cheap time to visit new york

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When is the Cheapest Time to Travel to NYC?

This post answers the question of when is it cheapest to visit NYC, including sections specific to hotels and airfares.

We will give context to the best time of year and the best times for different seasons, as well as discuss the benefits of low-season travel.

As local tour guides offering pay-what-you-wish walking tours , we know a thing or two about great deals in NYC.

As locals, we have the luxury of experiencing NYC any time of the year, and we know when the cheapest time for things is.

And, to craft this post, we've used our own local experiences, as well as those of the members of our popular NYC Travel Tips Facebook group.

You can find a link to the group in our Tips for Traveling Cheaply to NYC section.

• The Quick Answer
• Cheapest Times for Hotels
• Cheapest Times for Flights
• Pros and Cons of Off-Season Travel
• 7 Tips for Traveling Cheaply to NYC
• Other Important Questions When Planning Your Visit
• How Much Does It Cost To Visit NYC

THE CHEAPEST TIME TO VISIT NYC

As you might well have guessed, the cheapest months of the year to holiday in NYC are from January through March. 

It's in these 3 months that the costs of both a flight and hotel are on average the lowest for the whole year.

Of course, there are several caveats.

For example, while hotels in NYC are on average cheaper during these months, some major hotel districts, particularly those that serve the business and convention areas are not necessarily great bargains during weekdays.

Also, if you will be flying into the Big Apple, the price you will pay for a flight may be dependent on several factors.

For example, your price could depend on the day of the week that you fly, the day of the week that you purchased your ticket, how far in advance you purchase, and which airport you fly into (NYC has 3). 

Keep in mind that the cheapest time might not be the best time.

If you want to enjoy New York City's parks, for example, then winter is not the best time to visit.

We have a post that analyzes the best times to visit NYC .

On the other hand, if you are a museum lover, you will probably benefit from the smaller crowds and discounted ticket prices.

We explore this more in our benefits of an off-season visit section.

TIP: Once you've chosen the best season for you, then you have to decide how long you want to visit NYC! Our post on How Many Days Is Enough For NYC? can help you make those choices.

You could also listen to our  NYC Travel Tips podcast episode on the pros and cons of visiting NYC in each of the 4 seasons.

This podcast offers bite-sized audio clips with tips on how to plan your trip to NYC. You can get our podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

CHEAPEST TIME FOR HOTELS IN NYC

If you are talking about the cheapest months or season to book a hotel in New York City, the answer, unsurprisingly, is during the winter, just about any time between Jan 4th(ish) and the first half of March.

The charts below show the average daily rate of a 3-star hotel booked on Kayak.com .

However, during the winter months, the average price across the board dipped to just under $275. That means that 50% of NYC hotels cost less than $275/night.

According to NYC and Company, the city's tourism marketing organization, the average daily rate of all classes of hotels for 2022 was just over $400 per night.

You can set filters on sites like Kayak.com , that focus on inexpensive hotels.

Discount websites that offer deals, such as Hotwire.com , really have their best discounts in the off-season. 

If you avoid peak areas and get a moderately priced hotel, you should expect to pay between $100-$130/per night.

You can even pay less if you follow our tips for cheap accommodations .

Hotel Week, which runs for 5 weeks from January until February, is likely the cheapest period throughout the whole year. 

Peak Season

There are two main reasons the winter is so inexpensive.

First, it's cold here and it can snow , which can cause the occasional unwanted flight delays and cancellations.

Second, most people can't travel at this time. Outside of the winter months, hotels are generally much more expensive.

According to the chart above, in 2022, only January saw average daily rates for 3-star hotels under $300.

However, from the end of July and through the whole of August, prices generally fall back below the average, but just not as low as the winter months.

Likewise, the second half of November and the first 2 weeks of December are also times when average hotel prices fall below the yearly average, even though the chart averages don't seem to show this.

Note that hotel prices may be higher around the New York City Marathon, the first Sunday in November, when tens of thousands of runners from around the world descend on Manhattan.

Additional Resources and Tips

• Where to Stay in NYC
• 15 Ways to Find Cheap Accommodations in NYC
• 25 Inexpensive Hotels in NYC

Check out  TripAdvisor's Top 30 Affordable Hotels , which has hundreds of reviews and is a go-to source for finding information before you book, and make sure to check out deal sights such as Groupon , and Living Social .

CHEAPEST TIME TO FLY TO NEW YORK

As with hotels, the cheapest time to purchase a flight to NYC is generally from Jan 4th(ish) until mid-March.

The most expensive months are June and July and the weeks leading up to and including Christmas and New Year's Eve.

According to Google Flights, the average 5-day round-trip, non-stop flight from London to NYC can reach £1200 during the peak holiday season rush. 

However, if you wait until the 2nd week of January, these same round-trip flights can be as low as £260.

Skyscanner is a flight aggregator that collects data on prices and offers lots of price and departure flexibility.

It's a good service to use to understand how low prices can go.

With the exception of Easter Weekend and a few other U.S. national holidays, best-price round-trip tickets can be found for between £260-£330 all the way up till mid-June.

From roughly mid-June until the start of September, flights from London to NYC are their most expensive on average, with the best price round-trip tickets averaging around £520. 

However, if you wait until the 1st week of September, the best price average sinks to just over £300.

While hotels are a relative bargain in August, flights are still pricey.

This may be due to the fact that many schools throughout the U.S. are back in session by early August or about to open, whereas the summer holiday for U.K. schools generally ends in early September.

Best price, non-stop tickets remain around £300 up until mid-December when the prices begin to climb rapidly.

While September to November is not technically the cheapest time to come, it is arguably the best time to visit, as the weather is great and the crowds are not overwhelming.

Flexibility is the key to getting the lowest-priced flight. This means flying during off-peak hours.

The least expensive flights tend to depart in the early morning or late evening. 

Purchase Your Ticket During the Prime Time Frame 

Keep in mind, that booking your flight too far in advance or too close to your travel dates may limit your ability to find cheap flight deals.

The prime time frame to purchase your ticket is no earlier than 4 months prior to your departure date and no later than 3 weeks.

Other factors, such as the days of the week that you are flying as well as the days of the week you are buying have an impact on the price that you will pay.

For example, the cheapest days to fly are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday, while Friday and Sunday are the most expensive. 

TIP: Airfares can vary depending on which airport you fly into, so be sure to check all three major airports for the best prices, John F. Kennedy (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), and Newark Liberty International (EWR) in New Jersey.

BENEFITS OF VISITING NYC IN THE LOW SEASON

OK. Before we start, let's just get the major disadvantage out of the way. The weather is often bad to terrible.

Although it's still unlikely, the best chances for travel delays occur in the winter.

January and February are the two coldest months in NYC, with afternoon high temperatures in the upper 30’s F to near 40 F (3-5 c). It's also most likely to snow during these two months.

Needless to say, not a great time to see Shakespeare in Central Park.

And July and August are the hottest months with temperatures into the 90's F (30-35 C) with humidity that could make you think that you are in the tropics.

However, if you think about it, the off-season is a great time for some. Let's take a look. You can also look at our things to do posts for January and February .

Great Time for Museums and Attractions

If you are a museum and/or attraction lover, then this may be the best time for you.

Not only is crowding not an issue (at least on weekdays), many attractions and museums offer discounts at this time of year, not to mention that many are free or offer free days .

Several attractions with paid entry offer discounts, either through websites such as Groupon and Living Social or through tourist passes, which also slash their prices during these slow days.

We detail this in our budget tips section . 

Good Time for Dining Out

With fewer tourists, it's much easier to reserve tables at restaurants, particularly those in the tourist districts.

In late July and much of August, when many New Yorkers are out of town and there is a lull in tourism, restaurants in the residential areas are also easier to come by. 

It's also no coincidence that Restaurant Week , which actually lasts for 2 weeks, takes place twice, once in late January and again in August. 

More than 300 of New York City’s best restaurants offer a prix-fixe menu including 2 courses for lunch, and 3 courses for dinner at a very low price, relative to their regular prices.

Broadway Tickets for Cheap

The same goes for Broadway (and off-Broadway) shows. Fewer tourists mean that tickets are easier to come by and many shows offer discounts .

As with restaurants, there is also Broadway Week, which actually lasts for 2 weeks.

It takes place in late summer and again in late January when you can get 2-for-1 tickets to several popular shows.

There is even an off-Broadway Week in late September.

And as with museums and attractions in the slow season, discounts for Broadway shows can be had through Groupon and Living Social or through tourist passes.

We detail this in our budget tips section  below. 

Some of the Best Department Store Sales

Many of the major department stores in NYC will offer sales in lull seasons, particularly the November-December (pre-Christmas) and post-Christmas time periods.

These sales extend even to outlet centers like Woodbury Commons .  

TIPS FOR BUDGET TRAVEL NYC

As we have alluded to already in this article, visiting NYC during the cheapest travel months has several benefits.

Below, we offer additional articles that we have created to help you save money in NYC whenever you travel.

Podcast Episode: Listen to tour guides Lori and Katherine discuss free things to do in NYC on an episode of our NYC Travel Tips podcast.

  This podcast offers bite-sized audio clips with tips on how to plan your trip to NYC. You can get our podcasts on Apple , Google , or wherever you get your podcasts.

But first, we want you to consider our tours . We offer dozens of pay-what-you-wish walking tours throughout NYC, including food tours.

There is no cost to join and you only pay after the tour what you feel the tour was worth or what you could afford, even nothing.

Additionally, we offer GPS-enabled audio tours ($1.99/download) as well as free, self-guided tours . 

And, be sure to check out what some of the roughly 250k members of our NYC Travel Tips Facebook group have to say.

Our group consists of locals, like our tour guides, expats, regular visitors, as well as newbies to NYC.

You don't need to be a member to search for and read the posts, comments, and recommendations.

Other Questions You May Have When Planning Your Trip

While cost is certainly one of the top considerations when planning a trip to New York City, you may be asking yourself things like, "How many days is enough to see NYC?" and "When is the best time to visit?"

Here are some quick answers. For more information, you can read our in-depth post on each of these topics.

How many days are enough to see NYC?

The answer will depend on what your expectations are. You can see quite a lot of the city in just four days.

But if you want to see what it is like to live like a local, you may want to spend at least a week.

Read more from our post How Many Days is Enough to Visit NYC? which has summaries of what you can do in NYC on trips of varying lengths from one day up to a week.

When is the best time to visit?

 Again, while money may be a consideration for you, what good is a trip if you don't get to enjoy the things you had hoped to - the kinds of things that happen seasonally?

We covered that briefly above, but in our post, Best Times to Visit NYC , we look at this question from the perspective of what "best" means to you.

You may find reading our post helpful when clarifying what you want out of your time in NYC.

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
• How to Get Cheap Broadway Tickets
• Affordable Accommodations in NYC
• 25 Cheapest Hotels in NYC
• Cheap Airfare to NYC
• Learn how to  use the NYC Subway  and  which MetroCard to buy .

Choose a Destination... I want them all PLUS general travel tips. Amsterdam Berlin Boston Charleston Chicago Dubai Lisbon London Los Angeles Miami Nashville New York City New Orleans Paris Philadelphia Prague Rome San Francisco Washington DC

About The Author

Stephen Pickhardt

North america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

The Very Best Time to Visit New York (by a local!)

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When’s the best time to visit New York? New York experiences all four seasons, and often temperature extremes — but I think the best time to visit New York is in the fall from September to November.

That said, that’s just one small part of the year — and it could be completely different for you. You might hate that time of year if you came for festivals, or outdoor dining, or the cheapest prices. (And if you have kids or work in education, you might not be able to come then at all.)

So I set out to create the best guide on the best time to travel to New York, completely with temperature, atmosphere, crowd level, and event information.

I lived in New York for several years until recently, and living there was one of the great joys of my adult life. I know the city extremely well, and this guide is full of tidbits that you only get after living awhile in New York.

Like just how hot the 96th St. 1-2-3 platform gets in August. Or just how bad the crowds are on Fifth Avenue in December.

Or the incredible feeling you get when taking part in an activity with a huge crowd of strangers, whether it’s a rare eclipse or a surprise Janet Jackson concert in your neighborhood.

In short — New York is a one-of-a-kind city, and you are going to have a wonderful time here, not matter what time of year you decide to go to New York. Let’s get to the guide!

Table of Contents

Best Time to Visit New York

The best time to visit New York is during the fall months: late September, all of October, and early November. This is for three main reasons:

The weather is fantastic. Nice, warm and cool temperatures that are perfect for strolling around outdoors. Some days you need no jacket; some days just a light jacket is perfect. One big difference from spring is that it doesn’t rain as often during the fall.

Crowds have thinned out. New York’s busiest seasons are from June through August and Thanksgiving through New Year’s. Kids are back in school and many families are averse to traveling so early in the school year, and families comprise a decent percentage of New York tourists.

Prices have dropped. New York is always expensive, don’t get me wrong, but hotel prices are much lower in the fall lower than during the summer months and the peak season between Thanksgiving and New Year’s.

And a bonus reason: fall colors. That’s just a bonus, in my opinion! You see the best fall colors in New York from mid-October to early November, peaking in late October. Don’t miss the fall foliage in Central Park, Prospect Park, and Fort Tryon Park and the Cloisters.

I recommend visiting New York during the fall months , from late September through early November. May and June are nice, too.

In my opinion, the best month to visit New York is October , for beautiful weather and gorgeous fall colors.

There’s lots to do in New York year-round, but we love September for family trips because most kid-friendly Big Apple attractions are empty.

In the winter temperatures are frequently below freezing, especially in January , but usually hover between 28-45 F (-2-7 C).

Festivals occur year-round in New York but there are many great ones in the summer, especially June , as well as between Thanksgiving and New Years’.

New York Weather

New York gets every kind of weather you can imagine . It experiences all four seasons and the weather fluctuates throughout the year. 

In the winter you have plenty of subzero days and major snowstorms; the spring growsinto warmer and warmer temperatures, but with decent rain; summer is very hot with high humidity, and the fall is warm-to-cool with mostly clear skies.

There are pros and cons to each season in New York. Let’s break down each season one by one.

New York in Spring

Spring in New York is absolutely beautiful and a great time to visit . As long as you come during actual spring: early April through early June. March is still very much winter temperatures here.

Yes, New York has cherry blossoms, and they tend to bloom at the end of March or the beginning of April. They symbolize the beginning of warmer months ahead with their bright spring colors. Some of the best places to see cherry blossoms in New York are Central Park, Roosevelt Island, and the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, which has a cherry blossom festival in April.

One of my favorite things to do in New York in the spring is to wake up early and take a long, leisurely walk through Central Park, enjoying the fresh cool air and the dogs enjoying off-leash hours.

It can be a cheerful time to visit after a cold winter, but many days can be rainy. The temperature is comfortable for walking around and not too hot or too cold. It’s good to have a light jacket and umbrella with you.

Also, you have those exceptionally warm days that pop up every now and then, usually in mid-April. I live for the first hot day of the year in New York because everyone empties into the parks and enjoys the glorious sunshine!

If you have a genie and can predict the future, THAT is the best time to go to New York — the first hot day of the year. But if you’re feeling lucky, aim for the last week in April.

New York in Summer

Summer weather in New York is very hot and humid, which can be glorious, but also difficult to handle. Ah, New York in the summer is quite the contradiction.

On one hand, summer is when New York explodes into festivals and events, from Pride to the Mermaid Parade to the Jazz Lawn Party on Governor’s Island. There’s outdoor dining, rooftop parties, street festivals, and even time on the beach at Jacob Riis or the Rockaways.

On the other hand, summer can be miserable. The smell of garbage is particularly pungent in New York at this time of the year. Waiting for the subway can be on a platform 10+ degrees hotter than the temperature outside. And subway cars that have lost AC are their own brand of hell.

Honestly, I’m a big summer fan, but in New York I spend a lot of time visiting museums and doing indoor activities. I recommend doing the same, finding lots of places you can escape to if it gets too hot.

One of my favorite things to do in New York in the summer is to take the Staten Island Ferry. It’s the best free activity in New York City, and standing outdoors on the ferry will give you some lovely breezes.

New York in Fall

Fall is a spectacular time to visit New York. It’s the best of every world, as I mentioned above: comfortable temperatures for walking around and exploring; mostly clear skies and limited rain; colorful fall foliage; and smaller crowds and lower hotel prices than peak season.

One thing I’ve noticed in my years as a travel writer is that September and October are MAGICAL. This is when kids go back to school and parents don’t want to travel that early in a new school year — so places are marvelously empty of kids.

Every fashionista knows that fall is the best season of the year for fashion — and New York is one of the most interesting fashion cities on the planet. Whether you go to Bryant Park for the shows or stroll through the streets of SoHo, fall is THE time for exploring fashion in New York.

One of my favorite things to do in New York in the fall is to get out my camera and explore different neighborhoods and their local cuisines: Prospect Heights for Caribbean curries; Flushing for Hong Kong egg tarts; Arthur Avenue in the Bronx for Albanian burek.

(Pretty different than the Times-Square-Empire State Building-Brooklyn Bridge-High Line tourist attractions route, don’t you think?)

New York in Winter

When you live there, winter in New York sometimes feels eternally long and bleak, but there’s nothing like the city under a fresh snowfall.

New York gets several major snowstorms during the winter months, most of them between early January and late March. (Though it’s not unheard of to have a snowstorm in December or even as early as November.)

This is absolutely gorgeous — New York under a fresh snowfall is so lovely to photograph, especially Central Park and any neighborhood with brownstones. But that only lasts a few hours, and if the snow is deep, the city can grind to a halt.

Should you visit New York in the winter? I always say that you should only come here if you know what our winters are like. If you’re from Chicago or Minnesota, come on in! You know what you’re getting into. Good winter boots are BEYOND essential.

But if you’re from Florida or Texas, I strongly urge you to come at another time. On the NYC subreddits there are always posts by travelers from warm climates who don’t know how to deal with the cold and aren’t enjoying their trip. (If this is you, go to Uniqlo or H&M and buy a bunch of winter gear. It will make it easier.)

Winter is also the cheapest time of year to visit New York — specifically early January through late March.

One of my favorite things I’ve ever done in winter is the no-pants subway ride! This event in January is organized over social media. Groups of participants ride a set route of the NYC subway together in full winter gear except pants, ending up in Union Square. Somehow it always ends up being the coldest day of the year, but that adds to the fun.

High Season and Low Season in New York

Generally speaking, high season in New York is during the summer months, from June through August. This is when you have the biggest crowds and the highest prices. There is also a second high season in New York between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, when New York goes all out for Christmas and the holiday season.

Some peak days in New York, when accommodation is at its most expensive, are New Year’s Eve, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

There are also some paradoxes during high season. On Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day, the city empties out as New Yorkers head for the beach. This can be a very pleasant time in local neighborhoods that don’t get a lot of tourists.

Low season in New York is from January to March. During this time you have winter weather and lots of unpredictable snowstorms. If you’re used to cold winters, this can be a great time to visit, as you’ll be able to enjoy lower hotel rates, visit uncrowded museums, and get cheap Broadway tickets.

Best Month to Visit New York

What’s the best month to visit New York? Usually I say October, but that’s not the whole story.

It depends on who you are and what kind of trip you want to have.

I’ve broken down every month in New York into atmosphere, weather, and events.

New York in January

January is the coldest month in New York and other than New Year’s, it’s not a busy time to visit. After the holiday season, prices drop and it’s one of the cheapest times of the year.

The average temperature in New York in January can range from 27 to 39 Fahrenheit (-3 to 4 Celsius). You can also expect snow in January, and likely multiple major snowstorms, in between a variety of sleet, rain, and wintry precipitation.

Events in New York in January include the Three Kings Day Parade in East Harlem, the world-famous Westminster Kennel Dog Show , and Broadway Week , when Broadway shows have 2-for-1 tickets.

New York in February

February is a slow month in New York and one of the cheapest months out of the year. The cold, snowy weather of February keeps tourists away.

Average temperatures in New York in February range from 28 to 41 Fahrenheit (-2 to 5 Celsius) and you can expect a few major snowstorms, along with various other wintry weather.

Events in New York in February include the Lunar New Year Parade in the city’s numerous Chinatowns, the beginning of the multi-month Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Gardens, and NYC restaurant week , when restaurants offer low-priced specials.

New York in March

March is the last of the cold months in New York and much more winter than spring. It’s still a cheaper time of year with fewer tourists because it’s too cold for spending much of the time outdoors.

You can expect average temperatures in New York in March to be 36 to 50 Fahrenheit (2 to 10 Celsius). There is usually at least one snowstorm in March as well, sometimes more than one, and the weather still feels like winter through the end of the month.

Events in New York in March include the St. Patrick’s Day Parade along Fifth Avenue, the New York International Children’s Film Festival , and the Macy’s Flower Show in their flagship store on 34th Street.

New York in April

April is when New York starts to awake into spring, which makes it a lovely time to visit New York. In the early days of April, you can find cherry blossoms blooming and colorful flowers all around. Temperatures are moderate, though you may have a few cold and hot days mixed in.

Weather-wise, it can be a bit all over the place — some rainy days, some sun, some foggy mornings, a lot of cloudiness — but the weather is warming up and spring has sprung.

Average temperatures in New York in April range from 45 to 61 Fahrenheit (7 to 16 Celsius), though you’ll probably enjoy one or two super-warm days near the end of the month!

Events in New York in April include the New York Easter Parade along Fifth Avenue, Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden , and Earth Day , which brings in a variety of events.

New York in May

May is a great month to visit New York, especially if you like flowers. Spring is in full effect, the flowers are lovely and temperatures are comfortable for being outside. It’s just before summer begins and tourists make their way to the city, so May is the perfect time to beat the major crowds.

You can expect the average temperature in New York in May to be around 54 to 72 Fahrenheit (12 to 22 Celsius).

Events in New York in May include Bronx Week , celebrating everything about the northernmost borough; NYCX Design , showcasing interesting designs of all kinds, and the Ninth Ave International Food Festival in Hell’s Kitchen.

New York in June

June marks the start of summer in New York, and if you have your heart set on a New York summer trip, we recommend June over hotter, more humid July and August. Early June is much more spring-like and you’l experience more rain, but by late June, sizzling summer has set in.

You can expect temperatures in New York in June to be around 64 to 79 Fahrenheit (18 to 26 Celsius), and for it to be much warmer toward the end of the month than the beginning of the month.

Events in New York in June include NYC Pride , a full and boisterous celebration of all things queer; the costume-filled Coney Island Mermaid Parade , and the New York Jazz Age Lawn Party on Governors’ Island.

New York in July

July is the hottest month in New York, and there are plenty of tourists in the city at this time. You can expect humid, sticky weather that can get uncomfortable for spending much of your time outdoors.

The average temperature in New York in July ranges from 68 to 84 Fahrenheit (20 to 29 Celsius), and the humidity can make it feel even hotter.

Events in New York in July include the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island; Shakespeare in the Park , with performances in Central Park, and Harlem Week , a monthlong celebration of New York’s coolest neighborhood.

Read More: 100+ Best Things to Do in Harlem

New York in August

August in New York is another hot and humid summer month. It’s also a month when many New York’s escape the city, so it might have a less-crowded feel in less-touristy neighborhoods. Tourist crowds begin to slowly disperse by the end of the month.

The average temperature in New York in August can range from 68 to 82 Fahrenheit (20 to 28 Celsius).

Events in New York in August include the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival on Meadow Lake in Flushing Meadows in Queens, the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival in the East Village and Harlem, and the US Open in Flushing Meadows, Queens.

New York in September

September in New York marks the start of fall and is one of the best months of the year to visit NYC. The air is a comfortable temperature, there are fewer tourists in the city, and the leaves start changing color. It’s a wonderful time of year and when New York is at its best.

Average temperatures in New York in September range from 61 to 75 Fahrenheit (16 to 24 Celsius). Early September is much more like summer than fall.

Events in New York in September include the Festival of San Gennaro , the patron saint of Naples, in Little Italy; the Armory Show , one of the world’s major contemporary art shows; and the fall edition of Broadway Week , when Broadway shows have 2-for-1 tickets.

New York in October

October is the best month to visit New York: full stop. It’s at the peak of fall, the leaves are all different colors, and everyone seems to be in a great mood. Prices and tourist levels begin to slowly drop and it’s the perfect weather for walking around outdoors.

You can expect average temperatures in New York in October to be around 50 to 64 Fahrenheit (10 to 18 Celsius).

Events in New York in October include the New Yorker Festival , where intellectual leaders come to give talks; New York Comic-Con , celebrating all things geeky; and of course Halloween, including the world-famous NYC Village Halloween Parade .

New York in November

November in New York is very much an in-between time of year. Fall is ending and winter is just beginning. You won’t really need to worry about snow at this point, unless there’s a rogue flurry, but it will start cooling down fast.

November can be a good time of year to visit New York because it’s not quite too cold to spend time outdoors. The Thanksgiving holiday, however, brings peak crowds and pricing.

You can expect the average temperatures in New York in November to range from 41 to 54 Fahrenheit (5 to 12 Celsius).

Events in New York in November include the New York City Marathon , which draws runners and spectators from around the world; the NYC Comedy Festival , which draws tons of big names; and of course the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade .

New York in December

December in New York is cold, but rarely very snowy. Some people think the best time to visit New York is during the Christmas season, so get ready for high prices and huge tourist crowds! If you enjoy the holidays, it can be a great time to visit New York, but it will be too cold to spend all of your time outdoors.

You can expect average temperatures in New York in December to be around 32 to 43 Fahrenheit (0 to 6 Celsius).

Events in New York in December include the Rockettes’ Radio City Christmas Spectacular ; the Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting ; and New Year’s Eve in Times Square .

Best Festivals in New York

New York throws some great festivals, especially in the summer and during the holidays. People from all over visit New York just to experience some of the festivals that take place each year.

Honestly, there are so many different festivals that we couldn’t possibly include them all in this post. Instead, here’s an overview of the best and biggest events of the year:

NYC Pride : In June, millions of people take place in NYC Pride, a series of events celebrating the LGBTQ community, culminating in a parade through downtown Manhattan. Nobody does pride like New York City!

Halloween: The New York City Village Halloween Parade takes place on Halloween night, October 31st, each year in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Lower Manhattan. It’s a great opportunity to get creative and dress up in costumes and enjoy the parade and parties all around New York. 

Jazz Age Lawn Party : Located on Governors Island in June, this weekend-long event celebrates New York City’s prohibition era. It’s a fun opportunity to travel back in time, dress as someone from the 1920s, and enjoy an exciting and informative event related to American history. 

Coney Island Mermaid Parade : Held in June on Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York, the Mermaid Parade is the largest art parade in the United States. It’s an unforgettable event and a great place to let loose and discover your inner sea creature. 

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade : Occurring on the fourth Thursday in November, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the world’s largest parade and famous for its enormous balloons and performances on parade floats.

Christmas: New York gets into the holiday spirit from Thanksgiving to New Years’ Day. Around Thanksgiving, you can find Christmas markets, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, shows, lights, and displays throughout New York. (Pro tip: the best place to see Christmas decorations is Dyker Heights in Brooklyn. They go ALL OUT.) The events that take place make it an exciting time to visit.

Best Time to Visit New York with Kids

Is New York a good destination to visit with kids? Absolutely. New York is one of the safest big cities in the US and it’s unparalleled in terms of fun kid-friendly activities. If you take your kids here, they will remember it forever.

The great thing about New York is that it can be fun to visit any time of year! The best time to visit with kids is either in the spring or fall when the weather isn’t too hot or too cold and there are fewer tourists.

Here’s a New York family travel hack: if you homeschool or follow a non-traditional school schedule, September is when the rest of the world is back at school. Get ready to enjoy kid-friendly attractions without the crowds.

Cheapest Time to Visit New York

The cheapest time to visit New York is during the winter months: January, February, and March. Accommodation are at their lowest prices. Flights and trains tend to be cheap, too, outside of holiday weekends like Martin Luther King Day. And a lot of Broadway shows have cheap tickets available (nope, not Hamilton so much, but pretty much anything else).

However, keep in mind that New York is cheap for a reason: winters here are harsh. As I wrote in my What NOT to Do in New York post, if you’re from Minnesota, you know what you’re getting into. If you’re from Texas, you’re going to struggle.

Overall Best Time to Go to New York

Overall, I think October is the best month to visit New York — but if you have leeway, late September, all of October, and early November are the best time to go to New York. You will absolutely love the big city at this time of year.

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Have you been to New York? What time of year do you think is best? Share away!

When is the best time to visit New York City in 2024?

Mar 22, 2024 • 5 min read

The holidays are a magical time to visit New York City © lechatnoir / Getty Images

Pride parties dancing through the streets in the summer, Broadway shows bringing the magic of the stage in the fall, holiday lights and magic in the winter, cherry blossoms galore in the spring…there’s no such thing as a bad time to visit New York City .

This abundance of seasonal activity means it’s hard to decide when to plan your trip. So whether you’re looking to nab a deal, go ice skating in Central Park, avoid the crowds or join them, here’s our guide to the best times to visit New York. 

December to February is a holiday season like no other

During the holiday season, New York City is a beautiful sight covered in twinkling lights. Instead of snow-capped mountains or wooden ski lodges, visitors can enjoy the magnificent Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree , plus a mixture of goodwill and retail madness – Fifth Ave department stores (as well as Macy’s ) create festive, elaborate tableaux within their storefront windows. You don’t have to look far to find a concert or religious service packed with holiday tunes. The downside to all this festive cheer is that hotel prices skyrocket to summertime levels.

However, if you don’t mind risking a winter blizzard, there are deals to score during the long, cold winter months of January and February. Though the winter doldrums arrive after the frenzy of Christmas and New Year’s Eve, New Yorkers take advantage of the frosty weather, with outdoor ice skating and weekend ski trips to the Catskills . The odd blizzard and below-freezing temperatures make February a good time to stay indoors nursing a drink or a warm meal at a cozy bar or bistro. The fashion industry A-list descends on Manhattan for New York Fashion Week , while (most years) Lunar New Year celebrations make the city’s Chinatowns (there are many!) the places to be. 

March to May is a great time for budget travelers  

Springtime is another great season to try to score hotel deals. The summer crowds have yet to descend and the weather is generally pleasant this time of year (but there are no guarantees). The odd warm spring day appears and everyone rejoices – though that’s usually followed by another week of subzero dreariness as winter lingers on. Wearing green is essential on St Patrick’s Day, when a huge parade makes its way through Midtown.

Spring finally arrives in April, and the city’s new outdoor dining program officially opens for the season. Tree pits, window boxes, squares and parks abound with bright tulips and cherry trees start blooming – a spectacle you can enjoy at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden , on Roosevelt Island and throughout Central Park.

The weather becomes warm and mild, usually without the unpleasant humidity of summer – May is perhaps the best month for New York City weather. Broadway perks up again as shows open in advance of the June Tony Awards. In late May, uniformed sailors fan out on the town as Navy vessels dock on the Hudson for Fleet Week .

Check out these other budget-friendly tips before you book.

June to August is the perfect time for enjoying the outdoors

There’s nothing like summertime in New York City. While the weather often gets hot and sticky, the city also comes alive with a host of festivals, parties and events throughout the five boroughs. There’s the Mermaid Parade in Coney Island , the Puerto Rican Day Parade and the Pride March in Manhattan and the US Open in Queens . This is also the ideal time to check out the local beach scene .

The warm temperatures in June tempt New Yorkers out of their office cubicles and WFH setups to lie out in the city’s green spaces. Parades roll down the busiest streets and portable movie screens are strung up in several parks. SummerStage offers exciting programming after dark in Central Park all season long.

As the city swelters in July, locals escape to Long Island  or to beaches just a subway ride away . Still, it’s a busy month for tourism, as vacationing North Americans and Europeans fill the city. The Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks dazzle, while Shakespeare in the Park serves up some drama – for free.

Thick waves of summer heat generally set in between the skyscrapers in August as everyone heads to the seashore or gulps cool blasts of air-conditioning. Myriad outdoor events and attractions add life to the languid urban heat. The US Open kicks off at the end of the month. Hotel prices are at their highest in the summertime as the streets fill with tourists from all over the globe. If the humidity becomes a little too much, you can always take a day trip to recharge and renew – before heading out for another night on the town.

September to November is the best time for cultural events and openings

After Labor Day, New Yorkers return to the city en masse and the city is abuzz with events, Broadway openings and new art exhibitions. Revelers dance down Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn in the West Indian American Day Parade , and festival-goers eat up sausage and peppers at Little Italy ’s Feast of San Gennaro . Hotel prices might dip a bit from the summer’s peak but don’t expect incredible deals.  

As the season progresses and “sweater weather” sets in by October, the air gets crisper and the leaves start to turn. Brilliant bursts of color blossom across the city's parks as temperatures cool, ushering in one of the most pleasant and scenic months to visit NYC. Cultural delights continue, Comic Con invades the Javits Center and normally private sites open their doors for one weekend only during Open House New York . The Village Halloween Parade closes out the month with a creative bang.

As the leaves tumble, light jackets are replaced by wool and down. The headliner NYC marathon is tucked into the final days of pre-hibernation weather before families gather to give thanks – and perhaps watch the giant balloons pass by at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Ready to plan your trip to NYC?

Add these top experiences to your itinerary Find out which NYC neighborhood fits your vibe Start crafting your budget with these tips Navigate NYC like a local with our transportation guide

This article was first published March 2021 and updated March 2024

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