Many people are not lucky enough to have a chance to visit one of the most exciting cities in the world regularly. So when you do get a chance, you want it to be perfect. One of the biggest factors when visiting a place is the time you visit it, which can really shape all the memories you have there. You need to consider the weather, tourists, holidays, etc. Consider all the factors that can affect your visit. So, what’s the best time to visit New York City? We’re here to help you out. Here’s a guide on visiting NYC which can help you decide when to come over.
The best time… It depends on you!
NYC is one of those cities that offers a lot for everybody. And that means there’s something to do all year round. So, the best time to visit New York City actually depends on what you’re expecting from your stay. There are several factors to consider – tourist season, best weather, cheapest time to visit, etc. That’s why you need to consider all of these factors and think about what’s most important for you.
Traveling on a budget – what’s the most affordable time to visit New York City?
Traveling long-distance can get very expensive. Especially if you’re traveling to NYC, since this is quite an expensive city. Even though there are ways to save money while visiting New York, you can also choose the most affordable time to go there. If you want to save some money, you want to avoid the holiday season in December, as well as the summertime. Therefore, the best time to visit New York City to spend less money is from January to March, as well as November to early December. These are the months of discounts and special offers, made to attract more people in a not-so-popular period to visit. When it comes to the most expensive months, the NYC hotels are probably the most expensive during September, and of course December – the holiday season.
If you want to go sightseeing …
…be sure to avoid winter months. Going around the city when it’s raining is not that attractive, and you also want to avoid cold snowstorm days in winter. Therefore, to make sure you see everything in its best light, you can visit anytime in spring or summer, until late October. Sunny and warm days are the best when you want to go sightseeing on foot, and take some amazing pictures of the city. However, do avoid the hottest days in July, since it can be very humid and not so great for walking around.
Coming for the shows – what’s the best time to visit New York City to see a Broadway show?
If you are a musical-lover, you also want to pick the best time to visit New York City so you can enjoy the shows in peace. This also means picking the right time to buy the tickets, since some periods of the year, like December, make it impossible to find a show that is not sold out. So, you should pick the time of the year that is not so popular among the tourists. These are usually January and February, as well as the fall months.
Museums
NYC is home to one of the best museums in the world, and they are a valid reason to visit this city. However, if you want to buy a ticket easily and avoid crowds, be sure to come anytime except for the holiday season. Yes, museums are not open on holidays, so days around them are always packed with visitors.
The best time to visit New York City to do some shopping
Even though it’s generally an expensive city, bargains and deals are amazing in NYC. So, if you’re coming for a shopping spree, you want to hit the sale seasons. These happen twice a year, April-May and before the winter holidays, From November to December. Also, don’t forget the sales around the Fourth of July, where many stores give discounts on their items. Also, January is the end of the holiday season, where many shops give an additional discount on the ‘leftover’ items after the holidays.
The most popular time for travelers and families visiting NYC
Well, you need to pick the best time to visit New York City according to your wishes and needs. However, the most popular seasons for tourists, in general, are the summer months as well as the days around the holidays in December. Sunny days during summer make it easy to go around the city. And the festive atmosphere in NYC is one of the best in the world. Basically, every season you pick will have its own pros and cons.
You liked NYC a lot so you want to move – we get it
NYC is one of the most popular cities to move to, as well. The reason is the diversity of cultures, so many entertainment options, and great job opportunities. However, fear of the whole relocation process is a common thing. That’s why you need to make sure your move is safe and simple. The best way to make the relocation easier is to hire a local moving company like Movers 101 NYC. Companies from NYC know the best way around the city, and the way to transport your items safely and on time. Moving on your own in this case can be very complicated and also very risky. So, to avoid the stress – talk to the professionals.
Is NYC the right city for you?
After picking the best time to visit New York City, you will see this place in its best light. But, if you want to move, you may want to think more about the lifestyle you want to have in the city that never sleeps. However, this city is a melting pot that accepts everybody, so don’t be afraid to try!
Mark's Travel Journal 
I’ve always wanted to visit NYC and I’ve never read such an in-depth and helpful post on visiting it before. I loved how you added so many factors in why people would be visiting, and I’ve determined my best time is spring time. I’m hoping to plan my trip in the next few years so thank you for sharing your advice. I can’t wait to check out anymore content you have that might help me with my travels!
Alex xx
https://alexandriakaywrites.wordpress.com/
Thank you Alex. I’m glad I could help. Appreciate the comments.
Thanks for another informative web site. Where else could I get that type of info written in such a perfect way? Keep up the good work Mark!
Thank you, you’re very kind. All the best to you!
I have been telling my mum that I’m going to New York since I was five, so I urgently must do that! Thanks for the information, Mark! (and yes I’m one of those people that would forget to book Broadway tickets in advance) 😉
I hope you get to New York soon! Thanks for commenting
I love NYC! I went in February a few years ago and never again – way too cold! But I want to save up and go in maybe May time in a couple of years! Love your pictures! Makes me want to buy a ticket and go back now!
May is a great time to go to New York. And thanks for the compliment and comments
I want to visit New York City for my 30th next year! Thank you for sharing this post!
I love New York – my favorite time to visit is early autumn – September or October ♥️ Early spring is also a time I love in New York 🙂
Great post! We’re off to NYC later this year and there are some very useful tips in here which I’ll be using!
Thanks, enjoy your trip and thanks for the comments
Very interesting and informative! New York has always been the first place I said I’d visit in America, so I’m grateful for the tips.
Thanks, hope you get there!
I love NYC! I was able to go around Christmastime several years ago and I want to go back! I wasn’t able to see everything that I wanted so I am due another trip up there!
-Charity http://www.morningsonmacedonia.com
You can’t get to New York City enough. Thanks for the comments, I’m due to go too!
New York is amazing, we went in Dec 2018 and totally loved it! I found plenty of shows available on American Groupon, but I do reckon to check well in advance if coming over holidays 🙂 I also want to come back in summer to compare 🙂 Great article!
This is a great guide. I’ve always wanted to visit NY but haven’t had the chance yet. When I do get to go I will keep your tips in mind.
Please do, I hope you get there soon. Thanks for the comments
I’ve visited so many countries from Europe to Asia to Africa, but somehow I’ve never been to America. This made me desperately want to go to NY!
I hope you get there, it’s something else. Thanks for the comments
I would’ve loved to visit New York in every season if I could! Seems like a lovely city to explore.x
Loved this post and can agree with it also given the fact I was just in the city in January. Reading this made me want to hop back on a plane and head straight back to New York. Thanks for sharing.
Holly
http://www.adailydoseofholly.com
Thanks for the comments. I’m just reading your post, love it!
Thanks so much!
Hi Mark, great advice here on best times to visit NYC. This type of thing is always good to know. I vacationed at Ocean City once before their busy season, and many of the fun things I saw online weren’t open yet to our surprise when we got there (it was still a fantastic vacation though). I’ve been to NYC 4 times and enjoyed it most the two times we went in late-November; it wasn’t too busy and many storefronts had their seasonal decorations up. Summer was my least favorite time as it was too hot for me personally. My favorite spot is Bryant park, especially when they have the winter market going on. Thanks for sharing.
Cheers,
Josh Raimonde
Thanks for the comment and your thoughts