After living in New York for over 12 years, I’d have to admit that fall is probably one of my favorite seasons in NYC! The leaves start changing to beautiful hues of oranges, yellows, and reds, the air is crisp, and everything gets really festive! So, are you wondering if you should visit NYC in the fall? Well, here are 10 reasons I would recommend it!
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Fall is Less Crowded
If you want to enjoy nice weather with fewer crowds, Fall is a great time to visit NYC. From the end of August through early September, kids go back to school, and the last of the summer visitors go, giving you more shoulder room on the city streets!
Sure, you could visit during the winter months to avoid crowds, but why freeze your butt off if you don’t have to!
Mid-September-November is the most ideal time to experience real fall vibes with fewer crowds. Crowds will then pick back up towards mid-December for the Christmas Holiday and New Year’s Eve.
The Weather During the Fall is Amazing
Fall weather in the city is just amazing, especially after the heatwaves and beyond-humid Summers! Come September, the humidity finally drops, and the temperatures become so pleasant. Not to jinx it, but I feel like these are some of the most beautiful clear days, too.
If you plan to visit in November, the weather does become somewhat of a wild card, especially in recent years when the weather seems to be all over the place. You could experience a few days that feel like Winter and even snow in November, so it’s important to bring some layers, just in case!
Central Park is Magical in the Fall
I’d have to say Central Park in the Fall is pure bliss! The weather is way less humid, and you get to walk under a canopy of gorgeous fall foliage.
Some Central Park Fall activities include picnicking, biking, lots of photoshoots, or just hanging out and people-watching. Lots of musicians are also playing around the park.
Some spots you will want to check out in Central Park during the fall include:
The Mall – Famous spot to take fall photos in NYC. The Mall is a walking path in Central Park that goes down to Bethesda Terrace.
Bow Bridge – A gorgeous bridge in NYC that reflects beautiful fall foliage. It is also another Instafamous Spot in NYC.
Bethesda Terrace – A beautiful terrace next to the lake with a large fountain.
Fall Foliage is One of a Kind
If you love seeing Autumn colors, New York is just the place for you! The Big Apple easily has some of the best fall foliage in the country! Leaves in the city generally start changing colors as early as mid-September, with peak foliage around the end of October to Early November.
However, every year is different depending on the weather. Mid-October is usually a safe bet for Fall foliage.
Halloween is Quite the Treat
There’s nothing quite like experiencing Halloween in NYC! The whole city becomes super extra with decorations. There are tons of Halloween events in NYC to help you enjoy the spooky season all October long!
Additionally, Manhattan has its famous Halloween parade in the Village. Everyone gets dressed up and celebrates down the streets!
The Parade is usually on Halloween, October 31st, from 7 PM to 11 PM. After, you can find tons of parties and events happening all over the City.
Furthermore, there are a ton of additional Halloween events and decorations all over! From the five boroughs to Long Island, there will be tons of tricks or treats.
Apple Picking Season
Apple picking is a favorite activity among local New Yorkers with tons of farms in Long Island, NY, and Upstate, NY. Apple picking is a great day trip from the City, and most farms have warm apple cider and the best apple cider donuts, which is why I love going!
I personally love Lewin’s farm in Long Island for U-Pick Apples, and if you visit during October, they even have U-Pick pumpkins!
If you choose to go to Upstate, NY I have also been apple picking in Warwick, NY at Apple Daves Orchid.
If you plan on taking a day trip to go apple picking, I would recommend renting a car for the day. While on Long Island, you can also see if there are still sunflower fields and pumpkin picking on Long Island!
Read: Best Fall Activities on Long Island, New York
Vineyards Are Less Crowded
Love wineries and vineyards? Yea, me too! That’s why a day trip from NYC to one of Long Islands Vineyards is a perfect fall activity. Oh, and better yet, vineyards are way less crowded in the fall!
Long Island’s North Fork has over 50 Vineyards to choose from and is known as New York’s wine country.
Read: Fun Things to Do on Long Island & Best Vineyards on Long Island
Hiking is Best in Fall
Why is hiking in New York best in the fall you ask? Well, not only do you get to see the leaves changing colors, but the weather is much more enjoyable during this time of year.
The temperatures are no longer in their heatwave phase, and humidity is way more comfortable! Therefore, hiking is very common around this time of year!
A popular hiking spot for local New Yorkers is in, and around Bear Mountain. What’s nice about Bear Mountain is that you can actually drive up to its peak and hike around or down the mountain. Therefore, the mountain has something for everyone.
There are also a lot of great hikes in Upstate New York because it is connected to the Appalachian trail!
Additionally, Bear Mountain is near apple picking in Warwick, NY!
Address: Route 9W North, Bear Mountain, NY 10911
Fall Fashion Week
One of my fondest memories living and going to school in the city was volunteering during Fall Fashion Week! So, if you and your girls want to feel like you’re a part of Sex in the City, this is the perfect time to visit!
Fall Fashion Week this year starts on September 7th! Learn more about public fashion show tickets here.
Plus, nothing is more exciting than bringing out your booties and knit sweaters IMO!
Experience the Christmas Holidays Without the Crowds
Another great reason to visit during the Fall is for the Christmas decorations without the crowds… well way fewer crowds!
Yep, you read that right! After the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, many of the stores begin putting up their decorations, and ice skating rinks and holiday markets start to open.
Depending on what day Thanksgiving falls on (last Thursday in November), you can usually see the tree in Rockefeller Center, Saks 5th Ave Light show, Bryant Park Christmas Village, and more!
Christmas spirit in NYC is pretty special, especially without as many people!
In Bryant Park, you can usually Ice skate as early as Halloween (October 31st).
Wrap-up
New York City is great all year, but as you can see, Fall in the City has tons of pros! Have I convinced you to visit NYC in autumn? Then check out my FULL NYC Fall Bucket list! Additionally, check out the additional NYC resources I have below!
Planning on visiting a lot of NYC Attractions? Look into one of the NYC travel passes that can help you save money!
If you found this NYC Fall Travel Guide helpful, I’d appreciate it if you could share it below!
I have been to NYC in February, May, and July, but not in the fall yet so this is definitely on my list! I love fall fashion and would love to see the beautiful east coast fall colours one day 🙂
Wow, just look at all those beautiful fall colours! I have been to NYC in summer & winter but this post has made me realise everything I’ve been missing out on! Getting the chance to see all the holiday decor without the crowds sounds like an amazing idea too!
Aww I’ve been dreaming of visiting NYC for fall season and now I’m just dying to go *w*