Every year, millions of tourists begin planning their trips to New York City. However, many often are unsure of what time of year is the best to visit the city. With so many things to do throughout each season and each holiday, how are people supposed to decide when to visit the city that never sleeps?
We are here to help by examining the different aspects of NYC at different times of the year to see what would be the best fit for your family. With so much going on, there’s something for everyone!
The Big Apple
While visiting New York City, if your time and budget allow, we highly recommend heading over into Manhattan and spending some time there. There are a lot of fun things to see and do there, such as visiting the Empire State building, hanging out in Times Square, and seeing a show or two at one of the historical theatres on Broadway.
You can also head over to the Hudson, where you can find many bars and restaurants to enjoy. For some extra fun, we recommend finding a hidden bar, such as PDT (Please Don’t Tell).
The Weather
In the city, the warm season is normally from June to mid-September while the cold season is December to mid-March.
Temperatures during the summer are often around 85 F in July while winter has a high of 48 F come December. Autumn is normally pretty temperate, with comfortable temperatures for all events, except for those rainy days.
Each Season Has a Reason to Visit
There’s always something special going on in the city. Festivals are very common in NYC to celebrate each season. There are many to choose from to suit anyone’s tastes!
Events & Festivals
In the spring, New York offers events such as Shakespeare in the Park and the Macy’s Annual Flower Show. Celebrate the blooming of the flowers in style!
The Governor’s Ball Music Festival, Pride, and all the things going on in Central Park are perfect for enjoying the hot weather.
During the fall, drink beer at Oktoberfest NYC, take part in the NYC Village Halloween Parade, or get your film fix at the New York Film Festival. Get prepared for winter with fun activities for the whole family happening around the city.
Winter offers The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting, Times Square on New Year’s Eve, and much more. For more general winter fun, Central Park’s Winter Jam has ice skating, sledding, food, and more.
How to Get to the City
There are plenty of ways to get into New York, but one of the most cost-effective and fun ways is via a charter bus. What makes riding on a charter bus so nice is how cost-effective it can be for a group of people, as well as it easily allows you all to interact and play games with each other.
FAQs
How far out should I plan my visit to NYC?
We recommend giving yourself at least 2-4 months to plan your visit to NYC, allowing ample time to book a hotel, set up itineraries, and more.
How much does it cost to go to NYC for a week?
The average budget for a tourist in NYC is $1000-3500. This, of course, depends on your travel plans and how much shopping you want to do.
What time of year are hotels cheapest in NYC?
Weekends between mid-January to the end of February are the cheapest times to visit NYC, after the Christmas and New Year’s rushes.