January and February are cheapest, and coldest
Once the New Year crowds leave, hotel rates fall further than at any other point in the year. It is genuinely cold, often below freezing, and you need proper layers rather than a British winter coat. If you would rather spend the money on a better hotel or on shows than on the season, this is the window.
April to June is the classic city-break window
Mild, long days, the parks come back to life and everything is open. It is also busy and priced accordingly. NoMad, Flatiron and the Upper West Side work well here because you can walk without either freezing or wilting.
July and August are hot, humid and sometimes cheaper
New York in high summer is genuinely humid in a way that surprises British visitors, and the subway platforms are worse than the street. Some rates soften as business travel drops. Prioritise air conditioning, a hotel you are happy to retreat to in the afternoon, and a pool if the budget stretches.
September to early December is the strongest season
Crisp air, clear light and the city at its best. Rates know it. Book earlier than you think for boutique hotels, and check whether your dates collide with a marathon, a fashion week or a major convention before committing.
The dates to watch
Thanksgiving falls on the fourth Thursday in November and the whole week is busy. December weekends and the run to New Year are the most expensive nights of the year, and the New York Marathon takes over the first Sunday in November. None of these are reasons not to come, but none of them are accidents to stumble into either.
Hotel mini reviews
Shortlist these hotels first.
Riu Plaza New York Times Square
- Best for
- Broadway, first trips, simple sightseeing logistics
- Avoid if
- You want quiet residential streets or boutique character.
- Nearest subway
- Times Square-42 St / 50 St area
- Booking notes
- Useful for theatre-heavy trips; compare final totals because central hotels can add fees and deposits.
The Knickerbocker
- Best for
- Central luxury, Broadway trips, architecture and history
- Avoid if
- You want quiet streets, large family rooms or strong value for money.
- Nearest subway
- Times Square-42 St and 42 St-Bryant Park, both a few minutes on foot
- Booking notes
- Room category matters here: rooms facing 42nd Street get the most street noise. Check whether breakfast is included before comparing the total against nearby hotels.
Hotel Belleclaire
- Best for
- Value, families, history and architecture, longer stays
- Avoid if
- You want luxury finishes or a Midtown base.
- Nearest subway
- 79 St on the 1, and 81 St-Museum of Natural History on the B and C
- Booking notes
- This is a historic building, so room sizes and layouts vary considerably. Check the specific category and recent photographs rather than booking on the landmark status alone.
Fast answers
Questions UK travellers ask before booking.
What is the cheapest month to visit New York?
January and February, once the New Year period is over. Expect genuine cold, often below freezing, and pack accordingly. The saving on hotels is usually the largest of the year.
When is New York most expensive?
December weekends and the week between Christmas and New Year, followed by Thanksgiving week and the autumn peak from late September. Book cancellable rooms early for those dates.
Is New York too hot in August?
It is hot and humid, more so than most British visitors expect, and the subway is uncomfortable. It is manageable with a hotel you can retreat to in the afternoon, and rates can be softer than in spring or autumn.
How far ahead should I book a New York hotel?
For December, Thanksgiving and the autumn peak, as early as you can with a cancellable rate, then re-check nearer the time. For January and February you can usually leave it later and still do well.
Sources and update notes
Last updated: 17 August 2026. Hotel rates, fees, rules and transport details can change.