Best time to visit — month‑by‑month guide for Times Square
Best months to visit Times Square from Hyatt Centric Times Square New York are late spring (May) and early fall (late September–mid‑October) for the most comfortable walking weather and manageable crowds. Winter (January–February) offers the lowest hotel rates but cold weather; summer brings long days and rooftop hours but higher heat and humidity.
In this guide
Overview — what to expect any month
Hyatt Centric Times Square New York sits at 135 W 45th St, one block from Times Square and minutes from Broadway, Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park. The hotel has 487 rooms across 54 floors, floor‑to‑ceiling windows on higher floors, a 24‑hour Fitness Center, T45 Kitchen + Bar, T45 Market and the rooftop Bar 54.
Room choices include Room (Times Square View), Room, 1 King Bed, Room, 2 Queen Beds, Deluxe Suite, Basic Suite, Deluxe Suite (Times Square) and Premier Suite, with higher floors offering city views. Check‑in begins at 4:00 PM and check‑out is by 11:00 AM.
- No on‑site pool or spa; staff can recommend nearby spa options.
- Complimentary Wi‑Fi in guest rooms and public areas.
- Bar 54 is a 21+ rooftop bar with a dress code and may close for private events.
| On‑site highlights | Notes |
|---|---|
| T45 Kitchen + Bar | Breakfast, lunch and dinner service; outdoor seating available |
| T45 Market | Lobby grab‑and‑go; some vegetarian/vegan/gluten‑free options |
| Bar 54 | Rooftop bar/lounge on 54th floor; 21+ only |
January–February — lowest rates and winter weather
January and February are typically the cheapest months for travel to New York City; hotel demand and rates around Times Square often dip after the holiday season. Expect the coldest temperatures of the year, with average highs in the 30s°F and variable snowfall.
If you plan rooftop time at Bar 54, note that the rooftop is seasonal in practical terms — outdoor terrace access is limited by weather and the venue enforces a 21+ policy and dress code. The hotel’s 24‑hour Fitness Center can be used year‑round if you want indoor exercise.
- Pros: lower hotel and flight prices, shorter lines at some attractions.
- Cons: cold walking weather, limited outdoor rooftop use.
- Travel tip: bring a warm coat and plan more indoor activities (museums, shows).
| Consider | Why |
|---|---|
| Flexible arrival | Rooms are held only until 6 PM unless guaranteed; standard check‑in starts at 4:00 PM |
| Layered clothing | Winters are cold; sidewalks can be icy after snow |
| Expect elevator waits | Morning checkout and theater rush hours can cause longer elevator waits |
March–May (spring) — one of the best times to visit
Spring brings warming temperatures and blooming parks; March through May generally sees comfortable walking weather as the city thaws from winter. May is often singled out as one of the most pleasant months for New York weather.
This is a good season to aim for higher‑floor rooms like Room, 1 King Bed (High floor) or Room (Times Square View) to enjoy clearer skyline views through the hotel’s floor‑to‑ceiling windows.
- Pros: mild temperatures, outdoor dining starts reopening, manageable crowds compared with summer.
- Cons: early spring can still be cool and occasional rain is possible.
- Events: theater season is active—plan Broadway tickets in advance.
| Month | What to expect |
|---|---|
| March | Cool to mild; shoulder season crowds |
| April | Warmer, more outdoor seating and events |
| May | Often ideal walking weather and comfortable humidity |
June–August (summer) — long days and rooftop evenings
Summer brings long daylight hours and rooftop activity. Bar 54 expands terrace use as weather allows; indoor and outdoor seating at T45 Kitchen + Bar is available for many meals.
Summer can be hot and humid, with temperatures sometimes reaching the upper 80s–90s°F; walking the city can feel tiring during the hottest afternoons. If rooftop time matters, evenings can be pleasant once temperatures drop.
- Pros: extended rooftop hours, lively outdoor dining and nightlife.
- Cons: higher rates, humidity, larger crowds at major attractions.
- Room tip: choose a higher‑floor room (e.g., Deluxe Suite (Times Square) or Premier Suite, with Sofa bed) if you want better skyline views and cooler evening breezes near windows.
| Practical notes | How to handle it |
|---|---|
| Heat & humidity | Plan morning and evening outdoor time; take subways midday |
| Busy attractions | Buy museum and show tickets ahead of time |
| Bar 54 availability | Rooftop may be busy or reserved for private events—check ahead |
September–November (fall) — another prime window
Late September through mid‑October is widely recommended for pleasant temperatures (generally 50–78°F) and lower humidity, making it ideal for walking the Midtown and Times Square area. Fall colors in parks add to the appeal for daytime strolls.
Crowds tend to be lighter than peak summer but still active, especially around theater openings and holiday lead‑ins. Rooms with city views remain attractive at this time for skyline photography.
- Pros: comfortable weather, good rooftop evenings, strong theater season.
- Cons: popular travel weeks (early fall holidays) can raise demand.
- Room suggestion: Deluxe Room, City View or Room, 1 King Bed, City View for squarely framed Midtown views.
| Month | Why visit now |
|---|---|
| September | Warm days, cooler nights; rooftop season still active |
| October | Crisp weather and fall foliage; generally considered peak comfort |
| November | Chilly later in month with holiday buildup toward December |
December — holidays and New Year’s proximity
December is busy around Times Square for holiday lights, Rockefeller Center and seasonal markets; it’s a high‑demand month for hotels. If you plan to be in the area for New Year’s Eve events, expect significant crowds and limited access in public squares.
For a room with direct visual access, consider Room (Times Square View) or high‑floor options to see Midtown lights from your windows. Bar 54 is open in December but terrace access will depend on weather and private bookings.
- Pros: festive atmosphere, holiday displays and performances.
- Cons: busiest hotel demand and higher rates; cold weather.
- Booking tip: reserve early for stays in December and for any Bar 54 reservations (21+).
| Holiday period | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Early–mid December | Holiday displays, still walkable crowds |
| Late December (New Year’s) | Very high crowds and limited public access near Times Square |
| After New Year’s | Rates drop quickly in January as demand falls |
