Best time to go to New York City Average weather of New York City, United States
Lucie Lhortolat and Tony Samson last update: 17/04/2024When is the best time to go to New York City?
New York has a very changeable weather with moderate precipitation throughout the year, heatwaves in summer, and very cold weather in winter.
Therefore, the best time to visit New York is in autumn and spring. The month of September is ideal. The sun is shining, there is a pleasant warmth, and the tourist crowds are smaller compared to summer.
Moreover, the colors of Indian summer embellish the landscapes, especially in Central Park.
If you are wondering when to visit New York, the Halloween period is also very festive and attracts a peak in attendance.
In spring, May and June are favored for a trip to New York. Temperatures range from 20 to 25°C (77°F) approximately. Despite some precipitation, there are many sunny days.
Furthermore, the beginning of spring (March/April) remains cold in the "Big Apple", as in the neighboring cities of Montreal or Boston. The climate is cool with temperatures that rarely exceed 10°C (50°F) .
In winter, the charm of New York under the snow is appreciated. However, the wind can be particularly icy, and while temperatures range from 5 to -3°C, the wind chills are even lower.
It is often said that summer is not a favorable period to visit New York. Indeed, the humidity and high temperatures can make July and August very uncomfortable months. Paradoxically, these are also the months with the most tourists in New York.
Summer is a quite rainy season, even though sunny days are predominant. In addition to scorching heat and temperatures around 30°C (86°F) , the atmosphere on-site is particularly heavy. Visits will inevitably be more challenging. It will be preferable to enjoy the mornings and long evenings to explore the city.
So, when is the best time to go to New York City? Here's some more information to help you in your decision:
- The best months for good weather in New York City are May, June, July, August, September and October
- On average, the warmest months are July and August
- January is the coldest month of the year
- The rainiest months are May, June, July, August and December
- The best months for swimming are July, August and September
Annual weather in New York City
Weather details in New York City month by month
Weather and climate in New York City
Located on the Atlantic coast of the United States, the city of New York benefits from a temperate continental climate with hot summers and very cold winters.
The weather in New York is also characterized by particularly high humidity. Precipitation is significant throughout the year. Additionally, the city is regularly subjected to wind. It's true, while New York attracts millions of tourists every year, it's not for its climate, which is, so to speak, quite unstable and capricious.
As you may have understood, the climate of New York has many specificities to consider before planning your trip. Here are some clarifications on this subject.
Winter in New York
Winters in New York are particularly cold and harsh. The average temperature between December and March hovers around 0°C (32°F) . However, on some days, the mercury can drop to -15°C.
Blizzards are also very common, intensifying the feeling of cold even more. This icy wind, typical of North America, is accompanied by snowstorms.
Apart from these episodes, it is not uncommon to see snowfall in the city starting from November. While it adds a certain charm to the landscapes, this factor makes visits difficult with frequent black ice and sometimes significant amounts of snow.
Depending on the wind direction, days can be more pleasant and sunny. Temperatures are then closer to 10°C (50°F) .
But in general, winter in New York is a period to avoid for a trip.
Spring in New York
Spring is a favorable period for a trip to New York. Indeed, the climate in New York during this period is particularly mild, starting from April.
In spring, the city of New York, like its neighbor Toronto, benefits from a fairly sunny climate. However, occasional rain is possible. In April and May, it can rain about 10 days a month.
Summer in New York
The weather in New York is marked by significant temperature differences between summer and winter. While winter is very cold in New York, summer is very hot.
Average temperatures are around 24°C (76°F) in the heart of summer, but highs often exceed 30°C (86°F) . Additionally, the feeling of suffocation is increased by the humidity in the air. The large population and urbanization also contribute to this impression.
In summer, there are many sunny and hot days, but precipitation is not rare. Thunderstorms regularly occur in the afternoon, almost every other day in July and August.
Finally, sometimes the city experiences heatwaves with heatwaves (35-38°C). The nighttime temperature remains high, close to 25°C (77°F) .
It is advisable to visit New York in the early morning or in the evening during a summer stay.
Fall in New York
Fall is probably the best season to discover New York, especially from September to mid-October. Indeed, the heat is tolerable, around 20-25°C. Rain is less present than in summer and the air becomes more breathable.
Some travelers will appreciate a stay during this period to see the colors of the trees change.
Charts: temperature and rainfall in New York City
In the charts below, you can see the following seasonal norms for the city of New York City: the minimum and maximum outdoor temperature, the risk and amount of monthly rainfall, daily average sunshine, sea temperature, and relative humidity for each month of the year.
Outside temperature
Precipitation (rainfall)
Daily sunshine hours
Sea temperature
Humidity
Peak visitor numbers and tourist seasons in New York City
Find out when New York City has its high tourist season (the period when the influx of tourists is highest) and off-peak tourist season using our data and figures.
Tourist seasons in New York City
- Very low season in New York City
The months with the lowest number of tourists are: January, February and March. - Low season in New York City
The months with low numbers of tourists are: April. - High season in New York City
The number of visitors to New York City is high in: May, June, July, August, October, November and December. - Peak season in New York City
The largest number of tourists visiting New York City is during: September.
Figure: Visitor index for New York City month by month
Best time for low prices in New York City
Average prices of hotels in New York City month by month
Generally, February is the month with the lowest hotel prices in New York City. So this is a great time to save on your holiday! In contrast, September is statistically the most expensive month of the year for hotels.
Find the best price for your hotel room
Average price for flights to New York City
A return flight between London and New York City is generally cheaper if you go in february ($ 379 on average): this is the best time for travellers on a tight budget. In contrast, you may end up paying $ 214 more for your airline ticket to New York City if you go in august.
Find the best price for your flight
Average price of hiring a car in New York City
On average, it costs $ 104 per day to hire a car in New York City. This price varies by $ 46 depending on the month. In march, hiring a car costs an average of $ 76 per 24 hours, so this is the best time to save money! In contrast, the average price in august is $ 122.
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