Late spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) bring mild, pleasant weather ideal for walking and parks. Summer is hot, humid and crowded, winter is cold with occasional snow but festive around the holidays, and shoulder seasons balance weather and crowds best.
Pickpocketing and bag theft happen in crowded spots like Times Square, the subway and busy attractions. Keep bags zipped and in front, secure your phone, and stay aware in packed areas.
Traffic is heavy and fast, and cyclists and delivery bikes appear from all directions. Cross at signals, look both ways including bike lanes, and do not assume vehicles will stop.
Central areas are busy and generally fine late at night, but stay aware on quiet streets and empty subway platforms after hours. Keep valuables out of sight and trust your instincts about which car or block to avoid.