When is the Best Time of Year to Visit New York City
When is the best time of year to visit New York City? This is usually the first question people ask when planning a trip to NYC. New York City is unique in that there are awesome things to do in NYC year-round. Other vacation destinations often have times of year where there is nothing happening, or are dependent on seasonal activities, but not New York City. January through December, there is something happening in the Big Apple. That being said, there is still a best time of year to visit New York City. When is the best time to visit NYC? It will be different for everyone. Let’s break it down by season so you can decide.
Visiting New York City in the Winter (Best Time to Visit NYC on a Budget)
The best time to visit NYC is in the winter. There is something magical about visiting New York City when it’s covered in snow. There is a reason so many movies film scenes in bucolic Central Park when a fluffy sheet of white snow covers the gently rolling hills. For the purposes of this article, “winter” is January-February. It will be cold. It will be dark. It will probably be very windy. Don’t visit NYC in the winter for the weather. Visit NYC in the winter for the bargains! Because the entire planet just visited NYC for the holidays and spent all their money, January and February are slow. Hotels, restaurants, attractions and Broadway shows all give incredible discounts during the winter. This is by far the best time to visit NYC on a budget.
Visiting NYC in the Spring
The best time to visit NYC is in the spring. March, April, and May are considered spring months in New York City. These months are when you can see the cherry blossoms and their effervescent beauty throughout the city. Events such as the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the Macy’s Flower Show, and of course the Easter Bonnet Parade brings smiles to faces from near and far. Because many school groups plan spring break trips, the crowds tend to be extremely high in the spring, but that’s the price you pay for seeing the city in bloom.
New York City in the Summer
The best time to visit NYC is in the summer. Summer in the City is truly special. There are so many free events and festivals. Shakespeare in the Park is always a favorite. Celebrities ranging from Al Pacino to Peter Dinklage portray Shakespeare’s greatest characters under a canopy of stars at the Delacorte Theatre. Tickets are free and the crowds are always electric. June brings Pride Month where the city is alive with rainbows and glitter. The modern Pride movement began in New York City after all. The Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks are a once-in-a-lifetime experience to view. Late summer brings the Feast of San Gennaro, and the Italian street festival celebrating the patron saint of Naples. Yes, the weather in New York City during the summer can be sweltering, but the fun events are worth the sweat.
New York City in the Fall
The best time to visit NYC is during the fall. Late September and October is often considered the New York City “shoulder season.” The weather is still pretty nice, some might even say “perfect.” There are fun activities ranging from apple picking at the Queens County Farm to the Halloween Parade. Crowds are minimal, so you have free reign of the city! No lines, just fun!
New York City During the Holidays
The best time to visit NYC is during the Christmas holiday season. New York City during the Holidays is magical, but expensive. You will pay a premium price at hotels, attractions, Broadway shows, and restaurants to see the city sparkle with Christmas lights. Is it worth visiting NYC during the holidays? Absolutely. It is worth every single penny. You will need to plan ahead. Many of the most popular attractions book up quickly. Yet, there is no place like Rockefeller Center after the Christmas Tree is lit and the Rockettes are doing their kicks!
No matter what time of year you visit New York City, the Welcome to Times Square billboard shines bright! The goal of the Welcome to Times Square Billboard is to let you put your photos on a Times Square billboard at an affordable price. In fact, you can put a photo or a video on a Times Square billboard for as little as $150 a day! Check it out!