New York Travel Guide, News and Information

Important Things To Know

Currency

The currency in New York City is the US dollar.

Times Square, New York City, New York Times Square, Times Square summer, New York City summer

National Languages

The most commonly used language in New York is English.

Time Zone

New York switches between Eastern Standard Time (EST) and Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), thanks to their use of Daylight Savings Time.

EST is used roughly between November and March each year, and EDT is used for the rest of the year. There’s only an hour difference between the two. It allows for darkness to fall at a later time, so there are more daylight hours in your day.

Climate and Weather

The state of New York has a humid continental climate. This means there’s a large difference between the Summer and Winter temperatures.

New York is generally quite warm and sunny during the summer months between May and October. Winters are quite cold with snow being common in the interior areas of the state.

Precipitation is moderate and falls year-round, so you can expect some rain during both the summer and winter months.

When To Visit New York

Manhattan skyline from Brooklyn Bridge Park at sunset. (Photo via Missi / Flickr)

New York weather is best between the months of June and August, as these are the summer months. If you want to avoid crowds, head over in September. The weather is still great, as it’s the start of fall. Not too cold, not too warm, and the crowds have usually died down by this time of the year.

It can get pretty cold during the winter months, but if that’s your preference, we suggest you visit between December and February. There’s nothing like a white Christmas in New York!

Best Places To Stay In New York

PHOTO: Long Island, New York. (Photo via Getty Images Plus / iStock / ferrantraite)

The obvious choice is New York City in the Manhattan borough, but there are so many options in the state! Brooklyn is one of our favorite boroughs. It’s bustling with arts and culture and is a foodie’s dream. If you’re looking for the typical New York City experience, midtown Manhattan is the place to be.

If you’re looking for an affordable island, check out Long Island City in Queens. It’s a great option for budget travelers, having affordable accommodation and dining options.