New York in Winter - Temperature, Weather, What to do, Photos

Every city around the world has its own unique tourist season. New York comes to life during the winter months. Despite the occasional heavy snowfall covering the streets and the chill that comes along with it, the electric blue sky and the bright sunny days are a treat! The New York spirit is at its peak after a spell of heavy snow, with bright Christmas lights complimenting the holiday mood.

The fun starts in November, right before the first spell of snow, with the Thanksgiving Day Parade that is nationally televised. The usually busy city streets are lined up with 15-feet tall superhero balloons and cartoon characters that are ready to roll down from Central Park through Manhattan down Broadway. The streets are crowded with patriotic citizens and foreign nationals that visit New York during this annual event. You should try to book into a hotel on the route to get the best view of the parade from up top. But, keep a look out for the prices, as New York can get expensive during the Holidays.

New York in Winter – Weather and Average Temperature

The winter season in New York City is marked by snow fall. From the months of December through Februrary, the average temperature hovers just above the freezinbg point. There are times especially in Decembe and January, when the temperature can drop to -10 degrees C. On an average during the snowy period of Christmas, you can expect around 14 to 16 inches of snow.

Your Essential Packing Checklist for a Winter Trip to NYC

Warm Clothes

You need to tuck yourself under a comfortable thick sweater and a pair of jeans, a warm set of gloves, muffler, and high ankle boots with appropriate woolen socks in order to keep the cold weather out. If you are looking to blend in with the locals, New Yorkers love to wear black denim with a cozy sweater paired with a black puffer and black ankle-length boots.

Do not forget to carry an extra set of jacket with wind protection, since streets like Broadway tend to get very windy. Another fancy pair is required when visiting some of the fancier restaurants and pubs around the city. For your daily use however, nothing beats the comfort of a puffy black jacket!

Three Pairs of Boots and Sneakers

You can wear a pair of casual sneakers for sightseeing, but you will need a pair of chic man loafers or ankle boots to fit in with the local crowd. It tends to snow during the winter months. Hence, carrying a set of comfortable snow boots is also recommended if you do not want to get stranded in the middle of a snowstorm!

Accessories

New Yorkers love their sunglasses. You know what’s more important? Earmuffs and beanies to protect your head from the cold! It can get chilly really fast. Scarves are a must-have on a winter trip to New York. The longer and thicker the better! And if you are susceptible to falling sick quickly, you should carry a set of gloves too! Skin moisturizers and lip balms will further help you ease into the disobliging winter weather.

Travel Bags and Electronics

We would strictly advise against carrying backpacks, since, most museums do not allow people to bring them in, and you are required to deposit them in the locker before entering. They are also problematic on the subway, since, you do not want to store valuables behind your back. We recommend wearing cross body bags or large zippered tote bags over backpacks.

As far as electronics are concerned, carrying a portable charger is a must! Most subway stations and streets offer free Wi-Fi, but you will not find chargers for public use. If you are an international tourist, DO NOT FORGET to buy a US converter for your gadgets. And while you are at it, get a power strip to charge multiple devices at once!

5 Things to do in New York in Winter

The Museum of Modern Art

There are enough museums in New York City to keep you busy for a week, but the Museum of Modern Art is unlike all other! It may take you an entire day to explore all six floors and a hundred and fifty thousand pieces of art that reside inside. If you do not intend on spending your entire morning here, it pays to research the artists whose work you want to check out. The museum allows free entry every Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Rockefeller Tree

One of the major winter attractions of New York, the Rockefeller Tree is erected in November each year and remains in place till January. The record for the biggest tree was set back in 2016 when a 78-feet tall 10-ton Norway spruce tree was erected and decorated with 45,000 LED light bulbs for the Holidays. If you happen to visit NYC during winter, make it a point to check out the Rockefeller Tree in person, since, no matter how many pictures you see, the sheer size of the tree never fails to mesmerize!

Enjoy A Live Stage Performance

Some of the best plays are staged in New York’s theatres! If you are interested in watching a specific play, book your tickets in advance at a premium from the authorized vendors at Times Square. If you do not have a specific play in mind, booking tickets on the same day entitles you to a respectable discount. Never buy tickets off people on the street, as these tickets are not verified and could be a scam.

Enjoy Ice Skating in Central Park

The more adventurous traveler can embrace the winter and try ice skating in Central Park – a must visit in NYC. A fair warning though, the rinks at Central Park can get overcrowded during winter. You could settle down for some of the smaller rinks in the city for a fraction of the price.

Top of the Rock, Rockefeller Center

No matter how many times we have been to Top of the Rock, the unobstructed view of Central Park and Midtown Manhattan never seizes to amaze us! First timers should aim at visiting the top during late afternoon to catch a glimpse of the setting sun. You can also take some time out to visit the famous Macy’s Herald Square.