The best time to visit New York: a month-by-month guide

New York in January

Average temperature: -3 to 4°C (26 - 40°F) Average rainfall/snow: Moderate to high

January offers a magical, wintery side of New York. Holiday lights linger during the first week of the month, ice-skating rinks sparkle in Bryant Park and Central Park, and Manhattan’s museums feel wonderfully quiet after the New Year rush. It’s an ideal time for cultural travellers staying in our centrally located Manhattan condos, especially those who enjoy exploring galleries, restaurants, and indoor attractions with fewer crowds.

This month hosts NYC Winter Jazzfest, drawing some of the world’s best musicians, and Restaurant Week often begins late in the month, offering gourmet dining at exceptional value. Sales also dominate Manhattan’s top shopping districts - including Fifth Avenue, SoHo, and Columbus Circle - making this a prime month for fashion lovers. With the city blanketed in occasional snow, January provides an atmospheric backdrop for romantic stays and cosy evenings in the city.

Weather in New York in January

Cold, crisp, and snowy at times, with low temperatures - perfect for indoor attractions and winter scenery.

New York in February

Average temperature: -1 to 6°C (30 - 43°F) Average rainfall /snow: Moderate

February is chilly but full of atmosphere. Valentine’s Day brings romantic energy to the city, especially in neighbourhoods like Tribeca, SoHo, and the Upper West Side. Staying in a luxury Manhattan condo allows you to enjoy the city’s world-class dining, rooftop lounges, museums, and Broadway shows without braving long outdoor lines.

February also hosts New York Fashion Week, which electrifies Manhattan with runway shows, celebrity appearances, and limited-edition designer pop-ups. Culturally, this is an excellent month for museum-hopping, particularly the MoMA, The Met, and the American Museum of Natural History. Black History Month brings special exhibitions, talks, and performances across the city. Winter clearance sales remain strong, making February a surprisingly good month for luxury shopping.

Weather in New York in February

Cold, snowy at times, with brisk winds - great for cosy indoor activities and cultural exploration.

New York in March

Average temperature: 2 to 11°C (36 - 52°F) Average rainfall: Moderate

March marks the early arrival of spring. Temperatures slowly rise, and Manhattan begins to shake off winter’s chill. Outdoor cafés reopen, Central Park begins to show greenery, and walking tours become more enjoyable. If you’re staying in one of our Manhattan condo rentals, you'll find it easy to explore both indoor and outdoor attractions with comfortable weather.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade - one of the world’s largest - marches up Fifth Avenue in spectacular fashion, drawing huge crowds and creating an unforgettable atmosphere. This is also a prime month for visiting the Brooklyn Botanic Garden before cherry blossom season peaks. Broadway shows, art exhibitions, and new restaurant openings flourish as the city wakes up after winter.

Weather in New York in March

Cool and changeable, but noticeably warmer with longer days and early signs of spring.

New York in April

Average temperature: 7 to 17°C (45 - 63°F) Average rainfall: Moderate

April is one of the best times to visit New York. The weather turns comfortably mild, spring blossoms fill Central Park and Bryant Park, and outdoor dining begins in earnest. Guests staying in our upscale Manhattan condos can explore on foot with ease, from the High Line to the West Village to Midtown’s iconic landmarks.

April brings the Tribeca Film Festival, a major event showcasing independent films, red-carpet premieres, and Q&A sessions with directors and actors. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Cherry Blossom Festival (Sakura Matsuri) also takes place in late April, attracting both New Yorkers and visitors. Baseball season opens at Yankee Stadium and Citi Field, making this an excellent time for sports lovers.

Weather in New York in April

Mild, comfortable, and ideal for city walks and outdoor sightseeing.

New York in May

Average temperature: 13 to 22°C (55 - 72°F) Average rainfall: Moderate

May delivers beautiful spring weather - warm but not humid - and is one of the most enjoyable months to explore New York’s parks, riverfronts, and neighbourhoods. Staying in Manhattan puts you at the centre of seasonal energy: rooftop lounges open for the season, ferry services run frequently, and Central Park becomes a favourite picnic spot again.

Key events include Fleet Week, where U.S. Navy ships dock in Manhattan for public tours and celebrations, and Memorial Day Weekend, which marks the unofficial start of summer in the city. Outdoor markets flourish across Chelsea, Union Square, and the Upper West Side. This month is perfect for photography, leisurely strolls, and discovering outdoor art installations.

Weather in New York in May

Warm, sunny, lush, and ideal for outdoor activities - summer energy begins.

New York in June

Average temperature: 17 to 27°C (63 - 81°F) Average rainfall: Moderate

June brings early-summer warmth and long, golden evenings - ideal for anyone staying in a Manhattan condo and wanting to explore the city from morning to night. Outdoor concerts, rooftop events, food festivals, and street fairs dominate the calendar. Central Park hosts concerts, rowing, picnics, and theatre performances.

The biggest event is NYC Pride, one of the world’s largest LGBTQ+ celebrations, filling Manhattan with parades, concerts, art events, and nightlife festivities. Shakespeare in the Park begins its beloved summer season, offering world-class theatre in Central Park. June is also ideal for boat tours, waterfront cycling, and visiting Governors Island, which opens for the summer.

Weather in New York in June

Warm, bright, and lively - perfect for outdoor attractions and events.

New York in July

Average temperature: 20 to 30°C (68 - 86°F) Average rainfall: Moderate

July is hot, vibrant, and full of classic summer energy. If you're staying in a luxury Manhattan condo, you'll be strategically positioned to enjoy outdoor events, riverfront parks, and lively neighbourhoods while retreating to cool, comfortable accommodations whenever needed.

The month’s main highlight is Fourth of July, with spectacular fireworks over the East River and riverside viewing areas throughout Manhattan. Outdoor movie nights, open-air concerts, and festivals fill the city, including the Lincoln Center Out of Doors Festival and numerous cultural celebrations. Summer markets line the streets, and ferries to Brooklyn, Governors Island, and Roosevelt Island run frequently.

Weather in New York in July

Hot and sunny with occasional thunderstorms - classic East Coast summer weather.

New York in August

Average temperature: 20 to 29°C (68 - 84°F) Average rainfall: Moderate

August is warm, lively, and ideal for travellers who enjoy the height of summer. Many New Yorkers leave the city for parts of the month, making it a surprisingly enjoyable time to explore Manhattan’s museums, fine-dining restaurants, and attractions with shorter lines. Staying in a luxury Manhattan condo gives you access to quiet, premium living even during the busiest season.

Harlem Week celebrates Harlem’s culture, music, and history through concerts, performances, and food events. Outdoor film festivals continue across Manhattan, and late-summer nights on the High Line are especially atmospheric. For families, August is great for the Central Park Zoo, riverfront parks, and city sightseeing cruises.

Weather in New York in August

Hot and humid, with warm evenings ideal for summer nights out.

New York in September

Average temperature: 16 to 25°C (61 - 77°F) Average rainfall: Moderate

September is one of the very best months to visit New York. Temperatures drop to comfortable levels, humidity fades, and the city revives after the summer lull. From your centrally located Manhattan condo, you can access art exhibitions, restaurants, rooftop lounges, and Broadway - with many new productions launching this month.

New York Fashion Week returns in early September, filling Manhattan with runway shows and events. The U.S. Open Tennis Championship, held in nearby Queens, is a major international sporting highlight. Central Park and riverfronts are at their most beautiful, making September ideal for walking tours and photography.

Weather in New York in September

Warm, sunny, and crisp - some of the most pleasant weather of the year.

New York in October

Average temperature: 10 to 18°C (50 - 64°F) Average rainfall: Moderate

October brings spectacular fall foliage, mild temperatures, and some of the city’s most anticipated festivals. Manhattan’s tree-lined streets become vibrant with color, and Central Park turns into a world-famous autumn landscape. Staying in a Manhattan condo gives you a front-row seat to this seasonal transformation.

The Village Halloween Parade, held in Greenwich Village, is one of New York’s most iconic events, featuring dancers, floats, costumes, and larger-than-life puppets. Open House New York Weekend offers rare access to historic and architecturally significant buildings. Oktoberfest celebrations pop up along the waterfront, while theatre season enters full swing.

Weather in New York in October

Crisp, cool, and colourful - ideal for sightseeing with light layers.

New York in November

Average temperature: 5 to 13°C (41 - 55°F) Average rainfall: Moderate

November is festive, atmospheric, and culturally rich. Temperatures cool noticeably, but holiday excitement fills Manhattan. Guests staying at our luxury condo residences can enjoy proximity to Fifth Avenue displays, Broadway theatres, and seasonal markets without long commutes.

The month’s highlight is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, one of the world’s most recognizable events, featuring giant balloons, marching bands, and celebrity performances. Ice-skating rinks reopen across the city - including Bryant Park Winter Village and Rockefeller Center. Early Christmas markets begin popping up, and the famed Rockefeller Christmas Tree is usually raised in late November.

Weather in New York in November

Cold but festive, with crisp air - winter begins to approach.

New York in December

Average temperature: 0 to 7°C (32 - 45°F) Average rainfall/ snow: Moderate

December transforms New York into a festive wonderland. From dazzling holiday lights to iconic Christmas displays, the entire city feels magical. Staying in one of our luxury Manhattan condo rentals puts you steps away from Fifth Avenue window displays, Rockefeller Center, Broadway theatres, and world-famous holiday shopping districts.

Highlights include the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and holiday markets at Columbus Circle, Bryant Park, and Union Square. Ice skating, carriage rides in Central Park, and seasonal dining experiences make December one of the most cherished times to experience the city. New Year’s Eve in Times Square - although busy - is iconic, while countless upscale celebrations take place across Manhattan’s bars and rooftops.

Weather in New York in December

Cold and festive with a chance of snow, December is one of the city’s most magical months in which to visit.

FAQs for the best time to visit New York

What is the cheapest month to go to New York?

The cheapest month to visit New York is generally January, when accommodation prices, flights, and attractions are most affordable after the holiday season.

What is the cheapest time to visit New York?

The cheapest time to visit is mid-January through early March, when tourism is at its lowest and rates for accommodation - including luxury NYC vacation rentals - are much more budget-friendly.

What is the most expensive month to visit New York?

December is the most expensive month due to holiday tourism, Christmas events, festive shopping, and New Year’s celebrations.

How many days do you need at New York?

A minimum of 4-5 days is ideal to experience major attractions, neighbourhoods, and cultural highlights. For a deeper, more relaxed stay - including museums, multiple boroughs, and seasonal events - 7 days is recommended.