Is summer a good season to visit New York?

Summer officially arrived on June 21st! In New York, this marks the start of peak tourist season, which builds through July and August as school holidays begin. But is summer really the best time to visit New York? The answer is more complicated than you might think.

Sunshine is at its strongest and temperatures are very pleasant. Laetitia, who visited New York in summer, spring and winter and shared her thoughts on our Facebook page, says “summer is definitely the best season! The long days, the greenery and mild weather really let you make the most of the city.” Summer is indeed ideal for exploring Central Park, the High Line and even enjoying the beaches, especially Coney Island.

For photographers, summer offers the best chance to capture the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge and Financial District skyscrapers against a clear blue sky.

Watch out for air conditioning

But summer has its drawbacks. You’ll notice this quickly when planning a New York trip: airfares and hotel prices spike significantly. If you’re thinking of traveling in the coming weeks, book as early as possible. Museums and landmarks are packed, so expect longer waits to visit the MoMA, the Statue of Liberty, or to reach the top of the Empire State Building or Rockefeller Center. One solution: arrive when places open to be among the first visitors.

Summer heat can sometimes be intense. As Orlane noted on our Facebook page, “you might find it too hot. I went to New York in mid-May and it was already quite warm by mid-afternoon—that’s tough if you’re crossing the Brooklyn Bridge, for example.” People sensitive to temperature changes should also watch out for air conditioning, which is often turned up to maximum cold, especially in the subway. Pack a light sweater you can put on and take off as needed.

In the end, summer has both pros and cons. But trust Orlane on this: “summer or winter, New York is always magical.” For more information, read our article on the best season to visit New York.