Ultimate Guide to Spring in New York: Must-See Spots & Things to Do

Stephanie Escuadro

Last updated 21 Mar 2024

New York in Spring

Ultimate Guide to Spring in New York: Must-See Spots & Things to Do

Visiting New York in the spring? When you're in town for spring, you'll have to buckle up for a season filled with amazing weather, cherry blossoms, and springtime-only events. But with so many things to do and places to see, you might be thinking, "How exactly am I going to maximise my time in New York during spring?"

Well, luckily, this guide will direct you to the highlights of spring in New York to make sure you won’t miss out on the city’s vibrant transition from winter’s end to the bloom of a new season.

When is Spring Season in New York?

Spring in New York usually begins with the vernal equinox on March 21st and continues until June 20th. During this period, New Yorkers experience gradually rising temperatures:

April temperatures range from 44 to 61°F
May temperatures range from 54 to 70°F
June temperatures range from 63 to 79°F

As New York transitions from winter to spring, fresh green leaves sprout on bare trees, and parks explode with colour from blooming flowers, heralding the start of a new season. It makes it, arguably, the best season to visit New York.

From Central Park to NYC parks scattered across the city, New York becomes a canvas of vibrant hues that almost rivals the artworks at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Spring attracts New Yorkers and tourists alike to enjoy the spring events and just take in the beauty of nature. You can also look forward to some of the most popular spring events in New York:

Cherry Blossom Festival in Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Macy’s Flower Show
Tribeca Film Festival
Shakespeare in the Park
Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival

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What to Expect During Spring in New York

Entering New York during spring, you’ll find a city brimming with energy, especially during early spring when they've just come out of a dry and cold winter. The warm weather tends to vary between mild and warm, with occasional rain showers adding to the charm of the season.

The warmer weather is definitely a welcome relief to New Yorkers after the winter chill, making it the perfect time to explore the city while basking in the spring sun. In fact, keeping an eye on the New York weather forecast can help you plan your outdoor activities accordingly.

The blooming flowers, especially the cherry blossoms, become the city’s star attractions, painting the city with their delicate hues. Central Park and the Hudson River become popular spots not just for their scenic beauty but also for the spring events held there. Be sure to dress in layers and carry an umbrella, as the weather can be unpredictable.

Places to See in Spring in New York

If you’re wondering where to soak up the spring atmosphere in New York, you’re in for a treat! The city is home to numerous parks and neighbourhoods that offer a visual spectacle of blossoming flowers and greenery. You'll definitely be taking a tonne of photos around the city, so don't forget to pack your camera for New York spring.

From the famous Central Park to the trendy neighbourhood of Soho, each place offers a unique experience and a chance to see the city in a different light during the spring.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

If you've never experienced cherry blossoms in spring, you can definitely catch these trees in bloom at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, which becomes a major attraction during spring. The garden features a variety of cherry blossoms, including the early-blooming Weeping Higan trees with pink blossoms and the mid-season single-blossom Yoshino cherries, celebrated in Japan.

From late March to early May, visitors throng the Brooklyn Botanical Garden to witness these trees in full bloom. The vibrant flowers create an idyllic backdrop for picnics, tranquil walks, or simply relaxing amidst nature’s splendour. Whether you’re a nature lover or a photography enthusiast, the botanical gardens are a must-visit spot during spring in New York.

Central Park

No springtime visit to New York is complete without experiencing Central Park, where cherry blossoms steal the spotlight. These beautiful trees, blooming between 72nd Street and 96th Street, provide a picturesque backdrop for visitors, with the highest concentrations around the Reservoir, Cherry Hill, Pilgrim Hill, the Great Lawn, and Cedar Hill.

From early to mid-April, the Yoshino Cherry Trees, a gift from Japan in 1912, begin to bloom, painting the park with their delicate light pink flowers. Following the Yoshino blossoms, the Kwanzan cherry trees, known for their distinctive double-petal pink flowers, begin their bloom in early May, adding another layer of beauty to the park.

Central Park, with its serene environment and vibrant cherry blossoms, is the perfect place to experience spring in New York.

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Hudson River Park

Little Island in Hudson River Park presents another stunning spectacle of New York in spring. This park greets visitors with a gorgeous display of Akebono Yoshino cherry trees, perfect for a springtime stroll or a peaceful picnic amidst the blossoms.

The scenic beauty of the Hudson River and the blooming cherry trees combine to create a tranquil atmosphere that’s hard to resist.

Soho

Soho, New York’s fashionable district, is also a must-see in the spring and a staple for things to do in Tribeca. This busy area offers a variety of activities, including strolling past outdoor art installations, which are free and found throughout the neighbourhood in parks, sidewalks, and buildings.

One of the highlights in Soho during spring is the “Color Factory” immersive art experience, featuring interactive installations like the Central Park Confetti Room with pink cherry blossoms. You can also explore “The End of Fossil Fuel,” a pop-up from the NYC Climate Museum, or enjoy a variety show at Music Inn World Instruments, Soho’s oldest continuously running music and record store.

With a vibrant arts scene and unique experiences, Soho is the perfect place to enjoy a spring day in New York.

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Little Chinatown

For a unique cultural experience in New York during the spring, Little Chinatown is the place to be. The streets and shops of this vibrant neighbourhood are decorated with colourful decorations that reflect the season.

You can also eat your heart out in authentic Asian cuisine, with traditional dishes and seasonal specials that celebrate spring.

If you don't have a car rental when you go to Little Chinatown, definitely consider biking in New York. Apart from being incredibly convenient for you to get around, it'll also give you more opportunities to take in the scenic views of New York, compared to taking the subway.

Statue of Liberty

A visit to the iconic Statue of Liberty is a must on any New York itinerary. This symbol of freedom and democracy is a must-visit landmark during the spring. You won't only have stunning views of the statue but also enjoy a unique view of the New York skyline.

All ferry tickets to the Statue of Liberty include access to the Statue of Liberty Museum and the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. But, tickets for pedestal or crown access are limited and must be reserved through the official ticket seller, Statue City Cruises.

Get your tickets to the Statue of Liberty before they run out!

Hudson Yards

Hudson Yards, a modern marvel, is another must-see during the spring in New York. This lively destination has a tonne of places for you to explore, like boutiques and restaurants that cater to a wide range of tastes.

What's unique about the Hudson Yards is the Vessel. It's an architectural marvel and popular attraction that gives you a unique perspective of the city from its interconnected staircases and platforms. If you're on a hop-on hop-off bus tour, this'll be definitely something to watch out for.

Whether you’re a shopaholic, a foodie, or an architecture enthusiast, Hudson Yards has something for everyone.

Experience New York unlike any other with this hop on hop off bus tour

Greenwich Village

With its tree-lined streets, historic brownstones, and cosy cafes, Greenwich Village is a must-explore area in New York during the spring. The neighbourhood’s vibrant atmosphere is further enhanced by its diverse cultural scene, featuring galleries, theatres, and live music venues that come alive in the spring.

The cherry blossom trees in Greenwich Village create a stunning visual contrast against the neighbourhood’s brownstones, townhouses, and historic landmarks.

Nearby Little Island, a floating park on the Hudson River, is a great springtime destination offering unique architecture, greenery, and an amphitheatre with free shows. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or just a casual visitor, the charm of Greenwich Village is sure to leave you spellbound.

Explore the home of counterculture, Greenwich Village

Things to do in New York for Spring

As the city transforms into a vibrant spectacle during spring, a multitude of activities and events await in New York. From visiting the parks adorned with blooming flowers to exploring the neighbourhoods teeming with life, spring in New York offers myriad experiences for visitors of all ages.

Spring is also the season for a host of cultural and sporting events in the city. You could enjoy:

a performance of Shakespeare in the Park
explore the Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden
catch a New York Mets game
festivals like the St. Patrick’s Parade, the New York International Auto Show, and open-air night markets

Whether you’re a nature lover wanting to admire the cherry blossoms, a sports enthusiast looking to catch a game, or a culture vulture keen to attend a festival, spring in New York has something for everyone. So, put on your walking shoes, grab your camera, and set out to explore the city in all its springtime glory.

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Where Can You See Cherry Blossoms in New York?

The bloom of cherry blossoms is among the most captivating sights in New York during spring. These delicate flowers, with their soft pink hues, paint the city with a dreamy charm, offering a visual spectacle that’s hard to miss. From the famed Brooklyn Botanic Garden to the picturesque Central Park, cherry blossoms can be seen in various locations throughout the city, including the annual Macy’s Flower Show.

Apart from these popular spots, cherry blossoms can also be enjoyed at lesser-known locations like:

Sakura Park in Manhattan
Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens
Wave Hill in the Bronx
Sunset Park in Brooklyn
Conference House Park in Staten Island
Marcus Garvey Park in Manhattan
Prospect Park in Brooklyn

So, whether you’re in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, or Staten Island, you’re never too far from a cherry blossom viewing spot in New York City.

New York in spring is a symphony of colours, sounds, and experiences that can captivate even frequent New York travellers. Whether you’re exploring the trendy neighbourhoods, soaking up the atmosphere of the bustling streets, or simply unwinding in a tranquil park, spring in New York offers a unique experience that’s hard to forget.