The best time to visit New York is any time . Each season in Gotham offers visitors many reasons to visit.
Early fall offers fresh breezes, bright sunshine, and pleasant temperatures, while late fall and winter are merry with the Thanksgiving Day Parade and Macy's Christmas decorations . The depths of winter - January and February - are cold, but that also means better hotel prices.
Spring is glorious and New Yorkers are celebrating the thaw by hitting the streets, shopping at outdoor markets, frolicking in Central Park and eating outside. Summer is hot, but hey, that's a lot of places, and it's New York.
The best hotel deals in New York
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New York City weather month by month
New York is located on the Atlantic Ocean at a latitude from Madrid, and the climate is characterized by a warm summer and a cold winter. Due to its proximity to the Atlantic, Canada and the North Pole, cold winds blow in winter and summers are humid because New York, although no longer visible today, is a swampy area. Due to these facts, the perceived temperatures in summer and winter are drastically different than the true values.
New York has an average of 224 sunny days a year, which means that on average the sun shines almost 5 days a week.
Average temperature by month in Celsius
Rainfall by month (mm)
New York City Weather in January: January is the coldest month in New York. Temperatures range from -12°C to 4°C and generally hover around 3°C. Snow is likely around this time and will quickly become a slush on the pavement and street corners - warm clothing and waterproof boots are a must. (Average maximum temperature: 3.1 ° C. Average precipitation: 81 mm.)
New York City Weather in February: February remains cold, with an average daily high of up to 4.2°C. Snow is still common, and days remain short: New York City sunset is around 5:30 p.m. in February. (Average maximum temperature: 4.2 ° C. Average precipitation: 77 mm.)
New York City Weather in March: March is a bit of a mixed bag in New York City, sometimes feeling like winter and sometimes feeling like spring. Cold and snow are still common, although less likely towards the end of March. You should pack warm clothes, but you may be surprised to find you don't need them. (Average maximum temperature: 8.9 ° C. Average precipitation: 91 mm.)
New York City Weather in April: Snow in April is rare in New York City, but still possible - especially early in the month. However, any snow the city gets won't last long. Average temperatures range from 7 to 18 °C, spring rains are common and flowers bloom until the end of the month. (Average maximum temperature: 14.6 ° C. Average precipitation: 99 mm.)
New York City Weather in May: May is one of the most beautiful months in New York City. The temperature is between 10-26°C so it is usually warm but not hot and without the humidity you find in the summer months. Flowers are blooming, trees are sprouting, and it's a wonderful time of year to explore the city's many parks. (Average maximum temperature: 19.8 ° C. Average precipitation: 96 mm.)
New York City Weather in June: June days are warming up, summer is approaching and it is usually not too hot or humid to be comfortable outside. Shorts and sandal season are in full swing, and the long days of the month (the sun sets around 8:30 p.m.) are perfect for an outdoor concert or a baseball game at Yankee Stadium—except for the occasional rain. (Average maximum temperature: 25 ° C. Average precipitation: 92 mm.)
New York City weather in July: The hottest month of the year, with temperatures ranging from 21 to 35 °C, with an average high of 28.2 °C. Humidity also rises, especially in August, although shade from trees and tall buildings is not far away away, so it's usually not so inconvenient that you can't go for a walk in the park or have lunch or dinner at a sidewalk cafe. Expect quieter roads as locals head to the cooler coast, predominantly the Hamptons . (Average maximum temperature: 28.2 ° C. Average precipitation: 97 mm.)
New York City Weather in August: Although July is the hottest month in New York, August is the wettest. It's really sticky during this month, with increasing daytime humidity often bringing thunderstorms in the late afternoon and early evening - but don't worry, they blow over quickly. Temperatures can be as much as 10°C higher in the subways. Therefore, it is advisable to take a taxi when traveling from one air-conditioned attraction to the next. (Average maximum temperature: 27.7 ° C. Average precipitation: 87 mm.)
New York City Weather in September: September is a changeable month in New York, and the weather changes frequently as the city transitions from summer heat and humidity into a crisp fall. Temperatures range from 21-27°C until mid-month. In October the cool air approaches. Because the summer humidity has subsided, even the warmest days of September are perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the city on foot. (Average maximum temperature: 23.9 ° C. Average precipitation: 84 mm.)
New York City Weather in October: New York's most traditional month, October, offers mild to cool temperatures and crisp fall air. Temperatures range from 10-20°C, so it's a good idea to pack a light jacket - although you probably won't need it. The changing autumn leaves and pleasant temperature make this a perfect time for New York. (Average maximum temperature 18.2 ° C. Average precipitation: 73 mm.)
New York City Weather in November: The days are getting shorter, colder and rainier. A jacket is necessary, and a hat and gloves might be a good idea. It is not uncommon to see snow flurries at the end of the month, although accumulation is unlikely at this time. (Average maximum temperature: 12.1 ° C. Average precipitation: 92 mm.)
New York City Weather in December: Winter is arriving in New York, with cold temperatures, snow and holidays. Wind and temperatures can be bitingly cold. The days are short - expect the sun to set at 4:30 a.m. mid-month - giving visitors plenty of time to see the city's twinkling Christmas lights . (Average maximum temperature: 5.9 ° C. Average precipitation: 87 mm.)
Rooftop tour
Best time to see Broadway shows: The quieter months of January and February are the easiest to find tickets. 2-for-1 tickets to more than 20 of Broadway's most popular shows are available during Broadway Week, held twice a year in September and January. Summer travelers will have the best luck during the Fourth of July weekend, which typically sees a massive drop in ticket sales. Tickets are hardest to get in the last two weeks of the year, when blockbusters are sure to constantly sell out. The Broadway season begins in September, making this month a great time to purchase tickets to new shows that haven't yet made much of a splash. (Tickets for the same shows can become much more expensive in May and June after the Tony Award nominees are announced.) Theaters are typically closed on Mondays (though there are many exceptions), and travelers hoping to attend a concert To be able to watch a live TV show taping, you should note that many late night shows take a break in mid-August to April.
Broadway tickets and sporting events
Best time for shopping: You can find shopping bargains all year round in New York City. The sales season in high-end boutiques occurs twice a year, in November-December and April-May, while outlet shops like Century 21 offer discounted designer goods every day. Other retailers stick to a fairly reliable seasonal schedule: fall and winter items are marked down in November and December, with spring clothes at their lowest prices in April and May, and summer dress sales starting on July 4th. The combination of after-sales sales and the slight decline in tourism in January makes this month ideal for finding deals on shopping, hotel rates and airfares. International Travelers: Get 10% off at Macys all year round, get a discount card at our Travel Center or show your ID at Macys.
Woodbury Outlet Tickets
Best time for museums: Expect museums to be busiest during the holiday break around Christmas and New Year. Because museums are closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas, museums can be particularly crowded on the days they are open. The slight lull in tourism in January and February means quieter galleries and shorter lines. Special exhibitions are usually presented in early autumn, once these shows die down, usually in September, one can explore the museums and galleries at their leisure.
Tickets and passes
Best Time to Dine: During the slow tourism months, reservations at New York's best restaurants can be surprisingly easy in July and August, when locals flee the city on weekends. December travelers, on the other hand, find it almost impossible to get a good table without reserving well in advance. During New York Restaurant Week, which takes place twice a year in late January / early February and late July / early August, you'll find great deals and special menus at more than 300 of the city's best restaurants.
Best Time for Window Decorations: Shops along 5th Avenue begin displaying their holiday windows in mid-November, with all decorations up until Thanksgiving. The spectacular tree at Rockefeller Center is not lit until the Wednesday after Thanksgiving, when tourist crowds are at their peak. Those looking to enjoy New York's holiday cheer are best off visiting the week before Christmas, when festivities are high but hotel and airline ticket prices drop slightly. Decorations and displays will remain until early January.
The Christmas Lights of Dyker Heights Tour
Best Time for Kids and Families: Summer is a particularly popular time for families to visit New York City. While there will be a tourist lull in January and February, crowds will be smaller than during the school holidays that occur around Thanksgiving and Christmas, and airfares and hotel rates will be lower. The city offers plenty of summer activities for kids, from outdoor concerts and movies (many of them free) to bike rentals, boat rides, and playgrounds in Central Park. While the busy holiday season can be magical for kids, the hordes of travelers can make Times Square and Rockefeller Center overwhelming — and impossible to navigate with a stroller.
Best time to avoid crowds: The deep winter months from January to early March offer you the best chance to see the city without being mobbed by tourists, although airfare and hotel prices are lower than usual. Despite the increase in family tourism, the summer months can also be surprisingly quiet in New York, with many locals heading to the coast. Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends are the best times for smaller crowds, if the weather is not cold.
New York City travel season
High Season (June-August & November-December): When families and European travelers go on extended vacations, the summer months are one of the most popular times to visit New York. However, many locals leave the city during this time, meaning New York can feel less crowded even during peak season. The Thanksgiving-New Year holiday season is a big attraction for tourists, there are celebrations and the city is at its most crowded. During these two turbulent tourism periods, airfare and hotel prices are expected to peak and availability to be low. So book well in advance if you want to visit at this time of year.
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Between - Season (March-May & September-October): Tourism is still incredibly popular to visit New York during these months. Mild weather makes the spring and fall seasons ideal for exploring the city on foot, whether against the backdrop of blossoms and open-air markets in spring, or the changing colors of Central Park trees in fall. High prices and low availability for flights and hotels are to be expected.
Low season (January-early March): New York City is at its quietest during these cold, mid-winter months, when there is snow and temperatures between 1 and 4°C. Hotel occupancy is below 90% and restaurant reservations and theater tickets are easier to get. The drop in temperatures means a drop in airfares and hotel prices, making it a great time to visit the city if you're looking for a bargain and don't want to be spooked by a little cold.