Best time to visit Empire State building – to avoid crowd, for sunset

The Empire State Building is one of New York City’s most iconic landmarks, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the skyline.

But when is the best time to visit? If you’re after the most stunning views, sunset time is the best choice—watching the city lights flicker on as the sky transforms is truly magical.

However, if you want to avoid long lines and large crowds, your best bet is to arrive when the observation deck opens at 9 am (during peak season).

In this guide, we’ll break down the best times to visit the most famous building in the world based on different priorities.

Best time to avoid the crowd

The best time to visit the Empire State Building with minimal crowds is right when it opens—9 am during peak months (April to September) and 10 am the rest of the year.

If you can’t visit in the morning, the next best time to go is between 3 pm and 5 pm—after the midday rush (11 am to 3 pm) dies down but before the sunset crowds arrive.

Visiting during these quieter hours allows you to explore both the 86th and 102nd-floor observation decks and the exhibits on display at a relaxed pace.

For an even calmer experience, plan your visit on a Monday or Tuesday, as these are typically the least crowded days.

In contrast, weekends—especially Saturdays—see the biggest crowds, along with public holidays, school vacations, and the summer months.

If you don’t mind the cold, late winter is also a great time to visit. The open-air 86th-floor observatory can be chilly, which deters some visitors, making for a quieter and more serene experience.

Did you know?: When visiting the Empire State Building, you must wait in three different lines. First, there is the queue at the ticketing counter, followed by the security check, and finally, the line in front of the elevators. A Standard Ticket allows you to skip the ticketing line, while an Express Ticket lets you bypass all three lines for a faster experience.

Best time to see the sunset

The best time to see the breathtaking sunset from the Empire State Building is between 4 pm and 6 pm, depending on the season.

To make the most of your visit, check the sunset time for your chosen date and book a Standard ticket at least 45 minutes in advance. Arriving early ensures you have enough time to go through security and reach the 86th-floor observation deck just before sunset.

For reference, here’s the New York City sunset schedule throughout the year:

Visual Story: 15 must-know tips before visiting Empire State Building

Best time to see the sunrise

For a breathtaking view of the sunrise over New York City, the best option is the Empire State Building Sunrise Experience.

This exclusive experience allows just 100 visitors to enter 30 minutes before sunrise, offering a rare opportunity to watch the city awaken from the iconic 86th-floor observation deck—without the usual crowds.

The Big Apple Pass includes tickets to a 60-minute Statue of Liberty cruise, the Empire State Building, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. You also get a 10% discount code, which you can use (five times!) to get discounts on future purchases.

Best time to visit at night

For the most magical nighttime experience, the best time to visit the Empire State Building is after 10 pm, especially Thursday to Saturday, when a live saxophonist performs on the 86th-floor observatory. They take special requests and set the perfect mood for a romantic evening.

By this time, the crowds have mostly dispersed, and the wait time to reach the top is usually under 20 minutes.

You’ll have plenty of space to take in the breathtaking city lights and still have time to enjoy a night out in New York.

Remember that the last elevator departs 45 minutes before closing, so plan accordingly.

How to visit at night

You have two options for a nighttime visit to the Empire State Building:

• Standard Ticket – Book a ticket for after 10 pm to enjoy a peaceful, late-night visit.
• AM/PM Ticket – Visit once during the day and return at night to experience the Empire State Building in two different lights.

Best time to take photos

The Empire State Building is a dream spot for photographers, offering unmatched 360-degree views of New York City.

To capture the best shots, check the weather before your visit—clear skies make for stunning photos, while cloudy days can limit visibility.

For the most breathtaking photos, the best time to visit is just before sunset. This allows you to photograph the city in daylight, during golden hour, at sunset, and finally at night when the skyline lights up.

To ensure you arrive at the perfect time, we recommend purchasing an Express Ticket online, which lets you skip the lines and head straight to the observation deck—so you never miss the perfect shot.

Insider Tip: Snapping the perfect selfie on the 86th-floor observatory can be tricky due to the protective wire mesh surrounding the deck. For the best shot, position your camera close to the gaps in the mesh or head to the 102nd-floor observatory, which has floor-to-ceiling glass windows for unobstructed views!

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Best weather to visit Empire State

For the most spectacular views, visit the Empire State Building on a clear, sunny day, when visibility is at its peak.

The 86th-floor observatory is an open-air deck, making it a popular spot when the weather is nice.

On foggy, rainy, or overcast days, visibility can be severely limited, and the experience may not be as rewarding.

To avoid disappointment, checking the weather forecast and visibility conditions before booking your ticket is best.

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