What is the best time to visit NYC?

Caro in Oz

Hi all, We are thinking of holidaying in the US within the next 18 months to 2 years. One of the places on our list is NYC. We will want to explore on foot, go to galleries, go to an opera, maybe the theatre, listen to some jazz & of course do a small amount of shopping. I'm bring an empty suitcase:)

What is the best time of the year to appreciate your wonderful city? Any thoughts on the most interesting areas to stay? We are looking at apartments rather than hotels but small hotels would be okay.

Thanks for your help.

12 years ago

Off Topic

13 replies

Latest reply was from

Raisin

Veteran

We have only been there once, the first week of November. It was really nice, not too crowded like I assume the summer would be. I would think Sept-Oct would be even better, nice walking weather and less tourists. Or April-May would be sort of the same.

12 years ago

Anonymous

Are you good in cold weather? I Like NYC during the holiday season and in the fall. Summers here are not pleasant, the buildings reflect the heat like an oven.

if I was going to rent an apartment, the most obvious choices would be Williamsburg or SoHo area. I would also look into Long Island City, they have several waterfront apartments you can rent, and the area is a skip and a hop away from the main attractions. This area is being re-zoned and revitalized , it used to be a bunch of factories. A very cool area to stay.

12 years ago

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Thanks Raisin & Zap - very helpful.

12 years ago

Mochi

Veteran

Summer can be tough if there's a heat wave and you're not used to hot weather. But there are also fun things going on outdoors in Central Park, etc like concerts and theater. I happen to think anytime from late summer/early fall through the holiday season is really nice. Maybe this time of year is the least charming with all the dirty slush everywhere. Spring is pleasant. I doubt you can go truly wrong no matter when you come here.

12 years ago

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Thanks Mochi. We are used to the heat but don't find it much fun wandering around in it all day, every day. Spring or fall sound good.

12 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I love NYC in all weather! I was there during a big snowstorm in January (fun!) and I have also been there in spring and even summer, and it was all wonderful. Renting an apartment would be a great idea. For how long will you stay? I have a couple of suggestions, and hubs and I are trying out a new one this summer that I can also tell you about afterwards. PM me if you want details!

12 years ago

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Thanks Suz - I will PM you.

12 years ago

sophie

Member

For me, spring (around April) and fall (especially late September-early October) are the best time to visit NYC. Summer months are too hot and crowded. You can find some interesting seasonal activities on helpful websites like rove.me and Travel US News. If you go in May or September, make sure to visit one of the rooftop gardens, for me. it's something so special about the modern urban life

7 years ago

JAileen

Veteran

We visited at Thanksgiving a few years ago. The weather varied a lot, from warmish and damp, to freezing and blustery. We went to the parade, and also the night before, watching the balloons being inflated. We saw the Rockettes' Christmas show, and had tickets to a broadway show and Conan O'Brien's show. Those two were cancelled due to a strike. We still had plenty of things to do.

The downside is the hotel jacked up the rates something awful.

7 years ago

Runcarla

Veteran

My favourite time to travel ANYWHERE is during shoulder seasons (April/May and September/October). Tolerable weather and less crowded.

7 years ago

Sisi

Veteran

Do not go anywhere in Winter! This is my usual advice to anybody. But this is said by someone who runs cold and hates to be bundled up while touring. (That said I have been in Winter in the most cold places: Vienna, Russia, Chicago ... it can be fascinating).

7 years ago

anne

Veteran

This thread is 4 years old!!!

7 years ago

Anonymous

certainly not today

7 years ago

Category