What is the weather like in late October (31st), early November period. Are there leaves on the trees still? Is it just jacket weather? Still comfortable enough during the day to walk around? I have the opportunity to do this with a couple friends. I was in NYC in late spring just a couple years ago, though. Or…we could meet the middle of November in Toronto. It’s much colder, more winter like…but I’ve never been.
Or we could meet in Philadelphia (that’s where her business trip is taking her). She is staying for 4 extra days after so we can vacation. Not sure I want to spend 4 days there, though. I do think weather will make a difference in the enjoyability factor. We are meeting during the times and places of her business travels.
The weather at the end of October could be anything from 70’s and sunny to low 30’s and snow with a greater likelihood of 50’s and rain. That is one of the most unpredictable periods, weather-wise, on the east coast. If you’ve been to NY and have an opportunity to go to Toronto, I’d vote for Toronto! It’s an amazing city and, while there is a greater possibility that it will be colder, there is so much to do and see. I live right outside NYC and grew up about an hour from Toronto. Museums, theatre, restaurants, parks, shopping, whatever you like to do…it has everything and is beautiful, as well.
Toronto is a lot more affordable too. You can stay in the burbs for under $100 or in the downtown core for under $200 per night. Most everything is about half the price in NYC, and the lower CAD helps too. Weather isn’t much different from New York, and the attractions are easy to get to via foot or public transit.
If you go, just make sure you have Canadian coverage on your cell phone plan, or data can get pretty expensive. Many Canadian museums are covered by reciprocal agreements with art and science museums in the US, so it might be worth joining just to save time.
Halloween around here (NYC suburb) is anything from warm and sunny to quite cold with coats over costumes. Leaves are pretty much gone most years (this year was an exception) or may be on the trees but brown. OTOH, not a big tourist time so may be a good time to visit. The NYC marathon is the first weekend in November which is great to watch.
Philadelphia is great and you could easily do an overnight to NYC from Philly.
Thanks everyone! That helps a lot. So, it sounds like choosing where we go shouldn’t be dependent on the weather. Plus, not sure I want to deal with Marathon crowds. Sounds like it may sway to Toronto.
I wouldn’t say that Toronto is “a lot more affordable”. It will depend what you want to do and where you want to stay, and it’s definitely not half the price of NYC. Have lived in Toronto most of my adult life and travel to NYC several times a year. The U.S. dollar is higher than the Canadian but not as advantageous as it has been in the past few years. Who knows where it will be by November.
The weather will have the same ranges as have been mentioned for NYC. There’s no way to predict! I would definitely recommend staying somewhere in the city and not in the suburbs. Proximity to what you want to do should determine where you plan on staying, in addition to your budget.
@conmama, I can give you lots of details about Toronto once you make your decision. PM me if you’d like some help!