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The city that never sleeps, New York, has captured the hearts of travellers for decades with its concrete jungle, world-class museums, diverse culinary scene, and buzzing energy. From watching a critically-acclaimed Broadway show to climbing to the top of the Empire State Building for views over the city’s skyline, the Big Apple is filled with what feels like endless opportunities for travellers.
With so much to do in New York and experiences changing throughout the year, it can be difficult to choose when to visit this mesmerizing metropolis. This is only further complicated if you’re a budget-conscious traveller who wants to make sure you score a cheap flight to New York while filling your itinerary in the city with things to do that are of interest to you.
But, it doesn’t have to be difficult, as this comprehensive month-by-month guide aims to showcase when the cheapest time to fly to New York is, alongside what you can expect from the city throughout the year, to help you determine when you should visit.
By using FlightsFinder to find the cheapest flight to New York, we always recommend using our flexible dates calendar to browse the best value deals from multiple search engines easily.
New York’s metropolitan area is served by three major international airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). JFK Airport is the largest. Located in Queens, it’s a major international gateway and handles millions of passengers every year. However, all of these airports in New York handle flights from Canada.
To fly to New York, your flight time will vary considerably depending on your departure airport. From major Canadian airports, you can expect flights to take between 1 and a half and 2 hours. Examples include:
European travellers can expect flight times to New York to take between 7-9 hours. Many flights, though, are direct. Flights from Asia can take 14-16 hours or more, and flights from Australia or New Zealand are among the longest, often exceeding 20 hours with at least one layover.
If you’re ready to book a cheap flight to New York, we’ve analyzed month-by-month flight data so you know how much you can expect to spend on airfare. Not just this, but we’ve delved into the weather in New York throughout the year and the attractions, experiences, and events on the cards that you can make the most of.
Post-holiday season, New York offers budget travellers a golden opportunity to experience the city that never sleeps without breaking the bank.
You’ll find that average temperatures sit at around 36°F, so it’s particularly nippy during this month, with a higher chance of rainfall compared to spring and summer seasons. So, be sure to pack your winter layers!
Don’t let January’s cooler temperatures put you off, though, as the month offers a great chance to experience the city’s wealth of indoor attractions. Why not visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the American Museum of Natural History to get your hit of culture and history?
The average cheapest return flights to New York in January from major Canadian cities include:
February is another month that offers cheap flights to New York, with temperatures averaging at around 39°F, slightly warmer than January. The city is still in its winter slumber during this month, offering a quieter time to explore the city, and - of course - more affordable flights.
February brings one of the city’s most iconic events, New York Fashion Week, and you can expect stylish models and events all over the city. And with Valentine’s Day in February (with New York being a romantic setting with its many parks, dining experiences, and date-worthy attractions), it’s the perfect place for couples to spend a break together.
The average cheapest return flights to New York in February from major Canadian cities include:
March brings slightly warmer temperatures in New York, sitting at roughly 48°F. With this month welcoming the spring season, you can expect more sunny days in New York, but you’ll still need to wrap up warm. Despite temperatures warming up and weather being more favourable, you can still bag a cheap flight to New York in March.
On March 17th every year, New York celebrates Saint Patrick’s Day with events including the iconic Saint Patrick’s Day Parade - the oldest and largest in the world. Not only this, but the New York Orchid Show is a spectacular display of rare flowers in full bloom every year, taking place over the entire month of March.
The average cheapest return flights to New York in March from major Canadian cities include:
Spring is in full swing in April in New York City, with one of its most iconic displays being its cherry blossoms blooming in Central Park. Coupled alongside this are warmer temperatures that climb to roughly 61°F. Flight prices gradually rise in April to New York from worldwide cities, but are still cheaper compared to summer fares.
Other than going to spot the Cherry Blossoms in full bloom, April is a fantastic time to see more beautiful flowers blooming, and the Macy’s Flower Show - taking place annually from April to May - is a great way to do this for free. And don’t miss out on exploring the city's many outdoor markets to sample artisanal products and delicious foods, such as Chelsea Market or Essex Market.
The average cheapest return flights to New York in April from major Canadian cities include:
May offers a wonderful opportunity to visit New York, with pleasant temperatures sitting at around 71°F, plenty of sunshine, and New York flight prices, despite peak season approaching.
Before the busy summer season arrives, May offers a great chance to see a Broadway Show, when you might be more likely to get a seat to any one of its famed and fabulous shows. Not just this, but experience New York’s foodie scene at the 9th Avenue International Food Festival in Hell's Kitchen, held every year in May, so you can sample global cuisines without leaving Manhattan.
The average cheapest return flights to New York in May from major Canadian cities include:
June welcomes the blissful summer season in New York, bringing with it warm temperatures of around 80°F and, as expected, more travellers. As such, the prices to fly to New York begin to climb, especially towards the end of the month when school vacations begin.
June is Pride Month, in which the popular New York City Pride March takes place on the last Sunday of the month. Given the warmer, yet comfortable, weather, a popular activity is relaxing in the city’s many parks, like Central Park, Bryant Park, or Coney Island Park.
The average cheapest return flights to New York in June from major Canadian cities include:
July is one of the peak tourist months in New York, with temperatures climbing to a hot 85°F on average. Flights to New York are at their most expensive across the summer months, especially around Independence Day.
If you plan to fly to New York at the start of July, you have to go out to experience the city’s 4th of July celebrations, offering spectacular fireworks displays over the East River. At the end of the month, New York’s Restaurant Week sees its second stint, where the city’s restaurants offer promotional prix-fixe menus to dine at local eateries.
The average cheapest return flights to New York in July from major Canadian cities include:
August sees another scorching month in New York, with temperatures similar to the previous month of July. Given it’s the hottest time of year, and schools are out for summer, prices are at their highest, which is something travellers should be prepared for, as it’s unlikely you’ll find a cheap flight to New York.
Taking place over the month of August, Harlem Week is a celebration showcasing the Harlem neighbourhood’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. Why not cool off at one of the city's free outdoor pools during your visit, too, or even enjoy the cool breeze on the famous Staten Island Ferry to reach the Statue of Liberty?
The average cheapest return flights to New York in August from major Canadian cities include:
With temperatures of roughly 75°F (24°C) each day, September marks the lead-up to fall and the start of cooler temperatures in New York, particularly cooler evenings. Flight prices begin to decrease post Labour Day, too, making September a good time to grab a cheap flight to New York.
For another notable cultural festival, head to the San Gennaro Festival in Little Italy, which takes place during late September each year. It’s a vibrant celebration of Italian culture and cuisine, dedicated to the Patron Saint of Naples and Little Italy. And, of course, art lovers shouldn't miss the Armoury Show, which is one of the world's leading art fairs, taking place over several days at the start of September annually.
The average cheapest return flights to New York in September from major Canadian cities include:
With crisp temperatures sitting at 64°F, October is the perfect, cooler month that balances pleasant weather with stunning surroundings. This can be enjoyed in places like Central Park, which is covered in fall foliage at this time of year. Flight prices to New York in October continue on a downward trajectory post-summer, offering extra value to travellers who fly to New York City at this time.
The New York Film Festival showcases the year's most anticipated films, which normally span over several weeks until mid-October. Halloween in New York is a highly anticipated holiday, too, with neighbourhoods around the city covered in spectacular decorations, and the legendary Village Halloween Parade in Greenwich Village and the Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade being marked in nearly every local’s calendar!
The average cheapest return flights to New York in October from major Canadian cities include:
November is a month when temperatures start to drop more considerably in New York, falling to an average of 52°F. Alongside this, airfares to the city fall, too, except for over the popular Thanksgiving period when prices spike.
Every November, the New York City Marathon transforms the city on its first Sunday, with tourists from around the world - professional and amateurs alike - flocking to take part in the feat. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a bucket-list experience for many visitors as well, offering impressive balloon figures, dances, and entertainment in its procession.
The average cheapest return flights to New York in November from major Canadian cities include:
December is a winter wonderland in New York, with temperatures sitting at around 43°F, and Christmas decorations everywhere you look! Flight prices vary dramatically, with early December offering good value flights, but mid-to-late December offering the month’s highest fares.
Take part in the plethora of festive activities in the city at this time of year, such as watching the Rockettes performing their Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall, and the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden, or ice skating at the iconic Rockefeller Centre beneath its ginormous tree!
The average cheapest return flights to New York in December from major Canadian cities include:
Note: All flight prices are estimates and may vary depending on the exact days of the week and how far in advance you book your flights to New York.
March is consistently the cheapest time to fly to New York from Canadian Airports. However, when analyzing specific departure cities, you can see the cheapest months are the following:
New York City is undoubtedly a year-round destination, with each season offering something new and exciting to entice every type of traveller. To get the cheapest flight to New York, flying in the late winter to late spring period is your best option, but it all depends on what experiences you want to have in the city!
So, for the ideal balance of more affordable airfare, fewer crowds, and pleasant weather, consider visiting during the "shoulder seasons" of spring or fall to get the best overall value for your New York adventure!
Ready to book your trip to the Big Apple? Start comparing flights on our dedicated flight search engine now to find the best deals for your perfect New York getaway!
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