What to wear in NYC in the winter!

The weather can be unpredictable and change drastically throughout the day (NYC in midday is so much warmer than NYC in the evening), so it’s important to have clothes that will protect you from the elements. In New York City you are out in the elements (which can include snow, rain, wind, etc) then in the subway where every heater seems to be on high, then make into the elements then to a restaurant that doesn’t have any room for coats, and on and on.

These are all pictures of my family in NYC in the winter of different days and different years. We are always decked out!

Dressing for winter in New York City isn’t always an easy proposition, and I’m here to help. Winter temps in New York City are generally around 25-40 degrees Fahrenheit. That may not sound super cold, but what makes New York City winters colder still is the wind that whips through the streets off the water, and the humidity in the air that cuts through coats.

You can’t just bring a coat and enjoy your time in the city.

I’m going to deep dive into what is probably the most important factor in dressing for winter weather. THE LAYERING SYSTEM!  It’s so easy to keep warm if you know what you’re doing, and it’s super simple because they make clothes specifically for this!   I hope that by describing the layering system, it will help out anyone who finds themselves in a situation where they have no idea of how to dress warmly. At least then you’ll understand why your friend was shivering in a parka while everyone else around him was fine. For this scenario we will assume that you are outside during the day sightseeing and you will be going in and out of heated spaces.

Your first layer to wear in NYC in the winter

These are the layers you should add on: Obviously your clothes have a lot of influence over how warm you will be so let’s start with that first layer. Wear what you will be comfortable in in an heated restaurant or hotel. Generally pants, a light sweater, and maybe a scarf.

If you know you are going to do a lot of walking around I would add some thermals under your clothes to keep you a little warmer. Theses thermals are great because they are super thin but help retain warmth.

If your kids are joining you I would always have them wear thermals. It will keep you from dealing with sad kids on a long day.

Your second layer to wear in NYC in the winter

Scarves, gloves, and socks all count as your second layer and they are super important in your fight against the NYC cold. (I know you probably think I’m going on a bit too much but you will want every layer to do its part!)

Scarves for a NYC winter

Scarves are essentials for keeping the wind from whipping down the neck of your coat. In my opinion, the bigger the scarf the better. I always use a big blanket scarf that can serve as another layer between my clothes and my coat.

A basic scarf that is just long enough to loop around your neck once or twice is a good choice for an everyday look because it can make any warm sweater, coat or jacket look  chic. A blanket scarf is my personal favorite because it adds a layer of protection from the wind that whips down the streets in the city. Here are a few I recommend:

This chunky blanket scarf will keep you warm outside and doubles as a lightweight jacket indoors.

This one is a little lighter weight but so big!

If you want a smaller scarf that will keep out the cold, this cashmere scarf has a luxurious feel and is so tightly woven that it blocks all the wind.

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Socks for a NYC winter

If you tend to have cold feet you will want to make sure that you have socks that will keep your toes cozy while you explore New York City in the winter.

If your feet are rarely cold, I give your permission to wear whatever socks you want! Those of you with Raynauds syndrome or just cold feet should keep reading….

The one and only socks I buy are Smartwool socks. (I suffer from very cold feet due to Rynauds and they are the only socks that help.) They come in all kinds of colors and can be thrown in the washing machine unlike most wool socks. You can buy different weights and different heights but these are the most versatile.

Despite their thin appearance these little workhorses will keep your feet warm all day in New York City.

 

Gloves to wear in NYC in the winter

Gloves are essential if you plan on going outside as they help prevent frostbite or other injuries caused by exposure to the cold air or snow. Gloves can be a pain when you are navigating where to go on your phone so I recommend a pair that will work with your phone. Here are some that work perfectly:

These are great day time gloves. They will keep your hands warm while you text and navigate but you will need your coat pockets to keep out the chill long term.

These fleece lined gloves are a little warmer than the previous gloves. They will still allow you to keep the gloves on while you use your phone and they are so pretty!

If your hands get as freezing as your feet you will want to skip gloves all together and get some fabulous mittens. These are rated super highly for warmth and mittens keep your hands warmer in general. You will have to take them off to use your phone, but it may be worth it.

Third Layer to wear in NYC in the winter

The third layer is your outer layer of coat, hat and shoes.

The best Coat to wear in NYC in the winter

A coat is an absolute necessity in NYC in the winter. You really won’t get far without one. (I have gone in for a long weekend in the city and left my coat home and had to buy one!) Whether you wear a jacket, coat or a parka, make sure it’s waterproof so you can stay warm and dry on those snowy days.

Puffy coats are always in style during the winter season because they keep you protected from the cold wind coming off the Hudson River.

The coat you will see the most in NYC is this very coat.

Look around and you will see the tell tale Canada goose logo on almost every arm you pass.  There is a reason they are popular, they are super warm and slim. If you want to look like every other New Yorker then go ahead and get one of these but just know that they’re very expensive and not necessary unless it gets super cold consistently (-10 degrees F).   No doubt it is super warm and slim, but if you don’t want to drop a thousand dollars on a coat  (and you live in a warm place) you might want to look into one of these other options.

This Eddie Bauer Puffer coat is a great buy that will keep you warm from your neck to your ankles. It is highly rated for warmth and fairly lightweight.

Want something less bulky? This happens to be my everyday coat! I love it so much and it is 10 years old and still looks great. I love how warm it is without weighing me down, and I have worn it to NYC in the winter dozens of times and been super warm.

If you are traveling with kids, I can’t recommend Marmot and North Face enough. They are solid coats that keep my kids warm for hours even in the freezing tundra of Quebec City at Christmas. I recommend both of these coats, they are reasonably priced and hold up well to pass down from kid to kid.

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 Shoes or Boots for Winter in NYC

Make sure your feet stay warm with boots or sneakers that will keep them insulated from the ground below and will keep your feet dry in slush, snow or rain.Regular everyday sneakers like Vans or Converse are not going to be enough to keep your toes warm, and cold toes makes for a miserable day.

Snow boots are always a good choice in cold weather and a great choice for kids in the city. Snow boots keep slush, rain and snow out as well as keep feet very warm. Our family’s favorite snow boots are:

Snowboots for kids

We love these North Face Chilkat Boots. Our boys never complain of cold or wet feet when they wear them and they are comfortable enough to walk around in all day long. They have worn them in Toronto in Winter, Montreal in Winter, and Quebec City. They are the best!!

Snowboots for women

I’m going to start out by saying…. I know these aren’t beautiful. I have some beautiful Sorel boots that I never use because these Kamiks are the warmest boot ever and my feet are so comfy when I wear them. (I mentioned that I have Raynaud syndrome before but if you suffer from freezing extremities buy these now!)

Snowboots for men

I sound like a broken record but the best snow boots we have found for men are the North Face Chilkat boots. My husband and oldest two kids love them. (My oldest wears them every day all winter long!)

If you don’t live somewhere where you see a lot of snow, or don’t travel to cold climates often I recommend these boots at a lower price point. They will keep you warm enough and keep your feet dry.

If you want to try your luck at other boots and shoes, your mileage may vary. (Hiking boots are the second best option.) If it is dry and you are wearing smart wool socks you will probably be fine. But most of the time I am in New York City in the winter there is snow, slush or rain on the ground.

No matter what footwear you choose for visiting NYC in the winter make sure it is your very warmest and somewhat waterproof.

 

 Hats to wear in NYC winter

If you plan on being outdoors in the cold, there is nothing better than a good hat to keep the heat from escaping your head by covering it up. You want something that will cover your ears without obscuring vision as well as protecting your head and neck from snow or rain.

A beanie is a piece of winter gear that should definitely be added to any wardrobe during the winter. It’s practical and fashionable, and will keep you warm while allowing you to look stylish in the cold. A beanie can go with almost any outfit as well, so it’s convenient if you plan on going outside at all!

If your coat has a hood I would still recommend a hat to help keep you even warmer!

 

Now that you know what to wear in NYC in the winter you are ready to go spend the afternoon shopping in Soho, see a broadway musical, visit some awesome free attractions in New York and explore some unknown parts of New York City!

Last update on 2025-03-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API