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Best time to visit New York City
Month-by-month weather, crowds, prices, and festival calendar — so you know exactly when to book.
Photo by Denil Dominic on Unsplash
Best time to visit New York City, United States
Month-by-month breakdown of weather, crowds, prices, and seasonal highlights.
| Month | Score | Weather | Crowds | Prices | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -4-5°C, often cloudy with occasional snow or sleet | low | low |
⚠ Extreme cold snaps are possible, making outdoor activities uncomfortable. | |
| February | -2-6°C, overcast with chances of snow and rain | low | low |
⚠ February is typically the coldest month, and can be bleak. | |
| March | 2-11°C, variable, can be cold or mild, with rain showers | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Weather can be unpredictable, transitioning from winter to spring. | |
| April | 7-17°C, pleasantly mild with scattered spring showers | moderate | moderate |
| |
| May | 13-23°C, warm and often sunny with occasional rain | high | high |
| |
| June | 18-27°C, warm and humid with afternoon thunderstorms | peak | peak |
⚠ Humidity can make it feel hotter than the temperature suggests. | |
| July | 21-29°C, hot and humid with frequent thunderstorms | peak | peak |
⚠ Heat waves are common, and outdoor sightseeing can be challenging. | |
| August | 20-28°C, hot and humid, often with lingering thunderstorms | peak | peak |
⚠ Still very hot and humid; many New Yorkers leave the city for vacation. | |
| September | 16-25°C, crisp and sunny, a welcome relief from summer heat | high | high |
| |
| October | 10-20°C, cool and often sunny, with beautiful fall foliage | moderate | moderate |
| |
| November | 5-13°C, chilly with increasing chances of rain and early snow | high | high |
⚠ Thanksgiving week sees a surge in crowds and prices. | |
| December | 0-7°C, cold with possibilities of snow and festive winter weather | peak | peak |
⚠ The city is extremely crowded and expensive, especially around the holidays. |
Annual events worth timing your trip around
February
Restaurant Week
Prix-fixe menus offered at hundreds of NYC restaurants.
March
St. Patrick's Day Parade
One of the oldest and largest St. Patrick's Day parades in the world.
April
Tribeca Film Festival
Celebration of independent film, music, and culture.
June
Pride March
A major event celebrating LGBTQ+ rights and culture.
July
Fourth of July Fireworks
Spectacular fireworks displays across the city.
August
US Open Tennis Championships
The final Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year.
September
The Feast of San Gennaro
A vibrant Italian-American street festival in Little Italy.
November
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Iconic parade featuring giant balloons, floats, and marching bands.
December
New Year's Eve in Times Square
World-famous ball drop and celebrations.
Insider timing tips
- •The shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) offer the best balance of pleasant weather and manageable crowds, though prices can still be high.
- •While summer offers long days, the intense heat and humidity can make sightseeing uncomfortable, and it's peak season for both crowds and prices.
- •The winter months (January-February) offer the lowest prices and fewest crowds, but the extreme cold and potential for snow can significantly impact outdoor activities.
- •November and December are incredibly festive but come with peak crowds and prices, particularly around Thanksgiving and Christmas/New Year's.
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