When is the best time to visit the Statue of Liberty to avoid crowds?

The best time to visit the Statue of Liberty to avoid crowds is during the shoulder season of spring and fall, and on weekdays.

What time does the first ferry depart to the Statue of Liberty?

The first ferry from Manhattan to the Statue of Liberty departs at 8:30am.

How often do the ferries depart to the Statue of Liberty?

Ferries depart to the Statue of Liberty approximately every 20-30 minutes.

Can I visit the Statue of Liberty at night?

The Statue of Liberty is not open for nighttime visits, but the crown and pedestal are open until 6pm during the summer season.

How long does it take to climb to the crown of the Statue of Liberty?

Climbing to the crown of the Statue of Liberty can take up to 45 minutes.

Is the Statue of Liberty open on public holidays?

Yes, the Statue of Liberty remains open on all public holidays except on Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day.

Statue of Liberty Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit

Jan 1 TO Dec 31 Timings Days (Jan 1 TO Dec 31)	TIMINGS
Monday	09:00–18:30
Tuesday	09:00–18:30
Wednesday	09:00–18:30
Thursday (Today)	09:00–18:30
Friday	09:00–18:30
Saturday	09:00–18:30
Sunday	09:00–18:30

Jan 1 TO Dec 31 Timings

Days (Jan 1 TO Dec 31)

TIMINGS

Monday

09:00–18:30

Tuesday

09:00–18:30

Wednesday

09:00–18:30

Thursday (Today)

09:00–18:30

Friday

09:00–18:30

Saturday

09:00–18:30

Sunday

09:00–18:30

Book Statue of Liberty tickets & tours

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tickets

Free cancellation

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Flexible duration

Audio guide

Guided tour

Transfers available

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New York CityPASS®: Choose 5 Attractions

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Extended validity

Flexible duration

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Statue of Liberty Sunset Cruise

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1 hr. - 1 hr. 30 min.

Audio guide

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Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Guided Tour with Ferry

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2 hr. - 4 hr.

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Best time to visit the Statue of Liberty

Weekday vs Weekend

The best time to visit the Statue of Liberty is on a weekday, as there tend to be fewer crowds than on weekends. This means shorter wait times for ticket lines, security checks, and ferry rides.
Additionally, you can explore the island and attractions at a more leisurely pace on a weekday.
On weekends, the number of visitors is generally higher, which means longer wait times and larger crowds.
However, if weekends are your only option, arriving early in the day or later in the afternoon can help avoid the peak hours of midday.

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Pleasant

Crowded

Very Crowded

Closed

Peak season vs low season

The best season to visit the Statue of Liberty is during the spring or fall, between April to early June and September to November.
The peak season for tourism in New York City is during the summer months of July and August, while the low season is during the winter months of December to February.
Visiting during the peak season means warmer weather and longer days, but also means larger crowds and longer wait times. Accommodation prices and tickets to other attractions also tend to be higher during this time.
On the other hand, visiting during the low season means smaller crowds and lower prices, but colder weather and shorter daylight hours may limit outdoor activities.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Off Season

Moderate Season

Peak Season

How long should I spend at the Statue of Liberty?

To fully experience the Statue of Liberty, Liberty Island, & Ellis Island, you should plan to spend at least 5-6 hours exploring all the attractions. The ferry ride to Liberty Island takes about 15-20 minutes each way, so budget an additional 40-50 minutes for the ferry ride. Once you’re on the island, give yourself about 2-3 hours to explore the inside of the Statue, including the Pedestal and observation deck, another hour to explore the Statue of Liberty Museum, and about 30 minutes or longer to walk around Liberty Island.

On Ellis Island, you will need at least 1-2 hours to visit the National Immigration Museum and other attractions. Overall, we recommend spending at least half a day or more at the Statue of Liberty to completely experience this iconic attraction.

Check out our guide to plan Your Visit to the Statue of Liberty