeks.
(You may have noticed by now that when NYC puts on a special event that says "Week", you can count on it being at least double the time!)
In the evenings you have almost too many choices for free entertainment from outdoor movies and plays to concerts and festivals.
At the end of the month, the world’s top tennis players arrive for the U.S. Open Tennis Championship, an event I look forward to every year.
If you have never been, you can go for free during Fan Week to see top players practice and lower- ranked players.
You can also see professional baseball games and soccer matches.
September is great for those who like warm days and cool nights. The city is yours to explore without the summer crowds.
Lines at family-friendly attractions are shorter since local kids are back at school.
The month is filled with festivals and parades like the Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy, the Caribbean Day Parade, and my pick, the Atlantic Antic in Brooklyn Heights.
Broadway Week returns with 2-for-1 deals on theater tickets.
Baseball’s still happening and football season begins.
The tourist crowds are gone giving you more time and space to visit the city’s top attractions.
Central Park’s trees change colors and it's a great place for a fall foliage tour.
There are lots of family-friendly festivals celebrating the harvest season.
Lots of ‘spooky’ events are happening like our Ghost Tours!
The culmination of the month is the annual Greenwich Village Halloween Parade, a one-of-a-kind experience that, if you are in town, go see it!
Early in the month, you can see top comedians at the New York Comedy Festival and all month long you can see a basketball, football, or ice hockey game.
Later in November, you can see the giant floats at the incredible Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade which I guarantee will delight kids and grown-ups alike.
The city will be full of runners as the New York City Marathon takes place in early November.
Towards the end of the month, the holiday spirit starts up, holiday lights and holiday markets appear and some ice rinks open.
How Many Days Are Enough To Visit NYC?
You won't be surprised to read that there never are enough days for a metropolis like New York City.
Before you book your flight, read our post, How Many Days Are Enough To Visit NYC? to get an idea of what trip duration is right for you.
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