Go now to NY or wait a month?
 

We're about to book a trip for my birthday next week. But after seeing the weather and how bad it is. We're now contemplating going maybe later. But I'd like to still be there for my bday. Are we taking a chance by going during this weather? Would you rather go now or wait until it warms up?

January and February are the quietest tourist months for a reason-the weather can be miserable. If you can wait until April, then you walk and engage in more outdoor activities.

Most of the things NYC has to offer (shopping, dining, theater, music, museums, art galleries, people watching) are indoor activities. Hotel prices are much more affordable now thru March. Yes, you run the chance of bad weather, but the upside is fewer crowds, lower hotel prices and easier access to theater, popular restaurants etc. It's really up to you. If your dream trip involves stolling through Central Park and other outdoor stuff, you may be disappointed. But otherwise, NYC is NYC. ;)

Now that I know you're considering next week, I think instead of the hotel you're considering, you should look at the Millenium Broadway and 70 Park. Both have specials on travelzoo.com and both are nicer and in better locations for what you want to do imo. Millenium Broadway is near the theaters and most rooms have views.
http://hotels.travelzoo.com/new-york-hotels/372114

70 Park is a boutique hotel near Grand Central on Park Ave.
http://hotels.travelzoo.com/new-york-hotels/371612

If you were willing to wait two months, I'd say wait. But one month from now the weather could be just a bad, so you might as well enjoy your actual birthday.

I find Feb a miserable month to visit NY. Yes, many of the things to see are inside. For me, however, much of the joy of NYC is being out and about. The canyons formed by the tall buildings mean there can be a chilling wind and no direct sun to warm the soul. It's less about the snow than the cold. I don't like being chased inside because my cheeks are raw. When I visit in Jan/Feb I wear full length wool coat & all the accessories to make sure I stay warm.

Just 1mo later the weather can be so much more enjoyable. I'd look at prices through March myself. Keep in mind Easter week sees an uptick in tourism, and it's early this year thanks to the sun and moon.

I'd wait. Central Park is so beautiful in the spring with the flowering trees and azaleas. That alone would be worth the wait for me.

(Not to mention the FREEZING wind sheers zipping down all those tall buildings...)

I wouldn;t count on one month making a difference. Yes, if you do late April or May the parks will be beautiful and lots of sidewalk cafes opening. But March can be just as much winter as Feb - in fact the blizzard of '88 - almost 2 feet of snow - was in late March.

Thanks for the great advice. We are now trying to decide between 3 hotels when we eventually go. The Millenium Broadway seems fantastic. Is that a better choice than the Roosevelt or Metropolitan Doubletree?

I second the above posts that the weather in March can be unpredictable. My BD is in March and I can't count how many times there was snow then. If the weather's bad (barring a blizzard) everything is open, subways run, etc. BTW, I went to the Orchid Show today at the NYBG - short train from the city - what a great way to spend some time indoors - you could combine with indoor exhibits at the Bronx Zoo if you like that kind of stuff. There are no blooms in the parks till much later in Spring.

March (or earlier) - Witch hazel, Cornelian cherry

Early April = Magnolias, forsythia, daffodils

Late April/Earl May = Crabs, cherries, redbud, silverbells, horsechestnut, dogwoods, Azaleas, lilacs, rhododendron (late May), viburnum

Oops! And I thought witch hazel was for insect bites!

Well, one of the things we had planned and wanted to do was walk over the Brooklyn Bridge after having Grinoldis pizza. But how much fun is that if it's freezing. Coming from Southern CA, we don't really have clothes for that kind of weather. What kind of shoes do I need for the weather there now?

Waterproof boots.

The Mill. Broadway is in Times Square and will be closer to the theater and imo more exciting. The Roosevelt is a classic, old NY hotel. Some of their rooms are small and a bit dated, but it's still a nice hotel. I think both are better than the Doub. Metropolitan. YOu want to come for your b'day. Just do it and be flexible about waht you can or cannot do b/c of the weather. If you don't come for the b'day, what will you do? If you decide to delay the trip b/c of weather, postponing for 1 month is not enough. Wait and come end April/beg. May. Check differences in hotel prices and make a decision.

Schnookies,
My daughter and I were in New York earlier this week and it was coooold! Thankfully we missed the snow on Friday.

If you can wait until April or May... I would! The warmer weather will allow you to enjoy your time in NYC. NYC is a walking city and you will be spending a lot of time outdoors. Spring is a beautiful time in Central Park... enjoy!

That's GRIMALDI'S Pizza.

I've been to NYC three times now, twice in warm weather and once during Thanksgiving. To me, much of the excitement of NYC is outside (ie. Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, etc.) However, saying all that, I am returning next weekend with my sister-in-law because she is insisting on going for her birthday. New York is a wonderful city no matter what time, but bad weather can limit various activities.

I have stayed at the Millenium Broadway and would definitely recommend it. Due to recommendations from this board, we got a great deal on Travelzoo.com for $199 per night. They run that frequently. The rooms and bathrooms are great size for NYC standards. Location is perfect, right in the middle of Times Square. Our room overlooked the corner of Good Morning America, so we could watch every morning what was going on. Last year we saw George Clooney and Jennifer Lopez.

Wonderful city. I will be there beginning March 8 and can't wait.