Home
United States

New York State

© mandritoiu / Depositphotos

Best time to visit

66
54
41
58
70
65
65
69
61
93
68
100
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

New York State, with the Big Apple in its heart, is definitely that kind of destination, which is popular year-round. Still, thanks to mild weather and slightly thinner crowds, periods like late spring (April to June) and early fall (September to early November) are the best times to visit the state. A warm, beautiful late spring with a touch of rain beckons New Yorkers to enjoy outdoor brunches and picnics. The season is also filled with event opportunities like the Nyack Springfest Street Fair in April or the Hudson Valley Pirate Festival in May. Summer ushers in heat and humidity to the region, but it's also the prime season for a range of family activities, including outdoor music concerts, balloon festivals, jaw-dropping airshows, 4th of July fireworks and parades, etc. Visiting at the beginning of autumn helps avoid the crowds and catch an even more vibrant program. Many famous natural sights look the most beautiful in the fall, but not only leaf-peeping is a breathtaking experience here. Stay in New York State until Thanksgiving and the start of the Christmas season to feel this festive atmosphere with holiday lights, winter carnivals, and more.

71 things to do in New York State

Hiking Trails Close to Niagara Falls

April–mid-November Activity

Get your heart pumping from these mesmerizing views

Maid of the Mist Boat Rides

mid-May–October Activity

A unique way to "explore the roar" and get as close to the famous falls as possible

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

December 4, 2024–early January 2025 Event

For over eight decades, the Christmas Tree at the Rockefeller Center has stood as a holiday beacon for New Yorkers

Christmas Markets

November–early January Event

New York City markets will help you get into the festive spirit and buy some presents for the whole family

Total Solar Eclipse

April 8, 2024 Event

Some spots on Earth wait for the moment of solar totality for hundreds or even thousands of years. To capture a spectacle, you have to be truly lucky

New York Renaissance Faire

August 17-October 6, 2024 (weekends and Labor Day) Event

Are you ready to escape modern reality?

The Great New York State Fair

August 21–September 2, 2024 Event

Discover lots of delicious food, exciting competitions, exhibits, and thrilling entertainment at the oldest state fair in the U.S.

Eternal Flame Falls

September–May Nature

The eternal fight or rather a cooperation of the two natural powers of water and fire at the Eternal Flame Falls

Niagara Falls Marathon

October 27, 2024 Event

The challenge that's worth a place on your bucket list

Feast of San Gennaro

September 12–22, 2024 Event

Eat the best Italian food, watch colorful parades, and attend free concerts

Lake George Winter Carnival

February 5–27, 2024 (on selected dates) Event

A family-friendly month-long celebration of winter

Saranac Lake Winter Carnival

January 31-February 9, 2025 Event

Celebrate winter in the picturesque Adirondack region

Hamburg Fairgrounds Festival of Lights

November 29–December 30, 2024 Event

The largest holiday festival in western New York State

Corning Parade of Lights

November 30, 2024 Event

A holiday festival in a picturesque river town

National Buffalo Wing Festival

August 31–September 1, 2024 Event

One of the best food festivals in the U.S. celebrating iconic chicken wings

Buffalo Pride

June 2, 2024 Event

The biggest LBGTQ event in Western New York

Niagara Falls 4th of July Fireworks, Parades & Events

July 3–7, 2024 Event

Amazing fireworks, special excursions, and lots of activities for the whole family

National Puerto Rican Day Parade

June 9, 2024 Event

One of the largest cultural celebrations in the U.S.

Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze

September 13–November 17, 2024 Event

Hudson Valley's biggest Halloween event

Winter Birds

mid-November–February Nature

Every winter, the Niagara River becomes a shelter for countless gulls, canvasback, ducks, geese, swans, and other waterfowl

Skiing and Snowboarding near NYC: The Catskill Mountains

December–early April (best in January–February) Activity

Winter destinations in Upstate New York offer a decent amount of snow for a weekend getaway

The Catskill Mountains (The Catskills)

May–October Nature

Hundreds of trails, dozens of waterfalls and picturesque lakes in upstate New York

Beach Season on Long Island

May–October Activity

The favorite summer getaway for wealthy Manhattan residents, celebrities, and hipsters

Adirondack Lakes

May–October Nature

Thousands of pristine lakes are known as the jewels of the Adirondack region of New York

Mount Marcy

May–October Nature

The highest summit of New York is the most popular hiking destination in the Adirondack's high peaks

Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival

August 30-September 01, 2025 Event

A massive summer ballooning event in Upstate New York

Cambridge Valley Balloon Festival

June 7-9, 2024 Event

Welcome to a fantastic ballooning occasion held at the Cambridge Central School

Ice Tsunami

mid-February–late March Nature

Surreal walls of broken ice occasionally pile up on lake shores

Adirondack Balloon Festival

September 19–22, 2024 Event

Admire the foliage of the scenic Lake George area from a hot air balloon

Fall Foliage

late September–October Nature

The most beautiful time of year in New York State

Skiing in the Adirondacks and Lake Placid Region

late November–mid-April (best in February–March) Activity

Discover some of the best ski resorts in the Northeast

Cooperstown Winter Carnival

February 1-4, 2024 Event

Join winter fun activities on the bank of beautiful Otsego Lake

Syracuse Winterfest

February 19, 2025 Event

Check out one of Central New York's coolest traditions from 1985

Baltimore Oriole

April–September Nature

Attracted by fruits and nectar, these birds are often spotted in the gardens

Bash Bish Falls

April–November | best April –May Nature

One of the most beautiful New England waterfalls

Ithaca Falls

year round (best time: May–October) Nature

Plan a picnic by one of the state's best waterfalls

Saratoga Balloon & BBQ Festival

August, 2025 Event

Over 30 balloons and some of the best food vendors in New York is a perfect summer weekend formula

Wellsville Balloon Rally

July 19-21, 2024 Event

Witness 35 hot air balloons gracefully float above the fields of Allegany County

Dansville Balloon Festival

August 30 and September 1, 2024 Event

Each Labor Day weekend, the skies above the Dansville Airport are decorated with colorful hot air balloons

Jones Beach Air Show (Bethpage Air Show)

May 25-26, 2025 Event

Watch the amazing United States Navy Blue Angels over Long Island

Thunder on the Buffalo Waterfront Air Show

June 19–20, 2021 Event

The magnificent Blue Angels of the U.S. Navy flying over Buffalo

Geneseo Airshow

July 13-14, 2024 Event

Enjoy a jaw-dropping show at this unique drive-in event

Saratoga Brewfest

late June 2023 Event

A large beer festival near Saratoga Springs

ZooBrew

June 21 | July 12 | August 16 | September 6, 2024 Event

Live music, drinks, and delicious food at Seneca Park Zoo

Penfield 4th of July Fireworks & Parade

June 29, 2024 Event

Check out one of the 4th of July celebrations in Monroe County, NY

Manlius 4th of July Fireworks Parade and Events

July 4 Event

Check out the 4th of July in a town in Onondaga County, east of Syracuse

Astoria Park Carnival

June 5–9, 2024 Event

Have an amazing time at New York's best carnival

Pageant of Steam

August 7–10, 2024 Event

Visit a huge outdoor display of operating farm machinery, dating back to the early 1900s

Nyack Springfest Street Fair

April 14, 2024 Event

A legendary celebration of spring, food, and shopping

Boonville Oneida County Fair

July 23–28, 2024 Event

The annual showcase of agriculture and plenty of traditional fun

Letchworth State Park Fall Foliage

early-mid-October 2024 Nature

Don't miss one of New York's most beautiful fall destinations

Hudson Highlands State Park Fall Foliage

mid-October Nature

Discover some of the most scenic views in the Hudson Valley

Lake Placid Fall Foliage

late September–early October Nature

The jewel of the Adirondacks looks the most beautiful in the fall

Capital Holiday Lights in the Park

late November–early January Event

Get into the holiday spirit with family and friends in Albany Washington Park

Clayton Christmas Parade

December 2, 2023 Event

A beautiful parade and fireworks by Cape Vincent and Alexandria Bay

Christmas in the Country in Hamburg, NY

November 7-10, 2024 Event

This four-day extravaganza is an amazing opportunity to purchase something truly unique for your beloved ones

Festival of Lights at Otsiningo Park

November 14, 2024–January 5, 2025 Event

Over a hundred animated displays to get you into the Christmas spirit

LuminoCity Festival

November 9, 2023–January 7, 2024 Event

Magical immersive light installations in the park

Spiedie Fest

August 2-4, 2024 Event

Impressive hot air balloons, family entertainment, and three nights of concerts

Hudson Valley Pirate Festival

May 11-12, 2024 Event

A themed, family-friendly festival by the Wallkill River

Wings Over Batavia

August 31-September 1, 2024 Event

Don't think airshows can be family-friendly? Try this event!

New York Capital District Renaissance Festival

June 8-9, 2024 Event

Escape modern reality to the Indian Ladder Farms in Altamont

Sterling Renaissance Festival

July 6–August 18, 2024 Event

One of Cayuga County's best summer attractions, held since 1976

Rochester International Jazz Festival

June 21-29, 2024 Event

Join thousands of jazz fans at this resplendent music fest

Vision Festival

June 18-23, 2024 Event

The premier live FreeJazz event in NYC

New York Faerie Festival

June 28-30, 2024 Event

Embrace the opportunity to become someone else at the resplendent celebration, shrouded in enchantment and mystery

LaFayette Apple Festival

October 12-13, 2024 Event

A fun-filled celebration of the fall harvest and nature's bounty

Hilton Apple Fest

October 5-6, 2024 Event

The annual tradition, luring 50,000 apple foodies from across the state and beyond

Niagara County Peach Festival in Lewiston

September 5–8, 2024 Event

Explore the world of peach cakes, pies, and shortcakes at the annual fruit extravaganza

Ithaca Apple Festival

September 27–29, 2024 Event

Get a sense of fall at this vibrant harvest festival

Naples Grape Festival

September 28–29, 2024 Event

Grape pies, jelly, and, most importantly, wines are at the heart of this event in the Finger Lakes region

Last updated:

Nearby destinations

Canada | United States
Niagara Falls
United States
Pennsylvania
Canada
Ottawa
Canada
Toronto
United States
New York City (NYC)
United States
Vermont
United States
Connecticut
Canada
Montreal
United States
New Jersey
United States
Philadelphia, PA