The 28 Best Things to do in New York in the Fall – The Ultimate Guide for 2023
Fall Events in NYC • Fall Foliage in NYC • Fall Festivals
The fall is a great time to visit New York! Why? The mild temperatures and the changing leaves let the city present itself in the most gorgeous fall foliage! During fall in NYC, the weather typically allows you to take advantage of both, indoor and outdoor activities.
So if you are still looking for things to do in New York this fall, keep on reading! And don’t forget checking our guides to Halloween in NYC, Thanksgiving in NYC, the best activities in fall and Fall Foliage in NYC.
The 28 Best Things to Do in New York in the Fall
Though there are plenty of things to do in New York in every season, including fall, there are some New York fall activities that are very unique to this particular time of the year. Here are some of our favorite things to do this fall in New York.
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01
Take a fall foliage cruise along Hudson River
Cruise in ChelseaOur Highlight
What could be more beautiful than marveling at the colorful autumn leaves on board a historic ship? That’s exactly what you can do on these fall foliage tours, which are among the most popular boat tours in autumn.
This year there are several different tours to choose from. What they all have in common is the destination: the Hudson Valley. The Hudson Valley is located north of Manhattan, and on the way there on the Hudson River, you’ll pass through the famous George Washington Bridge and be able to enjoy the view of the impressive rock formations called Palisades.
Here you can find the 5 Best Fall Foliage Cruises in New York.
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02
Visit Governors Island
Other Attraction in Outside of New York City
Though Governors Island is no longer a secret spot, it hasn’t lost its charm and remains one of our favorite places in New York. Throughout the summer, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Manhattan from the island, ride bicycles, and participate in a large variety of events hosted here.
Usually Governors Island closes at the end of October, from 2021 on you check it out even during winter and spring! A ferry ride to the island typically costs $4 but if you decide to come on a Saturday or Sunday before noon, it’ll be free!
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03
Enjoy the Fall Foliage and take a walk through New York's most idyllic parks
Park in Midtown ManhattanOur Highlight
Fall in NYC is the perfect time to wander through the many beautiful parks as the trees change colors. Some of our favorite parks to see the best fall foliage in New York City are Central Park, Prospect Park, and The High Line.
For an even better experience, you can consider taking a helicopter tour over New York. From up there, you’ll have the most amazing views of Central Park’s fall foliage. There are different helicopter routes, so be sure you choose one that includes Central Park.
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04
Have fun at New York's ice skating rinks
Christmas Market in Midtown ManhattanOur Highlight
The first ice skating rinks open by the end of October preparing you for a smooth transition into the winter. Ice skating is fun regardless of the season, so we’d recommend taking advantage of it! Ice skating in New York is always one of the most fun things to do. It’s a great fall activity, especially if you are traveling with children.
Besides ice skating rinks, some Christmas markets will also be open starting in early November. The Bank of America’s Winter Village at Bryant Park (behind the Public Library), the famed Rink at Rockefeller Center and the Wollman Rink in Central Park are just three of New York City’s finest ice rinks.
These are our favorite Ice Skating Rinks in NYC.
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05
Cheer on New York's football teams
Sport Events in Outside of New York City
One of the best things you can do in the fall in New York is to experience a football game. Football season starts in September and ends with the Super Bowl in February. During these months, you’ll have many opportunities to see live NFL games of the New York Giants and the New York Jets in Metlife Stadium. Next to Broadway shows, sports events are simply a must-do during any New York trip. Football and Basketball are typically the most popular ones.
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06
Visit Roosevelt Island
Other Attraction in Midtown Manhattan
Roosevelt Island is a small island, barely 2 miles in length, located in the East River between the boroughs of Manhattan and Queens. The tramway was established as a temporary solution to the city’s commuter needs while the subway connections were constructed. Luckily, it remained in operation – New Yorkers had grown too fond of it.
We love spending time here – especially in the fall. Just look at the colors of the trees! In our article about Roosevelt Island we will share our tips, how to get there with the Roosevelt Island Tramway and most importantly, what is there to do on Roosevelt Island.
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07
Visit one of the popular Fall Festivals in NYC
NYC Events 2024 in Hell's Kitchen
A visit to the many festivals in the fall is one of the highlights of September, October and November. From the world-famous New York Comic Con Festival to the New York Film Festival and to the Bryant Park Film Festival: there are a lot festivals you can choose from. If you’re in New York City at this time, be sure to add them to your itinerary!
Here you find our complete list of fall festivals in NYC.
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08
One of our favorite thing to do during fall: visiting a Broadway Show
Broadway Show in Theatre District
No other city has as much entertainment to offer as New York City, especially when it comes to shows. Watching musical or play is something nobody should miss out on.
Here you can find our list of the Best broadway Shows in New York and here the complete list of current Broadway Shows.
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09
Plan An Amazing Family Fall Weekend Getaway from NYC
Day Trip in Outside of New York City
Looking for the best fall day trips from NYC? We got you covered! New York State has many wonderful places to enjoy the colorful autumn. With Massachusetts, New England and Washington, D.C., there are several destinations that are only a day trip away from New York City and that have a lot of history, culture and nature to offer.
I myself have been to the Green Mountains and White Mountains as well as Niagara Falls several times for a weekend in the fall – you’re guaranteed to get goosebumps here, it’s that impressive!
My tip: These are the 15 Best Fall Day Trips From NYC (+ Weekend Getaways)
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10
See the beautiful autumn leaves from One Vanderbilt observation deck
Building in Midtown ManhattanOur Highlight
This is my favorite observation deck in New York: The SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is located directly at Grand Central Station and gives you a sensational view of Central Park, Midtown and the East River.
Find out more in our article (including impressive pictures) of the One Vanderbilt observation deck.
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11
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (November 23, 2023)
Parade in Upper West Side
Thanksgiving is an American holiday and people travel all over the country to be with their family on this day. There is usually a big turkey on the dinner table and everyone enjoys the get-together. Thanksgiving is the only day in New York City where museums, shops and even some restaurants that do not offer a special Thanksgiving dinner are closed.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the highlight in the city. Also, don’t miss the popular inflation the day before. It’s a great opportunity to check out the balloons before they are getting to shine during the Thanksgiving Parade the day after.
Those who can not or do not want to be there (the crowd is huge) can follow the parade on the TV channel, NBC. Check out the articles below to learn more about this American Holiday.
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12
Christmas Spectacular and the Radio City Rockettes (starting November 17, 2023)
Broadway Show in Midtown Manhattan
The famous holiday show premieres again in NYC in November and runs all the way until January 2024. Over 140 sensational dancers perform in the popular Christmas Spectacular. Sparkling costumes, unique set designs and a lot of Christmas songs thrill the audience every year.
WE LOVE THIS SHOW!
The stars of the show are the female dance group “The Rockettes” and perform next to Santa Claus and his elves. From November to early January, you can watch the dance performance and Christmas show at Radio City Music Hall. There are up to three performances per day, so there should be a time slot for you! For more information, please take a look here.
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13
Columbus Day and the Columbus Day Parade (October 9, 2023)
Other Events in Midtown Manhattan
On Columbus Day, New Yorkers commemorate the “discoverer” of America, Christopher Columbus. Each year, a grand parade is organized in New York, which runs across Fifth Avenue. 35,000 people including bands, fleets, and Marines take part in this parade, which attracts around a million visitors and another million people in front of the TV in their living rooms.
The parade starts at Fifth Avenue on the corner 44th Street. It heads north up to 72nd Street (start: 11:30 AM, end: 3:00 PM). Want to get more information?
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14
The Village Halloween Parade in New York City (October 31, 2023)
Parade in West Village
Ah yes. Halloween. The original Celtic custom is celebrated on this day and is a popular day in the USA. Every year in New York in October, countless children are dressed in costumes and go door to door “scaring” people and yell out “trick or treat”. The major attraction on this day is New York’s Greenwich Village Halloween Parade which brings out more than two million spectators.
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15
The Annual Pumpkin Flotilla (end of October 2023)
Other Events in Harlem & Washington Heights
The highlight of the Halloween celebration, however, is the Pumpkin Flotilla. As is gets dark around 6:30 pm, priorly carved pumpkins are released into the Harlem Meer and will be float around for 30 minutes.
The spectacle draws hundreds of visitors to the northeast corner of Central Park.
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16
Book a Christmas Lights Tour (starting November 25, 2022)
Other Shopping in Midtown Manhattan
With the holiday season unofficially underway, this tour is for you. Explore NYC and check out the amazing decorations and Christmas lights on your very own private tour. It also comes with a free Christmas drink as well!
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17
Big Screen at Hudson Yards
Other Events in Hudson YardsFrom May to October, major international sporting events are shown on the big screen at The Big Screen at The Backyard at Hudson Yards. Sports enthusiasts can watch soccer, Formula 1, golf, tennis tournaments, baseball playoffs, women’s soccer and more on the approximately 30-foot screen.
Starting in September, there will be additional Movie Nights here again, where you can watch big blockbusters.
This is the schedule:
- September 15: Miss Congeniality
- September 22: Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
- October 6: What a Girl Wants
- October 13: Practical Magic
- October 20: The Witches (1990)
- October 22: Crazy Stupid Love
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18
NYC Free Events at Little Island (through September 3, 2023)
Other Attraction in Meatpacking District
Not far from the Meatpacking District and the High Line, Little Island is one of the newest attractions in New York and is something very special: a park on 132 beautiful tulip-shaped concrete stilts in the Hudson River!
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19
Feast of San Gennaro (September 14 - 24, 2023)
Other Events in Little Italy
The annual Feast of San Gennaro attracts both New Yorkers and visitors to Little Italy in September. Why? The 11-day long festival will spoil you with Italian specialties, parades, eating contests, and free concerts.
The festival celebrates the life of San Gennaro of Naples, who was once the Bishop of Benevento in Italy. He died a martyr’s death in A.D. 305. The next Feast of San Gennaro in 2023 will mark its 97th anniversary in Little Italy. Besides a church service, there is a parade in honor of the patron saint, a meatball eating competition, a zeppole eating competition, and the festival’s highlight: the cannoli eating contest.
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20
Bryant Park Picnic Performances
Other Events in Midtown ManhattanOur Highlight
One of the best things to do in fall in New York is visiting the free Bryant Park Film Festival and picnic performances in Bryant Park. In the heart of Manhattan, people gather with blankets and chairs they’ve brought themselves to relax at the outdoor movie theater and concerts by the New York Philharmonics.
You can get a seat from 5pm, the films start around 8pm as darkness falls, and the Philharmonic concerts 7pm. You can find out more about the events and the free concerts here with us and on the Bryant Park website.
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21
Handpick your own pumpkins
Other Attraction in Staten Island
The summer was a beehive of activities. Now, it’s time to say goodbye to it as we usher in the good tidings of the fall. It’s time to put that SPF 30 sunscreen away and enjoy the crisp, fresh autumn air while indulging in some of the top-rated activities of the fall season.
From walks through Central Park, exploring the high line, visiting apple orchards, and our personal favorite, pumpkin picking. Pumpkins are the order of the day in fall, and we can’t necessitate their importance as a hallmark of the season.
My tip: Here you find the best Pumpkin Patches Near NYC.
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22
Sail around the city (yes - even in Fall!)
Cruise in Chelsea
Sailing in New York City is one of my favorite things to do during even in the fall. There’s nothing better than watching the sunset and enjoying a glass of wine onboard.
Here are some amazing options that are taking place right now, with safety measures of course:
Here are our 13 Best Cruises in Fall in NYC, fantastic dinner cruises, brunch cruises, lunch cruises and jazz cruises in NYC. Need more inspiration? Check out this 👇👇
What is the Best Cruise in New York for you?
There are over 40 boat and sailing tours in New York and it’s not easy to choose the best one. That’s where our Cruise Finder comes in. It will help you find the best boat tour for you!
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23
Watch an NBA game
Sports Tickets in Park Slope
The NBA season kicks off this month and we’re always looking forward to watching one of the many NBA games in New York. Whether it’s the Brooklyn Nets or the New York Knicks, both teams like try their best to show-out in front of the home-town crowd.
Get Brooklyn Nets tickets here and New York Knicks tickets here.
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24
Visit Rangerstown: Ice Hockey in New York
Sport Events in Midtown ManhattanOur Highlight
October is always a very special month for sports enthusiasts like us, because in addition to the NBA, the NHL season also starts with many exciting matches. We ourselves have already been to several games of the New York Rangers in Madison Square Garden and can only recommend a visit. The atmosphere is terrific!
Here you can get tickets for the New York Rangers and everything about the sporting events in our article about sports events in New York.
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25
Enjoy the free Curtain Up Broadway Festival (September 8-10, 2023)
Other Events in Theatre District
Broadway fans take note: there’s a great and free event you won’t want to miss! From September 30 to October 2, you can experience the Curtain Up Broadway Festival at the Theatre District!
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26
Visit one of Best Rooftop Bars in NYC in the Fall
Rooftop Bar in Flatiron District
Do you think the rooftop bar season is over in the fall? Not in New York! There are many rooftop bars in New York that offer fresh air even in the cold season, magnificent views of the urban canyons AND pleasant warmth.
Check out our best rooftop bars in NYC for the autumn time.
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27
Marvel at the American Dream Mega-Mall
Outlet in Outside of New York City
The American Dream Mega-Mall is the largest mall in the area, featuring 55% entertainment and 45% retail. What you will find there? Anything you can think of! The indoor theme park hosts rollercoasters, water slides, snowboarding slopes, skating and hockey rinks, an aquarium and much more.
In terms of shopping, you’ll find anything from popular brands like H&M to high-end brands like Dolce and Gabbana. The American Dream Mall is located in East Rutherford, NJ, adjacent to the renowned Metlife Stadium.
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28
Explore the city with one of the Hop-on-Hop-off bus tours!
Bus Tour in Midtown Manhattan
The tour in an open double-decker is one of the best and most convenient ways to explore New York! As part of the tour, you will see well-known landmarks such as the famous Empire State Building and the new One World Trade Center.
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29
Madame Tussauds
Museum in Midtown Manhattan
One of NYC’s most popular attractions is the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum right by Times Square. Great for kids and adults alike you will see countless celebrities recreated with amazing details as wax figurines. If you have always been hoping for a perfect selfie with one of your favorite celebrities then this is just the spot for you!
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30
Marvel at the autumn city from a helicopter!
Helicopter Tour in New Jersey
The City Skyline Experience is a helicopter ride over NYC that provides aerial views of Manhattan’s skyline and other historical sights. Other travelers may be present with this shared ride experience, but that doesn’t take away from the exceptional views and still provides an excellent opportunity for marvelous photos.
The 50 Absolute Best Things to Do in New York (90+ pages)
We’ve chosen the 50 best spots, events and activities to showcase the full diversity of New York City. Even after more than 20 visits, the city never gets boring for us. And with our recommendations, you’ll have a really good time in New York, too, and you’ll have plenty left for your next visit. If you’re not planning a trip yet, you’re sure to get wanderlust after perusing this list!
The 50 Absolute Best Things to Do in New York (90+ pages)
We’ve chosen the 50 best spots, events and activities to showcase the full diversity of New York City. Even after more than 20 visits, the city never gets boring for us. And with our recommendations, you’ll have a really good time in New York, too, and you’ll have plenty left for your next visit. If you’re not planning a trip yet, you’re sure to get wanderlust after perusing this list!
Most popular tours & activities during Fall
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Enjoy the most beautiful fall foliage in New York by taking a scenic cruise! | The best observation deck in NYC! | Explore New York's highest observation deck, regardless of the weather! | Spend a great evening onboard our favorite dinner cruise in New York! | Seeing a Broadway show is always a good idea, especially if you have a discount code for your tickets! |
$110 | $42 | $38 | $90 | from $30 |
New York Fall Events
In fall we celebrate Labor Day and Oktoberfest and look forward to great NYC fall events like Halloween and the New York Fashion Week. Most significantly, however, ceremonies are held across the whole country to remember the victims of 9/11. Later in November, it’s time for the famous Thanksgiving Parade!
Here are some major events that are happening in New York this fall that you should be aware of during your time in NYC.
- September 9, 2023: Labor Day Parade
- September 7 – 13, 2023: Fashion Week NYC
- September 11: 9/11 Memorial Service
- September 16: Start of Oktoberfest
- October 12 – 15, 2023: New York Comic Con
- October 9, 2023: Columbus Day Parade
- October 31, 2023: Halloween
- November 5, 2023: New York Marathon
- November 17, 2023: Radio City Christmas Spectacular returns
- November 11, 2023: Veterans Day Parade
- November 23, 2023: Thanksgiving in New York
- November 24, 2023: Black Friday
And here you can find our complete list with the best events in September, October and November 👇
More fall activities in NYC
Taking helicopter tours is undoubtedly one of our favorite New York fall activities. Why? Because you will get to see the city’s incredible colors from a unique perspective. Alternatively, you could admire New York’s iconic skyline from the water by taking a cruise. There are plenty of options for you! What you may not know: Ice skating season already starts in late October, which makes fall even more adventurous. In addition to that, fall in New York is the perfect season for sports enthusiasts. You can watch it all: baseball, basketball, ice hockey, football, and soccer. Oh and by the way, it’s never too early to buy Christmas gifts, so maybe you can get some shopping done, too!
Just because it’s fall in New York doesn’t mean that the rooftop bar season is over! Most rooftop bars are still open. The weather should be pleasant for the first part of the season, but there is no need to worry about dropping temperatures at all. New York’s rooftop bars will provide you with blankets or even fireplaces. Awesome, right? It’s definitely worth it to book a trip to New York in the fall!
New York fall weather
Seasons seem to change quickly here. The transition from summer to fall typically takes just a few days. Last year, we’ve had a pretty unusual fall in New York with October almost feeling like summer. Officially though, we are talking about September, October, and November when referring to fall in New York. If you like, you can check out activities and events for each individual month. This fall, temperatures are expected to be slightly higher than usual.
Here’s an overview of the temperatures you can expect during fall in NYC:
Month | 🌡 Monthly Avg DAY | 🌡 Monthly Avg NIGHT | ☀️ Sunshine | 🌧 Rainfall days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
September | 77°F / 25°C | 63°F / 17°C | 8 hours daily | 9 days |
October | 64°F / 18°C | 50°F / 10°C | 7 hours daily | 7 days |
November | 50°F / 10°C | 37°F / 3°C | 8 hours daily | 6 days |
FAQ
FAQ
What should I wear in New York in the fall?
In the fall, temperatures can vary quite a bit. Until November you can expect mild temperatures, so a light jacket should be enough. As we approach November, however, be sure to bring warm clothes! It’s not uncommon for the Northeast to face winter storms. At the end of November, around Thanksgiving, you will surely already need a winter jacket.
What are the fall months in New York?
September, October and November are the fall months in New York. Especially the second half of November very often already feels like winter while the first half of September is very often still quite warm and feels more like summer. Officially it is three months, but in fact it is often only October that is a true autumn month.
Where should I go in the fall in NYC?
There are many beautiful places where you can enjoy autumn in New York. Our favorite places are Central Park, Prospect Park and the High Line. But the observation decks atop Rockefeller Center and One Vanderbilt are also great in the fall, when you can see the autumn colors of Central Park from above!
Is it fall in NYC?
The fall in NYC is much shorter as you might expect it: until the 3rd week in October it is still warm and you can do a lot outside. But from mid-November on the temperatures drop a lot so it feels much more like Winter then Fall. There is just one month that is 100% autumn-like: the October!
Where should I go in October in NYC?
New York City in October is just awesome – we put a list of more than 40 Amazing Things to Do in October in NYC together. You have so many great places to go in NYC in October! When you are looking for the best spots to enjoy the fall foliage check out our article about Fall Foliage in NYC.
Does NYC have all 4 seasons?
Hm, tricky question! The official answer is YES (why not?!?) – BUT: the period where the weather and temperatures match your idea of spring and autumn is much shorter than in other parts of the country.
Usually the mid-April till mid-May is the best time to enjoy the spring, October is the best month for autumn in NYC!
Does it snow in New York City in October?
Usually it does not snow in New York City in October. But you never know! And yes: it is very likely to snow in November! It is always a good idea to check the weather forecast before your trip to NYC!
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