Seasons in New York City – Things to do during your visit

Heading to NYC? We share the things to do based on the seasons in NYC, so you can plan a trip for any time of the year.

New York is a great place to live or visit if you love a busy lifestyle, and always want the option of something new to do. If you’re feeling bored in New York then you’re clearly looking in all the wrong places. It doesn’t matter what you’re interested in, there’s something for people from all walks of life, so don’t give up if you haven’t found something that tickles your fancy just yet. Here are some things to do in New York based on the season, helping you to make the most of the weather and be as comfortable as possible.

Things to do in NYC based on the seasons

Summer in NYC

New York can be a fantastic place to spend your summer. There are so many outdoor spaces to explore and spend your time at. These include traveling on foot and by subway to see as many iconic sites as possible. One of the best places to enjoy a walk or a picnic when the sun is shining is undoubtedly Central Park. It’s the perfect oasis for anyone wanting a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Alternatively, you could go ahead and visit the Statue of Liberty silhouetted by the sun.

You could also visit Niagara Falls, Coopers Beach, or Saratoga Race Course. This is perfect if you love sport and horse racing, and would like to do something a little different from typical tourist activities during your stay. 

If you think a week or two isn’t long enough to fully experience everything in New York, you might decide to buy a home there. Compass real estate can help you find the perfect place for you in New York or many other states across the US. They have years of experience and are a reputable brokerage.

Fall in NYC

As the temperature cools a little, you still have a lot to look forward to and experience in New York.

You could visit one of the craft cideries or prepare for Halloween. New York has lots of haunted houses to visit if you love to scare yourself. You can also visit Rolling Hills Asylum, which used to operate as a real asylum, and is believed to be haunted. So, you may see a real ghost. You have the option to sign up for a walking tour or an eight-hour captive stay if you’re feeling brave enough.

If the cold weather is putting you off from spending too much time outdoors, you could catch a show on Broadway. There are always lots of different musicals and plays to choose from, so even if you’re not much of a theatre-goer, you’re bound to find something you like.

Winter in NYC

Winter is a magical time in New York. As people prepare for Christmas and other holidays around this time, wrapping up and going shopping or making use of one of the many ice-skating rinks can help you get into the festive mood. NYC also has some of the best Christmas markets in the world, so if you want to enjoy a warm drink and enjoy a bit of shopping, make sure to visit the many markets around Manhattan. The New York City Christmas decorations are like no others, so head to the iconic spots in the city to see the giant trees and oversized baubles.

If you have children, they may enjoy a visit to Santa’s workshop in New York’s very own North Pole. This will be an unforgettable moment for the whole family, especially the little ones who may believe that they’re really interacting with the real Santa. Don’t forget to take lots of pictures to commemorate the occasion.

If you’re feeling nostalgic for warmer days when you could enjoy nature, stop by the Natural History Museum’s Butterfly Conservatory. It will be nice and warm inside and you’ll get to revel in all the beautiful butterflies and flowers. Alternatively, if insects aren’t really your thing, take a trip to Brooklyn’s indoor flea market. Here you can find lots of collectibles and antiquities that you might not find anywhere else in the city. It’s perfect for vintage lovers and window shoppers alike, so grab your friends and make a day of it.

Winter is also the perfect time to check out a Broadway Show (read here to find out the best way to buy Broadway tickets) or, head over to Radio City Hall to watch their Christmas performances.

Spring in NYC

Spring can also be a magical time in New York. Winter comes to an end and the weather improves, bringing more people outside after being reluctant to spend a lot of time outdoors. You could take advantage of the change in weather by enjoying a wine festival before the temperature gets too hot.

You might also find a quiet spot to enjoy a picnic before the summer rush, and just savor the city and the quieter places before more people flock to them. If you’re feeling daring, you can book a hot-air balloon ride to see New York from a unique angle.

Fans of flowers and botanicals shouldn’t miss the Orchid Show at the botanical gardens or Macy’s Flower Show at select stores. Spring is the season of new beginnings and blooms, so taking in everything nature has to offer is definitely a worthwhile way to spend your time.

There really is something to do in New York for every season, making it the perfect place to visit or live in at any time of the year. If you’re only planning to go to New York for a short holiday, think carefully about the activities you want to do and how well they pair with each season. Weighing up the pros and cons of doing outdoor activities in cold weather can help you make a decision that’s right for you.