The best time to visit New York was yesterday! Just kidding—but the city is truly always wonderful to visit. This guide demonstrates why the best time to visit NYC is all year round. 

The best time to visit New York? It depends on your travel style. 

Visiting New York City in the Winter (November to February)

NYC in the winter may seem...well...chilly—but it is a fantastic time of year to visit. Not only will you find fewer crowds and better prices on accommodations, but also some unique wintertime activities. Don’t know where to start? We suggest visiting these NYC spots: 

Dyker Heights for Christmas Lights

It’s a bit of a trek if you’re staying in Manhattan, but the Dyker Heights neighborhood in Brooklyn is worth the journey. Why? Locals tell us that as the NYC days get darker, Dyker Heights bursts into lights—this neighborhood is known for its incredible, colorful, over-the-top Christmas light display. 

New York Botanical Garden Train Show

If you’re visiting NYC with kids (or if you simply love trains), a great wintertime stop is the New York Botanical Garden Train Show. You’ll get to watch modal trains zoom around NYC landmarks! 

The train show is at the Botanical Garden in the Bronx. Worried about NYC transportation? Book transfers in advance!

Union Square Holiday Market 

You don’t have to travel to France to find a charming Christmas market—you’ll find a cute market in the heart of NYC! The Union Square Holiday market lasts from late November to late December. You can discover great local gifts here.

If you're a movie lover, you can also check out all the iconic holiday movie spots around New York City. 

Visiting New York City in the Spring (March to June) 

Springtime is a pretty wonderful time to visit NYC. With the dark and cold of winter coming to a close, everyone has a bit of a spring in their step. Around this time locals recommend:

Rooting for the home team 

If you love sports, then springtime is an ideal time to visit NYC. Between Citi Stadium in Queens and Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, it’s easy to catch a game while in town. 

Taking a boat ride at Central Park 

You’ll find tons of activities in Central Park, especially as the weather starts to get warmer. One fun way to enjoy the park is by hopping on a boat! 

Enjoying the Cherry Blossom Festival at Brooklyn Botanical Garden

The Brooklyn Botanical Garden is a fantastic place to visit in NYC—and in the springtime, it’s even more beautiful. Starting in March, locals say that the Garden bursts into pink—it’s cherry blossom time!

Visiting New York City in the Summer (July to September) 

We’ll be honest: NYC in the summer can get HOT. Locals say that the name of the game this time of year is a) staying cool and b) spending time outdoors! Fortunately, you’ll find plenty of places to visit in NYC to do both:

Go on a cruise to see the Statue of Liberty

Experience the Statue of Liberty like never before with a daytime or evening cruise aboard the historic Clipper City. Enjoy the cool sea breeze as you take in breathtaking views of New York Harbor and the iconic skyline.

Enjoy the free outdoor film screenings

If you love movies but don’t want to spend a summer day in a movie theatre (or $19 on a ticket) we suggest catching one of NYC’s free outdoor film screenings. Bryant Park’s film series starts in June. Get there early to snag a spot on the lawn! 

Have lunch at Smorgasbord

If you’re visiting NYC on a Saturday, be sure to go to Smorgasburg in Williamsburg. Locals say this fantastic open-air food market offers a selection from 100+ vendors. Enjoy lunch outside, then wander up to the Brooklyn Brewery to cool off with some local ales. 

Visiting New York City in the Fall (October to November)

There’s something supremely magical about autumn in NYC. Maybe it’s the crisp and cool air—or the stunning colors that descend upon Central Park—or the fall fashion flex among New Yorkers. Whatever it is, locals tell us that fall is a fantastic time to visit NYC. 

Wander through a park

Autumn is the time to wander through one of NYC’s many parks. Central Park is fantastic, but don’t discount Prospect Park in Brooklyn or Riverside Park, along the Hudson River. 

Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge

As the weather gets colder, the summer crowds get smaller. This means fall is a great time to indulge in an NYC tourist attraction—the beautiful, historic Brooklyn Bridge. Not only will fall temps make crossing the bridge more pleasant, but you’ll also get to enjoy the gorgeous fall colors in Manhattan and Brooklyn.