Ultimate Guide to Traveling to New York in June
Summer in New York cranks up the cool factor with long sunny days perfect for exploring hidden gems and iconic landmarks.
Here’s the ultimate guide on visiting during June, including the top activities showcasing the absolute best of New York when warm weather hits!
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Weather
June brings pleasant outdoor temperatures to New York City with daytime highs around 75-80°F (24-27°C). The mornings and evenings stay mild, rarely dropping below 60°F (16°C).
Rain makes an appearance on about 11 days throughout June. These showers tend to come and go quickly, so you can still enjoy plenty of outdoor activities.
The humidity starts climbing as summer approaches, making the air feel warmer than the actual temperature.
The long daylight hours give you extra time to see the city, with sunset happening around 8:30 PM.
Best Things to Do in June
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1. Explore Little Island
This floating park is NYC’s newest architectural marvel, rising from the Hudson River like a bouquet of concrete tulips.
The 2.7-acre space packs in 350 species of flowers, trees and shrubs across winding pathways that lead to spectacular skyline viewpoints.
Between the innovative design and the seasonal blooms, this free public space adds a dash of whimsy to Manhattan’s western edge.
2. Catch a Sunset Sail on the Hudson
Float past Manhattan’s glittering skyline aboard a 1920s replica yacht while the golden hour paints the city in warm hues.
The 90-minute cruise takes you right up to Lady Liberty and Ellis Island, with one complimentary drink in hand.
The spacious vessel offers both indoor seating and outdoor viewing areas, perfect for those Instagram-worthy shots of the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges.
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3. The Vessel at Hudson Yards
Recently reopened in 2024, this honeycomb-shaped spiral staircase stands 150 feet tall with 2,500 steps spread across 154 interconnected flights.
As the crown jewel of Manhattan’s newest neighborhood, The Vessel offers mind-bending perspectives of the city from every angle.
Visit between 11 AM and 7 PM – NYC residents score free entry on Thursdays. The $10 tickets for everyone else are a small price to pay for such unique views of the Hudson Yards district.
4. Visit the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
Lady Liberty stands tall as America’s most iconic symbol, and summer brings perfect weather for a harbor cruise to her front door.
Every ferry ticket includes access to both Liberty Island and the Ellis Island Immigration Museum.
The key to avoiding massive crowds? Book your tickets well ahead online – especially if you want to climb up to the crown.
5. Watch Shakespeare in the Park
The beloved Central Park tradition returns in grand style for 2025 with “Twelfth Night” starring Hollywood heavyweights Peter Dinklage, Lupita Nyong’o, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and Sandra Oh.
Running from August 7 through September 14 at the newly renovated Delacorte Theater, this romantic comedy under the stars is completely free.
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6. Visit the Banksy Museum
The brand-new Banksy Museum in SoHo is NYC’s hottest cultural addition, showcasing 160 of the mysterious artist’s most iconic works across 15,000 square feet of gallery space.
Life-sized recreations of Banksy’s most famous murals transport you from the streets of London to Venice without leaving Manhattan.
The museum’s thought-provoking collection includes not just murals but also studio works, animated visuals, and videos that challenge conventional art norms.
7. Take a Tour of Rockefeller Center
Ascend through time at Rockefeller Center – your guided tour reveals the complex’s rich artistic heritage, from ancient Greek influences to modern design elements.
Discover iconic landmarks including Radio City Music Hall and the famous 30 Rock building, home to “Saturday Night Live.”
Your tour includes a ticket to the Top of the Rock, where you’ll soar 800+ feet upward to three observatory levels offering breathtaking 360-degree Manhattan panoramas.
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8. See a Broadway Show
Broadway’s 2025 season is absolutely sizzling with fresh productions alongside beloved classics.
Catch the star-studded cast of “Cabaret” at the August Wilson Theatre or be among the first to see “The Great Gatsby“.
For family-friendly options, “The Lion King” continues to rule at the Minskoff Theatre with its spectacular costumes and unforgettable music.
9. Explore Central Park
America’s first major landscaped public park remains a masterpiece of urban planning, offering everything from peaceful gardens to cultural landmarks.
The park’s over 840 acres feature varied terrain from flat lawns to rocky ravines, with countless Instagram-worthy spots like Belvedere Castle and the Bethesda Fountain.
For a less crowded picnic spot, skip the Great Lawn and head to the quieter Cherry Hill or East Meadow.
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10. Visit the Empire State Building
The Empire State Building offers more than just views – it’s a journey through New York’s soul.
The 86th-floor outdoor observatory delivers breathtaking 360-degree vistas of Manhattan, while the 102nd-floor observation deck provides an even more elevated perspective.
The building’s museum-like displays about its construction and cultural impact make the wait entertaining, and you might even spot up to five states on a clear day.
11. Take a Radio City Music Hall Tour
Step behind the velvet curtain of NYC’s most iconic performance venue on a 60-minute guided adventure.
You’ll explore the palatial 60-foot high foyer decorated in stunning Art Deco masterpieces, peek into the secret Roxy Suite apartment, and stand on the legendary Great Stage where countless stars have performed.
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12. Governors Ball Music Festival
Mark your calendar for June 6-8 when Queens’ Flushing Meadows-Corona Park turns into music heaven with headliners Tyler, the Creator, Olivia Rodrigo, and Hozier commanding the stage.
The 2025 lineup packs more than 50 artists across multiple stages, with Glass Animals and Feid adding their magic to the mix.
Snag your tickets early – GA passes start at $159 for single-day access, while the full 3-day VIP experience runs $899 for those craving the premium treatment.
13. Visit the Mmuseumm Mini Museum
Tucked away in a former freight elevator on Cortlandt Alley, the Mmuseumm Mini Museum packs more fascination per square inch than most full-sized museums.
The postage stamp-sized space showcases carefully curated exhibitions that tell big stories through everyday objects.
Previous collections have included everything from ISIS currency to immigration artifacts, each item telling a powerful human tale.
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14. Take an Evening Dinner Cruise
Float into the Manhattan night aboard Bateaux New York’s glass-enclosed vessel for a three-hour journey of culinary delights and skyline views.
The cruise pairs a three-course gourmet dinner with live jazz while the city’s lights dance on the Hudson River.
Where to Stay
Times Square and Midtown Manhattan serve up classic NYC energy, with the Pod 39 Hotel offering smart, compact rooms that maximize space and minimize costs.
The Flatiron District delivers a perfect blend of greenery and city buzz. Madison Square Park becomes your front yard, and the Renaissance Hotel positions you near both downtown action and uptown attractions.
SoHo’s historic streets feel like a movie set with their cast-iron buildings and cobblestone paths. The Soho Grand Hotel channels this artistic spirit with galleries in the lobby and designer touches throughout.
Upper East Side brings museum magic and Central Park views. The Mark Hotel sits pretty on Madison Avenue, giving you access to Museum Mile and high-end shopping.
In Brooklyn, DUMBO offers Manhattan skyline views and a more relaxed vibe. The 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge plants you right by the water with stunning cityscapes from its rooftop pool.
Average One-Week Budget
A mid-range vacation for two people in New York City costs between $2,000-$3,500 for one week. This includes your hotel, dining, attractions, and getting around the city.
Getting from JFK airport to Manhattan runs $50-$170 by taxi. Once in the city, grab a 7-day unlimited MetroCard for $32 per person – it’s the smartest way to zip around Manhattan on buses and subways.
Plan about $140-$160 per night for a decent 3-star hotel room in Manhattan during June. The summer season means higher rates, but staying in Brooklyn or Queens can trim your lodging costs.
Food costs range from $70-$150 per day for two people. Mix up cheap eats like $1.50 pizza slices with nicer restaurants. Street food carts serve tasty lunch deals under $10 per person.
Attractions and activities take up $60-$100 daily for museum admissions, shows, and tours. Many museums have free admission days – time your visits right to save some cash.
What to Pack
Start with clothing basics: 7 pairs of underwear and socks, 4-5 t-shirts, 2 pairs of jeans or lightweight pants, 2 casual dresses or shorts, and 1 nice outfit for restaurants.
A light jacket or cardigan is essential for air-conditioned spaces and evening temperature drops. Pack water-resistant walking shoes plus one pair of dressier shoes.
An umbrella and light rain jacket prepare you for surprise showers. Sunglasses and a hat protect against the strong summer sun.
A crossbody bag or anti-theft backpack keeps your belongings secure while navigating crowded streets.
Extra essentials: portable phone charger, refillable water bottle, mini first aid kit, hand sanitizer, and subway map. A foldable tote comes in handy for carrying purchases or impromptu picnics in Central Park.
