Quick Answer
Best months: April, May, September, October, and early November
These shoulder-season months offer the perfect balance: mild temperatures (15-22°C / 60-72°F), Central Park in full bloom or autumn colors, manageable tourist crowds, and hotel prices 20-30% lower than peak summer. You'll experience NYC at its best without July-August heat waves or January freezes.
Pro Tip: Late April-early May brings cherry blossoms to Central Park and Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Late September-October delivers stunning fall foliage and perfect walking weather. Both are magical.
Why Timing Your NYC Visit Matters More Than You Think
New York City is a year-round destination, but your experience can vary dramatically by season. Here's what timing affects:
Weather Extremes
Summer humidity (July-August) can hit 90°F (32°C) with brutal humidity that makes walking exhausting. Winter (Jan-Feb) drops to 20-35°F (-7 to 2°C) with biting wind tunnels between skyscrapers. Spring and fall hit the sweet spot at 60-75°F (15-24°C).
Crowds & Queue Times
July-August means up to ~2-hour waits at the Statue of Liberty even with tickets. Visit in October? You'll breeze through much faster. Times Square sees 50 million annual visitors, but summer weekends are pure chaos.
Hotel Prices Swing Wildly
A 3-star Midtown hotel costs $250/night in July, $150 in October, and $100 in February. Multiply that by your trip length and the savings add up fast. Summer also brings peak Airbnb prices.
Seasonal Experiences
Cherry blossoms in Central Park (April), free outdoor concerts and movies (June-August), spectacular fall foliage (October-November), Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and holiday markets (December), Restaurant Week deals (January-February)—each season has unique draws.
Weather by Month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7°C | -1°C | 9 | Good |
| February | 7°C | -1°C | 10 | Good |
| March | 12°C | 3°C | 12 | Good |
| April | 13°C | 5°C | 16 | Excellent (best) |
| May | 19°C | 10°C | 11 | Excellent (best) |
| June | 26°C | 17°C | 8 | Good |
| July | 30°C | 22°C | 14 | Wet |
| August | 28°C | 21°C | 14 | Wet |
| September | 24°C | 16°C | 8 | Excellent (best) |
| October | 18°C | 11°C | 10 | Excellent (best) |
| November | 14°C | 5°C | 9 | Good |
| December | 6°C | -1°C | 8 | Good |
Weather data: Open-Meteo Archive (2020-2024) • Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0) • Historical avg. 2020–2024
New York City by Season
Spring in NYC (March-May): Bloom Season
Spring is when NYC shakes off winter's grey. Cherry blossoms explode in Central Park and Brooklyn Botanic Garden, rooftop bars reopen, and the city comes alive with outdoor energy. April and May are the sweet spot—warm enough for outdoor activities but not yet the summer tourist deluge.
What's Great
- • Cherry blossoms peak late April at Brooklyn Botanic Garden (Weekends in Bloom festival, often still called Sakura Matsuri) and Central Park (Conservatory Garden)
- • Central Park and Prospect Park burst with tulips, magnolias, and spring blooms
- • Rooftop bar season begins—outdoor terraces reopen with skyline views
- • Fleet Week (late May): Navy ships dock in Hudson River, sailors everywhere, air shows
- • Tribeca Film Festival (April-May): celebrity sightings and premiere screenings
- • Bike rentals and outdoor activities return—perfect weather for Brooklyn Bridge walk
Watch Out For
- • Rain is frequent—April averages 10 rainy days, May has 11. Pack a compact umbrella.
- • Spring break crowds (late March-early April) bring families and European tourists
- • Pollen allergies can be brutal in May—NYC's trees all bloom at once
- • Book Statue of Liberty tickets 2-3 weeks ahead for April-May visits
- • Unpredictable temps—can be 50°F one day, 75°F the next. Layer your clothing.
Summer in NYC (June-August): Heat, Humidity & Peak Crowds
Summer brings NYC's longest days (sunset at 8:30pm in June!), rooftop bars packed until late, free outdoor concerts and movies in every park, and oppressive heat waves that make the subway feel like a sauna. It's peak tourist season—expect lines, higher prices, and locals fleeing to the Hamptons in August.
What's Great
- • Endless daylight—you can sightsee until 8pm and still catch golden hour
- • Free outdoor concerts: SummerStage (Central Park), Celebrate Brooklyn (Prospect Park), Lincoln Center Out of Doors
- • Free outdoor movies in parks across all boroughs (Bryant Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Central Park)
- • 4th of July fireworks: Macy's spectacular over the East River, plus rooftop parties citywide
- • Shakespeare in the Park (Delacorte Theater): free tickets via lottery, A-list actors, magical summer nights
- • Pride Month (June): massive parade, parties, rainbow flags across Manhattan
- • US Open Tennis (late August-early September) in Queens
Watch Out For
- • Heat waves (July-August) push temps to 90-100°F (32-38°C) with brutal humidity—subway platforms and many older apartments don't have good AC, so heat waves feel brutal
- • August exodus—many New Yorkers leave for Hamptons/beaches; some restaurants close or have limited hours
- • Subway becomes a sauna—platforms hit 100°F+; pack water and dress light
- • Thunderstorms can be sudden and intense—especially July-August afternoons
- • Book everything 4-6 months ahead—hotels, Statue of Liberty, even popular restaurant reservations fill up
Autumn in NYC (September-November): Peak Season for Locals
Many New Yorkers consider autumn the city's best season. September still feels summery but without August's oppressive heat. October brings spectacular fall foliage in Central Park, crisp air perfect for walking, and Halloween energy. November gets colder and grayer but offers the lowest prices before Christmas.
What's Great
- • Perfect walking weather (55-70°F / 13-21°C)—ideal for Brooklyn Bridge, High Line, neighborhood strolls
- • Fall foliage peaks mid-October to early November in Central Park, Prospect Park, Brooklyn Botanic Garden
- • New York Film Festival (late Sept-early Oct): premieres at Lincoln Center
- • Halloween (Oct 31): Village Halloween Parade in Greenwich Village—massive street party, elaborate costumes
- • Thanksgiving Parade (Nov): Macy's iconic parade with giant balloons, millions of spectators
- • Museums calm down after summer crush—even MoMA and Met feel manageable
Watch Out For
- • November gets grey—shorter days (sunset at 4:30pm by late Nov), more rain (11 wet days)
- • Thanksgiving week (3rd week of Nov) sees hotel price spikes and restaurant closures on Thursday
- • Early November can feel slow as autumn energy fades
- • Marathon Sunday (first Sunday of Nov): NYC Marathon closes streets across all 5 boroughs
Winter in NYC (December-February): Holiday Magic & Deep Freeze
Winter divides into two experiences: festive December with Rockefeller tree, holiday markets, and twinkling lights, versus brutal January-February when NYC freezes solid and grey skies dominate. If you can handle the cold, winter offers incredible value and a different, cozy side of the city.
What's Great
- • Rockefeller Center Christmas tree (late Nov-early Jan): iconic tree lighting, ice skating, holiday windows at Saks Fifth Avenue
- • Holiday markets: Bryant Park Winter Village, Union Square, Columbus Circle—European-style markets with food, gifts, drinks
- • New Year's Eve in Times Square (if you're into massive crowds and no bathrooms for 12 hours—locals avoid it)
- • Winter Restaurant Week (January-February): Prix-fixe deals ($30-60) at top restaurants
- • Broadway shows easier to get tickets—less competition than summer
- • Museums are quiet—Met, MoMA, Natural History have space to breathe
- • Cozy culture—jazz clubs, comedy shows, rooftop bars with heated domes
Watch Out For
- • Bitter cold (Jan-Feb): temps 20-35°F (-7 to 2°C) with wind chill making it feel 10°F colder
- • Short days—sunset at 4:30pm. You'll do most sightseeing in grey light.
- • Nor'easter snowstorms can shut down the city (1-2 per winter)
- • Christmas week (Dec 20-Jan 2) sees 40-50% hotel price spikes and huge crowds
- • Many restaurants close Dec 24-25 and Jan 1
- • Icy sidewalks can be treacherous—wear boots with grip
So... When Should You Actually Go to NYC?
First-Timer Seeking Classic NYC
Late April-early May or late September-early October. Perfect weather (60-70°F), manageable crowds, parks in bloom or fall colors, all attractions open.
Budget Traveler
Late January-mid February. Lowest prices all year (50% off summer), museums are empty, Broadway shows available, cozy indoor culture. Just pack warm clothes and embrace winter NYC.
Families with School-Age Kids
June or late August-early September. June has long days, outdoor movies, and comfortable temps. Late August (after 20th) has locals returning, schools starting, and slightly lower prices than July.
Couples Wanting Romance
Early October. Fall foliage in Central Park, crisp perfect weather (55-65°F), rooftop bars still open, magical autumn light. Or December 1-18 for holiday magic without peak prices.
Museum & Culture Lovers
November or February. Museums are empty, you can spend hours at the Met without feeling rushed, Broadway shows easy to get, jazz clubs and comedy clubs at their best. Winter light gives art new depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
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About This Guide
Written by: Jan Křenek
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
Published: November 20, 2025
Updated: November 20, 2025
Data Sources: Open-Meteo (20-year climate averages, 2004-2024) • NYC Tourism Board event calendar • Booking.com and Numbeo pricing data
Methodology: This guide combines historical climate data, current tourism patterns, and real traveler budgets to provide accurate, actionable recommendations for New York City.