The Four Seasons

Spring (April–May): The City Awakens

Central Park bursts into cherry blossom (mid-April), magnolias bloom in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and restaurant terraces open. April can still be cool (10–15°C), May is perfect (18–22°C). Moderate hotel prices and pleasant visitor numbers. The Tribeca Film Festival (April) brings Hollywood to Downtown.

Summer (June–August): Hot and Lively

New York in summer is intense: temperatures over 30°C, high humidity steaming from the subway grates, and an energy that makes you forget the heat. Free concerts in Central Park (SummerStage), Shakespeare in the Park (free, worth the wait!), open-air cinemas, beach days in Coney Island, and rooftop bars with skyline views. Fourth of July (July 4th) with fireworks over the East River is spectacular. Peak season: expensive hotels, crowded attractions.

Autumn (September–November): The Perfect Season

The best travel time for New York. Central Park turns gold, orange, and red (Peak Foliage: mid-October to early November), temperatures are pleasant (15–22°C in September, 8–15°C in October), and the air is clear. The New York Marathon (first Sunday in November), Halloween (the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade is the largest in the world), and Thanksgiving (Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!) make autumn unforgettable.

Winter (December–February): Winter Wonderland

New York in winter is magical and brutal at the same time. Magical: the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, ice skating in Central Park, the window displays on Fifth Avenue, snow in Central Park. Brutal: temperatures below freezing, icy wind through the street canyons (Wind Chill!), and snowstorms that can paralyze the city. New Year's Eve in Times Square is the most famous New Year's celebration in the world — but: 10+ hours standing in the cold, no toilets. Better to watch than participate.