New York City month by month – the best events, weather and things to do!
One of the questions I get asked the most on social media is “What are the best things to in NYC in xx month?”. In hopes of making it a little easier for fellow travelers, I decided to put together a month-by-month guide to NYC. Here I’ll list some helpful tips for attractions, events, holidays, clothing and MUCH more!
Oh, before I forget…To see more of my day to day life in NYC, check out my Instagram (@marthasachser), and follow my Youtube channel. For more NYC tips join my NYC tips Facebook group HERE! And if you are traveling to NYC, don’t forget to get my New York City Guide HERE!
JANUARY
January is still a high season in NYC due to the school break that occur in several countries during this time. That’s why you should brace yourself for busier attractions and landmarks if you plan on traveling at the beginning of the year. The weather is cold, ranging from 5º F to 41º F, so don’t forget to pack heavy winter clothing and/or set aside some money to buy more appropriate options when you arrive in the city at stores such as Uniqlo, Burlington, Century 21, Macy’s, TJ Maxx, etc.
There are chances of seeing some snow in January but usually not as often as you would think or hope for.
For those who enjoy shopping, January is a great month to make the most out of clearance sales, since stores usually put their Christmas stocks on sale. Furthermore, Martin Luther King Day is celebrated on the third Monday of the month and offers plenty of sales and discounts.
It’s worth keeping in mind that two very special events also happen between January and February: Restaurant Week, when you can have a full dinner at any of the participating restaurants for an affordable price (keep an eye on the official schedule); and Broadway Week, when you can get 2-for-1 tickets. They are both good opportunities to save big!
I also recommend setting aside a day to go ice skating at one of the most popular rinks in the city – Central Park, Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park – and enjoy the beautiful and snowy sceneries. To find more must-see winter attractions and activities, click HERE!
Another perk of visiting in January is lower hotel rates, especially if you book a room in advance. Here are some options:
Budget friendly hotels in Manhattan:HERE!
Budget friendly hotels in Queens (very close to Manhattan): HERE!
Best NYC Hostels: HERE!
The downside to winter is that days are shorter and it’s usually dark by 4:30 pm. And it is usually very windy.
FEBRUARY
February ranks second place when it comes to the coldest months in NYC. Because of that, it is necessary to pack warm clothes in order to get through the lower temperatures (still in the 5º F to 41º F range). In case you don’t have many winter items, make sure to stop by Century 21 and the other shops I mentioned above. Their prices are better than buying at most department and designer stores.
There are chances of seeing some snow in Februart but usually not as often as you would think or hope for.
As I’ve said before, Restaurant Week usually lasts until February. I recommend checking the official schedule often to make the most out of the available advantages. It’s 100% worth it!
If you’re coming with a significant other, don’t forget about Valentine’s Day on the 14th! It’s a great opportunity to plan a romantic itinerary. I suggest taking a walk around the park or having dinner at a great restaurant; most of them offer special menu for the occasion. Click HERE to learn more about my favorite restaurants for a Valentine’s Day date!
In addition to Valentine’s Day, NYC also hosts the iconic New York Fashion Week in February, when thousands of designers, models, and other fashion professionals make their way to the Big Apple. The schedule includes parties and special shows during the week. Keep an eye on the official website to stay up to date.
P.S.: Broadway Week and Restaurant Week do not have a set date. That’s why it’s important to check the websites regularly to make sure you don’t miss out on anything. (1 | 2).
If you’re looking for budget friendly accommodation, don’t forget to check out my recommendations above – in January.
MARCH
Early March is often very cold (ranging from 35º F to 50º F, but it’s common to be lower than that), but you may be able to enjoy more pleasant temperatures in the last two weeks of the month. It also welcomes spring and marks the end of winter time, which means the days get longer! In spite of the warmer afternoons, it’s still important to pack coats for both cold weather and rainy days. In the picture below, I’m wearing thermal clothes, a thick sweater and a warm cardigan on top. It was an arguably pleasant day, but the next day had me in heavy coats again. That’s why you should always check the weather forecast before your trip!
There are slight chances of seeing some snow in March it’s not so common as it is in January and February but you never know, it is New York after all!
You can also go ice skating, but hurry, since this will be your last chance to do so until next winter. My favorite rinks are Bryant Park’s, the Rink at Rockefeller Center and Central Park’s Wollman Rink.
A nice time to come to NYC is on St. Patrick’s Day (March 17th). The unofficial holiday celebrates Ireland’s patron, St. Patrick, and features many attractions, such as the popular St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which takes place every year on 5th Avenue and gathers thousands of people dressed as Irish folk. In addition to the parade, I recommend dropping by a pub to try the famous Green Beer, a traditional drink for the holiday!
Oh, and once March is considered off-season, you’ll probably find cheaper hotel rates and flight tickets as well. Something to keep in mind, huh? If you’re looking for budget friendly accommodation, don’t forget to check out my recommendations above – in January.
APRIL
April is the month when the city starts to leave the winter vibes behind and gets truly ready for the new season: spring! During this time, the temperature ranges from 44º F to 60º F, but you may still experience colder weather, so check the forecast before coming. Although April is still off-season, lines may be longer during the second and third week due to Spring Break.
The most anticipated event of the month is the Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival, which takes place annually at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden around the end of the month. In the festival, visitors can take pictures with over 200 cherry trees in the garden and appreciate the best of Japanese culture. It’s fascinating! Keep an eye on the official website to stay up to date! The New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx is also a must-see!
The picture below shows how I dress on mild and nicer days in April. It was actually taken in late winter, so you can see people wearing coats in the background haha. But in general, from December to late April, I wear the same heavy coat and just add layers as needed (underneath).
Another fun event that happens in April is the open-air NYC Pillow Fight. You can learn more on their Facebook page.
April may not be a holiday month, but it’s still Easter time. Americans don’t really observe Good Friday, but Easter Sunday is widely celebrated with plenty of events. One of them is the Easter Parade & Bonnet Festival, a very funny Easter hat parade at 49th Street that gathers hundreds if not thousands of people.
April is also characterized by the beginning of the outdoor market and street fair season. I totally recommend Smorgasburg. Learn more here.
If you’re looking for budget friendly accommodation, don’t forget to check out my recommendations above – in January.
MAY
Visiting NYC in May is special because that’s when you’ll be able to enjoy all the best spring has to offer: green lawns, flowers everywhere and perfect weather (53º F to 72º F). I don’t recommend packing too many heavy winter clothes, since days tend to be sunnier. My tip for you is to bring light jackets and comfortable items you can wear during the day and cardigans/sweaters for early mornings and late evenings. Even so, keep in mind that the weather may still become cold out of nowhere, we’re in NYC after all!
May is also known for the opening of Governors Island, an island full of cool activities, and for Memorial Day, a national holiday that is observed on the last Monday of the month and honors the military personnel who died while serving the country. Just like in any holiday time, expect sales and fantastic discounts during that time and even all month long.
Furthermore, make sure to take lots of walks in parks, visit street fairs and get to know rooftops. It is the perfect time to do so!
If you’re looking for budget friendly accommodation, don’t forget to check out my recommendations above – in January.
JUNE
June is marked by the beginning of summer and peak season in NYC. Besides that, it’s also a popular month among tourists who wish to enjoy all sorts of outdoor activities without having to put up with the terrible hot and humid weather of the following months. Despite the crowds, I’m inclined to say June is the best time to visit parks, rooftops and beaches and to take mini cruises! To make the most out of such activities, pack light clothes and comfortable shoes, once the temperatures are way higher (it’s difficult to define a range since every year has been unique, but I’d say between 64º F and 82ºF) compared to the previous months.
There are no specific holidays during the month, but, in case you’re on a family trip, try to celebrate Father’s Day! The most popular restaurants in the city usually offer special menus for lunch, brunch and dinner. I highly recommend trying out brunch, one of the most traditional meals in America! Click HERE for some wonderful places to enjoy it!
You can also attend some of the biggest music festivals in the city, such as Summer Stage, in Central Park, and Celebrate Brooklyn!, in Prospect Park. Both of them run until the end of the season and are a must-go for often hosting famous singers and artists. In addition to music events, June is also marked by outdoor movie nights at several parks in the city. Check out their official websites to learn more.
If you’re looking for budget friendly accommodation, don’t forget to check out my recommendations above – in January.
JULY
Summer break, long days, intense humid heat and lots of crowds define July in NYC! If you plan on traveling during this time, brace yourself for high temperatures (68º F to 84º F+ on average) and long lines for the most popular attractions in the city. I recommend packing shorts, t-shirts, caps and light clothing. For outdoor activities, a water bottle is a must, once the weather is very hot and you’ll probably want to avoid spending money on water several times a day.
The most anticipated date is Independence Day, aka 4th of July. This holiday celebrates the independence of the United States and offers tons of cool activities you can enjoy, including parades, fireworks and, of course, several discounts. The largest event is Macy’s Fireworks, which happens annually. In the past few years, the fireworks were shot from Midtown and Brooklyn Bridge and some not as popular ones from different parts of the city and New Jersey. The show lasts for about 30 minutes and is dazzling! In the previous years I headed to Long Island City waterfront in Queens for a great view.
In July, you can also take a walk around Coney Island’s boardwalk and have fun at Luna Park, one of the most classic parks in NYC. It’s the perfect option to take a break from Manhattan heat!
If you’re looking for budget friendly accommodation, don’t forget to check out my recommendations above – in January.
AUGUST
August is LITERALLY “July Part 2”. The weather and crowds are both as intense as ever and only really lessen at the end of the month, when kids go back to school. Event-wise, don’t expect anything new, since most attractions actually start in July and run until the rest of the season (read about June and July if you’re coming in August). It’s still peak season though, so be prepared for packed restaurants and landmarks the whole month long.
When it comes to packing, the tips are much the same: light clothes, shorts, t-shirts, sunglasses and comfortable shoes. Oh, don’t forget to bring sunscreen and a water bottle or buy them once you’re here.
August’s biggest attraction is the opening of the US Open Tennis, one of the most famous sport tournaments in the United States. Matches happen annually at the Flushing Meadows Corona Park and gather thousands of fans. The upside is that the championship continues through September as well! I really recommend it if you’re a fan of sports! And once you’re there make sure to explore the best of Queens by downloading my complete NYC guide with a step-by-step itinerary to 16 days in NYC!
Besides US Open, you can also have a blast at Summer Streets, which takes place on the first three Saturdays of August. During the event, a large area of Park Avenue is closed to cars in order to give way for several fun outdoor activities. It usually starts at 7 am and ends at 1 pm.
Broadway Week and Restaurant Week may also take place in August, but, as I said in the beginning of the post in January and February, there is no set date. The best thing you can do is check the official websites often to stay up to date on everything.
If you are looking for budget friendly accommodations in NYC, here are some options:
Budget friendly hotels in Manhattan:HERE!
Budget friendly hotels in Queens (very close to Manhattan): HERE!
Best NYC Hostels: HERE!
SEPTEMBER
September means change of season, which translates to high temperatures during the first weeks and pleasant weather from the third week onward. After a very hot period, there’s nothing better than enjoying a fresh breeze while you explore the city without worrying you might melt. Well, to be honest though, the past summers have been generous and more pleasant.
For the coolest part of the month, I recommend wearing mid-season clothing, such as pants, blouses, cardigans and sneakers. Keep in mind, however, that the weather may change into a hot and sunny July day or into a chilly October afternoon in the blink of an eye.
Labor Day, one of the biggest American holidays, is observed on the first Monday of the month. The date is marked by parades, outdoor activities and many sales! If saving money isn’t a top priority during your trip, I suggest stopping by an outlet to do some shopping. There are 3 not so far from the city: Empire Outlets (the closest and cheaper to get to, you can simply take the Staten Island Ferry), Woodbury Commons and The Mills at Jersey Garden.
The second edition of the New York Fashion Week also happens during the first week of September. Attendance is by invitation only. Even so, you can still enjoy some of the events and pop-up shops scattered around the city. To learn more, check out the official website.
Another super cool event that takes place in September is Brazilian Day, the biggest Brazilian festival outside of Brazil! It usually happens on the Sunday before Labor Day and gathers thousands of people, including of course Brazilians who live in the US, tourists and Americans themselves. The event usually invites several famous artists, puts up green and yellow decorations and offers delicious typical food. It’s definitely worth attending; plus, it’s free. Check out the official website to learn more!
To find out more about affordable hotels in NYC during this time, check out August or January.
OCTOBER
If you watch American TV, you probably know that it’s around October that the parks in NYC start to get even prettier… I myself love the colors in each of them and always have a lot of fun exploring in the chillier weather, since temperatures during this month range from 46º F to 64º F. That’s why it’s also the perfect time to wear those fancier outfits you’ve been keeping for chilly days. You can check some of my early-autumn looks below:
Although October is an amazing month with plenty of things to do, it still isn’t as crowded as the rest of the year. The last week may be a bit more hectic due to Halloween and the peak of the autumn foliage, but most likely it won’t negatively impact your trip in any way. In order to make the most out of the city without suffering through the cold, I recommend packing warm clothes such as coats, sweatshirts, t-shirts and protective footwear.
The most popular attraction is Halloween, which takes place on October 31st! The evening is marked by parties, parades, events and a lot of fun in NYC! If you’re in the area during this time, make sure to attend the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade, which brings thousands of people in costumes to the streets. It’s also very common to spot kids trick-or-treating around the neighborhoods… Although Halloween itself lasts for only one night, stores and houses usually put up decorations weeks in advance. I suggest setting aside some time to walk around the city and take fun pictures!
Columbus Day is another very important national holiday that is observed in October. It takes place on the second Monday of the month and is celebrated with the annual Columbus Day Parade, which gathers bands, floats and thousands of spectators along Fifth Avenue.
To find out more about affordable hotels in NYC during this time, check out August and January.
When do leaves change color in NYC? For those who wish to experience the traditional autumn foliage in NYC, plan your visit between late October and the first weeks of November. That’s when Central Park gets unbelievably gorgeous!
NOVEMBER
November is marked by the beginning of the holiday preparations, cold weather and an increase in tourism in NYC. Because of that, I recommend planning well if you intend to travel during this time! Despite the chilly breeze and crowded attractions, November is a pleasant month to visit NYC if you prepare enough beforehand in order to not be taken by surprise. My first tip is to pack winter clothes or set aside some money to buy warm coats, boots, gloves, hats/caps, socks and earmuffs here. Overkill? Not at all. For those who don’t know, temperatures range from 41º F to 54º F in November. Yes, there are some nicer and warmers days but most likely it will be cold especially if you are coming from tropical weather. Besides warm clothing, you should also get your tickets to the most popular attractions in the city well in advance.
Two holidays are observed in November: Veterans Day, on the 11th, and Thanksgiving, on the last Thursday of the month. Although both are very traditional holidays, Thanksgiving is the highlight of the month! That’s when families and friends come together to celebrate and give thanks for what they have. I just love the occasion, especially because of the delicious food it is celebrated with… Oh! The day after Thanksgiving is Black Friday, when stores offer unbelievable discounts! Truth to be told, sales have been starting earlier and earlier lately. Some stores now begin their sales on Thursday or even sooner, while others extend theirs to Monday, which is now known as Cyber Monday due to the discounts online stores offer. Giving Tuesday happens the day after that and encourages people to donate to charity services and help others as a mean to welcome the holiday spirit!
In addition to making the most out of the holidays, I really recommend going ice skating at some of the most popular rinks in the city: Central Park’s, the Rink at Rockefeller’s and Bryant Park’s, which already operate at full blast in November! Holiday markets are also a nice option for the shop-til-you-drop time of year! Click HERE to check out the most popular holiday markets in NYC.
To find out more about affordable hotels in NYC during this time, check out August and January.
DECEMBER
Despite the cold, December is always the most crowded month in NYC, especially because of Christmas time. The combination of lights, trees, ornaments and snow transforms the city into a dazzling and magical wonderland. I admit I might be a little biased to talk about the season, once it’s my favorite next to autumn. You have to come and see for yourself but yes, expect long lines for pretty much everything! That’s why buying tickets in advance are a great option. You can get tickets to most NYC attractions HERE! It’s an affiliate link, which means it is a safe way to buy your tickets – and you also support my blog, so thank you very much!
December is the perfect month to visit Winter Village at Bryant Park. For those who aren’t familiar with it, Winter Village is a holiday market sponsored by the Bank of America that offers an ice skating rink, a huge Christmas tree, shops and several food options. In addition to that, you can also visit other fairs and attend the Radio City Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Musical Hall, one of the coolest Christmas performances.
No idea what to do for Christmas in New York? Download my complete guide to New York HERE and get to know the city like no one else! In addition to being a guide, you will also find a 16-day itinerary for New York, to save time and money!
There’s a lot to do during Christmas and winter in NYC. I talked more about the most popular options HERE! And if you are into pretty pictures, check out the most instagrammable spots in NYC during the Holiday season HERE!
To find out more about budget friendly hotels in NYC during this time, check out August or January.
GET NYC ATTRACTIONS DISCOUNT PASSES:
CityPass (good for the basics): HERE!
Sightseeing Pass (my favorite): HERE or HERE!
Sightseeing FLEX Pass (second favorite): HERE!
Explorer Pass: HERE!
New York Pass: HERE!
ACCOMMODATIONS IN NYC:
Budget friendly hotels in Manhattan:HERE!
Budget friendly hotels in Queens ( very close to Manhattan): HERE!
Book hotels and packages on Booking: HERE!
Book hotels and packages in Hotels.com: HERE!
Best NYC Hostels: HERE!
Get credit on your first AirBnB stay: HERE!
To learn more about my day to day life in NYC and get the hottest tips, check out my Instagram (@marthasachser or @blognyandabout) and follow my Youtube channel, which you can find HERE!
