When's the best time to visit New York?
Big, brash and beautiful, New York is a city that takes things to the extremes and that extends to its weather, which ranges from scorching hot summer days to harsh winter nights.
Autumn (or "fall" in these parts) is one of the best times to visit. Expect crisp air, sunny days and September temperatures of around 24°C. Spring sees people flock to Central Park for breezy strolls. The best travel deals for New York can be found in late January and February when flight and hotel prices are low. The temperatures may drop below freezing but you can hide out in city's stellar museums, shops and restaurants. Summer may be hot and humid but it's when New Yorkers drive out to their beach houses in their droves, leaving the streets a little less crowded.
Spring
New York is just as lovely as Paris in the springtime. Temperatures between March and May range from 9 to 21°C. As the city shakes off the winter chill, people head to Central Park to see the cherry blossom and magnolias bloom.
Summer
Two words: hot and humid. Luckily the air-con is strong and the super-sized drinks are plentiful. Temperatures can hit 29°C in July and August but there are tons of indoor attractions to cool off in. Much of the city's social scene takes place up on the rooftops in the summer months.
Autumn
The days are sunny, the air is clear and September temperatures can hit 24°C. Note that November evenings can be chilly. The fall foliage provides a colourful backdrop to strolls in the city's parks.
Winter
It may be cold, wet and windy but you'll get a big fat festive fix in December when the ice rinks and Fifth Avenue shop displays are in full swing. Temperatures can sink below freezing and snow is likely in January and February, so pack appropriately
Ready to book? Check out Travelzoo’s latest travel deals for New York. Alternatively, see below for a selection of our favourite hotels in the city…
5 Hotels we Love in New York
The Roosevelt Hotel New York
Where: Near Grand Central Terminal; within walking distance of Times Square
Why we love it: It’s worth visiting just to see the ornate jazz-age lobby (as featured in movies such as “Wall Street”). Be sure to check out the rooftop lounge, Mad46, which serves cocktails and small bites under the city lights from May-October.
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Hotel Mela Times Square
Where: In New York's Theater District, near Times Square & Rockefeller Center
Why we love it: This cosy boutique hotel is surrounded by Broadway theatres. The shops on Fifth Avenue are a 5-minute walk away. Bedrooms are small but chic, and there’s a Zagat-recommended French restaurant on site.
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San Carlos Hotel
Where: Quiet stretch of 50th St, Midtown East
Why we love it: Conveniently located a 10-minute walk from the Rockefeller Center, this place has a residential ambiance similar to an NYC apartment building. Rooms are huge by city standards. Continental breakfast and Wi-Fi are always included.
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Gild Hall, a Thompson Hotel
Where: 5-minute walk from Wall Street & South Street Seaport
Why we love it: This chic downtown hotel, slightly outside the traditional tourism centre, can be blissfully quiet at the weekends. Swanky guest rooms have 12-foot ceilings and antique chandeliers. The wine lounge buzzes during its weeknight happy hour, from 4-7pm.
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The Paramount - A Times Square, New York Hotel
Where: One block from Times Square
Why we love it: Once a haunt for artists like Andy Warhol, The Paramount is in the heart of the Theater District. The impressive 2-storey lobby is the eye-catching centrepiece, and there’s also a well-reviewed restaurant, Italian coffee shop and fitness centre on-site.
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