When to go · New York City, United States
Best time to visit New York City
The sweet spot is September, May and October — averages 22°C, 9 rainy days, moderate crowds.
April – June, September – November
Humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Spring (Apr–Jun) is mild and flowering — the best time. Summer (Jul–Aug) is hot and humid (35°C+), but the city is fully alive. Autumn (Sep–Nov) is crisp and perfect, with the most beautiful light. Winter (Dec–Feb) is cold (below 0°C) with occasional blizzards — but New York at Christmas is genuinely magical. Avoid July–August if you can; embrace December if you can't.
The short answer
22°C · 9 rainy days · mid season
19°C · 11 rainy days · mid season
16°C · 9 rainy days · mid season
Hardest months: February and January. averages a raw 3°C, 10 rainy days, few other visitors.
Month by month
| Month | Avg temp | Rain days | Crowds | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 2°C | 11d | low | Cold |
| February | 3°C | 10d | low | Cold |
| March | 8°C | 11d | low | Chilly |
| April | 14°C | 11d | mid | Mild |
| May | 19°C | 11d | mid | Comfortable but damp |
| June | 24°C | 11d | high | Comfortable but damp |
| July | 27°C | 11d | high | Hot |
| August | 26°C | 10d | high | Comfortable but damp |
| September | 22°C | 9d | mid | Comfortable but damp |
| October | 16°C | 9d | mid | Comfortable but damp |
| November | 10°C | 10d | low | Chilly |
| December | 4°C | 11d | low | Cold |
Verdicts are read off the three columns to their left — temperature distance from 21°C first, then rainfall, with crowds breaking ties. Averages, so any given week can differ.
If you'd rather go cheap than perfect
January, February, March, November and December are low season in New York City — thinner crowds, and the months where accommodation is easiest to book late. Budget travellers already work to about $45–75 a day here; low season is where the accommodation share of that goes furthest.
Book the month you picked
Fares move with the same seasons as the crowds — the quiet months above are usually the cheap ones to fly.