Hot air balloon rides in New York City
A balloon flight over New York City depends on calm, dry mornings. The most comfortable months are April to October, with highs around 75°F (24°C).
Photo: Fred Hsu on en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Book hot air balloon rides in New York City
How to pick a good hot air balloon ride
- Flights leave around sunrise, when the air is calmest. Expect a pickup one to two hours before dawn.
- Balloon flights are often cancelled for wind or rain. Book early in your trip so there's time to rebook.
- Time in the air is usually about an hour; the whole outing, with transfers, takes three to four.
- Check basket size. Smaller baskets with 8 to 12 passengers feel very different from 20-person ones.
New York City month by month
Averages for New York, 1991–2020.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 40 (4) | 42 (6) | 50 (10) | 62 (17) | 71 (22) | 80 (27) | 85 (29) | 83 (29) | 76 (25) | 65 (18) | 54 (12) | 44 (7) |
| Low °F (°C) | 28 (-2) | 29 (-1) | 36 (2) | 46 (8) | 55 (13) | 64 (18) | 70 (21) | 69 (21) | 62 (17) | 51 (11) | 42 (6) | 34 (1) |
| Sunset (15th) | 4:53 pm | 5:30 pm | 7:02 pm | 7:35 pm | 8:06 pm | 8:29 pm | 8:26 pm | 7:55 pm | 7:06 pm | 6:17 pm | 4:38 pm | 4:29 pm |
Questions
When is the best time for hot air balloon rides in New York City?
April to October. Expect highs around 75°F (24°C). The least comfortable months are January and February.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Operators cancel when wind, rain or low cloud make flying unsafe, and usually offer another date or a refund.
Where can I book hot air balloon rides in New York City?
The link above searches Viator for hot air balloon rides in New York City. Compare group size, duration, what is included and the cancellation terms before you book.
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