Best time to visit New York
- Aug
- Sep
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Best time of year to visit New York
There is always a pack of reasons to visit the Big Apple in every season. Mild weather and slightly thinner crowds make April to June and September to early November the best time to visit New York. Warm, gorgeous spring with a sprinkle of rain calls New Yorkers for outdoor brunches and picnics in the Central Park. A popular period from July to August brings heat and humidity alongside with tourists. However, this is the high time for a variety of family activities like outdoor music concerts, open-air movie nights, and waterfront workouts. Over 3 million people gather to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in November, and it's the official start of Christmas season. Cold January and February will warm up your heart with good deals.
34 THINGS TO DO IN NEW YORK (SEPTEMBER 17 - SEPTEMBER 26)
Summer Music Events
New York offers a wide range of free and open-air music festivals and concerts with fun and vibrant atmospheres
Street Fairs and Festivals
The street fairs in New York are all about tasting great food, finding bargains, and enjoying a little people watching
Open-Air Movie Nights
Movie screenings beneath the starry sky are a nice tradition for summer in the city
Flea Markets
A New York favourite and a must see for any traveler
Secret Gardens
While the parks can be crowded and noisy, these little oases are perfect for escaping from Hell's Kitchen
The High Line Sightseeing
The only elevated urban park and a very pleasant place to be on a sunny afternoon
Rooftop Bars
The views make the drinks even better!
Rooftop Gardens and Farms
It may sound strange but even in a concrete jungle of New York City you'll find farms and gardens. Although they are a bit unusual!
Picnic Season in Central Park
Take a checkered blanket, some snacks, and enjoy the sun on the lush green lawn of Sheep Meadow
Broadway
The heart of theater production and the Big Apple's main attraction
Feast of San Gennaro
Eat the best Italian food, watch colorful parades, and attend free concerts
Al Fresco Brunch
Brunch is a New Yorker's favourite meal, especially outdoors
Waterfront Workouts
New York is not only about bars and parties. It's also about exercise and wellness
Statue of Liberty
Four million visitors come yearly to see American icon in person
Baseball
Watch the most famous players of America's favourite sport
Smorgasburg
Visit the largest weekly open-air food market in America
Bike the Big Apple
The best way to explore the scenic views of the Big Apple on a nice warm day is by bike
Empire State Building
While visiting the iconic monolith of Manhattan, plan wisely to avoid lines
Rolex Central Park Horse Show
An elite equestrian competition in a unique location
New York Renaissance Faire
Are you ready to escape modern reality?
Top of the Rock
See the most iconic landmarks of the Big Apple in one grand panorama
9/11 Memorial & Museum
The most tragic place in New York City is also among the most visited ones
Sailing
Explore the skyline of the city while sipping a cocktail and enjoying a cool breeze
Kayaking on the Hudson
Being on the water in New York City is an unforgettable experience
SummerStage
New York's largest free outdoor performing arts festival
Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze
Hudson Valley's biggest Halloween event
Oyster Season
Oyster culture has a special place in the New York lifestyle
Oktoberfest New York
One of the best fall events in NYC
Ellis Island
Visit the famous immigration museum that once was a station receiving millions of immigrants
Freshkills Park
The former largest landfill in the world is being transformed into a park
Brooklyn Book Festival
The largest free literary event in New York City
One World Observatory
The tallest building in the Western Hemisphere provides great views and a unique experience
World Maker Faire
The greatest family-friendly festival of creativity, resourcefulness, and invention
German-American Steuben Parade
One of the largest German parades in the United States
108 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE
Manhattanhenge
A magnificent view of the setting sun right between the buildings in Manhattan
The 9th Avenue International Food Festival
Try out some of the best food Hell's Kitchen can offer
West Indian or Labour Day Parade
A colourful and vibrant celebration of the Caribbean culture
Easter Parade and Easter Bonnet Festival
One of the best Easter traditions is the bonnet parade on Fifth Avenue
International Pillow Fight Day
If you see feathers all over the street, it's probably the International Pillow Fight Day, the fluffiest fight in the world
Shakespeare in the Park
Central Park turns into a theatre for Shakespeare lovers, during the open-air summer productions
Village Halloween Parade
The Village Halloween Parade is the world’s largest Halloween procession as well as the only major nighttime parade in the U.S.
Fleet Week NYC
A week during which the city is flooded by sailors in beautiful white uniforms
Empire State Building Run-Up
Only 1,576 stairs and you're on the top of the city
Macy's Flower Show
When spring has sprung what better way to celebrate than to stop by and adore some blooming flowers?
Cinco de Mayo
Bring your amigos and enjoy the fiesta with some Mexican flavour. There will be the fair, fresh margaritas, and mariachi music!
Chinese New Year
Dragons, dancers, and some of the best Chinese food highlight the celebration of Lunar New Year in Chinatown
St. Patrick's Day Parade
Watch the 5th Avenue turn green and celebrate the Irish culture
Sakura Matsuri: Cherry Blossom Festival
One of the best ways to celebrate the arrival of spring is viewing cherry blossoms
4th of July Fireworks & Parade
Celebrate one of America's favourite holidays in its most iconic city
New York Comic Con
A popular culture convention for adults and kids
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Giant balloons and millions of people on the streets of the Big Apple during Thanksgiving Day
Governors Ball Music Festival
A hot summer music festival on the island known for its numerous athletic fields
Metropolitan Opera in the Parks
Beautiful opera music in the relaxed atmosphere during the Summer Recital Series
Tribute in Light
The solemn annual commemoration of the victims of 9/11 attack lights up the sky
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
For over seven decades, the Christmas Tree at the Rockefeller Center has stood as a holiday beacon for New Yorkers
Lincoln Center Out of Doors
Performers from around the world make this summer festival wonderful
No Pants Subway Ride
An annual prank originated in NYC in 2002
Vintage Trains and Buses
It must be programmed in human nature to feel some nostalgy for yesteryear—New York's vintage train on Christmas provides a chance to soothe that pain
Electric Zoo Festival
A wild music festival is a perfect place to spend a hot summer night
New York City Marathon
The NYC Marathon, the largest in the world, is a nice sporting tradition for a great cause
Coney Island Mermaid Parade
One of the weirdest and freakiest parades that celebrates the beginning of summer
Columbus Day Parade
The celebration of the arrival of Christopher Columbus to the Americas
Ice Skating
Visit the iconic ice skating rinks in Central Park or next to the Rockefeller Center
Times Square New Year's Eve
Join the world's biggest New Year's Eve party!
Tribeca Film Festival
This vibrant film festival brings life to the Tribeca neighbourhood
SantaCon
If you are not afraid of looking a bit silly join New Yorkers in this fun tradition
Brazilian Day
If it's not a sign to put your green and yellow clothes on, then what is? Celebrate Brazil's independence day NYC style
Go Topless Day
Take off your top to support gender equality
The Great New York State Fair
Discover lots of delicious food, exciting competitions, exhibits, and thrilling entertainment at the oldest state fair in the U.S.
NYC Pride
One of the largest Pride celebrations in the world, spanning almost the whole month
NYBG Orchid Show
Don't miss thousands of beautiful blooms forming an amazing installation
Christmas Markets
New York City markets will help you get into the festive spirit and buy some presents for the whole family
NYC Restaurant Week
Incredible occasion for food fanatics
New York Film Festival (NYFF)
How about meeting hundreds of filmmakers at one of the longest-running film festivals in the United States?
NYC Wine and Food Festival
A great chance to indulge in food and wine, and meet celebrity chefs in foodie heaven
Pickle Day
A slice of pickle on this day—another slice of history to discover
Five Boro Bike Tour
One of the most massive recreational cycling events in New York City
Frieze New York
Wander around Randell's Island and observe some of the best works of contemporary artists
Holiday Train Show
Marvel at a half-mile train track with150 miniature NYC landmarks at New York Botanical Gardens
New York International Fringe Festival (FringeNYC)
The festival with over a thousand performances is a true celebration of talent and creativity
Labor Day Weekend
New York City knows how to say 'adios' to summer with a long-weekend blowout
Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade
Pooches let their ego shine at the largest dog costume parade in the world
Global Citizen Festival New York
Top artists and world leaders get together to make a commitment towards ending poverty
Independence Day BBQ
There's only a few things more American than a classic backyard barbeque
Earth Day
The annual Earth Day is made to show that being eco-friendly doesn't have to be a burden
Tournament of Champions Squash
The only sports event held in the iconic Grand Central Terminal
Big Apple Circus
A well-known tourist attraction of New York City
Winter Jazzfest
A key event of the New York City jazz scene featuring prominent musicians from around the world
OZY Fest
Two days of excellent music, meaningful conversations, and comedy at NYC's favorite backyard
Oyster Festival
The largest waterfront festival on the East Coast runs annually in Oyster Bay
NYC Vegetarian Food Festival
A joyful celebration of everything meat-free from the City's best vegetarian restaurants
Beach Season
The water that surrounds New York helps to survive a hot summer in the concrete jungle
New York Fashion Week
Stay on top of fashion trends at one of the "Big 4" fashion weeks
New York International Auto Show
Held since 1900, this is the oldest automotive exhibition in North America
Memorial Day Parade
One of the most popular public events in May
Christmas Lights
All of the boroughs in New York City put on dazzling winter displays
New York Comedy Festival
Spend an evening in a bar with drinks and great jokes like a real New Yorker
Celebrate Israel Parade
The largest gathering in the world in support of Israel
The Color Run
This race is often called “The Happiest 5K on the Planet”
NYRR Brooklyn Half Marathon
The largest half-marathon in the United States
Five Points Festival
An unusual mix of art, designer toys and counterculture
Lake George Winter Carnival
A family-friendly month-long celebration of winter
New York Road Runners Midnight Run
A fun alternative to traditional celebrations that might just define your year
New York Coffee Festival
Immerse yourself into demonstrations, tastings and workshops from almost 100 coffee-industry professionals
Bastille Day
What an amazing event for all the francophiles—celebrating France’s Independence Day
Veterans Day Parade
Take a day to honour veterans
Rooftop Films
Rooftop Films travel across the city, holding screenings on rooftops, parks, and other beautiful spots
Open House New York
Visit some of the architectural masterpieces in New York for free
BroadwayCon
A colorful festival where fans can meet and interact with their favorite Broadway stars
Atlantic Antic
The oldest and largest street festival in New York
Night Nation Run
A 5K run with live DJs and glow sticks, blends sport and partying
Panorama NYC Music Festival
One of the most popular summer festivals often called the Coachella of the East Coast
Archtober
A month-long festival of tours, lectures, films, and exhibitions
NYC Craft Beer Festival
About 75 breweries present 150 craft beers for you to enjoy
AfroPunk Fest
This Brooklyn festival celebrates African heritage and a rebellious spirit
New York Boat Show
The oldest and one of the largest boat shows in the United States
Fall for Dance Festival
An affordable way to see world-class performers
Museum Mile Festival
New York's biggest block party and a chance to visit nine of New York's famous museums for free
NY Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks
Enjoy your favorite classical sonatas under the stars
Metropolitan Opera Summer HD Festival
Free festival showcases the biggest opera stars on a wide screen
Winter Village at Bryant Park
Manhattan's winter wonderland and the oasis of fun in a busy district
Winter Jam
One day in a year when you can ski in Central Park
Rugged Maniac New York City
Half mud run & half festival—everything about this race is fun!
State Fair Meadowlands
The largest fair of New Jersey offers old-fashioned fun
NYC Winter Lantern Festival
A Chinese holiday tradition gains popularity in New York City
East Harlem Giglio Feast
Immerse yourself in Italian culture dancing with the giant Giglio through the streets of Manhattan
National Puerto Rican Day Parade
One of the largest cultural celebrations in the U.S.
Dance Parade & Festival
Over 10,000 dancers, bands, and DJs rock the city
BIG Salsa Festival New York
A must-attend event for all salsa and bachata fans
Coffee & Tea Festival
The international event celebrates all things coffee and tea
CURLFEST New York
World's largest natural beauty festival
Japan Day @ Central Park
An annual celebration organized by the Japanese community in NYC
NYC Hot Sauce Expo
The spiciest event in the city
New York City Tartan Day Parade
The celebration of all things Scottish
New York Burlesque Festival
Four days of glitter and glamour
Pinknic
Think pink and enjoy the picnic & music festival
Medieval Festival at Fort Tryon Park
Time-travel to the Middle Age from Manhattan
Pulaski Day Parade
The day to celebrate Polish heritage in New York City
globalFEST
The festival that promotes diversity in music
African American Day Parade
The massive celebration of African American culture
Thanksgiving Day Food
The tastiest food can always be found on the Thanksgiving table!
NY Beer Fest
One of the newest beer festivals in the City
