Best time to visit the Statue of Liberty

Knowing the best time to visit is the most important part of planning your trip to the Statue of Liberty in New York City.

Around 4 million people journey to see each year. Beat the crowds to have a smooth visit to both Liberty Island and Ellis Island.

This article covers everything you need to know to book your Liberty tickets for the best time slot.

Top Tickets

Book your self-guided tickets to the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island, or opt for the Guided Tour of the Statue of Liberty. For sunset views of Manhattan, check out the Circle Line 2-hour Harbor Lights Cruise, an evening cruise with a cocktail and commentary.

Best Time of the Day

Regardless of the season or day of the week, the key to a peaceful visit to the Statue of Liberty is to arrive early.

• The best time to visit is early in the morning, by catching the first ferry of the day at 9 AM. The ferry schedules vary seasonally, so we recommend that you check the ferry timings.
• Arriving early allows for an experience with fewer crowds and excellent lighting for photos. And also, less time spent waiting in the security line.
• Late afternoons, after 3 PM, can also see crowds thinning out.
• Try to avoid the mid-morning and afternoon, between 12 PM and 2 PM, as these are the peak times when crowds are largest.

Best Time of the Year

Choosing the right season for your visit to the Statue of Liberty makes all the difference, as most of your experience will be outdoors.

Spring and Fall

• Visiting the Liberty Statue in Spring (April to May/early June) and Fall (September to November) is considered the ideal time.
• During these shoulder seasons, you will enjoy pleasant, mild weather with sunny and breezy days, which is perfect for walking around Liberty Island.
• These months also see fewer crowds compared to the peak summer, which means shorter wait times and better availability for Statue of Liberty tickets.

Summer

• The Summer months, June to August, bring warmer weather and longer daylight hours, but it is also the busiest time for tourism in New York City.
• Expect larger crowds and longer lines, so we recommend booking your Liberty tickets in advance if you are planning your visit in the summer.
• Remember to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen. Then you can really say ‘The summer I turned pretty’ after a visit to Lady Liberty!

Winter

• Starting from December to February, the winter months are the low season, meaning smaller crowds.
• However, it can be very cold and windy, especially on the water and the islands, and daylight hours are shorter.
• Although it is closed on Christmas Day, the week between Christmas and New Year is a notable exception, as it becomes one of the busiest times to visit.

Save 40% and more! The New York CityPASS is a popular discount card that helps you save 41% on your ticket costs and also guarantees seamless entry to up to five attractions.

Best Day of the Week

To avoid the heaviest crowds at the Statue of Liberty, consider visiting on a weekday.

• Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are the best days to visit, offering the fewest crowds and a more relaxed experience. Which means shorter waits for security checks and ferry rides.
• Weekends are much busier due to both tourists and locals.
• Mondays and Fridays can also be surprisingly busy as people extend their weekends.

Opening Hours

The Statue of Liberty National Monument is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.

• Operating hours are extended during the summer months.
• The monument is a true year-round destination, as it only closes on Christmas Day (December 25) and Thanksgiving Day.
• The first ferry from the mainland departs at 9 AM, and the last ferry from the mainland is at 5.45 PM.
• The last ferry departing from Liberty Island itself is at 5 PM. The crown and pedestal are open until 6 PM during the summer season.

How Long Does It Take

To fully experience the Statue of Liberty, Liberty Island, and Ellis Island, plan for at least 5-6 hours. This includes about 15-20 minutes for each ferry ride.

• Allocate 2-3 hours to explore the inside of the Statue, an hour for the Statue of Liberty Museum, and about 30 minutes or more to walk around Liberty Island.
• For Ellis Island’s National Immigration Museum, allow at least 1-2 hours.

Know Before You Go

Planning is essential for a relaxed visit to the Statue of Liberty.

• Ferries depart from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan and also from Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey.
• Parking is easier and cheaper in Jersey City than in Manhattan.
• Ferries leave every 20 to 35 minutes.
• If you’re short on time, consider a Statue of Liberty express cruise.
• For a free view from a distance, hop on the Staten Island Ferry from South Ferry in Lower Manhattan.
• Be prepared for airport-style security screening before boarding the ferry, which means mandatory bag inspections, with restrictions on large bags and certain items.
• You should arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled tour time, and up to an hour or more during peak season.
• Lockers are available for storing prohibited items, such as large bags.
• Ferries to Liberty Island are accessible for wheelchair users, as is the Fort Wood viewing deck on the island. However, the Statue’s crown requires climbing steps, but the Pedestal is accessible.
• Wheelchairs are available to borrow on both Liberty and Ellis Islands, and service animals are permitted.
• Cafes and snack bars are available on both islands and ferries.
• Wear comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to climb the Pedestal (200 steps) or the crown (an additional 146 steps).

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the commonly asked questions about the best time to visit the Statue of Liberty.