New York City is one of the world's largest cities, attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. Whether you"re visiting New York during the peak of summer or the dead of winter, there are always things to do throughout the city. Even if you travel to New York during the winter, the reliable train and subway system makes it possible to get around.

If you"re visiting New York to take in sporting events or concerts, there is no best time to visit NYC. New York events are going on all year round. Madison Square Garden hosts concerts and performances, while sports fans can always catch a game at Shea Stadium or Yankee Stadium.

If you"re visiting cultural attractions and museums, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Statue of Liberty, you also don"t need to worry about when the best time to visit New York City is. Most museums are open almost every day, accommodating guests during the off season and the prime tourism season.

When deciding when to go to New York City, keep in mind that winters can be quite cold and snowy—especially in January and February when temperatures can hit 20 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Although the city plows the streets and clears ice off of sidewalks promptly, the streets and sidewalks can turn into a slushy mess. Even though the city is coldest in January and February, theater fans often regard these months as the best time to visit NYC. If you want last minute tickets for Broadway shows, the best time to visit New York is in January and February when attendance is at its lowest.

If you don"t mind the heat, the best time to visit New York City is during the summer. Most years between mid-July and mid-August, temperatures soar to 90 degrees Fahrenheit or more and stay that way for up to two weeks. Although many people are put off by the hot weather, others find refuge in free outdoor concerts in Central Park or indoor shopping centers.

If you"re sensitive to the temperature and you"re trying to decide when to go to New York City, the best time to visit New York is from September to November and from April to June, when the temperatures are mild. April is often considered the best time to visit NYC because the flowers are in full bloom and the residents of New York are celebrating the onset of warmer temperatures. With the leaves changing color, October is a beautiful time to visit Central Park.

Many people feel that Christmas is the best time to visit New York City. With a dazzling oversized Christmas tree and an ice skating rink, Rockefeller Center is the center of the holiday excitement. The holiday spirit can also be captured with a stroll down 5th Avenue, New York City's upscale shopping street. Perhaps the best known event in New York is the annual New Year's Eve ball dropping event in Times Square. This event is attended by thousands of people worldwide. If your vacation plans include a visit to the Ball Drop at Times Square, be sure to arrive several hours early. With heightened security measures in New York, the process of getting into the Times Square area for the event is lengthy.

Deciding when to go to New York City can be a challenge. With a great variety of events and attractions occurring 365 days a year, the best time to visit New York depends on what your itinerary is. Most visitors find they can take New York vacations any time of year and have a great time.