[Updated August 29, 2023] The approach of fall in New York City is a time to savor. For me, the chillier nights and cooler days mean I can finally switch off the air conditioner, whose droning noise and artificial air I’ve grown sick to death of over the summer.
For visitors, there are fewer crowds at tourist destinations, and while temperatures do drop significantly as the season progresses, you’ll enjoy some of the most pleasant weather of the year.
Autumn in NYC is the perfect time to take long city walks, go leaf-peeping in public parks and gardens, and take part in the many special festivals and events of the season.
When is Fall in New York City?
This year, fall officially lasts from September 23-December 22. Unofficially, Labor Day, which always takes place on the first Monday of September, is the end of the summer season as we know it. Kids return to school, public pools and beaches are no longer lifeguarded, and—like clockwork—caffeine junkies replace their iced coffees with hot, spiced beverages.
If your idea of autumn is going in search of leaves transitioning to brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red, those autumn dates are a little harder to pin down. In 2022, NYC saw its leaves begin to change in mid-October. We reached peak fall colors around November 10.
To keep track of the progression of fall foliage in New York City (and around New York State), I highly recommend checking I Love NY’s Fall Foliage report regularly. And while fall technically ends in late December, the Christmas season in NYC arrives in full force in late November, with holiday windows, elaborate trees, and Christmas-themed bars popping up all over the city.
What is the Weather Like in New York City in the Fall?
New York offers some of its best weather in the fall. Generally, expect summer-like temperatures in early to mid-September and a gradual cooling off as the month progresses.
October usually brings a pleasant chill, though there can be some days with cold biting winds and nasty rain.
Think of November as a farewell to fall and an introduction to winter at the same time. Days may be warm and sunny or cold and windy or anything in between. Snow is rare but not unheard of. Below are average fall temperatures in NYC.
- September: Average high: 76F (24C). Average low: 61F (16).
- October: Average high: 64F (18C). Average low: 50F (10).
- November: Average high: 55F (13). Average low: 42F (5.5C).
Note these are average temperatures. Fall days can be very hot or very cold and while the rainiest month in NYC is April, fall brings some rainy days that will chill you to the bone if you’re not prepared.
Read on for 14 ideas for enjoying the magic of New York City in the fall!
14 Things to Do in New York City in the Fall
1. Honor a Saint and Feast on Italian Food
Ahh, the Feast of San Gennaro, when the aroma of sausage and peppers floats through the streets of Little Italy and festival-goers fill up on zeppoli, cannoli, and other favorite Italian dishes.
Now in its 97th year, the Feast of San Gennaro is a sure sign that fall in NYC has begun.
The tradition of honoring San Gennaro, the patron saint of Naples, Italy, came to the United States via Neapolitan immigrants who settled in Lower Manhattan in droves at the turn of the 19th century.
In 1926, the first one-day block party was held to honor San Gennaro, whom the faithful pray to for protection from earthquakes, droughts, and the fury of Mt. Vesuvius.
Nearly a century later, that block party has transformed into the Feast of San Gennaro, a beloved New York City celebration jam-packed with live music, a parade, and mouthwatering Italian food so good you’ll want to return for all ten days of the festival!
This year, the Grand Procession takes place on Saturday, September 16 from 2-4 p.m. The 2023 Grand Marshall is actress Kathrine Narducci. Special guests, including the NYC mayor, often make appearances during the parade. The beloved Statue of San Gennaro concludes the procession.
In addition to live music, be sure to catch at least one of the many eating competitions to see who can put away the most cannoli, zeppole, pizza, and meatballs.
- Dates: September 14-24, 2023. Festivities officially kick off Thursday (9/15) at 6 p.m. with the Blessing of the Stands. Check website for time and date of all events.
- Location: Little Italy with the main thoroughfare on Mulberry Street between Canal and Houston.
2. Paddle a Kayak on the Hudson River
Stretch out your summer just a little longer with some free kayaking!
In general, the kayaking season in New York concludes around Labor Day but you can still find a couple of boathouses open until October.
- Downtown Boathouse at Pier 26 in Hudson River Park offers free kayaking on weekends and holidays from May 27-October 9, 2023.
- Manhattan Community Boathouse at Pier 96, also in Hudson River Park, offers free kayaking on weekends from June 3-October 8, 2023. Weekday hours vary.
3. Raise a Stein at Oktoberfest
The autumn season is made for drinking German-style beer and Watermark, the waterfront restaurant and bar at Pier 15 on South Street, celebrates for a full six weeks!
Head to the historic Seaport in Lower Manhattan for steins of German beer, and favorite Oktoberfest dishes like jumbo pretzels, brat sandwiches, and giant beer braised turkey legs.
The beer festival takes place every day from September 8-October 29, 2023. Reservations are required. 78 South Street, Pier 15, Manhattan
Several additional establishments are also celebrating Oktoberfest in New York City.
- Loreley Biergarten–Indoor and outdoor heated beer garden, rotating Oktoberfest craft beers, and 12 different kinds of sausages. September 14-October 31, 2023. 7 Rivington Street, Manhattan (Lower East Side)
- Black Forest Brooklyn-Weekend Oktoberfest celebrations take place at both Brooklyn locations and will include live German music, beer and food specials, and a mug holding competition. See website for price packages. September 16-October 21, 2023. Two Brooklyn locations: 733 Fulton Street (Fort Greene) & 181 Smith Street (Boerum Hill)
- Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden-A pig roast, live entertainment, and all-day drink specials. September 30-October 1, 2023. 29-19 24th Avenue, Queens (Astoria)
4. Get the Chills on a Local Ghost Tour
Kick off the spooky season with a ghost tour of a historic NYC neighborhood, famous landmark, or haunted house. Take one of several Spine-Tingling Ghost Tours in New York City, where local guides relay stories about spirit sightings on the subway, at a famous local pub, and even mid-performance at Broadway theaters.
An added benefit of taking a New York ghost tour is that they usually take place in some of the city’s most interesting neighborhoods and the tales you’ll hear are often related to famous people who once lived or spent time here. Taking a ghost tour is one of the best ways to hear about the historical places and people of New York, while being entertained–and often scared–at the same time!
5. Go Leaf Peeping in New York City Parks
One of the most popular fall activities in NYC is seeking out and enjoying those brilliant changing leaves in the city’s glorious parks, where you can spot trees in every direction showing off radiant fall colors.
Read on for a few of best parks to check out fall foliage.
Central Park
It’s fine to simply walk aimlessly to witness the splendor of Central Park in the fall, however, there are a few places that are exceptionally scenic.
Head to the The Mall & Literary Walk, where you’ll stroll under a canopy of elm trees on a path lined with statues that honor writers, plus one that commemorates Women’s Rights. Next, check out the iconic Bow Bridge and see it surrounded by brilliant fall colors.
You can also wander on forest paths in the Ramble, a densely wooded area meant to resemble the Upstate New York wilderness. Wherever you wander, fall in Central Park is an absolute must-see spectacle!
At the Reservoir, the 106-acre body of water makes a dramatic backdrop for fall foliage in the city. Follow the 1.58-mile track around the Reservoir to see the landscape and skyline from different perspectives.
Tip: If you’re in New York for Halloween, check out the Halloween Pumpkin Flotilla, when dozens of jack-o-lanterns, lit with LED lights, are placed on the waters of the Harlem Meer to float about while giving off a spooky glow. This year, the event is on Thursday, October 26, 2023 from 6-7 p.m. The Harlem Meer is at the northeast corner of Central Park.
Prospect Park
Alluring tunnels, biking trails, hikes through the last indigenous forest in Brooklyn, and several cascades sourced from a single waterway come together to make Prospect Park a scenic landscape for viewing fall foliage in New York City. Bike rentals are available at the LeFrak Center at Lakeside. There are also horseback riding trails and a zoo in Prospect Park.
Combine your visit with a trip to the Brooklyn Museum and the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens.
Fort Tryon Park
Take in nature in Upper Manhattan as you wander the paths in Fort Tryon Park, where the autumn leaves provide a backdrop to Hudson River views, including the Palisades and the George Washington Bridge. Combine this with a visit to the Met Cloisters (located in the park) to make a day of it!
Inwood Hill Park
In Inwood, a little farther north of Fort Tryon Park, you’ll find Inwood Hill Park, where nature-lovers can follow colored markers along designated hiking trails dense enough to make you forget you’re in New York City!
Once you’ve worked up appetite, check out the awesome offering of local restaurants!
Van Cortlandt Park
Head to the end of the 1 train in the Bronx and witness NYC fall foliage in a park that’s larger than Central Park, is the site of the first public golf course in the nation, and contains many meandering walking trails through a forest environment.
Combine it with a visit to Van Cortlandt Manor, which is the oldest house in the Bronx (b. 1748-1749) and is located inside the park.
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5. Take a Self-Guided Walk to Iconic Landmarks
On a nice New York City fall day, I could wander for hours, breathing cool air, marveling at the clear skies the season ushers in, and soaking in the sunshine so I can store up warmth to face the coming winter!
In the fall, skyscrapers sparkle a little brighter, landmarks are at their most picturesque, and of course, scenes of vivid fall foliage pop up everywhere.
If you love taking long walks with no real goals in mind, here are a few casual walks we love. Click on the links for my blog posts about each one.
The High Line
Constructed from a former freight rail line, this elevated public park now features natural and landscaped gardens, tons of seating areas, public works of art, and a bustling open-air food court from April-October.
The High Line offers lots of excellent lookout points with views of popular landmarks and down city streets. New buildings with unique architectural styles also line the 1.45-mile elevated walkway, which runs from the Meatpacking District to Hudson Yards on the west side of Manhattan.
Little Island and Hudson River Park
There’s a favorite walk we like to take when we have guests in town or just when we feel like taking a long walk along the river.
Typically, our walk begins at Little Island, the distinctly-shaped public park that hovers over the Hudson River at Pier 55. If you want an excellent photo spot for Little Island, head north just a few steps to the public rooftop at Pier 57.
After getting your fill of photos (and maybe grabbing a glass of wine at City Winery, also at Pier 57), continue walking south down Hudson River Park at a leisurely pace, stopping to sit on a bench, watch the boats go by, and generally enjoy the beautiful season.
Brooklyn Bridge and Dumbo
The best way to experience one of the most impressive and stunning landmarks in New York City is by walking across it. From the Manhattan Bridge to the New York skyline to the Statue of Liberty in the harbor, you simply cannot beat the views you’ll find on this iconic walk.
To make a full day of it, walk from Manhattan to Brooklyn, then explore Dumbo, Brooklyn Bridge Park, and the Brooklyn Heights Promenade.
6. Enjoy Fall Colors at a Botanical Garden
While New York City parks are famously fabulous for their open green spaces and careful landscaping, the city’s botanical gardens take the concept of nature to a whole new level. The New York Botanical Garden alone features more than one million plants in specialty gardens spanning 250 acres.
Read more about the New York Botanical Garden, along with two other fabulous public gardens for discovering fall foliage in New York City.
New York Botanical Garden
When embarking on an autumn pilgrimage, leaf-peepers know to seek out woodsy areas. That’s what makes the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) ideal for viewing fall foliage in New York City.
NYBG is the largest urban botanical garden in the United States and the property’s dozens of specialty gardens make it a destination any time of year.
But in the fall, maple, oak, beech, and many more trees turn into a kaleidoscope of colors. The Thain Family Forest is especially magical. This is where you’ll witness an old-growth forest with soaring trees that date back to the days of the American Revolution.
On an autumn visit, you can also stroll along a path lined with scarecrows, see a massive display of pumpkins and decorative gourds, and attend talks and tastings related to quintessential fall flavors like maple syrup and pumpkin spice.
Visitors can also attend special autumn events. Join a guided Fall Foliage Tour, take part in a Pumpkin Carving Face-Off, and attend Pumpkin Parade Weekend, or Halloween at the Garden. 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Perhaps most well-known for the springtime Cherry Esplanade, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG) is another wonderful destination for discovering the glory of fall in New York City. To witness the palette of colors, visitors can simply wander around the garden’s 52-acre property, but be sure not to miss the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, where, at peak foliage, you’ll see 20-foot maple trees dressed in their best autumn hues.
Another pleasant garden for viewing fall foliage is the Native Flora Garden, where some of BBG’s oldest trees reside. On select days of the week, visitors can also take a guided Seasonal Highlights Tour so as not to miss a moment of the spectacular autumn scenery.
TIP: To make a day of it, pair the Brooklyn Botanic Garden with a jaunt to Prospect Park and/or a visit to the Brooklyn Museum. 990 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn
Wave Hill Public Garden & Culture Center
This public garden in the Bronx, while much smaller than the the New York Botanical Garden, boasts incredible Hudson River views and is a stunning venue for an afternoon of autumn wanderings.
Tip: Wave Hill is on my list of non-touristy places to visit in New York, if you’re looking for a destination that’s a bit off the beaten path. 4900 Independence Avenue, Bronx
7. Sip Wine Outside at a New York City Winery
I can think of fewer pleasant ways to pass a warm autumn afternoon than leisurely sipping wine from an outdoor terrace or rooftop, surrounded by fabulous New York City views.
In Hudson River Park, you’ll find two wineries with outdoor seating and scenic river views. City Winery is just a 2-minute walk from Little Island. Farther south, also in Hudson River Park, you’ll find their sister property, City Vineyard, with a nice big rooftop terrace.
Both wineries serve wine made locally and offer full food menus. City Winery: 25 11th Avenue (at 15th Street). City Vineyard: 233 West Street.
For another awesome outdoor winery, visit Rooftop Reds at Brooklyn Navy Yard. Rooftop Reds is unique in that they’re the only rooftop vineyard in NYC. See the vines growing all over their huge rooftop as you sip vino from the 20-25 cases produced from their grapes each year.
Wine that doesn’t come from their rooftop vines come from their partner winery in the Finger Lakes, Point of the Bluff Winery on Keuka Lake.
Note that reservations are required at Rooftop Reds and cost $15 per person, with wines on tap and flights available for purchase when you arrive.
Beer, cider, and light snacks are on the menu, and a food truck is sometimes on-site. Check the website for details. 63 Flushing Avenue, Building 275, Brooklyn
8. Head up the Hudson River on a Fall Foliage Cruise
If you love New York in the fall, why not hop aboard a vessel and sail up the the Hudson River for some truly spectacular autumn vistas?
Several boat tour companies based in New York City offer fall foliage tours that leave from city piers and head north, bound for leaf peeping opportunities in the Hudson Valley.
- Classic Harbor Line-Set sail aboard a schooner or luxury yacht for leisurely 2.5-3.5 cruises, a 2-hour lunch cruise, or a full-day trip up to Bear Mountain, where you’ll have time to walk or row around a lake or simply sit and take in the autumn scenery before heading back to the city.
- Circle Line to Bear Mountain-Circle Line Cruises offers a fall foliage cruise to Bear Mountain. During the cruise north, passengers can take in views from large outdoor decks, and purchase food and beverages.
- Seastreak Fall Foliage Cruises–Seastreak offers cruises on a luxury catamaran to various Hudson Valley destinations. Cruise to Cold Spring and spend an afternoon dining and shopping in this historic river town. Or head to West Point and disembark for a campus tour. Seastreak also offers a cruise to Bear Mountain, and a brunch cruise with a buffet of dishes inspired by the autumn season.
- Prefer to stay local? Read about recommended NYC sunset cruises here!
9. Tour a Historical Farm Museum in Queens
You may not associate a sprawling farm with the glamour of New York City, but the Queens Country Farm Museum sits on land that has been farmed continuously for 325 years. Visit the farm for a season full of fun NYC fall activities.
After stopping by the Visitor Center for a map, visitors can wander around the grounds and see farm animals, an orchard, an herb garden, and more. Be sure to have a look at the Historic Adriance Farmhouse and then stop by the Farm Store for items like Alpaca yarn, fresh eggs, and raw local honey.
Queens County Farm is open year-round but autumn ushers in a season of exciting events.
The Queens County Fair (September 8-10, 2023) is a traditional fair complete with carnival rides and games, a pie-eating contest, hayrides, live music, and so much more.
The 3-acre Amazing Maize Maze is the only corn maze in New York City. The maze’s 2023 season is September 15-October 28 (open Friday-Sunday only + Monday, October 9). For more of a challenge, navigate your way through the Maze by Moonlight, open this year on the evenings of October 7, 14, 21, and 27.
Visit in October to select your own pumpkin from their pumpkin patch, or celebrate Halloween on the Farm (October 29) with hayrides, crafts, a DJ dance party, and local food vendors. Wear your Halloween costumes!
Closing out fall at the farm, the Autumn Dance Celebration, a festival that celebrates Native American culture, takes place on November 12. 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Queens
10. March in the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade
Another rite of passage during the fall in NYC is watching or marching in the marvelous spectacle that is the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade.
If you’re a spectator, expect an eclectic mix of entertainment to pass you by: live music and dance performances, giant puppets, creative Halloween-themed floats, and marchers wearing costumes so elaborate you’ll think you’re on the set of a Hollywood movie!
Want to march in the Halloween parade? Anyone wearing a costume will be allowed to join the procession.
I highly recommend donning a costume and marching in the parade, rather than watching from the sidelines. For one thing, there’s no better way to celebrate the spirit of Halloween than by marching in the world’s largest Halloween parade. It’s also a good way to stay on the move and avoid the huge crowds that will be vying for space to watch the parade pass by.
The parade route is on Sixth Avenue and runs from Canal Street to West 15th Street.
Note that the Halloween Parade is a wildly popular event and draws very large crowds every year, even causing changes in subway service in Greenwich Village. Be sure to fully plan your route into and out of the parade area and be prepared for crowds.
Date: October 31, 2023 at 7 p.m. (arrive early to watch or march).
11. Cheer on Runners at the New York City Marathon
The New York City Marathon is a sight to behold and a highlight of fall in the Big Apple.
More than 50,000 runners from 140 nations run a course that takes them through all five boroughs, beginning in Staten Island and ending, to enthusiastic crowds of cheerleaders, in Central Park.
The race takes place on the first Sunday of November, when more than million fans line the course, cheering on runners and wheelchair participants from start to finish. Spectators can watch the 26.2-mile race at various locations throughout the boroughs.
Keep an eye on the TCS New York City Marathon website for updated details on the best places to watch.
Make sure to be prepared for the weather! Early November is notoriously unpredictable, with the weather ranging from sparkling blue skies and warm temperatures to a chilly drizzling rain to an early preview of the cutting winds of winter.
The race will go on no matter the weather but for spectators, dressing to stay warm and dry is the key to enjoyment!
Date: November 5, 2023 at 8 a.m.
12. Take a Fall Day Trip from NYC [no car needed]
As mentioned above, several boat tour companies offer fall day trips to Bear Mountain and other destinations.
In addition to those, lots of other car-free day trip options exist if you don’t make it onto a boat tour. The Metro-North, one of MTA’s commuter trains, conveniently travels from Grand Central to many destinations that would make an excellent fall day trip from NYC.
Cold Spring
This day trip checks all the boxes. Cold Spring is a lovely river town surrounded by picturesque views. It’s only a 70-minute ride from Grand Central and once you arrive, you need only exit the station platform to be in the heart of the village.
Once there, find a cafe for a leisurely afternoon of people-watching and poke around in the shops. Take the Hudson Line to Cold Spring Station.
Walkway Over the Hudson
Cross the Hudson River by foot while surrounded by the rich colors of autumn in the Hudson Valley. The Walkway Over the Hudson is 1.28 miles long and is elevated 212 feet above the Hudson River, providing panoramic views.
To get there, take the Hudson Line (or Amtrak) to Poughkeepsie. From there, walk four blocks north to Upper Landing Park to ride an elevator up to the walkway. Alternatively, walk 15 minutes or take a taxi to the 61 Parker Ave. entrance.
Harlem Valley Rail Trail
Bring your bicycle on the Metro-North to Wassaic Station and you’ll conveniently disembark at the trailhead for the Harlem Valley Rail Trail. Currently, the paved section of the trail runs north for 26.6 miles to Hillsdale.
A lovely day-trip is from Wassaic to Millerton (at mile 10.7), where you can lock up your bicycle, and grab some lunch and refreshments.
13. Go on a Fall Getaway to Upstate New York
From the Catskills to the Adirondacks and beyond, New York State is a perfect place for weekend fall getaways.
Click on the links for more information on each destination.
Ellenville, NY
Spend a weekend in Ellenville, where you can take in views of the Shawangunk Mountain range while sitting at a downtown outdoor café. There are also plenty of hikes in the area, including the trails at scenic Sam’s Point.
Catskill, NY
Staying in the town of Catskill is perfect for anyone who loves quaint river towns with good food and breweries, and plenty of awesome hiking spots nearby. This is Hudson River School territory, so be sure to visit the home of Thomas Cole, the founder of that American art movement.
Catskill is also a short drive from Kaaterskill Falls, where you can see the 260-foot double cascades from a viewing platform or take a hike down to the bottom of the falls.
Windham, NY
Take scenic hikes, ride a chairlift to the top of Windham Mountain in the Catkskills, or embark on a thrilling mountain biking adventure! Afterwards, browse the shops and eat a fabulous meal on Windham’s Main Street.
Lake George, NY
Autumn is a lovely time of year to spend a weekend in Lake George, especially if you’re into hiking in the gorgeous, rugged Adirondack mountains. In Lake George, there are hikes to suit every level and it feels like a world away from the big city!
As a final note, if you’re visiting NYC in the fall, enjoy all that this lovely season brings! No matter what activities you find, I’m sure you’ll have a great time.