New York in June | Weather, What to do, Tips, & More

Best things to do in New York in June

1. Metropolitan Museum of Art

City landmark | Museum

Commonly known as ‘The Met’, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the world's largest and most renowned art museums. It houses an extensive collection of artworks spanning over 5,000 years of human history. The museum showcases a wide range of art forms, including paintings, sculptures, ancient artifacts, decorative arts, and much more. It is a cultural treasure that offers a remarkable journey through art and history from around the globe.

2. Coney Island

City landmark | Amusement park

Coney Island, located in Brooklyn, New York, is a world-famous amusement and entertainment destination. It's known for its historic boardwalk, sandy beaches, and iconic amusement parks. Visitors can enjoy thrilling rides at Luna Park, savor classic hot dogs at Nathan's Famous, and stroll along the boardwalk with its lively atmosphere. Coney Island hosts various events and attractions, including the annual Mermaid Parade and the New York Aquarium. It's a beloved summer destination, offering a unique blend of nostalgic charm and contemporary amusements with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

3. The Cloisters

City landmark | Museum

An offshoot of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Cloisters houses medieval European art and architecture. It is renowned for its stunning collection of medieval art, including sculptures, illuminated manuscripts, textiles, and decorative objects. The building itself is designed to resemble a medieval European monastery, with beautiful gardens and courtyards. Explore a tranquil and immersive experience, stepping back in time to appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship of the Middle Ages while enjoying breathtaking views of the Hudson River and the surrounding park.

4. New York Helicopter Tour

Sightseeing

Take an exciting helicopter ride to see New York City from high up in the air. Listen to the pilot talk about what you're seeing as you fly over famous places like the Statue of Liberty and Central Park. Look at the tall buildings and important spots like the Empire State Building. See the special bridge that connects Staten Island and New York. It's a fun way to see the city from above and learn cool things about it from your pilot.

Book a New York helicopter tour

5. New York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Sightseeing

You can easily and happily explore New York City with a special bus tour. It lets you see all the famous places and buildings from different angles. The bus has two routes, one for downtown and one for uptown. It stops at many important spots like Times Square, the Empire State Building, and Central Park. There are guides who talk about these places in different languages, so you can learn more about the city. This way, you can have fun and see everything in your own time.

Book a New York bus tour

6. Rockefeller Center

City landmark | Entertainment center

Rockefeller Center is a famous entertainment and shopping complex in the heart of Manhattan, New York City. It's best known for its iconic ice skating rink and the annual lighting of the enormous Christmas tree, a beloved holiday tradition. The center also houses Radio City Music Hall, home to the renowned Rockettes. You can take guided tours to learn about its rich history and Art Deco architecture or simply enjoy its outdoor spaces, including the stunning Channel Gardens and Top of the Rock observation deck, which offers panoramic views of the city.

Visit Top of the Rock

7. New York Public Library

City landmark | Library

The New York Public Library (NYPL) is an iconic institution known for its impressive Beaux-Arts architecture and vast literary collection. Located on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, it consists of several branches throughout the city. The flagship Stephen A. Schwarzman Building features the historic Rose Main Reading Room and the famous lion statues, Patience and Fortitude, guarding its entrance. The library offers a wealth of resources, hosts events, and is a cultural hub for both scholars and the public.

8. Edge NYC

Observation deck

The Edge NYC is the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, situated atop the Hudson Yards skyscraper in Manhattan. Rising 1,131 feet above ground, it offers unparalleled panoramic views of New York City. Visitors can step onto the glass floor, known as the "suspension deck," for a thrilling experience. The Edge also features a bar and dining area, making it an extraordinary place to enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in the breathtaking cityscape.

Visit Edge NYC

9. New York Hamilton Tour

Broadway | Guided tour

This is a special experience that helps you discover important places related to Alexander Hamilton, a very important person in America's history. It's like a journey through time inspired by the Broadway show Hamilton. You'll go to places linked to Hamilton's life, like Trinity Church Cemetery, where he's buried, and Hamilton Grange, his old house. You'll learn about what Hamilton did for America, how he helped with money matters, and the things that happened in his life.

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Events in New York in June

Governor's Ball

The Governor's Ball is a popular music festival held annually in New York City. It features a diverse lineup of musicians from various genres, including rock, hip-hop, and electronic dance music. Festival-goers can enjoy live performances, art installations, and food vendors while taking in stunning views of the city from Randall's Island Park. It's a vibrant celebration of music and culture in the heart of New York.

Pride March

The Pride March in New York is one of the world's largest LGBTQ+ pride events. It takes place in June to commemorate the Stonewall riots and celebrate LGBTQ+ rights and culture. The march features colorful floats, vibrant costumes, and a diverse crowd marching through Manhattan. It's a powerful and joyful display of unity, love, and acceptance in the heart of New York City.

Coney Island Mermaid Parade

The Coney Island Mermaid Parade is a whimsical and artistic event held annually in Brooklyn, New York. Participants dress as mermaids, sea creatures, and other imaginative characters, parading along the boardwalk. It's a celebration of art, creativity, and the arrival of summer. This unique, family-friendly parade embodies the vibrant spirit of Coney Island's seaside culture.

SummerStage

SummerStage is a renowned outdoor performing arts festival that takes place in various parks across New York City during the summer months. It offers a diverse lineup of free concerts, theater, dance performances, and cultural events. From Central Park to neighborhood parks, SummerStage provides a platform for both emerging and established artists, making it a summer highlight for culture enthusiasts in the city.

Museum Mile Festival

The Museum Mile Festival is an annual event that transforms Fifth Avenue into a cultural celebration. It takes place on a summer evening when several museums along the iconic avenue, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Guggenheim, and MoMA, open their doors for free. Visitors can enjoy art, music, and outdoor festivities, creating a vibrant atmosphere in the heart of Manhattan's museum district.

Shakespeare in the Park

Held in Central Park's Delacorte Theater during the summer, Shakespeare in the Park is an NYC tradition featuring free performances of William Shakespeare's plays. Theater enthusiasts line up for tickets and enjoy world-class productions of classics like Hamlet and A Midsummer Night's Dream under the stars, making it a cultural highlight of the season.

Shopping in New York in June

Shopping in New York in June is a delightful experience as the city comes alive with summer vibes and fantastic sales. The month marks the beginning of the summer sale season, making it an ideal time to score some great deals on clothing, accessories, and more.

Fifth Avenue, the iconic shopping street, is home to high-end brands like Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, and Tiffany & Co. Look out for early summer sales. Known for its trendy boutiques, SoHo is perfect for fashion-forward shoppers. You'll find a mix of designer stores and independent boutiques. Explore unique shops and artisanal stores in Greenwich Village, offering a variety of handmade and vintage items.

June is perfect for scouring the city's many flea markets, like the Brooklyn Flea Market, for vintage clothing, antiques, and artisanal goods. Check out the various street fairs pop up across the city, offering an array of items, from art to jewelry to local crafts. Don't miss Macy's summer sales, especially the famous One-Day Sale events. Keep an eye out for sample sales, where you can snag designer goods at significant discounts. Visit flagship stores like Apple's Fifth Avenue cube or the NBA Store for unique shopping experiences.

June also welcomes outdoor markets and pop-up shops, making it a vibrant time for retail therapy in the Big Apple. Whether you're into luxury shopping, vintage finds, or unique artisanal goods, New York City offers a shopping experience like no other in June.

Know before you visit New York in June

Time zone: GMT-5
Currency: United States Dollars (USD)
Country code: +1-646
Emergency numbers: 911

Travel Guide

June can be warm and sometimes hot, so wear lightweight, breathable clothing, like tops, dresses, casual shirts, etc.
You'll likely do a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes are a must.
Evenings can be cool, therefore, carry a jacket or sweater.
Carry a hat and a rain jacket for sunny or rainy days respectively.

Bring essentials like a phone charger, power bank, and power adapters.
Include hand sanitizers for cleanliness, especially in certain areas.
Pack necessary medications and first-aid supplies, like band-aids.
Don't forget chapstick and lotion for lip and hand care.
Pack outdoor gear like sunglasses, caps, or hats, to keep yourself protected from the heat.
Pack sunscreen and a jacket for cooler evenings.
The city experiences light showers, therefore, carry an umbrella and a rain jacket.

Getting around New York in June

By subway: The subway is the most efficient and cost-effective way to get around New York. It runs 24/7 and connects all major attractions and neighborhoods across the city.
By bus: The bus network in NYC covers areas that are not served by the subway, making them an affordable option for travel.
By ferry: Use the city’s ferry service to travel between Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, while admiring breathtaking views of the waterfront and the city.
By taxi: Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are easily available in New York.

New York has many accommodation options catering to all kinds of budgets. From luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels, there are hotels and lodging for everyone in the city.

Budget hotels: HI NYC Hostel, The Jane Hotel, and Q&A Residential Hotel.
Mid-range hotels: The Tillary Hotel Brooklyn, Row NYC, and Arlo NoMad.
Luxury hotels: Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown, The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue, and The St. Regis New York.

New York offers a diverse culinary experience with cuisines that satisfy everyone’s tastes and preferences. There are many amazing restaurants serving the best food from across the globe.

Joe’s Pizza: A Greenwich Village institution, Joe's serves no-frills, delicious slices that capture the essence of New York pizza.
Tanoreen: A family-owned restaurant in Brooklyn, Tanoreen serves a mix of Middle Eastern dishes, including Lebanese specialties like kibbeh and fatayer.
McSorley's Old Ale House: One of New York's oldest bars, McSorley’s is known for its historic ambiance and classic ale.
Serra by Birreria: Part of Eataly NYC, this rooftop restaurant often undergoes seasonal transformations and offers Italian cuisine.
Xi'an Famous Foods: Offering authentic and flavorful Chinese cuisine, Xi'an Famous Foods is a great choice for delicious and affordable hand-pulled noodles and dumplings.

Hacks & tips to visit New York in June

Book your tickets to popular attractions online and much in advance because June marks the start of peak tourist season.
Book your accommodation in advance to avoid sell-outs.
Use public transport to get around the city because it is the most efficient and affordable way to explore New York.
Purchase A MetroCard for travel within New York because it provides access to all transport routes managed by the MTA.
Don’t just stick to Manhattan. Explore the other four boroughs as well to enhance your travel experience.
Avoid going to deserted areas alone at night and beware of pickpockets.
Watch out for tourist scams, like street vendors selling fake tickets.
While days can be hot, evenings can still be cool, so bring a light jacket or sweater.
Be mindful of local customs and etiquette, like tipping in restaurants.

Frequently asked questions about visiting New York in June

Is June a good time to visit New York?

June is a good time to visit NYC because the month brings along warm and pleasant weather and is packed with festivals and events. However, if you want to avoid larger crowds, then June may not be an ideal month to visit since it marks the beginning of peak tourist season in the city.

What are the best things to do in New York in June?

There are quite a few things you can do in New York in June. Visit Central Park and Brooklyn Botanical Garden for fun picnics and other activities, observation decks for breathtaking city views, go museum-hopping, visit the New York Public Library, and take part in heritage tours and walking trails.

Is New York cold in June?

No, New York is not cold in June. The city experiences warm weather with temperatures ranging between 18°C and 27°C. There may be slight showers too but the weather doesn’t turn cold during this time of the year.

How hot is New York in June?

New York is not very hot this time of the year. It experiences warm and sunny days with pleasant weather conditions.

Can you swim in New York in June?

Yes, you can swim at beaches in New York in June. The weather is warm during this month with a few hot days. A dip in the cool sea water is exactly what you need to beat the heat.

Is it sunny in New York in June?

Yes, it is warm and sunny in New York in June.

What clothes to wear in New York in June?

You can wear light, casual, and comfortable clothes like dresses, shorts, shirts, t-shirts, and more, in New York in June.

Is it rainy in New York in June?

The city experiences slight showers in New York during the month.

Is New York expensive to visit?

New York is one of the most expensive cities to visit, especially in June, because the month marks the beginning of peak tourist season, which means longer queues at attractions and higher accommodation rates.

How safe is New York?

New York is quite a safe city to visit. However, avoid going to deserted areas alone at night and watch out for pickpockets in busy streets, especially Times Square.

What can I see in New York in June?

You can visit the Museum of Modern Art, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, the New York Public Library, Brooklyn Botanical Garden, Coney Island, Governor’s Island, Statue of Liberty, Edge NYC, and Times Square, to name a few.

What are the major events in New York in June?

A few major events held in June include the Governor’s Ball, Coney Island Mermaid Parade, Pride March, SummerStage, and Shakespeare in the Park.

What is the average temperature in New York in June?

In June, the temperature usually ranges from 18°C to 27°C.

What are the best things to do with kids in New York in June?

Check out the American Museum of Natural History, the Bronx Zoo, the New York Aquarium, the Children’s Museum of the Arts, and Lincoln Center. Take them to a Broadway show for kids or to the beach for fun activities.