The city of New York needs no introduction. It stands as a beacon of human achievement across all spheres of interest. Boasting an array of galleries, exhibitions, and museums, the Big Apple entices art lovers and history buffs alike. Its streets are a mosaic of cultures from around the globe, celebrating diversity while embracing its distinct American identity. At the forefront of urban culture, a visit to New York City promises an unforgettable experience, particularly as summer draws to a close..
What makes New York in September special?
If you're yearning for a leisurely stroll through the deserted streets of New York on your vacation, your best bet might be to imagine it as a dream! The Big Apple is typically bustling with visitors and locals alike. However, September tends to be one of the quieter months, as schools are back in session and tourism starts to pick up closer to Halloween in October. New Yorkers settle back into their daily routines, and the weather is typically mild and pleasant. Additionally, the city hosts several festivals in September, including the Coney Island Film Festival and the German-American Steuben Parade, which are definitely worth experiencing. Overall, September offers a wonderful opportunity to explore New York City with fewer crowds and enjoyable events.
New York weather in September
September is the last month of summer in New York. With the current global climate change trend, September begins in an uncomfortably humid fashion but keeps getting milder as the month rolls on. A gentle autumn breeze can be felt towards the end of the month.
New York in September: Top experiences
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Central Park
This large swathe of greenery in the middle of midtown Manhattan is what defines the topographical identity of New York. Central Park has featured majorly in numerous Hollywood productions. Irrespective of the month, Central Park is a wonderful place to visit in New York. If you can talk to the locals, you may even be able to find one f the many events that go on within the park throughout the year.
September Timings
Open daily from 6am to 1am
New York, NY, USA
Getting There ›
2
9/11 Memorial & Museum
The tragic events that unfolded close to two decades ago have left an indelible mark on the history of New York. The 9/11 Memorial honours the 2977 victims of the unfortunate incident at the very spot where the World Trade Center once stood. The museum pays homage to the lives of the victims and how the world has was affected by the attack.
September Timings
Open daily from 8am to 8pm (Memorial)
Wednesday to Monday & select Tuesdays: 9am to 7pm (Memorial Museum)
Z180 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10007, USA
Getting There ›
3
Top of the Rock
As the humidity goes down in September, the visibility becomes ideal for a trip to some of the famous observation decks of the city. Top of the Rock is cruise ship-shaped observation deck situated at the top of Rockefeller Center. An evening at Top of the Rock will afford you an astonishing view of the New York skyline. Additionally, it lies in close proximity to numerous other tourist hotspots.
September Timings
Open daily from 9am to 12am
30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112, USA
Getting There ›
4
Statue of Liberty
This is another spot that not only represents New York but also the entire nation. Named the National Monument in 1924, the Statue of Liberty greets you every time you enter the Upper Bay. You can head to the Liberty Island and marvel at the grandeur of this structure. The Museum offers an in-depth view of the structure and its history. You might find shorter waiting lines during September at the Statue of Liberty.
September Timings
Open daily from 9am to 6:30pm
New York, NY 10004, USA
Getting There ›
5
Summit One Vanderbilt
Summit One Vanderbilt stands as an architectural marvel in the heart of Manhattan. Soaring high above the iconic Grand Central Terminal, this sky-high observatory offers breathtaking views of New York City's skyline. With innovative design and interactive exhibits, it provides an immersive experience, connecting visitors with the city's history, culture, and unparalleled urban beauty.
September Timings
Open daily from 9am to 12am (Last admission at 10:30pm)
45 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017, United States
Getting There ›
6
The Museum of Modern Art
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is a global art institution situated in New York City. Renowned for its extensive collection of modern and contemporary masterpieces, it showcases groundbreaking works in various mediums, from painting and sculpture to film and design. MoMA serves as a hub for artistic inspiration, fostering a deeper understanding of the ever-evolving landscape of modern art.
September Timings
Open daily from 10:30am to 5:30pm
11 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019, United States
Getting There ›
7
Day Trip to Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is another one of USA’s major attractions and it is situated about 6 hours from New York. Take a day trip to this natural wonder leaving the big city hustle and bustle behind. The entire trip takes a total of 19 hours and includes commute charges. Once you reach there, you can take a stroll through the Niagara Falls State Park as well.
New York, USA
Getting There ›
8
Broadway Shows
Every time you visit New York, irrespective of the reason for the visit, try to take some time out for a Broadway show. New York’s full palette of cultural and artistic diversity is on display at the Broadway. This September, you will have the option to choose from a wide array of musicals including Aladdin, The Lion King, and The Office: A Musical Parody.
September Timings
Timings vary depending on the show & availability
Theater District
New York, NY, USA
Getting There ›
9
Empire State Building
The Empire State Building, an iconic symbol of New York City, stands tall in the Manhattan skyline. With its Art Deco architecture, the building has enthralled visitors for decades. Offering panoramic views from its observation decks, it provides a breathtaking look at the city. This architectural wonder captures the essence of the city's history, ambition, and enduring charm.
September Timings
Open daily from 10am to 11pm
20 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001, United States
Getting There ›
New York in September: Events to look out for
U.S. Open 2024
September 8, 2024
Catch the thrilling finals of the U.S. Open on September 8th! The best tennis players in the world will battle it out on the courts for the ultimate glory. Whether you're a die-hard tennis fan or just love the excitement of a big sporting event, the U.S. Open is a must-see. Grab your tickets and be part of the action as champions are crowned!
Usher - Live
September 6-7, 2024
Get ready to groove as Usher takes the stage in NYC for two nights of electrifying performances! Known for his killer dance moves and party hits, Usher will have you dancing and singing along to hits like "Yeah!" and "U Got It Bad." It's the perfect way to kick off your September, so grab your friends and get ready for a night to remember!
New York Film Festival
September 27-October 13, 2024
The New York Film Festival is a cinematic extravaganza showcasing a curated selection of groundbreaking films. Held in the heart of NYC, the festival gathers filmmakers, enthusiasts, and critics to celebrate the art of storytelling on screen. It's a premier event that offers an immersive journey into the world of cinema.
Oktobefest
September 21-October 6, 2024
Prost! Oktoberfest is back in NYC, bringing all the Bavarian fun to the city on September 21st and October 6th. Enjoy traditional German beers, delicious bratwursts, and pretzels the size of your head. With lively music, dancing, and festive vibes, it's the ultimate way to celebrate the start of fall. Dust off your lederhosen and join the party!
New York in September: 5-day itinerary
5-7 Days in New York Itinerary
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New York September essentials
New York Weather in September
In September, the weather starts to ease up, becoming more pleasant. Daytime temperatures typically reach around 25°C, while nights cool down to about 17°C. Rainfall becomes less frequent as the month goes on, and the city enjoys an average of 9 hours of sunshine per day. A gentle breeze adds to the overall mildness of September.
NYC Accommodation In September
As summer sees a decrease in tourist numbers for the first time, you'll have better luck securing your preferred accommodations in New York. However, don't anticipate discounts just yet—it's still too early for that. If your itinerary is set, consider narrowing down hotels near attractions that suit your budget. Rest assured, New York offers lodging to match any criteria, making your search relatively hassle-free.
- Luxury - The Whitby Hotel, The Towers at Lotte New York Palace, Crosby Street Hotel
- Mid-Range - Library Hotel by Library Hotel Collection, The Sherry-Netherland Hotel, The Langham New York Fifth Avenue
- Budget - Hotel 50 Bowery NYC, NobleDEN Hotel, EVEN Hotel Times Square South
NYC Packing List September
As the warm weather fades away, it's crucial to ramp up your packing efforts. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for New York's sunny days. Don't forget to bring scarves for added warmth. Heavy jackets may not be necessary. Expect rain on approximately 10 days in September, so be sure to have an umbrella and waterproof gear ready. Sunblock is essential for outdoor activities. Comfortable walking shoes are a must if you plan to explore on foot.
Getting Around New York in September
New York is notorious for the amount of traffic its systems have to handle. So make sure you do not try to figure things out on the fly and have some knowledge beforehand. New York has an elaborate public transport network. The MTA has, over time, managed to sufficiently tie the five boroughs together. The fastest way of getting anywhere would be the subway. You may also opt for buses, which are economical, but a tad slower. Cabs are available aplenty in New York, but the travel time will depend on the traffic situation. If you want sightseeing coupled with transportation, take the ferries.
Read more about public transportation in New York and learn how to travel around the city like a local!
New York in September: Seasonal delicacies
New York has had a significantly large Jewish population. This population has shaped the history of the city, and apparently, its cuisine too. The bagel is a Jewish creation that is a staple in New York. It is basically a bread that is shaped by hand and then baked. It is crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside.
Where to eat: Russ & Daughters
The classic New York street meat has earned quite a reputation for itself. While the name itself may raise a few concerns regarding the nutritional values of the dish, we recommend that commit a little sin and give this a go. Meat over rice has roasted meat served with gravy and fragrant basmati rice.
Where to eat: The Halal Guys
At times, you just need a food item that can do it all. The BEC is that food item. It can satisfy your hunger, it is delicious, and it is an effective hangover cure (which you should need when in New York). The BEC stands for Bacon, Egg, and Cheese sandwich which gives away the ingredients used in its preparation.
Where to eat: Sarge’s Delicatessen & Diner
Cheesecake is famous around the world. But New York has found out a way of putting its own spin on this classic as well. The New York Cheesecake replaces the crumble base with a thin, flavoured sponge and has a generous amount of fruit puree to of with the cheesecake itself.
Where to eat: Junior’s
The Chocolate Chip Cookie has been adopted by the entire world. Which is why New York has a put a little twist in its own version of it. Apart from the crunchy exterior with embedded chocolate chip, the New York version has gooey chocolate or caramel interior that just adds to the texture and taste.
Where to eat: Levain Bakery
Tips for visiting New York in September
- Get your flight tickets well in advance to stand a chance of availing a cut-price deal as yearly trends show that September sees a drop in visitors.
- Avoid heading to the chain restaurant outlets during September as it is still somewhat the high season and the quality of food is likely to be poor.
- Take public transport whenever possible despite the September crowd as walking everywhere might not be the best idea if you need your feet to work for another day.
- Don’t bother to visit Times Square during the day. An evening visit will be much better weather-wise.
- Go to The Big Chocolate Show to experience an event which features demonstrations, workshops, and tastings by chocolatiers from around the world.
Discover New York through the year
Planning to visit New York in September?
For more fun things to do in NYC, check out our detailed guides and plan your trip better!