Are you visiting New York City this winter? Thinking about checking out the holiday decorations at Rockefeller Center and enjoying Christmas-themed cocktails at Rolf’s? Maybe you just love visiting a city during the winter because it feels like you’re in a real life snow globe.
Whatever the reason for your upcoming trip to The Big Apple during the winter months, this is your ultimate guide on what to pack for NYC in the winter.
What to expect with weather, how to pack so your prepared and warm, plus a few tips depending on the forecast. Plus, a few great outfit ideas so you feel and look your best while exploring New York City.
What To Pack For NYC In The Winter
Before you start packing, always check the forecast for your upcoming trip. While winter in New York City will definitely be cold an likely wet or snowy, it’s not always a guarantee. You may get some sunshine and temps in the 40s. Versus a snowy trip with temps in the single digits. This will have a huge impact on how you pack from coats to bring, layers and the very important shoe choices.
My Winter Dressing Tips
A few rule of thumbs I live by when I’m getting dressed for NYC in the winter are as follows. First, I always check the temperature and the feels like temperature. This is key to getting a better idea how to dress. Wind can make things feel much colder and will completely change what I choose to wear. Second, I still don’t want to be 100% perfectly warm when I leave the house in the morning. Why? You’re going to warm up as you walk around and ride the subway. Plus, the temperatures should rise as the day goes on.
So what does this mean for getting dressed? If it says “feels like” the 30s, I’m probably wearing my wool coat and a sweater. If it’s really windy, I’m also adding a scarf, something for my head or ears and gloves. If it’s in the single digits or up to the low 20s, it’s long puffer (or a quality wool coat), gloves, scarf and beanie. Plus, warm socks and boots to stay warm.
Puffer Coats
A full-length puffer coat is going to be essential for a wintry snowy mix. When temperatures are in the single digits, up until the 20s and 30s, a puffer is going to be the jacket of choice. Especially if it’s snowing, you’ll thank me!
A shorter option though like the above gold puffer, is actually a great item to pack for temps in the 30s, 40s and even 50s. It’s not too heavy, but will keep you warm. Because it’s shorter, it doesn’t keep your legs warm, which isn’t a huge issue if you’re in the 40s!
Wool Coats
A wool coat will be a great option that gives you a more stylish look to your outfits while in NYC. Opt for a long wool coat to keep you as warm as possible. Wool coats will be good on those 40 and 50 degree days. 20 and 30 degree days are going to require layers for sure to keep cozy.
If your wool coat is thin and not super heavy, I would instead reach for a puffer. But a high quality, heavy wool coat really can keep you quite warm with good layers. Look for ones that are double-faced, and have a high percentage of wool content. This will ensure it keeps the wind out as much as possible. And one of my secrets to stay warm in a puffer when it’s really cold? Layer this Uniqlo Pufftech liner underneath.
Sweaters & Long Sleeves
Essential tops for winter in NYC are going to be sweaters and long sleeves. And sometimes long sleeves underneath those sweaters to really bundle up. Sweaters are truly key to staying warm in the elements while exploring and sightseeing in New York City.
Jeans, Trousers & Dresses
Whatever you prefer for bottoms will probably be just fine while visiting NYC. Jeans are my favorite and I always opt for a slight cropped length. Nothing worse than your jeans hitting the filthy and possibly wet and snowy sidewalks of NYC. Trousers are great and you can easily layer a thin legging underneath it for super chilly days. Faux leather pants are a great option too because they usually are warmer than anything else.
Dresses and skirts will be nice for dinners and can be paired with tights. Fleece-lined tights are great for staying warm. But if you’re also just going from hotel to Uber to dinner, regular tights are a chic way to style your outfits and wear those fun skirts and dresses.
Comfortable Sneakers
I am team comfortable sneaker when exploring New York City. The Big Apple is, well, very big. And all that walking requires a comfortable sneaker. Usually, a leather or suede sneaker and a warm sock should suffice for winter exploring in New York City when there isn’t any snow or rain. Wear those cute socks with your slightly cropped straight leg jeans and show them off.
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OUTFIT IDEAS
Ways To Style A Camel Coat
Love versatile winter wardrobe staples? Check out my guide on ways to style a camel coat, with outfit ideas ranging from casual looks with jeans to polished pairings with trousers. This is an essential to pack with you on your winter visit to NYC.
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Winter Approved Shoes and Boots
This category will depend on the weather forecast. If there’s no snow or rain, you can probably wear your favorite sneakers, loafers and other shoes without a worry. But if there’s going to be a chance of snow or rain, you’ll want to pack the winter-approved shoes and boots. Anything water-resistant like a Chelsea boot is great. The same goes for temperatures that are in the teens.
For really slushy snowy days, you may want to consider a true snow boot if you plan on doing a lot of walking. And if it’s going to rain, a rain boot is going to be your best friend. Something that is waterproof may be nice to have if you’re expecting lots of rain and slush. Anything by Sorel or L.L.Bean are always a great choice.
Winter Accessories
The winter accessories are going to be what not only keeps you nice and warm, but also elevates your looks. I found having fun with scarves and beanies made all the difference in how I felt about a gloomy cold day in NYC. A great cozy scarf, beanie and gloves are absolutely key in the winter. Warm wool socks are also helpful to keep your feet warm in sneakers or boots.
And if you’re wearing loafers or sneakers, yes you can show off some cute socks with your cropped straight leg jeans. It’s the perfect way to add some interest to your look while also keeping your ankles nice and warm! Here are some tips on which socks to wear with what shoes.
Winter Base Layers
If you’re visiting NYC during freezing temps, snow storms or an arctic blast, you’re going to want appropriate base layers. This mean moisture wicking thermals, wool socks and even jacket liners if your coat isn’t super warm. These layers will keep you warm and dry.
What To Wear For Day Time And Sightseeing In NYC In The Winter
When doing a lot of walking and sightseeing throughout New York City in the winter months, you’ll want warm layers and comfort. I tend to gravitate towards my favorite straight leg jeans, sneakers with a warm sock, a sweater and a great wool coat. A few winter accessories like a scarf, beanie and gloves are essential to stay warm.
Once you head inside a restaurant or museum, you can easily take these layers off. And yes, unfortunately, you’ll have to carry them around. Some places do offer coat checks, and it really is a nice relief to not have to carry your coat around. That is a bit of a downside to exploring the city in the winter. But trust me, having layers you can peel off will be a relief when you do head inside with the heat blaring.
TIP: My number one tip when I am getting dressed is to not feel perfectly warm and content when I walk outside. I want to be a smidge cold because you will heat up quickly once you start walking, the day warms up and you are in and out of the subway. Being perfectly warm from the start of the day is usually a recipe for being super hot and sweaty by the afternoon.
What To Wear For Night Time And Dinners Out In NYC In The Winter
One of the best parts about visiting NYC in the winter is getting to experience the holidays in the city. If you’re visiting in November and December you’ll definitely want to consider attending a holiday show like seeing The Rockettes, or having a festive cocktail at Rolf’s Christmas-themed bar. You’ll want to pack something a little fun for these activities.
Still, at the end of the day, NYC is a fairly casual city. And you can get away with sneakers or boots paired with jeans at most restaurants. Getting dressed up for a nice dinner and a show is always a treat. But if this isn’t something you have planned on the itinerary, I think you can skip it.
My go-to outfit combination for dinner out in the city in the winter months is usually a cute dress with knee high boots and a great coat. Nice jeans with a heeled bootie and a pretty sweater are great as well. A trick I also like to use is wearing a blazer as part of your outfit, but adding a winter coat over top. So don’t overlook your blazers over dresses or paired with skirts to stay warm as an extra layer. This is also why I always like my winter coats to be super roomy. It allows to really layer over your outfits with ease.
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Must Read
New York City Travel Guide
Planning a trip to New York City? Dive into my NYC travel guide for insider tips on where to eat, shop, and explore—plus all my favorite hidden gems. Your ultimate city adventure starts here!
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There you have it, all the essentials you will want to pack with you when you head to New York City in the winter.
The forecast is going to play a huge role in whether you pack winter boots, puffers and gloves, or wool coats and scarves instead. Gloves and scarves are kind of essential since you’re out in the elements and will help to really keep you warm. When visiting in November and December in NYC, you may just need a wool coat and some leather gloves. But the NYC weather in January and February can be pretty brutal. Which means, all the layers!
Pack the layers, plan those outfits accordingly to maximize your suitcase and enjoy your time in Manhattan. You can explore my New York City guide right here.
Heading to NYC in another season? Check out my other guides on what to pack for New York City based on the season.
