Geographical Position and Climate of New York
New York state is located in the northeastern region of the United States of America. It shares borders with several states: Vermont to the east, Massachusetts to the east and southeast, Connecticut to the southeast, New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and Ontario and Quebec in Canada to the north. New York also has a maritime border with Rhode Island to the east, across Long Island Sound.
The state’s diverse geography ranges from the Atlantic coast in the southeastern corner to the high peaks of the Adirondack Mountains in the north. The Hudson River flows through the eastern part of the state and into the Atlantic Ocean, with the iconic city of New York nestled on its mouth. Central part of the state is characterized by the rolling hills of the Finger Lakes region, while the western part of the state features the Great Lakes shorelines along Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, as well as Niagara Falls.
Best time to visit
Spring (March to May):
- Mild weather with blooming flowers, especially in parks.
- Ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing.
- Fewer tourists compared to summer.
Summer (June to August):
- Warm to hot temperatures, perfect for beach trips and festivals.
- Peak tourist season, especially in New York City.
- Great time for exploring the state’s numerous state parks.
Fall (September to November):
- Cooler temperatures and spectacular fall foliage, particularly in upstate New York.
- Harvest season brings food and wine festivals.
- Less crowded than summer, making it a good time for cultural events and city exploration.
Winter (December to February):
- Cold and snowy, especially in upstate New York, which is ideal for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding.
- New York City is festive with holiday decorations and events like the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting.
- Potential for travel disruptions due to snowstorms.
Ultimately, the best time to visit is when the activities you are most interested in are available and when you can enjoy the type of weather you prefer.
Travel to New York
By Air:
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in New York City are major international gateways.
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in neighboring New Jersey is also a convenient option for international travelers.
- For those heading to upstate New York, airports like Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF), Albany International Airport (ALB), and Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) offer domestic flights.
By Train:
- Amtrak provides rail service to various parts of the State, including routes such as the Empire Service, which runs between New York City and Niagara Falls.
- Major train stations like Penn Station in New York City serve as hubs for both long-distance and regional trains.
With Bus:
- Numerous bus companies operate intercity services to and from the State, connecting it with other parts of the country.
- The Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City is a major bus hub.
By Car:
- An extensive network of highways and roads makes driving into New York State straightforward.
- Major routes include Interstate 87 (I-87), which runs north-south from New York City to the Canadian border, and Interstate 90 (I-90), which traverses the state east-west.
By Boat:
- For a unique approach, you can enter the state via waterways such as the Hudson River or the Great Lakes, though this is less common for long-distance travel.
Places to visit in New York
Important Information
Capital – Albany
Largest City – New York City
Territory – 141,297 km2
Population – 19,571,216
Time Zone – UTC-5 (Eastern)