Most people pack outfits for New York and the wrong shoes. You'll walk miles of pavement and climb subway stairs every day, and in winter the wind between buildings makes 41°F (5°C) feel a lot colder. Pack for walking first, then layers you can peel off in overheated shops and subway cars.
New York weather by month
Daily high and low (°F), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 41°F5°C | 45°F7°C | 54°F12°C | 63°F17°C | 72°F22°C | 82°F28°C | 88°F31°C | 82°F28°C | 77°F25°C | 68°F20°C | 54°F12°C | 43°F6°C |
| Low | 28°F-2°C | 28°F-2°C | 36°F2°C | 45°F7°C | 54°F12°C | 63°F17°C | 70°F21°C | 66°F19°C | 61°F16°C | 50°F10°C | 37°F3°C | 28°F-2°C |
| Rain days | 11 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 15 | 11 | 10 | 6 | 7 | 10 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryHighs of 41–45°F (5–7°C), lows of 28°F (-2°C) and 9 to 11 wet days a month. Bring a warm coat, hat, gloves and waterproof shoes for the slush at every crossing. Shops, museums and the subway are heated hard, so wear layers you can take off.
Spring
March–MayMarch is still cold at 54°F (12°C) with lows of 36°F (2°C), but by May highs reach 72°F (22°C). Expect 10 to 11 rain days a month, so a packable rain shell earns its place. Central Park is at its best in late April and May.
Summer
June–AugustHot and humid, with July at 88°F (31°C) and 15 rain days, often quick thunderstorms. Subway platforms are hotter than the street, so dress light and carry water. Bring a thin layer for air-conditioned museums and theaters.
Fall
September–NovemberSeptember is still warm at 77°F (25°C). October is crisp at 68°F (20°C) and the driest month with 6 rain days, then November drops to 54°F (12°C) with lows of 37°F (3°C). This is the best walking weather of the year, so pack a jacket from mid-October.
What to bring to New York
0 of 24 packed- Allbirds Men's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
For spring and fall days on the High Line and the Brooklyn Bridge, this light knit sneaker is built for all-day city walking, just know it soaks through in rain.
- Allbirds Women's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
The women's version of the same all-day walking shoe, light enough to pack alongside your boots and machine washable after a week of city grime.
Nine months of the year log 10 or more rain days, so a shell that packs into its own pocket rides in your bag and comes out for summer thunderstorms.
A light, packable women's rain shell for New York's showers. Easy to keep in a day bag.
- Pacsafe GO Anti-Theft Tech CrossbodyDocuments & Security
Times Square and packed subway cars are where phones go missing, and a steel-wire strap with lockable zips keeps your phone, cards and passport on you.
- Anker Nano Power Bank 5,000mAh (Built-In USB-C)Tech & Power
Subway directions, tap-to-ride and photos burn through a battery by mid-afternoon, and this one plugs straight into a USB-C phone with no cable.
- Hydro Flask 18 oz Standard Mouth Bottle with Flex CapWater Bottles & Hydration
Small enough for a bag's side pocket, it keeps water cold through a humid 88°F (31°C) July day or coffee hot on a winter walk.
- Epicka 70W Universal Travel AdapterTech & Power
Visitors from the UK, Europe and Australia need a US plug, and this one adds five USB ports so the hotel room charges off one outlet.
Clothing
- Warm winter coat · 1Lows of -2°C in Dec–Feb, windy between buildings
- Hat, scarf and gloves · 1 setDec–Feb
- Layers you can peel off · 3Overheated shops and subway cars
- Breathable shirts · 4July highs of 31°C
- Smart outfit for dinner or a show · 1
- Long trousers or jeans · 2
Footwear
- Waterproof boots · 1 pairWinter slush and rain
- Wool or cushioned socks · 4 pairsMiles of pavement daily
Gear
- Compact umbrellaJuly averages 15 rain days
- Sunglasses · 1
Health and toiletries
- Sunscreen · 1Summer
- Blister bandagesLong walking days
- Lip balm and moisturizerWinter wind
Documents and money
- Passport or ID
- Contactless cardTap to pay on the subway
Tech
- Phone with offline maps
What shoes should you pack for New York?
This is the section that matters most. You'll walk the Brooklyn Bridge, the High Line and long Manhattan avenues, plus subway stairs at every station. Bring cushioned sneakers you've already broken in, and in winter a waterproof pair, because the slush puddles at the corners are deep.
What do people wear in New York?
New Yorkers wear dark, practical layers: jeans or trousers, a good jacket, sneakers or boots. Smart-casual covers almost every restaurant and Broadway show. Winter means a long coat, scarf and hat, and summer means light clothes with a layer for the air conditioning.
What plugs does New York use?
New York uses US type A and B sockets at 120V. UK, European and Australian travelers need an adapter, and the universal adapter covers it. Most phone and laptop chargers handle 120V, but check hair tools.
Tours and things to do in New York
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for New York.
What should you leave at home for New York?
Leave the heels and brand-new shoes, you'll regret both by lunch. Skip the umbrella if space is tight, a shell is easier on crowded sidewalks and street sellers appear on the corners the minute it pours. And don't overpack, you can buy anything you forgot.
Packing for New York: questions people ask
What should I wear in New York in winter?
A warm coat, hat, gloves and waterproof shoes. Highs are only 41–45°F (5–7°C), lows drop to 28°F (-2°C), and the wind between buildings makes it feel colder.
What should I wear in New York in October?
Jeans, a sweater and a light jacket. Highs are around 68°F (20°C) with lows of 50°F (10°C), and October is the driest month with 6 rain days.
What shoes should I wear in New York?
Comfortable, broken-in sneakers. You'll walk miles a day and climb subway stairs, so skip new shoes and heels.
Is New York humid in summer?
Yes. July reaches 88°F (31°C) with 15 rain days, often short thunderstorms, and subway platforms are hotter than the street.
Do I need an adapter for New York?
Only if your home country doesn't use US plugs. The US uses type A and B at 120V, so UK, European and Australian travelers need an adapter.
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