- If you're planning a trip to New York, here's what you should know for a smooth and enjoyable stay.
- Brush up on your city etiquette, and pack wisely depending on what time of year you're visiting.
If you're planning a visit to
COVID-19 advisories
New York City was hit early and hard by COVID-19, but the city has since fully reopened with regularly updated safety protocols.
Face coverings are no longer required at indoor public places, although they're still mandatory on mass transit, including the subway, and at Broadway shows and other performing arts venues. Private businesses can decide whether or not to enforce their own mask requirement, and some still do, so it's best to keep one handy just in case.
Businesses are also no longer required to ask patrons for proof of vaccination, whether for indoor or outdoor activities. However, in response to an increase in cases, on May 16, the health commissioner's office issued a new advisory that people wear medical masks during public indoor gatherings.
It's important to remember that the situation is fluid, and we recommend following the guidelines of the CDC, WHO, and other reputable agencies.
When to go
New York is a true four-season city, so the weather will vary dramatically depending on when you visit. Snow season generally starts in December, but is usually heaviest in January and February and can also continue in March. April and May see a fair amount of rainfall interspersed with overcast and sunny days.
The year's hottest months are typically July and August, and high humidity levels often carry through part of September before tapering off to cooler temperatures in October.
If you want to come in the summer, June is a solid option for generally warm, sunny weather with a chance of rain. Late September and October are the most mild, which makes them a great time for a lot of walking and sightseeing. We also recommend late November and early December as one of the loveliest times of year to visit New York — although it will be colder, it won't be January cold, and that's when the city begins to buzz with holiday markets, window displays, ice skating rinks, and more festivities.
However, if you're looking for a snow-filled holiday, we'd recommend aiming for early- or mid-January, as the snow gets more slushy and wet (aka not fun to trudge through) in February. Just remember to bring a good coat and water-resistant boots, and you can pick up gloves or scarves if needed from the many street vendors that sell winter-weather accessories that time of year.
NYC etiquette
New Yorkers have a reputation for being blunt, some might even say rude, but that attitude usually comes down to the fact that everyone in the city is busy and has somewhere to be. Here are some quick tips to fit in smoothly with locals and enjoy your stay.
- Walk to the right on the sidewalk. If you're in a big group, be courteous and don't take up the whole sidewalk walking side by side.
- Don't stand still in the middle of the sidewalk or on busy street corners where foot traffic is coming from all directions. If you need to pause to check your phone for directions or after exiting a store, simply stand against the side of a building.
- Be aware of your surroundings and don't keep valuables like your phone or wallet in back pockets.
- On the subway, let riders exit the train first before you get on.
- If you need directions, rather than asking someone walking by (who may not have time to stop or might not live in the area), we recommend running into a bodega or shop and asking someone working inside.
View Insider's comprehensive guide to visiting New York City.