The Worst Time to Visit New York: My Honest Opinion & Tips for Your Next NYC Visit (2025)

Usually, I’m all about sharing the best time to visit a destination, but since so many of you have asked me when the worst time to visit New York City is, I figured it deserves its own little guide. And honestly, I do have a pretty strong opinion on this.

First, let me just say that New York is always worth visiting. It’s one of the most iconic cities in the world, packed with landmarks like the Empire State Building, Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, and One World Trade Center. Add in the endless food, shows, and neighborhoods to explore, and it’s safe to say NYC is never boring.

That said, there is one time of year I really didn’t enjoy. I’ll share why I think it’s the worst season to visit New York, and then I’ll also tell you what times of year I actually recommend instead, so you can plan your trip with fewer sweaty regrets and more memorable moments.

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The Worst Time to Visit New York: My Honest Opinion & Tips for Your Next NYC Visit (2025)

The Worst Time to Visit New York – My Experience

I’ve been to New York City quite a few times now and managed to experience it in almost every season. One of my favorite trips was a family holiday over Christmas, it was busy, yes, but the city felt absolutely magical with all the lights and festive vibes.

I’ve also done New York in spring, summer, and fall, usually for shorter stays of about 3-4 nights, which is still enough to get a good feel for each season.

Out of all of them, spring and fall have easily been my favorites. The temperatures are pleasant, the city feels alive, and it’s just the perfect weather for walking around and exploring without either sweating or freezing.

But then there was the summer. I once visited New York City in the middle of July, and honestly, it was unbearable.

Temperatures soared past 35°C (95°F), and since I love exploring on foot, I basically felt like I was melting on the sidewalks of Manhattan. Of course, you could hide inside museums, shopping malls, or wait until evening to explore, but for me, that’s missing the fun of being in the city. So if you ask me, the worst time to visit New York is definitely mid-summer.

These are my Top Activities in New York

Why Summer is the Worst Time to Visit NYC

I’ve already hinted at this above, but let me spell it out: for me, New York is best experienced on foot. Especially in Manhattan, where you’ve got endless things to see and do and see like Central Park, Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, Chinatown, the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge… honestly, the list never ends.

The way I like to see it all is by walking everywhere. Hitting 20,000 steps a day on a New York trip is pretty normal for me, and it’s part of what makes the city so fun.

The problem here is, in the middle of summer, when temperatures climb past 35°C (95°F), all that walking turns into a sweaty struggle. Instead of enjoying the sights, I’m melting on the sidewalks, and it’s just not the kind of vibe I want for a trip.

That said, I know I’m being a little dramatic, New York in summer is still great, and sweating through your T-shirt isn’t the end of the world. But if I had to pick one season as the worst time to visit New York, for me, it would definitely be summer.

When to Visit New York Instead

If summer isn’t the best time, when is? Honestly, pretty much any other season in New York can be amazing.

Personally, I’m a huge fan of both spring and fall. Spring in New York feels like you get the best of summer without the sweat. I was walking around in a T-shirt, enjoying blue skies, but never felt like I was melting into the pavement. It’s perfect sightseeing weather.

Autumn in New York, though, has a completely different charm. The air turns crisp, the leaves change, and I love bundling up in a coat while wandering the city. Exploring Manhattan on a chilly day with golden fall foliage around you feels incredibly cozy and somehow makes the skyscrapers look even better.

Christmas in New York is where I’m a bit on the fence. On one hand, the city is ridiculously expensive (you think NYC hotels are pricey normally? Try December).

It’s also packed with tourists. But on the other hand, it’s magical. The lights, the decorations, the giant Christmas trees… New York really goes all out, and it does feel special.

My tip: consider coming in late November. The decorations are already up, but the crowds aren’t at full force yet.

Just one note if you’re visiting in winter, pack properly. New York can get freezing, with snowstorms and biting winds. Cozy in theory, but only if you’ve got the right coat.

Where to Stay in New York City

Since I’m a big fan of exploring a city on foot, I always want to stay somewhere that makes walking around easy. Yes, New York is more than just Manhattan—but as a tourist, Manhattan is where most of the big sights and attractions are, so it just makes sense to base yourself there.

Now, where in Manhattan? With so many different neighborhoods, it can feel overwhelming, but I usually go for Midtown. Staying here puts me right in the middle of everything: the Empire State Building, Central Park, Times Square, Broadway, and Bryant Park are all within walking distance. For anything further, the subway will get you there quickly.

Here are a few hotels in New York that I’ve stayed at (and happily recommend):

Book Here: Concorde Hotel New York

Book Here: The Renwick

Book Here: Aka Central Park

FAQs About The Worst Time to Go to New York

Is New York worth visiting?

Absolutely! New York is one of my favorite cities in the world. It’s so exciting, with endless things to do and explore. Honestly, the time of year almost doesn’t matter, it’s always fun.

What is Christmas in New York like?

Magical. The city really goes all-in with lights, decorations, and that festive atmosphere you see in the movies. That said, be prepared for big crowds and even bigger prices, especially when it comes to hotels.

When should I visit New York for fall foliage?

Late September through late October is usually the sweet spot. Central Park is especially stunning when the leaves turn golden, red, and brown, it’s one of the most beautiful times to stroll through the city.

What to do in New York for the first time?

If it’s your first visit, I say embrace being a tourist! Don’t try to “blend in like a New Yorker.” Go to the Statue of Liberty, climb the Empire State Building, wander through Times Square, and see a Broadway show. That’s what makes a first trip so fun.

Final Thoughts on When Not to Visit New York City

To wrap this up: my least favorite time to visit New York is summer. With temperatures easily hitting 35°C (95°F) and beyond, walking the city becomes more exhausting than enjoyable.

That doesn’t mean you can’t visit in summer, though. There are always cooler weeks, and you can plan around the heat, explore in the mornings, spend afternoons in air-conditioned museums or malls, and head back out after sunset. Summer in New York isn’t the end of the world, it’s just not my top pick.

I hope this little guide on the worst time to visit New York gave you some useful insights and helps you plan your next trip with a bit more confidence.