New York November — Macy's parade on a crisp autumn morning

New York · USA

November

Macy's Thanksgiving parade is spectacular — but the holiday crowds and prices follow.

Strong option

#7 of 12 months

There are better months for New York — see the full ranking below.

See when to go instead →

Climate

High

11°C

Low

4.8°C

Rain

96mm

Sun

5.6hrs/day

30-year climate normals · Open Meteo ERA5

How November scores in New York

Weather
Above average
Value
Good
Crowds
Above average
Events
Very good
Atmosphere
Very good

What you gain in November

  • Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (fourth Thursday): the world's most famous — Broadway performers, giant balloons
  • NYC Marathon (first Sunday): witnessing 50,000 runners crossing the five boroughs is remarkable
  • Holiday season launches: Rockefeller Center tree arrives, ice rinks open

What you sacrifice

  • Thanksgiving week sees significant domestic travel surge: prices spike sharply
  • Getting cold: 4°C overnight means proper winter kit needed
  • Black Friday weekend makes midtown shopping areas genuinely difficult to navigate

How November compares to October (best month)

FactorNovemberOctober
Weather
5
9
Value
6
5
Crowds
5
4

November in other destinations

Climate data: 30-year normals (1991–2020) from Open Meteo ERA5 reanalysis. Scores compare months within New York, not across destinations. Methodology →