Visiting New York in

October

What to expect
Getting around
Things to do
Rainy day

One of the best times to visit New York City is in October. You've just missed the hot, humid weather, and you've escaped the summer tourist crowds. NYC weather in October means comfortable days and slightly colder nights. You can get away with T-shirts during the 65F days.

What to expect

Wetter

Average Daytime Temperatures: 65F (18C)
Average Overnight Temperatures: 46F (8C)
Sunny or partly sunny days: 19
Rainy days: 9-12, 3 with significant rainfall

What to wear

Dress in layers and include a light jacket you can shed as the day warms
Pack a heavier coat for going out in the evenings
Sunglasses or umbrella – best to check in the morning on your weather app
Wear comfortable walking shoes, closed toe shoes and water resistant, so you can enjoy your walking tours, as well as something a bit more fanciful for the nightlife.

New York Prices in October

In October flights are generally cheaper, and hotel prices have fallen from their peak summer prices, although a lot still depends on location.

Book your flights and accommodation in advance for best prices, midtown & times square are the most popular choices, but there are plenty of other options, especially in Brooklyn with convenient transport options to Manhattan attractions.

Planning your trip is a key to a balanced budget, use free online resources like our maps & guide or the itinerary tool, if you are going to visit some iconic attractions, get a sightseeing pass, it will easily save you 50% on regular admission prices – see more

Getting around

New York is easy to navigate, but if you can't walk to your destination there are plenty of options

Subway

The quickest way to travel around, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from as low as $2.75 per ride, with stops usually every 8-10 blocks.

Taxis

If the top taxi number is illuminated it's available, minimum metered fare is $2.50, which increases 50 cents every fifth of a mile or every minute.

Hop on, Hop off Buses

These buses connect major attractions all over the city and provide many photo opportunities, it's also a good way to catch a break or eat your sandwich while still sightseeing.

New York Travel Tips

Perks

New York City Subway Map

New York Tourist Map

Things to do in October

Check out the following list of ideas for fun things to do in New York in October:

1. Fall Foliage

One of the most beautiful strolls you can take in New York is a walk in Central Park during the fall season. You'll witness the beautiful foliage of trees in different shades of brown, red and yellow. You'll also get to experience the fall against a perfect backdrop: New York city's skyline.

2. Cinco de Mayo

The New York Food and Wine Festival takes place in October, and it is one of the best ways to sample the cuisine and wine that New York has to offer. The festival is packed with literally hundreds of events, so choose carefully. Some of the best highlights are events at the Chelsea Market, the Oyster bash and the Rooftop Rosé wine tasting at the Standard hotel.

3. NYC's architectural offerings

With the comfortable fall weather at its height, this is an ideal time to stroll the city and visit New York City's architectural offerings. Your list must include the Oculus building, which replaced the building destroyed on 9/11. There is also the gorgeous Solomon Guggenheim museum, the infamous Empire State building and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. If you're a nature lover, go beyond Manhattan and head to the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens or Wave Hill Botanical Gardens in the Bronx.

4. Picnic spots

If you're looking to enjoy New York City's skyline, head to the Brooklyn Bridge Park with your lunch and picnic there. Other ideal picnic spots are Astoria Park in Astoria, Queens, East River State Park in Williamsburg, Brooklyn and Madison Square Park in Manhattan.

5. Halloween

Halloween in New York is simply a must-see. Prepared to be wowed by the costumes in the Village Halloween Parade, which takes place in the West Village at Sixth Avenue. Later on that evening, stay in the West Village for dinner and drinks. Just watching passers-by on the streets decked out in fancy costumes is a delight. Another fun October event is the Columbus Day Parade. This is a huge event which attracts over a million people. The parade stretches from the Upper East Side down to Midtown, and it is filled with marching bands, floats and musicians.

Rainy Day Options in New York

Broadway Shows

Taking a Broadway show will chase away any rainy day blues during your visit to New York City. It might not be possible to get last minute tickets to every show, but you can find something a couple of hours before the show starts by visiting the box office of the theatre.

NYC Museums

Your weather app says it’s going to be raining the whole day? Head over to one of the best NYC Museums. Whether your interest is in art, science or city history, there’s something for everyone in just about every neighbourhood. Pick from MoMA, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, American Museum of Natural History, Whitney Museum of American Art, Museum of the City of New YorkorEl Museo del Barrio.