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New Haven

New Haven travel guide

City in Connecticut, United States

Best time to visitFebruary, April and October to December
Nearest airportHVN · 4 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC−5
Population134,023

About New Haven

New Haven is a city in the U.S. state of Connecticut. It is located on New Haven Harbor on the northern shore of Long Island Sound. With a population of 134,023 at the 2020 census, it is the third-most populous city in Connecticut and the largest in the South Central Connecticut Planning Region, with the Greater New Haven metropolitan area having an estimated 577,000 residents.

Places to visit in New Haven

  1. Yale University Art Gallery

    Yale University Art Gallery

    Museum

    A wide-ranging collection spanning ancient artifacts to modern American painting, displayed across connected buildings on Chapel Street, and free to enter for all visitors. Allow a couple of hours to see the highlights.

  2. Yale Center for British Art

    Yale Center for British Art

    Museum

    Louis Kahn's concrete and glass building holds a major collection of British paintings, prints and rare books, with works by Turner, Constable and Gainsborough in calm, light-filled galleries.

  3. Peabody Museum of Natural History

    Peabody Museum of Natural History

    Museum

    Known for its great hall of dinosaurs and a famous mural of prehistoric life, this Yale museum also has strong mineral, anthropology and bird collections that appeal to families.

  4. Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library

    Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library

    Landmark

    Translucent marble panels let soft light into a soaring tower of rare books; visitors can view a Gutenberg Bible and rotating exhibitions from the library's vast holdings.

  5. New Haven Green

    New Haven Green

    Historic

    The original town square laid out by Puritan settlers, framed by three historic churches and Yale's campus, and the natural starting point for exploring downtown on foot.

  6. East Rock Park

    Viewpoint · 2 mi from centre

    A traprock ridge rising above the city with hiking trails and a summit monument, offering broad views over New Haven, the harbor and Long Island Sound.

  7. Wooster Square

    Wooster Square

    Neighborhood

    A historic Italian-American neighborhood around a tree-lined park, home to the pizzerias that made New Haven-style coal-fired apizza famous; expect lines at the best-known spots.

  8. Lighthouse Point Park

    Beach

    A city park on the harbor's east shore with a small beach, the old Five Mile Point lighthouse and an antique carousel, popular for hawk watching during autumn migration.

Where to stay in New Haven

Popular hotels in New Haven, out of 37 properties you can book.

See all hotels in New Haven

Best time to visit New Haven

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit New Haven is February, April and October to December, when average daytime highs are around 68–86°F and rain falls on about 9 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 42° – 58° 15
Feb 51° – 69° 8
Mar 58° – 76° 13
Apr 64° – 81° 11
May 71° – 86° 18
Jun 75° – 90° 21
Jul 76° – 90° 19
Aug 76° – 92° 16
Sep 72° – 89° 10
Oct 66° – 86° 5
Nov 59° – 76° 10
Dec 52° – 68° 11

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

New Haven weather forecast

  • Wed 21 Oct 55° 42° 1%
  • Thu 22 Oct 64° 45° 1%
  • Fri 23 Oct 58° 44° 1%
  • Sat 24 Oct 61° 42° 1%
  • Sun 25 Oct 62° 46° 0%
  • Mon 26 Oct 65° 51° 1%

Know before you go

Currency
United States dollar (USD)
Language
English
Calling code
+1
Driving
On the right
Time zone
America/ChicagoUTC−5
Capital
Washington, D.C.

Upcoming public holidays in United States

  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day
  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • Presidents DayWashington's Birthday

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to New Haven

These are the airports closest to central New Haven. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • HVN Tweed-New Haven Regional Airport4 mi (6 km) from the city centre
Search flights to New Haven

Getting around New Haven

Downtown New Haven is compact enough to be traversed by foot.

New Haven travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit New Haven?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit New Haven is February, April and October to December, when average daytime highs are around 68–86°F and rain falls on about 9 days a month.

What is the weather like in New Haven?

August is usually the warmest month in New Haven, with average highs of 92°F (33°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 42°F (5°C). The wettest month is typically May, with about 303 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to New Haven?

Tweed-New Haven Regional Airport (HVN) is the closest airport, about 4 miles (6 km) from the centre of New Haven.

What time zone is New Haven in?

New Haven uses the America/Chicago time zone (currently UTC−5). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around New Haven?

Downtown New Haven is compact enough to be traversed by foot.

What are the best places to visit in New Haven?

Top sights in New Haven include Yale University Art Gallery, Yale Center for British Art, Peabody Museum of Natural History and Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library. A wide-ranging collection spanning ancient artifacts to modern American painting, displayed across connected buildings on Chapel Street, and free to enter for all visitors. Allow a couple of hours to see the highlights.

Where should I stay in New Haven?

Popular areas for hotels in New Haven include New Haven, Stratford and Milford Area. Well-reviewed options include The Blake Hotel and Courtyard New Haven At Yale.

How many hotels can I book in New Haven?

Destina Holidays currently lists 37 properties in and around New Haven, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.