When’s the best time to visit New York?

Best time for sightseeing

Head to New York between April and June - or September to November - and you’ll manage to avoid the bulk of the crowds. Hop on the ferry to see the Statue of Liberty, pedal along Brooklyn Bridge at sunrise and avoid huge queues for the Big Apple’s main attractions – the Empire State Building, One World Trade Centre and the all-new rotating eye at the tip of Battery Park. Want to fits lots in? Be savvy with a New York explorer pass and see tonnes of attractions for a fraction of the price.

Best time for sun

Temperatures are at to their highest in July and August, often surpassing 30°C and offering up to 11 hours of sunshine each day. While the city can get pretty humid, there’s no better time to explore New York’s islands. Set sail on the ferry to Coney Island and pitch up on the beach, or glide around the Statue of Liberty and snap a selfie or two with the city’s biggest icon. Back on dry land, check out The High Line, an elevated train line balanced above the Meatpacking District and Chelsea. This slice of New York has been transformed into a style hotbed and is the place to be seen. Walk in the park’s gardens or stretch out in one of the coveted lounges and celeb-spot from the comfort of your lounger.

Best time for families

Things tend to get pretty busy between Thanksgiving – the 22nd of November - and Christmas as it’s the school holidays for mini New Yorkers. If you’ve got a colony of kids, we’d suggest opting for summer, instead – especially if you’ve got a pushchair to navigate. There’s loads on offer around the city for little ones at this time of year, too. Watch outdoor screenings of Disney favourites in Central Park, nibble your way through cupcake tours in Brooklyn and visit the famous Children’s Museum of Manhattan – a perfect spot for kids under six.

Best time for Broadway

You’ll find that it’s easiest to bag theatre tickets in January and February as it’s much quieter after Christmas. Plus, you can dip into Broadway Week, which is held annually in September and January and offers a variety of 2-4-1 tickets and discount codes. Wondering what’s on offer in this year? Grab some popcorn for the theatrical adaptation of Mean Girls, get all dressed up for Dreamgirls or go traditional with a seat at Moulin Rouge.

Feel Inspired

After you’ve browsed our New York deals, discover how you can do New York on a budget and check out the most surprising things to do when you're there.

Author:Lucy Perrin