New York State

Best time to visit New York State

The best time to visit New York State depends on what you want to do and experience.

Spring (March-May) has pleasant temperatures, blooming wildflowers, fewer crowds, and lower prices. However some areas can still be chilly, especially in the mornings and evenings.

Summer (June-August) has longer days, more outdoor activities, beautiful landscapes, and plenty of festivals. The weather can be hot and humid though and you can expect large crowds and higher prices.

Autumn (September-November) has mild temperatures, stunning fall foliage, fewer crowds, and lower prices. It's important to note that some days can still be uncomfortably warm, and some popular attractions may close for renovations.

Winter (December-February) has that festive atmosphere, beautiful winter scenery, and fewer crowds but the weather does get very cold with snow and limited outdoor activities, especially in upstate New York.

Ultimately, the best time to visit New York State is the time that works best for you. Consider your preferences and budget, and choose the season that will provide you with the most enjoyable experience.

Discover New York State

New York is a state buzzing with activities, wine, an abundant of outdoor activities, beautiful waterfalls and lakes and adorable towns are waiting for visitors. After visiting the electric city of New York, pick up a car and explore the state at your own pace on a fly-drive or get a taster on a day trip.

Watch nature come to life in spring and enjoy a world of exploring and fun for the whole family in the summer. Experience Mother Nature’s spectacular display of brilliant colours during fall and enjoy skiing or snowboarding in the winter. Whichever season you choose to visit New York State, there are countless activities to do and fun for everyone to join in.

Highlights of New York State

What is New York State famous for?

• New York City
• Finger Lakes
• Hudson Valley
• Long Island
• Lake Placid
• Niagara Falls
• Letchworth State Park

Swipe left or right to find out more about each destination.

New York City

New York City's five boroughs is blessed to be are home to some of the world's most iconic and cherished landmarks and attractions. From the Empire State Building and Times Square to Central Park The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the island of Manhattan packs more famous attractions into one compact area than any other place on earth. And not forgetting the City's four other boroughs—The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island—each of which contains its own unique, must-see destinations.

From sushi in Soho to tamales in TriBeCa each neighbourhood has its own distinctive personality. From Michelin starred restaurants to eclectic, buzzy neighbourhood diners, all tastes are accommodated. In the middle of it all is Times Square, which never fails to provide excitement. Take in a Broadway show or a baseball game at Yankee Stadium, shop for cutting edge designs in SoHo and view some of the world’s greatest art collections at one of the many famous art galleries.

There’s so much to keep you busy. Whether you go for a few days for a city break or pack in more on a longer holiday, New York never fails to impress.

Explore location

Finger Lakes

The perfect stopover when driving from New York city to Niagara Falls, the beautiful Finger Lakes region are a group of 11 long, narrow lakes. Full of famous waterfalls, high gorges, and plenty of hiking and golfing opportunities. Tour the 'wine trail' along the coast of Seneca Lake, the area has over 30 wineries and enticing tasting rooms, where you can sample tantalizing, award-winning wines. Stay or visit the cute town of Seneca Falls, the inspiration for key scenes in the heart-warming Christmas film, ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ and the Corning Museum of Glass, the largest space dedicated entirely to contemporary art and design creations in glass.

Hudson Valley

Brimming with stunning natural beauty, Hudson Valley is located just two hours north of New York. Located along the Hudson River, the area boasts magnificent scenery, historic mansions, lush vineyards and interesting arts and culture. Stroll over the ‘Walkway over the Hudson – the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge and visit Vanderbilt Mansion Historic Site, known as Hyde Park. This lavish Gilded Age mansion and the home of former President Franklin D. Roosevelt is set in over 200 acres of immaculately kept gardens by the Hudson River.

Long Island

Located just one hour away from bustling Manhattan, Long Island offers a very different pace of life. Soak up the sun on the islands’ beautiful unspoilt powder white sand beaches, sip sumptuous wine at a choice of over 60 vineyards and get a taste of how the rich and famous live in the exclusive Hampton’s neighbourhood and the North Shore’s Great Gatsby themed mansions and castles. Combine a stay in Long Island with a city break in the one-of-a-kind city of New York or visit as a day trip.

Lake Placid

Just across the border from Vermont, the little town of Lake Placid is set amidst the rugged peaks of the Adirondack Mountains, that covers 6 million acres and over 100 mountain peaks, waterfalls, rivers and pristine forests. The town also hosted the Winter Olympics twice, the venues used and a museum dedicated to the Olympics offer an interesting visit. Outdoor activities are in abundance here year-round, with skiing, snowshoeing and ice climbing in the winter months and golf, hiking and swimming in the summer months.

Niagara Falls

Get close to the thundering and thrilling Niagara Falls at the Cave of the Winds. You can also cross over the border to Canada and board a cruise that sails close to the thundering waters or fly high in an helicopter giving you an incomparable bird’s eye view. Goat Island is the place to go to for some of the best and closest views of Niagara Falls. Ride the Niagara Scenic Trolley to the southwestern extremity of the island, called Terrapin Point, and slowly meander back by following the path along the river. In fact, the walking trail does a loop all around the island. There are two bridges connecting Goat Island to the mainland and you can walk across both of them.

Letchworth State Park

Visit the ‘Grand Canyon of the East’ in Letchworth State Park in the western region of New York State. Go biking, hiking and white water rafting in one of the most breathtakingly beautiful parts of eastern USA.