When is the best time to visit New York City?

It's true what they say — there's no wrong time to visit New York City. With that said, there are certain times of year that are more convenient or comfortable than others. My personal favorite time to visit the city is during spring. Winters in New York City can be brutal, but once flowers start blooming and temperatures start to rise, a palpable energy fills the air. It's the best time to hit the rooftop bars, stroll through Central Park or simply take a walk through Manhattan or Brooklyn.

Of course, there are many other times to visit that are equally magical. The holiday season, with all its twinkling lights and good cheer, is a wonderful time to visit New York. Summer brings a certain carefree attitude to the city, and with it comes a full calendar of only-in-New-York events like Shakespeare in the Park. The richness of colors seen at the cusp of autumn is simply indescribable. 

My advice? Be wise in choosing when to visit, but know that there are no wrong choices. If you're a Southerner like me, be prepared for a shock if you visit during the winter. But if you're the kind of person who can appreciate the city for all that it is, no matter the weather, any time is the right time.

While you really can't go wrong with the other three seasons, I consider spring as the best time to visit New York City. Prepare for a vibrant burst of energy once the city comes out of the winter hibernation.

Central Park on a spring day can't be missed. Hop on a bike, strap on some roller skates, take a jog and expend some of your pent up energy. And be sure to soak up some rays on the lawn at gigantic and gorgeous Sheep's Meadow. This urban oasis is the perfect place to take a nap on the lawn or toss around a Frisbee.

If you're on the Upper West Side, take a leisurely walk alongside the Hudson and dine alfresco at The West 79th Street Boat Basin Café. This on-the-water spot offers a cool sea breeze and American eats that are perfect after a riverside jaunt.

The best time for New York City is the high season, which includes the cultural season, beginning with the Opera at the Metropolitan Opera House toward the last week of September. Every new show is in full swing, the new restaurants are all open, the clubs are packed and the fun is alive throughout the city.

Anytime of the year works in New York. The spring and fall are our favorite times of the year, when culture is "in season." One can find all the culture – such as the ballet, opera and symphony – featuring opening nights galore.

Although most people would consider the winter holiday season as the pinnacle of the tourist season in New York City, the summer is also becoming more popular as people discover the city’s outdoor charms.

Although most people would consider the winter holiday season as the pinnacle of the tourist season in New York City, the summer is also becoming more popular as people discover the city’s outdoor charms. 

The best time to visit New York is anytime! The city comes alive while embracing all four seasons:

Winter offers the holiday lights, the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center accompanied with a cup of hot cocoa while watching the skaters in the rink. There’s also the holiday window displays on 5th Avenue and a visit to Santa Land on the 8th floor of Macy’s department store

Fall offers taking in the beauty of nature while driving up the Hudson and enjoying the foliage. Also, the park-view suites at Trump International Hotel & Tower New York provide the best views for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Spring offers the great rates when staying at the Trump International Hotel & Tower and being awaken from our hibernation of layers of clothing. Ladies, this is the time for shopping with one of our personal shoppers.

Summer offers a cool refreshing cruise along the Hudson and East River and celebrating the 4th of July. Summer concerts in Central Park are not to be missed.

September. It's beautiful. There's something special about September.

Fall and spring is too obvious. I'm a winter person. I love the extreme weather during the winter in New York. Snow is completely magical the first hour that it falls. I used to have a house in Venice in Italy and my favorite time of the year is winter because nobody is there. The humidity gets into your bones. It's very grim but it has this romance and decadence. That comes with the territory and it doesn't smell either. Since then I sort of fell in love with winter. For me it's like the Mark Halprin book Winter's Tale.

The seasons are a little blurred so to speak, but I’m really cool with August through November because you can buy tomatoes and squash at the same time. You can have an heirloom tomato salad and then you can make roasted squash soup and get the best — kind of straddle the two seasons. I’m really partial to that time of year.

Anytime. However, the ultimate times are catching the spring blossoms on the trees in May, and catching the leaves change in late October. The truly best is being in the city over the Christmas holidays.

Holiday season when it snows.

I like the fall, early autumn. It's crisp, the light is beautiful and everybody's kind of back to business. It's a good time to get things done.

My favorite times in NYC are during April, May and early June, when the weather is not too hot, not too cold and events are happening everywhere as the warmer weather starts to settle in. Farmers markets and street fairs are in full swing, as are parades and festivals, and free events at the parks. When the weather is in a state of bloom, we New Yorkers feel as if we too are coming alive, especially after months of gray skies, snow, and chilly weather.

However, I also really enjoy Fall in the city. October and early November are glorious with the changing foliage, and photographers just can’t get enough of the colors found along tree lined streets and parks. It is still nice enough for long strolls, though night seems to start to come sooner and evenings can seem a bit colder.

Late November and December are cold, but most New Yorkers don’t notice because we are too caught up in the holiday spirit, which is everywhere!  The city streets seem to have a special festive buzz, the stores are adorned and lit with gifts and special displays, and everyone is in good spirits, making bearing the cold during the holidays a bit more worth it.

The Festive Season from mid November through the beginining of January when the city is ablaze with decorations, color, excitement, and the height of the culture in special concerts, music, dance, etc.  From the famous Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall to The Nutcracker Ballet and our world famous New Year's Eve celebration; this period is the most magical of all!!