What To Pack For NYC In The Spring

I spent a full month in NYC in the spring just a year before I decided to make the move full time. I was both pleasantly surprised by all the new blooms, and absolutely shocked by the drastic temperature range I experienced. It had me thinking, I had an idea of what spring weather is, and it is NOT the same in the North.

Now that I live in New York City full-time, I’m getting a full education on dressing for the elements and exactly what to wear in New York. And spring in New York City can truly be a roller coaster of weather.

Spring in NYC is truly the best though. As the warm weather comes, longer days help to awaken the city and make it come alive. The mornings are cool, and the days turn into warm afternoons. Packing for this type of weather can be a tad tricky, though. It’s all about light layers, so you can bundle up if you need to in the morning and then peel away the layers as the sun starts to warm up the city throughout the day.

If you’re planning a trip to New York City in the spring months, let this be your ultimate guide on what to pack and what to wear. And don’t forget to check the forecast before you pack to make sure you’re prepared! PS, if you’re coming during a bit of a heat wave, check out what to pack for NYC in the summer here.

What To Pack For NYC In The Spring

When thinking of what to wear in April in NYC and even in May, it’s all about easy light layers. Staple spring essentials of lightweight jackets, like a classic trench coat to linen third pieces and lightweight sweaters are key. Since New York City is a walking city, you’ll also want all the comfortable shoes.

Sneakers are truly the best option in New York. While sandals are not necessarily the smartest choice on subways, I’d pack a pair just to have, if you’re doing a shorter walk, and a nicer pair of heels to take you to nicer dinners. A pair of loafers or ballet flats are also great options.

Don’t Forget To Check The Weather!

Before you even start packing, I would check the weather to see what the forecast will be. Spring in NYC can really range from freezing temps, thanks to a cold snap, to really hot. If you’re seeing lows in the 30s and 40s in your forecast, you’ll probably want to pack a light puffer coat or even a wool coat that you can easily layer a sweater or sweatshirt under. You may want maybe even add a scarf if you want to avoid heavier coats.

And if your forecast is looking more in the 50s and 60s, this will be light layers like lightweight jackets with thin sweaters, and maybe dresses with sweaters too. And yes, you may get some days in the 60s and 70s. On those warmer days, I love effortless dresses with sneakers, jeans with a tee or tank, or shorts and a tee with lightweight sweaters for the cooler mornings and evenings.

For Day Time And Sightseeing

For exploring the city during the day, I’ll be wearing light wash denim or cargo pants (a favorite trend right now) with cotton tees or tanks and lightweight linen blazers for a pop of color. Converse or Adidas and an easy crossbody bag are great. A long trench is also the ideal light jacket for your trip.

Comfortable casual dresses are also a great choice for spring if it’s warmer out. Choose ones that are in comfortable fabrics like cotton that can breathe. These can also serve double duty for being dressed up at night if you really need to. Add a sweater over your shoulder or a trench for added warmth.

For Night Time And Dinners Out

I’m all about easy swaps when I travel. Outfits that can go from day to night if I need to with easy to mix and match pieces. If you want to go that route, the above sightseeing outfits work. All you have to do is swap the sneaker for a low strappy heel and add a nicer bag.

Tops & Third Pieces

When planning a trip to NYC in the spring, my tops and third pieces are going to be easily layered. Lightweight sweaters, tees and light jackets really shine this time of year. And for the third pieces, you can pack your favorite blazer or cropped jacket. The great thing is, if it’s really cold, you can layer your trench or light wool coat over these third pieces to stay warm.

For tops, I would keep things pretty simple and straight forward. Cotton tanks and crew neck tees, along with a few of what I consider my go-to square neck tops feel a tad nicer than a tee. Plus, a handful of graphic tees as they’re my go-to. Tees can easily be dressed up with a nice blazer for nighttime. But if you have nicer dinner plans, a nice blouse or a button-down is great to have in your suitcase.

In case it’s cold, adding one or two lightweight sweaters that can be worn with most of your bottoms will be key. Plus, they make a great third piece to throw over your shoulder like this. A crew neck sweatshirt is also a great option.

For the extra cold spring days, thin long sleeves in lighter, more spring colors are perfect for this weather. And if you’re getting a real cold snap, a few sweaters, instead of tanks, will be ideal.

Spring Outerwear

For spring outerwear when you visit New York City, I would pack a long trench that you can wear with dresses and jeans, day or night. It’s also great for layering over a sweater. You can even add a scarf if it’s on the colder side. A leather jacket is also a spring staple to have and is very on trend for New York City.

Spring in NYC can be drastic either way. If you get a cold snap, you’ll probably want to pack your puffer coat—or at least your lightweight puffer—and layer with a sweater and scarf. My rule with NY weather is that anything under 40 requires a proper coat and maybe even gloves if it’s windy.

I would skip the wool coat unless you’re expecting cooler temps in the 30s and 40s. Cotton trenches, or sweater coats are great options for spring here. Bomber jackets are also a great option as they can be a bit warmer on those cooler days.

Bottoms & Dresses

I’m a denim girl, so I live in my favorite Madewell perfect vintage straight jeans. These work great with sneakers, sandals and heels. Truly my favorite jeans. Plus, off-white wide leg jeans that work with all the third pieces above are a nice, welcoming spring denim wash to pack. You can even do chinos, barrel pants or trousers.

For dresses, I’d pack something nicer for dinner, and something casual for daytime. I always love to pack a slip dress that can be worn with chucks and a denim jacket (as seen here). And also dressed up with a nice blazer and heels like this. A fun mini dress like the above Sezane floral mini in today’s post is a great option. It’s the perfect piece for daytime that feels a little more fun and cute. But you can also wear it to dinner with a heel.

Depending on the forecast, you may also want to pack a couple of pairs of shorts or minis to have just in case it’s really warm. All that walking in New York City can really get you warmed up. So I always prefer to be cooler than hot when I start my day.

Shoes & Accessories

Anytime I visit a walking city, I find myself bringing the fewest amount of shoes. Comfort is key! I live in my platform Converse or a pair of Adidas Gazelles. A chunky dad sneaker is also super on trend and a great comfort option for those 20K step days. A simple black or nude low block heel is perfect for day or night and is a great option to pack.

If you’re just doing a carry on to NYC in the spring, I’d choose the more comfortable low heel to have on your packing list. No need for two pairs of heels for a spring weekend in NYC. And if you aren’t planning on any super nice dinners, you really don’t even need a heel. A sneaker is acceptable just about everywhere here. Mary Janes or ballet flats and loafers are also staples in the spring and can be really comfortable for all the walking in NYC.

I would keep my accessories simple too. I like a lightweight bag that I can wear crossbody when I travel. This Sezane Farrow bag is perfect or the Milo bag. Not too big, and fits enough, including an emergency mini umbrella (key for a walking city packing list!).

Spring Outfit Ideas For Exploring During The Day

For casual days and exploring in the city, it is all about comfort. But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. Here are some great outfit ideas that feel put together and styled with layers and texture to keep things interesting. They are all also built in with layers that you can add or take away depending on the temperatures.

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Spring Outfit Ideas For New York City For Dinner

For what to wear to dinner in NYC for spring, you can really just add a heel to your favorite day dress or jeans and a tee with a blazer. But here are a few looks that are a bit dressy, but not over the top. Everyone’s vibe in NYC may be different. So if you’re going for a fancy night out at the opera followed by a fine dining dinner, you’ll probably want to pack a few nicer things that what I have below.

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NYC Packing List For Spring

If coming to NYC in the early spring when it’s chilly in the 30s, 40s and maybe 50s, here’s what I’d pack.

• Long sleeves
• Light sweaters
• Wool coat or light puffer
• Jeans, trousers, etc
• Ankle boots or Chelsea boots
• Sneakers
• Comfortable flat
• Gloves if in the 30s
• Nicer outfits for dinner and going out

If coming to NYC in the early spring when it’s in the 50s, 60s and maybe even a bit of the 70s, here’s what I’d pack.

• Lightweight sweaters
• Tees
• Trench coat, light jackets
• Jeans, trousers, etc
• Dresses or skirts
• Sneakers
• Comfortable flat
• Nicer outfits for dinner and going out

If there is any chance of rain in your forecast, definitely pack an umbrella, a raincoat or trench, and a water-resistant shoe. A rainboot is great if it’s going to be really wet, but a leather sneaker or water-resistant boot is usually fine.

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There you have it, the best things to pack and outfit ideas to wear when visiting New York City in the spring. The weather can truly be wild this time of year. So always think about easy layers and check the weather as close to your departure as possible before packing that suitcase. And if you’re heading to NYC with an even warmer forecast, check out my tips on what to pack for NYC in the summer here.