The Best Time to Visit New York City (And When I’d Go Again) 2025

New York City is hands down one of my favorite cities to visit, it’s huge, iconic, full of character, and packed with things to do. If it’s not already on your bucket list, it really should be.

One of the best things about NYC is that there isn’t really a “bad” time to go. No matter the season, there’s always something happening, whether it’s ice skating under the Rockefeller tree in December, spring blooms in Central Park, or summer evenings with rooftop views over Manhattan. That said, some times of year are definitely more enjoyable (and easier on the wallet) than others, depending on what you’re looking for.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best time to visit New York, whether you’re planning a sunny summer sightseeing trip or a cozy winter getaway. Hopefully it helps you pick the season that’s right for your trip.

Best Time to Visit NYC – My Experience

I’ve been to New York a few times now and always loved it. My favorite was probably visiting in winter when I got to experience Christmas in New York, it really does feel amazing at that time. The lights, the decorations, the giant Rockefeller tree, it’s busy, yes, but magical all the same.

I’ve also been in spring and summer, and if I had to choose between the two, spring wins for me. The weather is perfect for sightseeing: sunny, mild, and not unbearably hot. It’s just easier (and more fun) to walk around Manhattan when you’re not melting on the sidewalk.

Summer in New York, on the other hand, was honestly too hot for my taste. The concrete and skyscrapers seem to trap the heat, and the city can feel like it’s baking during the day.

That said, summer evenings are beautiful, there’s something special about rooftop bars at night, sipping a cocktail while watching the skyline glow.

New York City by Season

Spring in New York

Spring is hands down my favorite season to visit New York. Temperatures usually sit around 20–25°C (68–77°F) with plenty of blue skies. As a tourist, I walk an absurd amount in Manhattan. I hardly ever take the subway because there’s always another sight, landmark, coffee shop, or park just a few blocks away. For that kind of trip, spring weather is perfect. Not too hot, not too cold, just the ideal conditions for sightseeing on foot all day.

Summer in NYC

Summer in New York can be a bit much for me. Temperatures easily hit 35°C (95°F) or higher, and for a full day of sightseeing, that’s rough. 

That said, summer nights in the city are beautiful, I had some amazing evenings on rooftops, sipping cocktails with the skyline glowing in the background. If your plan is to do more nightlife and less marathon walking, summer can be fun. But for daytime sightseeing it’s too hot in my opinion.

Fall Foliage in New York

I’m a sucker for fall foliage, and New York in autumn is just about perfect. It might actually be tied with spring as my second-favorite time to visit. The city is usually less crowded with tourists, temperatures hover around 15°C (59°F), and it has this cozy-but-sunny vibe. 

I love throwing on a jacket or a big hoodie, grabbing a coffee, and wandering through the parks while the leaves turn golden. It’s relaxed, colorful, and perfect for sightseeing without the chaos.

Winter & Christmas in New York

Winter in New York is iconic, especially around Christmas. I’ve been there for the actual holiday, and while the decorations and the snow were gorgeous, the city itself felt pretty hectic. 

Personally, I’d recommend going in late November instead. By then, all the lights and decorations are already up, so you still get that full Christmas in New York feeling, just without the overwhelming holiday crowds.

Best Time to Visit New York for Christmas

I’ve done New York right over Christmas and New Year’s, and while it was beautiful, it was also a little too hectic for me. The city is already busy, and add in thousands of extra tourists all trying to see the Rockefeller tree at once… well, let’s just say you’re not exactly having the place to yourself.

If I go again, I’d probably aim for mid to late November. By then, all the decorations are already up, and iconic Christmas spots like the Union Square Holiday Market have opened. You still get all the festive magic like the lights, markets, Christmas trees, just without quite as much shoulder-to-shoulder chaos.

Do keep an eye on the weather though. New York in late November can get cold, so definitely pack layers. Worst case, you end up doing a little winter shopping spree in New York, which honestly isn’t the worst way to spend an afternoon.

When is the Worst Time to Visit New York

This one is definitely personal, but for me the worst time to visit New York is the summer. As I’ve mentioned earlier, I spend most of my trips walking through Manhattan, from one landmark to the next, coffee in hand, basically trying to see it all. And doing that in 30+ degree heat (85–95°F) is just not fun. You end up sweaty, tired, and honestly a little cranky.

I’d actually take a snowy, freezing winter over a sweltering summer day in the city. At least in the cold you can layer up, but there’s not much you can do once you’re melting on the sidewalks. So, in my opinion, mid-summer is hands down the worst time to visit New York City, especially if it’s your first trip and you want to make the most of sightseeing.

Where to Stay in New York City

If it’s your first trip to New York, where you stay can really shape your experience. For me, I always prefer being right in the middle of the action so I can just walk out the door and start exploring. I’m not the biggest fan of relying on the subway first thing in the morning or wasting time on long commutes, I’d rather be able to see a few sights before breakfast.

That’s why Midtown Manhattan has become my go-to base. It doesn’t really matter which corner of Midtown you end up in, because you’ll be within walking distance of so many of New York’s major landmarks. Think Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Broadway, the Empire State Building, and even Central Park, it’s all right there.

Yes, the area comes with a higher price tag compared to other parts of the city, but if it’s your first visit, the convenience and energy of staying here is hard to beat.

Here are a few hotels I’ve stayed at and would happily recommend:

Book Here: Concorde Hotel New York

Book Here: The Renwick

Book Here: Aka Central Park

FAQs About The Best Time to Visit New York City

When is the best time to visit New York for fall colors?

Fall foliage in New York is usually at its best from late September to late October. Central Park in particular looks incredible with all the golden and burnt-orange leaves, it’s like the whole city has shifted into cozy mode.

When is the best time to visit New York weather-wise?

For me, spring and fall are for sure the best. Spring is warmer but not too hot, perfect for sightseeing in just a t-shirt and sneakers, while fall has that crisp, cozy vibe without being freezing. Both seasons are great for walking around all day.

Is New York worth visiting?

Absolutely. New York is one of the most exciting and iconic cities I’ve ever been to. Just set your expectations: yes, it’s busy, yes, it’s expensive, but if you know that going in, you’ll have a fantastic time.

Why visit New York?

Why not? You’ve got world-famous landmarks like the Empire State Building, Times Square, and the Statue of Liberty, plus this unique New York atmosphere (especially if, like me, you grew up in Europe and mostly knew it from movies). It feels surreal to finally experience it in real life.

Is New York safe?

Mostly, yes. Manhattan and Brooklyn, the areas where most tourists spend their time, are generally very safe, especially during the day. Like any big city, there are neighborhoods that are better to avoid, such as some parts of the Bronx. Just stick to busy areas, and you’ll be fine.

Final Thoughts on When to Go to NYC

If I had to pick the worst time to visit New York, I’d say mid-summer. It’s just unbearably hot, the kind of heat that makes sightseeing feel like a workout you didn’t sign up for. Personally, I’d take a snowy winter over sweltering sidewalks any day.

My top choices are spring and fall (autumn in New York). In spring you’ll (hopefully) get sunny blue skies, perfect walking weather, and that feeling of the city waking up again. Fall is cooler and cozier, you’ll be bundled up in a hoodie or jacket, sipping coffee while exploring, with the bonus of fall foliage.

I hope this guide on the best time to visit New York helps you plan your own trip and decide when to go and when to maybe skip it.

Check Out My Other New York City Travel Guides

Is New York City Worth Visiting? My Honest Review

Best Time to Visit New York City: My Guide on When to Visit NYC

Worst Time to Visit: My Guide on When Not to Visit NYC

First Time in New York City: My First Timers Guide for NYC

Christmas in New York: My NYC Christmas Itinerary

New York City Itinerary: My Perfect Itinerary for NYC

Autumn in New York: My Guide for New York Fall Foliage

Is New York Safe: My Honest Review

Is New York Expensive: My Budget Breakdown

How Many Days in New York: My New York City Guide

Solo Travel New York City: My Guide on a NYC Solo Trip

Things to Do in New York City: My Top Activities in NYC

Where to Stay in New York City: My Favorite Areas and Hotels

Cafes in New York: My Top Coffee Shops in NYC

7 Days in New York Itinerary: How I Spent a Week in NYC