When to go to New York: climate, best time and month-by-month tips

The Big Apple, the very centre of the world: New York. Cosmopolitan, multicultural, avant-garde, a city in constant metamorphosis, New York 'never sleeps' and always has something to tell. Divided into five boroughs: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Staten Islands, it overlooks the mouth of the Hudson River, on the Atlantic Ocean, and between majestic skyscrapers (such as the Empire State Building), the lights of Times Square, the romantic beauty of Central Park and the ancient and world-famous Broadway theatre, it holds the financial, cultural and commercial networks of the entire world in its hands. Let's find out together when to go to New York.
SEE ALSO: What to see in New York

Climate, Average Temperatures and Rainfall

• Best period: the intermediate seasons offer better weather, especially the months of September and October

• Period to avoid: none, in principle NYC can be enjoyed in every season. However, from a climatic point of view, winter is less suitable due to the cold weather

New York's climate is purely continental: winters are very cold and summers very hot. Because of the city's location, where cold air masses (from Canada) and warm air masses (from the Gulf of Mexico) continually collide, the climate is also very unstable. In winter, snowfalls are fairly frequent (an average of 60 cm of snow per year); in summer, there is a high level of humidity and some thunderstorms. Autumn and spring are the two mildest seasons, alternating between sunny and rainy days.

Hurricanes in New York: forecasts, statistics and most at-risk months

Generally, the remnants of what have been strong hurricanes in Central America arrive in New York, bringing mainly heavy rain and wind. But, in some cases, the force of the hurricane is so strong that it still reaches the city with plenty of energy.

One of the most devastating hurricanes wasHurricane Sandy in 2012, which caused millions of dollars' worth of damage, blackouts, and some fatalities.

• Last hurricane tooccur: Hurricane Sandy, 28-29 October 2012, category 1

• Number of hurricanes in the last 10 years: 2 of strong intensity / 10 of negligible intensity (mainly remnants of hurricanes that struck further south)

• Months most at risk: August, September, October

• Alert level during risk period: 6/10

The cheapest time to visit New York

Thecheapest time to visit New York is between January and February, when there are no holidays that exponentially increase the city's tourist influx, and also, as it is the coldest time of the year, it is not particularly popular. If you don't fear cold temperatures, book by bringing the cost of flights and accommodation down compared to the average for other times of the year.

New York in Spring

New York in Spring is histrionic. The weather during this season is still unstable, alternating between early warmth and days that are still purely wintry. However, the charm of this city lies also in this: in a sudden thunderstorm, in the sun that then shines again on the tops of the skyscrapers. This period is the most suitable for long bike rides, the first ice creams to be enjoyed on the streets, thanks to the street vendors, who with their pick-up trucks and cheerful music attract adults and children alike. This season is ideal for visiting the many Botanical Gardens, such as those in Brooklyn: full of all sorts of colourful and fragrant plants; for the more sporty, it will be possible to attend outdoor fitness classes, which from April onwards in Bryant Park take the place of the skating rink, or attend a game of the Yankees, the most famous team in American baseball, which starts its championship in spring. There are also numerous events: the Orchid Festival, St. Patrick's day, Memorial day, which falls on the last Monday in May and marks the beginning of summer, and many fun outdoor activities.

New York in Summer

Summer temperatures in New York reach peaks of 35/38 degrees, heat interrupted by brief summer downpours, which temporarily cool the air. Boat trips to Coney Island and long sunset walks along the banks of the Hudson River from Battery Park to Harlem are perfect during this season. Summer is of course the season for beaches: from Coney Island to Rockaway Beach, it's up to you to choose the most beautiful one; for water parks: Brooklyn Bridge Park even has a swimming pool with free access. In addition, in summer there is the 'Restaurant Week', which is usually held in winter, a week in which you can eat in more than three hundred restaurants at almost bargain prices. Another very famous summer event is the 'Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks', the wonderful fireworks that light up the black sky of New York on the evening of the 4th of July. There are also numerous events dedicated to international music, sports and dance, which entertain and delight tourists of all ages.

New York in Autumn

Autumn is the best season to visit New York. Less unstable than Spring, the temperature is still mild, suitable for outdoor activities, or even long walks: Central Park in Autumn is dressed in warm, romantic colours, making a stroll through its boulevards (already a must) truly unforgettable. In the autumn there is Broadway Week, dedicated to numerous theatrical performances, well-known and not, in a two-for-one format; or San Gennaro Day (19 September), held in Little Italy and dedicated to Italian cuisine and culture; Labor Day (the first Monday in September), with markets and shows; Columbus Day (12 October), which celebrates the discovery of America; the Village Halloween Parade (31 October), when Greenwich Village is flooded with acrobats and musicians and people in the most extravagant costumes; and finally Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November), whose meal of succulent stuffed turkey and cranberry sauce has become an institution across the American continent.

New York in Winter

Photo by Tomás Fano. In New York City, winter temperatures reach astonishingly low peaks, so a holiday in the Big Apple at this time of year is certainly suitable for the most daring, but also for the most romantic, who will savour the "city that doesn't sleep" covered in the whiteness of snow. In December, New York dresses itself in a thousand decorations and colourful Christmas decorations, the Christmas markets open their doors, displaying all kinds of delicacies: from fragrant gingerbread to mouth-watering Christmas Pudding; the lighting of the Rockefeller Center Tree is celebrated: the most famous Christmas tree in the world; moreover, in several theatres it will be possible to see 'The Nutcracker', one of the most beautiful and famous shows dedicated to Christmas, in classical version or in more modern and revisited keys.

Of course, New York New Year's Eve cannot be missed, which is celebrated in Times Square, with shows, music, fireworks and people from all over the world. The months of January and February, which are still very cold, will be perfect for crazy shopping on Fifth Avenue (sales start on 26 December) and another Restaurant Week.

How to dress: what to pack

• In winter: heavy clothing and coats suitable for the snow are recommended. Don't forget scarves, gloves and hats.

• In summer: swimwear, sunglasses and sun cream are a must.

• In autumn and spring: lighter garments are fine, but windbreakers and umbrellas are still recommended for sudden and frequent squalls.

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