New York has a temperate climate and changeable weather much like that of the British Isles, meaning Brits making the trip across the Atlantic should be prepared for the same unpredictable conditions they’d expect back home. The advantage of having such a changeable climate is that New York is positively transformed as the seasons progress, and every resident or regular visitor to the Big Apple is sure to have their own personal preference when it comes to the best season to explore the city.
As the most extreme times of the year, summer and winter can both place demands on the traveller – whether it’s the cold temperatures and slippery streets making it difficult to get around in winter, or the sweltering heat making afternoons unpleasant and sticky in the summer.
However, avoiding New York at these key times of the year would also mean missing out on some of the city’s biggest annual celebrations, particularly the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in the winter time which is quickly followed by Christmas. Summer is the major time for music lovers, and a number of festivals and music and theatre events are performed in the city for free, including Celebrate Brooklyn, the Lincoln Center Out of Doors Festival, Shakespeare in the Park and SummerStage. Don’t forget the 4th of July celebrations either, which are celebrated in grander style in New York City than anywhere else.
For most people however, it can be more appealing to avoid the mass crowds and the extreme weather and take flights to New York in the spring or autumn instead. Spring is arguably the best time to visit New York if you’re a fan of the outdoors, when areas such as Central Park are in bloom, but before the summer onset of tourists and sunbathers make trips to the park less pleasant.
There are also many who extol the virtues of autumn – or ‘fall,’ to use the local term – as the most romantic and picturesque time to explore the city. Many people associate New York with this season most of all, partly due to the popularity of films such as When Harry Met Sally, and the temperatures will still be comfortable enough to walk around with your partner without feeling the chill.
If you are planning on visiting New York during major events at any time of the year, it can always be a good idea to book your flights, accommodation and event tickets ahead of time, to make sure you beat the crowds.
Disclaimer: The information contained within this article is the opinion of the author and is intended purely for information and interest purposes only. It should not be used to make any decisions or take any actions. Any links are included for information purposes only. Image by geoftheref
