When is the best time to visit New York? Late spring (late April to June) and autumn (September to early November): afternoons are mild, between 17 and 27 °C (63 and 81 °F) on average in Central Park, and the city can be explored on foot without suffering from cold or muggy heat. For the Christmas atmosphere, aim for late November and December, accepting the cold and the highest prices of the year. This ideal spring for walking is detailed on our page New York in April, with normals and booking advice.
New York has a humid continental climate: cold, sometimes snowy winters and hot, heavy summers. It rains fairly regularly all year, about 80 to 120 mm (3.1 to 4.7 in) a month, often as showers or thunderstorms: rain is therefore not the main criterion. What matters is temperatures, crowds and hotel prices. Here is how to choose, based on the official normals of the Central Park weather station. For New Year’s Eve, see also our page on Times Square in New York.
Our travel deals for New York
Affiliate links: we earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
FlightsKiwi.comCompare flights and airline combinations to New York.Compare flights- City passGo CityMulti-attraction pass at a fixed price: worth it only if you visit a lot.See passes
- eSIMAiraloData plan to install before you leave (eSIM-compatible phone).See plans
When to go to New York at a glance
- Best times late April to June and September to early November
- Best compromise of weather, prices and crowds late April–May and late October–early November (outside marathon week)
- Hottest month July, with an average high of 29.4 °C (85 °F) and high humidity
- Coldest month January, with an average of 4.2 °C (40 °F) in the afternoon and -2.3 °C (28 °F) at night
- Snow mostly December to March, about 76 cm (30 in) a year in total in Central Park, very variable from one winter to the next
- Cheapest period January and February, after the holidays
- High season from late November to December 31 (Thanksgiving, lights, New Year’s Eve), then summer
When to go by priority
- Best weather: late April to June, then September–October
- Cheapest: January–February (outside January 1) and early March
- Quietest: January and February, after the holidays, outside the mid-February school vacation; avoid the last week of December
- Events: marathon on the first Sunday of November, Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November (November 26 in 2026), July 4 fireworks, Christmas lights in December
New York: the calendar at a glance
🔎 Month by month: New York in February · New York in April
✅ Best months: April, may, June, September, October, November, December
New York weather month by month
The table below gives the normals for Central Park, whose weather station is at Belvedere Castle, in the heart of Manhattan. They apply to the whole city; seaside neighborhoods (Coney Island, Rockaway) are a little cooler in summer.
| Month | Avg. max | Avg. min | Rain | Crowds | Prices | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4.2 °C (40 °F) | -2.3 °C (28 °F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | Low (high on Jan. 1) | Low | ⚠️ Cold, snow possible, low prices |
| February | 5.7 °C (42 °F) | -1.4 °C (29 °F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | Low | Low | ⚠️ The snowiest month, low prices |
| March | 9.9 °C (50 °F) | 2.1 °C (36 °F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) | Moderate | Moderate | ⚠️ Still cool, changeable weather |
| April | 16.6 °C (62 °F) | 7.5 °C (46 °F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | High | Moderate → high | ✅ Blossoms, mild at the end of the month |
| May | 21.9 °C (71 °F) | 12.8 °C (55 °F) | 101 mm (4.0 in) | High | High | ✅ One of the best months |
| June | 26.5 °C (80 °F) | 18.0 °C (64 °F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | High | High | ✅ Long days, open-air concerts |
| July | 29.4 °C (85 °F) | 21.2 °C (70 °F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | High | High | ⚠️ Humid heat, thunderstorms |
| August | 28.5 °C (83 °F) | 20.5 °C (69 °F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | High | Moderate → high | ⚠️ Heavy and hot |
| September | 24.6 °C (76 °F) | 16.8 °C (62 °F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) | High | High (very high in late Sept.) | ✅ Still warm, often clear skies |
| October | 18.1 °C (65 °F) | 10.8 °C (51 °F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | High | High | ✅ Mild, autumn colors |
| November | 12.2 °C (54 °F) | 5.6 °C (42 °F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | Very high in late Nov. | High → very high | ✅ Marathon, Thanksgiving |
| December | 6.8 °C (44 °F) | 1.0 °C (34 °F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | Very high | Very high | ✅ Lights, but cold and expensive |
Note: with 9 to 11 days of rain a month on average, a shower is likely in any season, but it is often brief.
New York’s seasons: pros and cons
Spring (March to May): from cool to mild
Spring starts slowly: March stays cool (less than 10 °C (50 °F) in the afternoon on average) and can still bring snow. In April, temperatures rise markedly and the trees blossom in Central Park and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. May is one of the most pleasant months of the year, with almost 22 °C (72 °F) in the afternoon.
- Pros: ideal temperatures for walking, parks in bloom, terraces and rooftops reopening, lengthening days
- Cons: changeable weather in March and early April, crowds rising during Easter vacations
- Our tip: the second half of April and May offer the best balance; bring a jacket, evenings stay cool
Summer (June to August): heat, thunderstorms and outdoor life
From June to August, average highs exceed 26 °C (79 °F), with a peak of 29.4 °C (85 °F) in July, and humidity makes the heat oppressive, especially in the subway. Afternoon thunderstorms are frequent: July and August are among the wettest months by volume, even though it rains less often than in spring.
- Pros: free concerts and shows in the parks, Coney Island and Rockaway beaches, long evenings, July 4 fireworks
- Cons: muggy heat in the city, crowds at the iconic sites, sudden thunderstorms
- Who is it for? Families tied to school vacations and those who like summer buzz. Plan indoor visits (museums, observation decks) for the hottest hours
Autumn (September to November): visitors’ favorite season
September stays warm (almost 25 °C (77 °F) in the afternoon) but humidity drops. October is mild and often bright, and the trees of Central Park take on their colors, generally from late October to mid-November depending on the year. November cools down noticeably (12 °C (54 °F) in the afternoon) and marks the start of the holiday season.
- Pros: pleasant temperatures, autumn foliage, the cultural season restarts (Broadway, concerts, exhibitions), Halloween and the marathon
- Cons: very expensive hotels during United Nations General Assembly week (late September), marathon week and Thanksgiving; remnants of tropical storms possible in late summer and early autumn
- Our tip: October and the first days of November, outside marathon weekend, make the best autumn window
Winter (December to February): lights, then low prices
New York’s winter is cold: average highs stay between 4 and 7 °C (39 and 45 °F), and nights drop below freezing in January and February. Snow falls mostly in January and February (about 22 and 26 cm (9 and 10 in) on average); a snowstorm can paralyze the city and the airports for a day or two. December is dominated by the Christmas atmosphere, January and February by low prices. Snow, possible storms and low prices: the weather in New York in February takes stock of this winter month, airports included.
- Pros: Rockefeller Center windows and tree, skating rinks, Christmas markets, then hotels and flights at their lowest in January–February, quieter museums
- Cons: sometimes biting cold, short days, extreme prices and crowds between Thanksgiving and New Year, risk of canceled flights in a snowstorm
- Who is it for? Lovers of holiday atmosphere in December; small budgets and museum and show enthusiasts in January–February
When to go to New York and elsewhere in the US
Many travelers combine New York with another region, sometimes with a very different climate. Comparison of the official normals for four cities:
| Month | New York | Washington | Miami | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4.2 °C (40 °F) / 92 mm (3.6 in) | 7.1 °C (45 °F) / 73 mm (2.9 in) | 24.6 °C (76 °F) / 46 mm (1.8 in) | 20.0 °C (68 °F) / 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| February | 5.7 °C (42 °F) / 81 mm (3.2 in) | 9.1 °C (48 °F) / 67 mm (2.6 in) | 25.7 °C (78 °F) / 55 mm (2.2 in) | 20.0 °C (68 °F) / 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| March | 9.9 °C (50 °F) / 109 mm (4.3 in) | 13.6 °C (56 °F) / 89 mm (3.5 in) | 27.0 °C (81 °F) / 62 mm (2.4 in) | 21.1 °C (70 °F) / 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| April | 16.6 °C (62 °F) / 104 mm (4.1 in) | 20.0 °C (68 °F) / 82 mm (3.2 in) | 28.7 °C (84 °F) / 85 mm (3.3 in) | 22.4 °C (72 °F) / 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| May | 21.9 °C (71 °F) / 101 mm (4.0 in) | 24.7 °C (76 °F) / 100 mm (3.9 in) | 30.4 °C (87 °F) / 161 mm (6.3 in) | 23.2 °C (74 °F) / 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| June | 26.5 °C (80 °F) / 115 mm (4.5 in) | 29.5 °C (85 °F) / 107 mm (4.2 in) | 31.8 °C (89 °F) / 267 mm (10.5 in) | 25.1 °C (77 °F) / 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| July | 29.4 °C (85 °F) / 117 mm (4.6 in) | 32.0 °C (90 °F) / 110 mm (4.3 in) | 32.6 °C (91 °F) / 187 mm (7.4 in) | 27.8 °C (82 °F) / 1 mm (0.0 in) |
| August | 28.5 °C (83 °F) / 116 mm (4.6 in) | 31.0 °C (88 °F) / 83 mm (3.3 in) | 32.6 °C (91 °F) / 243 mm (9.6 in) | 28.9 °C (84 °F) / 0 mm (0.0 in) |
| September | 24.6 °C (76 °F) / 109 mm (4.3 in) | 27.1 °C (81 °F) / 100 mm (3.9 in) | 31.7 °C (89 °F) / 260 mm (10.2 in) | 28.3 °C (83 °F) / 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| October | 18.1 °C (65 °F) / 111 mm (4.4 in) | 20.8 °C (69 °F) / 93 mm (3.7 in) | 29.9 °C (86 °F) / 194 mm (7.6 in) | 25.9 °C (79 °F) / 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| November | 12.2 °C (54 °F) / 91 mm (3.6 in) | 14.6 °C (58 °F) / 74 mm (2.9 in) | 27.4 °C (81 °F) / 90 mm (3.5 in) | 22.7 °C (73 °F) / 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| December | 6.8 °C (44 °F) / 111 mm (4.4 in) | 9.3 °C (49 °F) / 87 mm (3.4 in) | 25.7 °C (78 °F) / 62 mm (2.4 in) | 19.7 °C (67 °F) / 63 mm (2.5 in) |
New York and the northeast (Boston, Philadelphia, Washington)
The northeast follows the same rhythm as New York, with harsher winters in Boston and hotter summers in Washington (32 °C (90 °F) in July). Best windows: late April to June and September to October. Washington is easy to reach by train.
Florida (Miami, the Keys, Orlando)
Southern Florida is the opposite of New York: mild and fairly dry in winter (about 25 °C (77 °F) in the afternoon in January in Miami), very hot and rainy from May to October, with more than 240 mm (9.4 in) in August and September. The hurricane season runs from June to November. Hot and rainy from May to October, mild in winter: the climate in Miami month by month details this hurricane season.
California (Los Angeles, San Francisco)
The California coast has a Mediterranean climate: it hardly rains from May to September in Los Angeles, and the rains are concentrated from December to March. Temperatures stay mild all year. Farther north, San Francisco is often cool and foggy in summer. It can be visited year-round: see our California guide. Cool and foggy in summer, the city often surprises visitors: a stay in San Francisco calls for a sweater even in July.
When to go to New York by trip type
| Trip | Best time | What to plan |
|---|---|---|
| First trip | Late April to June, September–October | Book the hotel 3 to 4 months ahead |
| Christmas atmosphere | From Thanksgiving to late December | Highest prices, crowds in Midtown |
| Budget | January–February (outside January 1), early March | Warm clothes, flexible plans in case of snow |
| Autumn colors | Generally late October to mid-November | Central Park, Brooklyn Botanic Garden |
| Running the marathon | First Sunday of November | Entry is limited: check the organizer’s rules |
| Shopping | Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving), January sales | Sales tax added at the register |
| Free outdoor concerts and shows | June to August | Programs published in spring |
| Family trip | Spring break, October | Museums and parks, avoid the July heat |
| Honeymoon | May–June, September–October | Combine with Florida or California |
Major events to fit into your trip
US public holidays (Memorial Day in late May, Labor Day in early September, Thanksgiving in late November) bring peaks in crowds and prices.
| Period | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| January or February (Lunar New Year) | Chinese New Year parade and festivities | Chinatown (Manhattan), Flushing (Queens) |
| March 17 (or a nearby day) | St. Patrick’s Day Parade | Fifth Avenue |
| Easter Sunday | Easter Parade, parade of decorated hats | Fifth Avenue, around St. Patrick’s Cathedral |
| Last Sunday of June | Pride March (NYC Pride March) | Manhattan |
| July 4 | National holiday, Macy’s fireworks | East River or Hudson shores depending on the year |
| Late August – early September | US Open tennis | Flushing Meadows (Queens) |
| October 31 | Greenwich Village Halloween Parade | Sixth Avenue |
| First Sunday of November | New York City Marathon | From the five boroughs to Central Park |
| Fourth Thursday of November (November 26 in 2026) | Thanksgiving and its Macy’s parade in the morning | Upper West Side and Midtown |
| Late November or early December | Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting | Midtown |
| December 31 | Times Square ball drop at midnight | Times Square |
New York month by month: what to expect
New York in January
The coldest month (4.2 °C (40 °F) in the afternoon, -2.3 °C (28 °F) at night). After January 1, prices drop: ideal for museums and Broadway.
New York in February
Still cold, and the snowiest month on average (about 26 cm (10 in)). Low prices, except during the mid-February school vacation.
New York in March
Still cool (less than 10 °C (50 °F) in the afternoon), with some spring-like days and some wintry ones. St. Patrick’s Day Parade on the 17th. Prices rise at the end of the month.
New York in April
Mild weather sets in (16.6 °C (62 °F) average high), the trees blossom. Crowds rise during Easter vacations. A good month, especially in the second half.
New York in May
Excellent: about 22 °C (72 °F) in the afternoon, parks in full green, terraces open. One of the best months of the year, but already in high demand.
New York in June
Warm (26.5 °C (80 °F)) without yet being stifling, long days, first open-air concerts. Pride March on the last Sunday.
New York in July
The hottest month (29.4 °C (85 °F) average high), humid and stormy. July 4 fireworks.
New York in August
Heavy heat and thunderstorms, a city a little less crowded with New Yorkers, who are away on vacation. US Open tennis at the end of the month.
New York in September
Still summery (24.6 °C (76 °F)), humidity falling. A very good month, except during United Nations General Assembly week, when hotels soar.
New York in October
Mild (18 °C (64 °F)) and often sunny, first colorful foliage. Halloween Parade on the 31st. One of our favorite months.
New York in November
Cool (12 °C (54 °F) in the afternoon), marathon on the first Sunday, Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday: very high prices on these dates, more reasonable in between.
New York in December
Cold (6.8 °C (44 °F)), Christmas lights and windows, skating rinks. The most expensive and busiest month, especially the last week.
What to pack by season
- Winter (December to February): warm coat, hat, gloves and scarf, waterproof shoes for slush; a lighter outfit underneath, as indoor spaces are very heated
- Spring and autumn: layered outfit, light or waterproof jacket for cool evenings and showers
- Summer (June to August): light clothing, a light sweater for the subway and air-conditioned museums, a compact umbrella for thunderstorms
- All year: good walking shoes, as the city is explored on foot
When to book your trip to New York
For Thanksgiving, December, New Year and marathon week, book your flights and hotel 4 to 6 months ahead: well-located Manhattan hotels fill early and their rates can double. For spring, summer and autumn, 2 to 4 months is generally enough; in January–February, you can still find deals a few weeks before departure.
Planning your trip to New York
- Entry requirements: passport, visa and travel authorization rules depend on your nationality: see our entry requirements for the United States.
- Time difference: New York is on Eastern Time (UTC−5, UTC−4 in summer): 5 hours behind London most of the year (details).
- Currency: the US dollar (USD). Bank cards and contactless payment are accepted almost everywhere. Remember that taxes are not included in displayed prices, and a tip is expected in restaurants. Our currency converter helps you estimate your budget.
- Health: medical care is excellent but very expensive: travel insurance covering medical costs, hospitalization and repatriation is strongly recommended.
To plan your stay on the ground, see our New York travel guide: neighborhoods, must-sees, itineraries and where to stay.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit New York?
May, June, September and October are the most pleasant months: between 18 and 27 °C (64 and 81 °F) in the afternoon on average in Central Park, long days and a lively city. Late April and early November also offer a good compromise, with slightly gentler prices.
What is the cheapest time to visit New York?
January and February, avoiding the very first days of the year and the mid-February school vacation. Hotels then post their lowest rates, in exchange for the cold and a risk of snow.
Is New York very cold in winter?
Yes. In January, the average high is 4.2 °C (40 °F) and the average low -2.3 °C (28 °F) in Central Park, with wind that sharpens the feeling of cold. About 76 cm (30 in) of snow falls on average per winter, mostly in January and February, but amounts vary greatly from year to year.
When should you go to New York for Christmas?
The Christmas atmosphere begins the day after Thanksgiving, in late November, and lasts until New Year. Early December is a good choice: lights in place, the Rockefeller Center tree lit, prices a little lower than in the last week of the year.
When is the New York marathon?
It is run on the first Sunday of November. Hotels are in high demand that weekend: if you are not running, avoid these dates or book very early.
Is New York too hot in summer?
July and August are hot and humid, with 28 to 29 °C (82 to 84 °F) average highs and heat wave episodes. The city can still be visited by starting early and alternating with museums.
Which month rains the most in New York?
The differences are small: according to the Central Park normals, 81 mm (February) to 117 mm (July) a month falls. In summer, rain comes mostly as thunderstorms; rain is therefore not a good criterion for choosing your month.
What is New York’s climate?
A humid continental climate: cold, sometimes snowy winters (4.2 °C (40 °F) average high in January), hot, heavy summers (29.4 °C (85 °F) in July), and rainfall spread across the year, around 80 to 120 mm (3.1 to 4.7 in) a month.
And the rest of the United States?
Florida, California or the big parks of the West each have their own best season. To build a wider itinerary, see our United States travel guide.
Our sources
- New York: 1991–2020 normals for the Central Park station (Belvedere Castle), NOAA / National Weather Service
- Regional comparison: 1991–2020 normals from NOAA (National Weather Service): Washington (Reagan National airport), Miami (international airport), Los Angeles (Downtown); values converted to °C and mm
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026.
