OT: Just curious about NYC

Kari

This is kind of a pipe dream at this point, but I am oh-so-tentatively thinking about my vacation plans for 2011. I already have a vacation in February but will still have 9 or 10 paid days to play with, and I was thinking about using 4 or 5 of them to head to NYC, since I've never been. (Hopefully I can persuade my boyfriend or a friend to come with me, since I'm not sure I'm comfortable exploring the city entirely on my own.)

If I'm able to make this work, which months would be best weather-wise to avoid the super chilly winters (so I wouldn't have to pack a puffer coat) or insanely hot summers? Being from overcast Seattle, I definitely don't mind sun (*grin*) but have heard that the 90+ summer temperatures are kind of a killer.

(And in the event that I'm able to make this work, I'd certainly ask YLF members with the area if you are available to meet up during that time - but first things first.)

15 years ago

General

13 replies

Latest reply was from Kari

RandomThoughts (Andrea)

Veteran

Kari, personally, I like NYC in October. April and May aren't bad either though it tends to rain in April which would be nice for you to avoid and it can be hot (IMO) in May. Just thought I'd pipe in as a former NYCer, current Seattle-ite.I didn't find I had to drastically change my wardrobe when I moved, I just don't need to zip-up any more and if I forget my gloves or scarf here I won't die.

Oh, and no more leaping over giant slush lakes.

15 years ago

Kari

Veteran

Thank you! I didn't realize that you were originally from NYC before moving to Seattle. This is helpful to know.

15 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I like NYC best in Sept. It's also nice in May

15 years ago

Steph

Veteran

I think NYC is great in pretty much all weather, for different reasons. I do think that avoiding the hottest summer months is smart, so I would avoid going in July and August. June is not necessarily so bad, particularly the beginning of June. May, September and October are very good bets for good weather. April can also be very nice, but sometimes it can be rainy. I would probably avoid March due to rain potential as well. January and February will be cold, so they wouldn't be ideal either. I know a lot of people will include December among the too cold months, but I will say that NYC at Christmas is very pretty and might be worth the cold. It just feels very special at the holidays. November's weather is usually pretty nice at the beginning of the month (and even at the end of the month it is usually fine with a wool coat).

15 years ago

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

We were there in September and it was beautiful.

15 years ago

(website)

Veteran

I went in October years back and it was actually quite warm, to my surprise. I had packed sweaters and jeans and needed to buy a few cooler tops while there. I agree that the idea of going over the holiday season sounds magical!

15 years ago

bella

(website)

Veteran

NYC is very very expensive during the Holidays. The hotel prices nearly double starting around the second week of December, so it is definitely a consideration.

15 years ago

Kim

Veteran

I went in early November and had a blast with my girlfriends. I think it only rained for an afternoon while I was there. Otherwise I was good in a light winter jacket and some gloves and a scarf. Could wear shoes or boots depending on my mood.

We had a blast, there's so much to see and do, we ran our tushies off for 5 days (and nights) and didn't even scratch the surface. I want to go back!

15 years ago

Barbara

Veteran

I'm planning a trip to NYC, so I'm taking note of ALL these comments!

15 years ago

Maya

Veteran

NYC is best in September-November. But I'm totally Team Autumn so I'm biased. The temperatures are perfect and the colors are marvelous (and NY street style really comes to life in autumn, as opposed to summer when everyone is just dressing to survive).

Late November-January is not the best time to come because it's chilly and prices are high. But I have to say the holiday season is another favorite time of mine because the city is so beautifully decorated and "dressed up" so to speak. But yeah, blizzards and ice storms are not so fab. February and March are cheaper but still cold and storm-prone.

July and August are the hottest months and also coincide with tourist season (which begins in May and ends in early September). Honestly, there are times when I have really hated living in NYC during those two months. It might be different when VISITING, as opposed to living, but I still wouldn't recommend it. It's way uncomfortable and I doubt your Seattle wardrobe has enough appropriate clothing for the 90+ degree temperatures. Last summer was brutal and awful. I never like summer but it was particularly bad. It felt like living inside a sweaty crotch for 3 months (sorry if I made you choke on your bran flakes, but you know it's true).

After September-October, April-early June would be my second pick. May and June are particularly nice (the calm before the storm, I suppose). I guess it depends whether you're more of a spring person or an autumn person.

It actually seems like it rained more here over the past month or so than it did in spring, so I wouldn't worry too much about that. Rain is always a possibility here, except in winter, when it's too cold and it comes down in the form of snow or ice. Rain also tends to come in waves, unfortunately. It's rare that it rains for just one day and then passes over.

Anyway, I hope it works out Kari. I'd love to meet up if you end up in town!

15 years ago

Debora

Veteran

Kari, I've mostly visited in March, late June/early July, and December since we've always had to plan around our son's school holidays. I would love to visit NYC sometime in September or October. The December trip was fun because it was the week after Christmas and everything was so festive. We just bundled up and walked everywhere!

When you get closer to making your decision let us know, and we can have fun suggesting vacation itineraries, restaurants, hotels, and it goes without saying, what to pack!

15 years ago

biscuitsmom

Veteran

Oh, I SOOO envy you! I just love NYC...agree that May-June and Sept-mid October are probably the easiest months, weather-wise.Hotel prices can be high, especially in the Mid-town/West Side area, but Ive always stayed (5 times) at Traveler's Inn on W. 42nd st in Midtown (the heart of nyc to me) and they had by far the best prices outside of the Y (not recommended unless you dont mind sharing a bathroom down the hall-ew) Its not a fancy hotel, but very clean, nice and perfectly located. I normally took the Greyhound Bus (from Mpls, Mn- 36 hrs) and that hotel is only 4 blocks away from Port Authority. I would try and make reservations as soon as you lock in a date!

15 years ago

Kari

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Thanks for all of the helpful comments! So definitely looks like spring or early fall is the way to go, and fall will be easier to plan & budget for since we've already got a trip to Disneyland scheduled for February.

If I'm able to this work, I'm sure to return to the experts here for more suggestions. Thank you!

15 years ago

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