When is the best time to visit NYC?

I read this all the time on Yahoo Answers and most of the so-called answers are subjective since what constitutes "best"? First off, Nitz.. what is best for you? What are your personal expectations? Do you plan to waste night and day in yawn, Times Square? Do you enjoy the outdoors? What's your budget? How long are you staying? Do you come from a warm climate? Are you one of those nitwits that dreams over the idea of clutching a handful of snow? Do you understand now, why this question is tarted?

Many NYC natives favor the Spring or Fall and for good reason. Summer in the city can be hellish. Not just because of the heat, but the humidity. The humidity in New York City can be summed up in two words... Kong's armpit. And I'm not talking about the King scaling the Empire State Building on a breezy day. I'm talking, the sweaty Kong trapped in the bottom of a metal cargo ship at sea for weeks after being chased through a misty jungle. Now imagine yourself slowly descending into a subway station filled with hot air and vermin before settling into a crammed subway car, neck and neck with others who just braved the same.

So, why the Spring or Fall? If that picture I painted you wasn't enough, then consider this... the weather is comfortable and it's still warm enough to enjoy the outdoors. You can dress light during the day and get dressed up at night without sweating or freezing, if the mood arises. It's generally less crowded (unless it's a holiday weekend). Flea markets and street fairs are still in full swing and touring the city by bus, boat or on foot is all good in da hood.

What about the holidays? Surely it must be magical in New York City that time of year? Perhaps, but consider the following, rubbaneck... New York City is in full blown holiday mode. You're more prone to get caught up in the festivities than what the city itself has to offer. It's easy to substitute The Rockettes at Radio City for a Broadway show. It's easy to take a hansom cab ride around Central Park (grrr... read here why I oppose this!) rather than actually explore it. It's easy to go ice-skating and under the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center instead of taking a walking tour or boat ride around Lady Liberty because it's too friggin' cold.

Beyond the holidays, the Winter does offer one incentive for you snow seekers and short armed cheapskates. Hotel rates are at an all time low starting in mid January, all the way up to the end of February. But before you get all tingly in the breadbasket, consider the reason why... It's friggin' freezing! There's also nothing to do outside and you really don't wanna be struttin around town oogling at the tall buildings or some jackwagon hollering at you in an Elmo suit. But, suffice to say, you will save an assload of money. I guess it works if you're the museum type, but we all know how cultured some of you rebel wavers are. :) 

Now that we got all that out of the way, I can't deny there are some pros and cons on both sides, so here are a few things to consider whe planning your New York City vacation.....

Summer Pros:

• Lots of outdoor events and things to enjoy such as concerts, movies (Bryant Park), water taxis

Summer Cons:

• Hot & HUMID! Very crowded and expensive.

Spring or Fall Pros:

•  Optimal weather, plenty of outdoor events, less crowded, less expensive.

Spring or Fall Cons:

• Some summer events come to a close (outdoor movies) and less outdoor concerts. Nights can get chilly.

 Winter (Holiday Season) Pros:

• Lots of holiday themed events (Christmas tree, Christmas shows, Holiday window displays), good shopping sales.

Winter (Holiday Season) Cons:

• Everything dedicated to the holidays, too cold to enjoy the outdoors, very crowded, expensive, hard to shop.

So, when is the best time to visit NYC? You tell me, Nitz! What appeals to you most?