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Travel Intelligence
Spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) are generally the most comfortable stretches to visit -- mild temperatures, manageable crowds, and a full calendar of seasonal events, though April can bring sudden showers worth packing for. Central Park's turning leaves make fall an especially photogenic time to visit.
Summer (June to August) is hot and humid but also the city's busiest and most energetic season, packed with free outdoor festivals and events. Winter (December to February) is cold, but January and February bring the thinnest crowds and the cheapest hotel rates of the year -- a real trade-off worth considering for budget-conscious visitors who don't mind bundling up. The two genuine peak periods, when both crowds and prices climb noticeably, are summer and the holiday season from late November through December.