The city of New York needs no introduction. If there was one city in the entire world that has made its way into every field of human interest, it is New York City. The Big Apple is a city for art lovers and history aficionados, with its numerous galleries, exhibitions, and museums. It is a melting pot of every culture that exists on earth. New York celebrates diversity as much as it revels in its quintessential American-ness. It sits at the pinnacle of urban culture. If you're heading to the Big Apple towards the end of this Summer, you are assured one of the best experiences of your life.
What Makes New York in September Special?
If you want to roam around the empty lanes of New York during your vacation, your best bet would be to conjure a dream! The Big Apple is never without visitors and locals. However, September is one of the quietest months given that schools are back in session at this time and tourists mostly trickle in by Halloween in October. The New Yorkers slip back into their routine lives and the weather is pleasantly mild. The city also comes out in celebrating a number of festivals in September - the Coney Island Film Festival and the German-American Steuben Parade being a couple you must attend. All in all, September makes for a great time to visit New York.
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
1
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
Daily: 6:00 AM to 1:00 AM
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 and geography 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
Daily: 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM (Memorial)
Sun – Thu: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Fri – Sat: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM (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
Daily: 8:00 AM - 12:30 AM
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
Daily: 11:30 AM onwards
New York, NY 10004, USA
Getting There ›
Recommended Statue of Liberty Experiences
5
Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art or “The Met” is the largest art museum in the United States. The museum displays works of art from around the world and almost every time period in the history of art is represented at the museum. The museum was originally opened in 1872 and was then located at 681 Fifth Avenue. The museum hosts exhibitions around the year and the reduced crowd in September might wor in your favour.
September Timings
Sunday – Thursday: 10 AM to 5:30 PM
Friday and Saturday: 10 AM to 9 PM
1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028, USA
Getting There ›
6
Circle Line NYC Landmarks Cruise
New York City is surrounded by the Upper Bay, Lower Bay, Hudson River, and the East River. It only makes sense to do a landmarks tour of New York via the water route. The Circle Line NYC Landmarks Cruise lets you board a luxurious boat and see the Big Apple essentials from a unique perspective. The complimentary audio guide will help you know more about each attraction that you see.
September Timings
Daily: 10 AM, 12 PM & 1.30 PM
Pier 83, West 42nd Street , New York City, USA
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.
September Timings
Guided Tours from NYC to Niagara Falls start at 4:00 AM and ends 19 hours hence
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 Pretty Woman: The Musical, Come From Away, Frozen, 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 ›
10
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
This would definitely be one of the most unique experience you are ever likely to encounter. It is a military and maritime history museum that is housed aboard the retired aircraft carrier, Intrepid. The museum is located at Pier 86 at 46th street. The artefact on display affords a deeper knowledge of the carrier and its journey. Take a guided tour for the best experience.
Septemeber Timings
Monday – Friday: 10 AM to 5 PM
Saturday, Sunday & Holidays: 10 AM to 6 PM
Pier 86, W 46th St, New York, NY 10036, USA
Getting There ›
New York in September : Events to Look Out For
U.S. Open 2020
31st August – 13 September 2020
One of the four grand slams that take place every year, U.S. Open is one of the most prestigious competitions in the calendar of the sport. The yearly event garners a lot of attention from global media given the glamour and fame associated with it. A great ensemble of international tennis superstars is set to appear in this year’s edition as well.
Oktoberfest
13th September – 20th October 2020
The original German event took place in October, but when the New Yorkers decided to have their own Oktoberfest, the brought it to the third week of September to avoid the chilly weather of October. The event kicks off a celebration in all five boroughs of New York which includes food and Bavarian beverages.
Coney Island Film Festival
11th –13th September 2020
The Coney Island Film Festival is a one of a kif film festival that sets up base every September in Coney Island. Not only are there film screenings, but you also get to experience an opening ceremony that is characterized by the free spirit of Coney Island. The festival is run by professionals, which makes it a thoroughly enjoyable affair.
New York Burlesque Festival
1st – 4th October 2020
New York has everything and the New York Burlesque Festival is proof of that. The four-day affair brings together over a hundred performers from around the world, making it an international event. The festival originated in 2003 and is mostly accompanied by live music and comedy performances.
Vendy Awards
TBA
Some call it the Oscars of street food. This is the first series of streetside food competition that has made inroads into the heart of New Yorkers in a very short time. It is basically like a cook-off where the people get to decide the winner. The nominees set up shop on the Governor’s Island and diners throng the place to get to a decision.
Feast of San Gennaro
17th – 27th September 2020
The 11-day event that takes place in Little Italy has been a part of New York’s tradition for close to 100 years. The event brings together nearly a million people each year. Games, live music, and a variety of food are what makes this event a recommended one in New York in September.
NYC in September : 5-day Itinerary
5-7 Days in New York Itinerary
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NYC September Essentials
LanguageEnglish
Time zoneGMT-4
Country Code917 | 212 | 718
Socket Type A & B
CurrencyDollar ($)
New York Weather in September
September is the time when the weather finally begins to become a little less obnoxious. The highs during the month hover around 25°C while the evenings produce lows of 17°C. The likelihood of rain reduces as the month progresses. The city gets about 9 hours of sunshine every day during the month. There is a mild breeze during September.
NYC Accommodation In September
With tourist footfall finally on the decline for the first time in the summer, you are more likely to find accommodations of your preference in New York. Do not expect discounts though. It is still too early for that. If you have your itinerary ready, you can even shortlist some hotels that are close to the attractions and within your budget. Either way, New York has accommodations to fit any specification so you shouldn’t have too tough a time.
- 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 departs, you will have to be even more careful and extensive with your packing. You must carry light breathable clothing for your days out in the New York sun. However, keep scarves hand as well. Heavy jackets probably won’t be required. Rains are likely for up to 10 days in September, so keep the umbrella and waterproof clothing handy. You may also want to have sunblock with you. If you are planning to do some walking around, you will need comfortable walking shoes as well.
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
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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!
