April
Spring is when New York shows its softer side. The weather is mild and the streets are calm — before the summer crowds come. In April, it feels like you have the city to yourself. After a long, cold winter being holed up in your apartment, you can walk through the park and watch the flowers bloom.
August
If you want to live like a New Yorker, head to Rockaway Beach, Queens, in August. This is where the locals escape the hot damp summer heat, especially when the Hamptons and Fire Island are too packed. Rockaway has a long stretch of sand, so you can take your pick. If you want to catch a wave, sign up for surf lessons at Locals Surf School.
September
September is the month that makes me fall in love with the city. It's sunny and warm, and there are fewer crowds once the kids go back to school after Labor Day. Though there are signs of fall, mainly in the cooler nights, you don't need to wear anything above a light sweater. This pleasant weather is ideal for a picnic in Brooklyn.
October
In October, the city becomes one big food festival. No really, there are open-air markets all across the five boroughs. If you want to try food from around the world, Queens Night Market should be at the top of your list. To see some cooks in action, get tickets to the New York City Wine & Food Festival that takes place in mid-October.
