New York City edges it in April. New York City averages 8–17°C with moderate crowds; Chicago 4–12°C with moderate crowds.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
New York City and Chicago
The verdict for April
Spring in NYC starts to feel real
+A strong walking-and-city-exploring month with genuine spring weather.
–Crowds and prices rise compared with winter.
A very good month for a first NYC trip.
The city comes back outside
+Mild air, longer evenings, riverwalk restaurants reopening.
–Still unpredictable — a warm day can be followed by sleet.
Mild air, longer evenings, riverwalk restaurants reopening.
Scores and crowd levels are my own judgement; temperatures are monthly averages. Higher scores are better: quieter, cheaper and more pleasant.
Another month