Thinking of meeting my 2 daughters (16 & 20)in NYC for President's Day weekend for a 3 day shopping/theater trip. The Radio City apartments has availability and seems pretty good from Fodor's recs and Trip Advisor. The girls are in school so their available time is limited. If we don't go President's Day weekend in Feb, will have to wait until Mem Day (going away for Spring Break). Trust me, this won't be a cheap trip as guess who gets to pay for the shopping excursion, theater tickets, B/L/D, sightseeing, etc. Should we go in Feb or May? Pls help me decide, thanks!

February is quieter because there are fewer tourists in town (which to me makes it a much more pleasant place to visit). Prices for hotels are often lower than in May, and consider how much the cost of hotels can break your budget, that has to be a consideration. On the negative side, you have to contend with much colder and potentially dreadful weather.

I would choose May for better weather. In February it can be soooo cold, you could also have snow or freezing rain.

If you or daughter are flying in to NYC--remember how bad weather delayed everyone--Even last March we almost didin't make it due to delayed flights..
Otherwise I would pick Feb....I know "snow- rain"
I would still pick Feb.

February:
Pro:cheaper hotels, theater tickets may be discounted and more readily available
Con: cold. wet.snowy, dark. Feb is the absolute worst weather month of the year. Seems to be a popular week for h.s. groups to come to NY, so don't expect tourist attractions to be empty

May:
Pro: some of the nicest weather of the year, more daylight to walk around, street fairs and outdoor crafts fairs
Cons: more expensive hotels, more tourists (but NYERS leave town--good or bad??)
To me it's a no brainer. MAY.
Even just for theater and shopping, it will be so much more pleasant in May

Agree with all the above. Much nicer weather in May, but more economical in February.

If you are planning on any Broadway Shows, watch for discount codes for your dates on Playbill.com, Theatermania.com, Broadwaybox.com, etc.

If all you're coming for is shopping Feb may be just as good as May - depending on what you're shopping for.

But, although hotel rates will be good, and the weather may not be too bad - it is possible that the weather will be awful.

Not sure where you're coming from - if you're used to winter and have all the appropriate gear (warm coat, gloves, scarf, hat and waterproof booties) it's not likely to bother you.

But - if you're not used to winter weather it can be a shock - since New York tends to feel colder because it is damp and windy as well as cold (sometimes VERY cold).

If you want the trip to be for things other than shopping and possibly a show to two I would definitely do May. It makes seeing the city much more pleasant - you can do things well into the evening (instead of dark at 5 pm) and you can enjoy all sorts of things that are problematic in Feb.

The discount carrier from CMH to NYC is Jet Blue, so I guess weather is a BIG factor. I think May does make more sense as we want to be able to go out and about, rather than feel trapped in our hotel room. Thanks!

Keep in mind that President's Week is a very busy week so rates aren't going to be that much cheaper if they are cheaper at all.

My pick would be May when the weather will be nicer.

We were there the first week of February this year and experienced a couple days of record cold. Being from Florida it's all cold to us, but this was unbelievable, with winds so strong some days we could barely stand in the sub Arctic temperatures. Normally we walk a lot in the city, but two blocks was about our limit this time.

I'd vote for May!!!

I vote for May! Weather is the best then. February, especially Presidents weekend can have snowstorms, which can be very scenic, but very difficult for travel.

May. Definitely. There's a reason why all the NYers are trying to get out of town in Feb!!