New York gets several major snowstorms during the winter months, most of them between early January and late March. (Though it's not unheard of to have a snowstorm in December or even as early as November.)

While New York City is a year-round destination, most travelers should avoid the dead of winter (January and February) and the peak of summer (July and August) for different reasons. January and February are the city's coldest months, with biting winds and "slush puddles" that make walking—the primary way to see NYC—extremely unpleasant. Conversely, July and August bring stifling humidity and heat that gets trapped between skyscrapers, often making the subway platforms feel like saunas. Additionally, late December (the holiday season) is a time many locals suggest avoiding if you dislike extreme crowds; while festive, the area around Rockefeller Center and Times Square becomes nearly impassable, and hotel prices reach their absolute annual peak. If you are looking for a balance of manageable weather and reasonable prices, the "shoulder" months of May, June, September, and October are far superior choices for a comfortable visit.