When to sample the delights of the Big Apple
The Empire State Building. The Statue of Liberty. Art galleries. Vibrant neighbourhoods. That’s NYC.
If you’re planning a trip to New York City, you’ll have sightseeing on your mind, Broadway shows to book, museums to check out and must-visit restaurants to sample. But you’ll also need to think about the best time of year to go.
When to visit New York City
It’s time to plan your trip
New York needs no introduction. As one of the most famous cities anywhere on the planet, tourists flock here every week of the year. But when is the best time of year to visit? Summer in New York can see temperatures in the 30s meaning it can get hot and sticky in the city.
Winter sees snow and temperatures hitting 4°C in January, but it gets oh so Christmassy in December. For many people, the best time to visit New York is in spring or autumn. You get a perfect balance of temperatures between summer and winter (around 15°C) and can stroll round the city without too many layers.
A unique experience at any time of year
NYC offers something different across the seasons
But a trip to New York isn’t just about the weather. The time of year you choose to visit opens up your opportunities to see the city in a different light. Yes, you’ll always have the eclectic cuisine and dynamic arts scene, but coming in spring or fall gives you the chance to wander and explore its distinct neighbourhoods – from the glitzy Manhattan to trendy Brooklyn and the bars of the Meat Packing District.
Christmas in New York is a magical time spent strolling through world famous department stores and window shopping with some of the planet’s most impressive window displays. There’s also carriage rides through Central Park, ice skating at open air ice rinks throughout the city and people dressed as Santa everywhere. And who could forget toy shopping at FAO Schwarz? The new Broadway shows drop in spring, summer means days spent at the beach in Coney Island, and Central Park has never looked as good as it does in autumn. January and February are often the cheapest months to visit New York for flights and hotels. It’s quieter too, but the weather can be a struggle.
What to see and do in NYC
These NYC attractions come alive at different times throughout the year
Central Park
Carriage rides at Christmas
Despite being 843 acres in size, Central Park is only the fifth largest park in NYC. But it will always be on your list at any time of year. There’s the Central Park Zoo, horse and carriage rides at Christmas, the cherry blossoms in spring and the colourful foliage in fall.
Times Square
NYC extravaganza
This world famous square is a neon oasis in the heart of the city, and is on every NYC agenda. The neighbourhood in midtown Manhattan is a huge tourist destination year-round. Take your place here on New Year’s Eve for one of the world’s biggest spectacles.
Broadway
Spring shows
Take in a show in the most famous theatre district anywhere in the world. Come in spring when there’s many new shows to see, but be prepared to fight the crowds. A visit to New York in January or February promises cheaper seats and less people, but the weather can be brutal.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Anytime of year
New York is packed with museums and art galleries. And one of our favourites is the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Met presents over 5000 years of art from around the world, and is perfect to see at any time of year. If you’re in NYC in the sticker summer months, the air conditioning is always welcome.
Coney Island
Summer fun
Get out of the city in summer and make your way to Coney Island for all the fun of the fairground. Hit the beach, ride the Cyclone roller coaster and eat at Nathan’s Famous hot dog stand for a real treat and to escape the heat of the city.
New York throughout the seasons
New York in autumn is a different proposition to New York in winter. Here’s what should be on your agenda at different times of the year.
Winter
The colder months are the perfect time to visit NYC. There’s ice skating at the Rockefeller Center, NYE in Times Square and holiday shopping at Macy’s and Bloomingdales. Plus, you can wander around festive markets like Union Square Holiday Market or the Winter Village at Bryant Park to pick up unique gifts.
Spring
Hit NYC when the weather starts to improve and catch the new shows on Broadway, see the cherry blossom in Central Park and enjoy a picnic on the Great Lawn. Head to Brooklyn Botanic Garden for the Sakura Matsuri festival to celebrate traditional and contemporary Japanese culture amidst blooming cherry trees. And join in the Easter Parade – a real tradition in the city.
Summer
The weather might be a little hot and sticky, but don’t let that stop you. Get out of the city for a day at Coney Island, hit up one of the many rooftop bars for a classic cocktail or spend your evening in the park at one of the free concerts on the SummerStage.
Autumn
The cooler temperatures in autumn mean you can wander the city with ease. Stroll through the park to see the changing colours or join the fun at the Village Halloween Parade – known for its wild costumes and giant puppets. Don’t miss Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with its floats, marching bands and musical performances.
Flights to New York
Fly direct from the UK to NYC
When you fly direct from the UK into New York, you’ll land at either JFK or LaGuardia Airport. Airlines operating direct flights from the UK to New York include:
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK):
British Airways, Delta, Virgin Atlantic
Air Canada, American Airlines, British Airways
New York, what a place. Whatever time of year you choose you’ll be treated to the delights of the Big Apple. We’re talking food, culture, buildings and the fast pace of NYC living.
Thinking of travelling to NYC? Skyscanner can help you find the best flights, hotels and car hire deals for your next trip.
