Planning a trip to New York City in winter was not exactly at the top of my bucket list. I knew it would mean experiencing cold that I wasn’t sure I was ready for.
But when Jenna, my friend from Sydney, told me she was planning a trip to New York City, I was pretty ecstatic.
It was the perfect excuse to see her AND one of the best cities in the world. There was just that one down side though… she was visiting in early February.
It was time to put on my big-girl (snow) pants. There was no way that the threat of a cold front was going to keep me away. Not even the thought of a New York epic blizzard would stop me!
This post was first written on October 26, 2016, and updated on October 28, 2020.
New York City in Winter
For those who are equally as undeterred by below-freezing temperatures when a big city trip beckons, here are some of the best things to see and do, from my own experience.
Despite the cold, and at times because of it, New York City in winter is actually really gorgeous. The dusting of snow (OK, sometimes the drifts of snow) make everything feel a little more magical.
Visit in November and December if you want to take advantage of beautiful Thanksgiving and Christmas decorations. Or wait until the new year for a quieter look at the Big Apple.
New York Winter Temperature
I’ve harped on about the cold quite a bit already, but you’re probably wondering just how cold it can get in New York.
January is usually the coldest month, based on climate data, when the mercury drops to around 27°F (-3°C) as a low, and hits a high of 39°F (4°C).
December is (marginally) the warmest winter month in New York city, with temperatures ranging from 45°F (7°C) to 35°F (1°C).
In February you’ll probably experience temperatures from 42°F (6°C) to 29°F (-2°C).
Experiencing snow in November is pretty rare, but if you’re looking for a white Christmas it can be a little hit-or-miss.
Snow will fall on two or three days of the month, on average. Be more prepared to experience freezing rain during December.
You’ll also get more rainy days than snowy ones in New York City during January. If your heart is set on seeing snow, aim to visit during February.
Why Visit New York City in Winter?
Understatement of the century: New York is a tourism hotspot. Duh.
As I wait for that bit of obviousness to sink in, I’ll follow up with the fact that most of those visitors are going to head over to the Big Apple when it’s warmer.
Isn’t that why New Yorkers leave the city in summer? Apart from the streets, parks and other tourist pulls being way emptier than usual, it’s the off-season! So flights and accommodation are going to be discounted to match. (Unless it’s Thanksgiving or Christmas – I wish you luck).
What’s not to love about shorter lines and spending less money?
Indoor things to do in New York City in Winter
On a day of freezing rain, sleet, or just when the sidewalk (footpath) is too icy to do too much walking, you might want to hang out inside.
There are heaps of great indoor things to do in New York to keep you occupied!
Visit the American Museum of Natural History
I know that museums are an acquired taste and some people just flat-out don’t like them at all. But I think that the American Natural History Museum is an exception.
I do like museums, as long as I get to go through them at my own pace. In a Natural History museum, that pace is usually warp speed. I can’t even imagine how crowded this place would be in summer because it was absolutely jumping in winter.
Anyway, the American Museum of Natural History is the kind of place where you wish you were still a kid.
Because I just wanted to run around among dinosaur bones, elephants and bald eagles. And stare up at the planet models for hours in the astronomy section. I highly recommend this museum, especially if you have children.
See a show on (or off) Broadway
There’s no excuse for getting all the way to New York and not seeing some kind of show.
On Broadway, Off Broadway, some TV show that you love (I WISH we’d lined up for Colbert). Anything!
We didn’t get to see The Late Show, but we did get to see Bruce Willis and Laurie Metcalf (forever known as Aunt Jackie from Roseanne to me) in the stage adaption of Stephen King’s Misery.
Soak up the books in the New York Public Library
Nothing beats the smell of old books when it comes to nostalgia, and the New York Public Library has it in spades.
The building itself will take your breath away – it was once the largest marble building in the US. Which explains why it was the spot for Carrie’s wedding to Mr Big in Sex and the City: The Movie, and is featured in many movies, including Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
Usually you can take tours of the library, but they are currently suspended until at least March 31, due to COVID-19.
Don’t miss the Rose Reading Room with it’s “book train”, Astor Hall, the McGraw Rotunda, or the Gutenberg Bible.
Eat like a New York City local
Are you sensing a theme with my travel posts yet? Food is a large part of any of my trips. I still dream about the pumpkin ravioli that I ate at a restaurant in Pisa, Italy years ago.
You’re going to be hungry after traipsing around a decidedly chilly city.
It’s the perfect opportunity to snuggle up in one of the many restaurants for a famous New York pizza, a glass of wine, and a debrief.
Before catching our flight home we went to this cute Italian restaurant called Olio e Piu in Greenwich Village, which is gorgeous to look at and sit in, even without the delicious food.
But our little Central Park pit stop was at Serafina. It’s a tiny place but the pizza makes the squeeze oh-so-worth-it.
Go Shopping in New York City
If shopping is your sport of choice, than New York is your court/field/track. You get the idea.
There are so many indoor retail spaces to choose from. For a classic department store feel, try Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale’s or Macy’s Herald Square.
The Herald Square department store is the chain’s flagship, and with 1.25 million square feet of shopping space, it is the largest department store in the US. It is also one of the biggest in the world.
Head to Brookfield Place or the Shops at Columbus Circle if you’re looking for more of an eclectic mix of stores.
Go barhopping
It’s not exactly cocktail season, but there’s always the perfect place to get a drink in New York.
For Jenna and I, both former journalists, we found The Dead Poet. It has drinks named after… deceased bards. Yeah. I know. It’s amazing.
And it’s close to the American Museum of Natural History. Which is also a bonus.
Ride the Nostalgia Train
Inject a bit of whimsy into your New York vacation with a ride on the Nostalgia Train.
Each Sunday between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, the New York Transit Museum rolls it’s 1930s R1/9 train cars onto the F line (from 2nd Avenue station).
The eight-car trains ran in New York up until the 1970s and have a distinct Art Deco aesthetic. Some people even dress up for the occasion!
You can also visit the Museum’s annual Holiday Train Show in the Grand Central Terminal (a landmark in itself).
The show usually runs from late November to mid-February and features a miniature electric railroad running through the iconic New York cityscape.
Outdoor things to do in New York City in Winter
You visited to see New York City blanketed in twinkling snow, so why would you confine yourself indoors?
Here are some great outdoor activities to enjoy!
Experience the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Technically it’s not winter when the iconic Thanksgiving Day Parade floats and balloons drift through Manhattan.
But in my book, the end of November is near enough to be good enough to include, and if you’re in New York City for Thanksgiving, it’s an opportunity that you don’t want to miss.
It is the world’s largest parade, and first began in 1924. It runs between 9am-12pm on Thanksgiving Day and is made possible by the thousands of people who take part each year.
TIP: The 2020 parade will be a virtual one due to COVID-19.
Visit a Holiday Market
Just behind the New York Public Library’s main branch, you’ll find the Holiday Shops at Bryant Park between October 30 and January 3.
It’s a Holiday Market with a free ice skating rink. Usually you don’t have to book to go skating (just BYO skates), but since COVID-19 reared it’s ugly head, you’ll have to book your skate time.
It’s a European style open air market with lots of shops to browse and food options from all over the world!
There are tonnes of holiday markets to choose from in New York, including:
- Union Square Holiday Market
- Grand Central Holiday Fair
- Columbus Circle Holiday Market
- Brooklyn Navy Yard Holiday Market
See the Rockefeller Center Christmas Trees
Whether you visit for the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, or just to see the towering decorated trees, a trip to the Rockefeller Center is a must in December.
The center always has one of the biggest Christmas trees in the world, which is a sight to behold when it’s lit up.
The tree lighting ceremony is a free event but get there early because the crowd is monitored and capped at a certain point.
You’ll see performances from the Rockettes and some pretty famous musical groups.
Visit Central Park
If walking in a winter wonderland is high on your New York City winter bucket list, head to Central Park.
I hail from a place of no snow. At least not where I lived for most of my life. The first time I saw snow was on top of a mountain in Lucerne, Switzerland when I was about 24-years-old. I’ve adored it ever since.
New York is pretty under a blanket of snow. I say this only having witnessed a smattering of it, but it definitely makes a walk through Central Park just a little bit more special.
Visit the Alice in Wonderland monument, the Strawberry Fields memorial to Beatle John Lennon, and the ice skating rinks.
Sail past the Statue of Liberty
You knew this one was coming. How can anyone visit the Big Apple without sailing past Lady Liberty?
We didn’t do the ferry trip to the Ellis Island, because we were only there for two days and a friend told me that it was a bit of a rip off.
But you can always take the free ferry from Manhattan to Brooklyn and back so you get double the view!
Or you can get onto the island and go right up into the Statue of Liberty‘s crown, it’s up to you!
Check out New York Christmas lights
New York is full of holiday light displays and decorations that are bound to put you in the spirit of all things merry.
If you want to see fancy homes decked out in twinkling lights, blasting Christmas music, and bedazzled with inflatable characters, head over to Dyker Heights in Brooklyn.
Visit the area between 11th and 13th Avenues and 83rd to 86th Streets after Thanksgiving to be sure you won’t go home disappointed.
If trekking out to Brooklyn isn’t your thing, stay in Manhattan and make the most of the midtown department store decorations.
Don’t miss the Saks Fifth Avenue window displays (pictured above), which turned it’s facade into a twinkling castle in 2019. This year (2020), Saks will kick things off on November 23 (2020) with a virtual light show, and will broadcast new reveals for 20 nights up to December 23.
Bloomingdale’s will not be outdone, and are planning to unveil their holiday decorations a little early, on November 23, 2020 with a virtual holiday benefit.
You can also head to:
- Barneys New York (Madison Avenue)
- Bergdorf Goodman (Fifth Avenue)
- Macy’s Herald Square
- Lord & Taylor Fifth Avenue
Take a carriage ride
If you want that Hallmark movie holiday feeling, there are lots of companies offering carriage rides in New York.
Probably the most well known are those in Central Park and are offered year round. There are lots of companies offering horse and carriage rides, including NYC Horse Carriage Rides, so it pays to do a little research and maybe book before you go.
Just be warned that this activity is on the pricier side of the spectrum.
You can also take a holiday lights carriage tour around Christmas time:
Visit music recording royalty
Last but by no means least, we have Electric Lady Studios. Now you can’t go inside, as much as music-lovers will want to.
This is where David Bowie recorded his last album, Blackstar, where Adele made 25 and where Daft Punk put together Random Access Memories.
This place is music history central. Way back in the day it was a nightclub called The Generation, hosting shows by the likes of Chuck Berry, Sly & the Family Stone and B.B. King. Then Jimi Hendrix bought it in 1968 and turned it into a recording studio.
Hendrix held a grand opening part in August 1970 with musicians including Ronnie Wood, Patti Smith and Eric Clapton. The rest is musical history.
**Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these links you don’t pay a cent more, but I receive a small commission, that is put towards the running of this blog.
one day…It's on my wish list:) #citytripping
I loved New York when we visited at the end of September a few years ago and the weather was great 🙂 I have been wondering whether it's worth visiting in February/March although as a South African I do hate bitterly cold weather! #citytripping
You really have to Tanja. I kicked myself so much that I didn't take more time off work to spend there!
It’s still on my wish list to visit NEw York in winter time. I know it will be cold, but it also looks magical.
Well I'm not much of a fan of the cold either, being from the part of Australia where it doesn't snow. But I didn't mind it. Plus the subway is so warm, which helps.
I'm going to be honest here, I don't think we'll be visiting New York in the winter. We're from Chicago which has brutal winters so we travel during February to get away from the cold. We like going to warm places when we travel during the winter. The only exception is the tree lighting. I would love to be in New York for the tree lighting. #citytripping
Looks like you got a lot done in two days. I have been to New York, once in the summer, as as you say, it WAS busy. I'd love to go again in the winter. #citytripping
Honest is the best Allison! I always appreciate it.
Winter is never my first choice but because I get next to no time off at my job, it seems the only time I can travel across the other side of the country is on holiday weekends. And they're cheapest during winter.
Believe me, I would always rather chase the sun!
Oh yeah, we had sore legs and feet for days after that trip. But it was so worth it! And I can't wait to get back. I'm glad you got to experience it in summer Upeksha!
New York was an amazing surprise for me. I'm not a fan of big cities and crowds but I loved New York. We stayed in a dingy downtown motel just off Time Square for a few days, saw a show, climbed the Empire State building, walked Central Park and listened for hours to all the street performers. 🙂
I so want to return and see the piano guy in the park. And there are so many museums I haven't visited yet in NYC (like Natural Museum of History). I just love NYC and all there is to do. Thanks for sharing your trip. Loved being reminded of all I love about the city! (And hearing the piano guy.)
I still have yet to see NYC when there's snow on the ground, but hopefully it'll happen soon! And you can't go wrong with seeing a Broadway show while you're there either!
I imagine New York at Christmas to be an absolutely magical place! Ice-skating in central park? Drinking hot cocoa and enjoying the snow? Going shopping for presents? Yes, please!!!
These are great tips! NYC is my favorite city in the world and I love visiting any time of year. I'm really glad to see you included the Museum of Natural History on the list — it is such a great museum!
Nice list. NYC is beautiful with snow on the ground, I completely agree. And Washington Square is one of my faves. #citytripping
I wouldn't mind visiting New York in the winter. I think there's something a little bit magical about it. #citytripping
I'm glad you liked it Rach! I'm not usually fussed between big cities or small towns out in the country as long as there's things to see and do. I didn't get time to climb the Empire State building or 30 Rock. So I MUST get back there.
The piano guy is pretty flipping awesome. And I know how you feel… so much to see, so little time!
It's beautiful, but I'm guessing you've gotta get in and out before the snow turns to ice, cause that'd be a nightmare.
Running away from an old man with a snow shovel, going to Trump Tower and asking for directions… oh wait, that's Home Alone 😉
It's definitely given London a run for its money in the "favourite city" stakes. I think London still edges it out though… just.
Glad you enjoy NYC covered in snow as well Corey! I'm going to have to go back in summer though for a comparison.
It wasn't even THAT cold. Well that I noticed anyway. I felt way colder in Seattle and it wasn't even snowing there.
I've been to NYC in November- chilly for sure but no snow, it would be fun to explore with a bit of powder. Great tips and the museum is definitely on my list when I do get back with my daughter. Thanks for linking up with #citytripping
It's been way too long since I last got a bite of the Big Apple, I need to go back! Very envious you got to see Bruce in Misery! It's good to see that winter didn't cramp your style!
I loved Washington Park – very underrated…
It's a beautiful city in the snow! Thanks for having me for #citytravels.
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Is it strange that I was more excited about Laurie Metcalf than Bruce Willis? I used to watch Roseanne all the time when I was younger.
We happened to stumble across it and I'm so glad we did! It's a must-visit spot.
I have NYC envy right now. We were there in the lead up to last Christmas. It was absolutely fantastic. Then we headed to Pennsylvania to spend Christmas with my bestie. It was fantastic. A winter Christmas with all the winter trimmings is something we'll never forget.
When I travelled to the US I didn't go to NYC because I was travelling solo and it was mid-January. I really couldn't face the cold by myself. At least if you have a friend there you can whinge together. 🙂
This sounds like an amazing trip! I've been to New York but it was 15 years ago! This definitely makes me want to go back! 🙂
A winter Christmas feels so strange though. To me at least. I'll never forget my first Christmas in London – no backyard cricket, no bbq, no swimming!
Glad you got to enjoy NYC at Christmas time though Leanne, it would have been beautiful.
You're the opposite to me then Karin. I don't mind travelling solo in the cold because then I can duck into a shop or a cafe whenever I'm feeling miserably cold without having to consult anyone else. I find it so much easier 😉
Haha, these blogs are the worst for that. Meanwhile, ever single place that I've been to I've vowed to go back to.
While I love NYC, I don't think I'd be too fond of the winter! It's pretty snowy up in Toronto and I'd much rather be on a warm beach somewhere haha. However, I would LOVE to see Central Park with fresh snow 🙂 #CityTripping
I'm going to NYC in May! I am so not prepared for how busy it will be! ha. I would love to see it in the snow! #FarawayFiles
I lived in NYC for 7 years and there are so many things to see even in winter. Great list. I would also recommend going to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. There are so many things to see in there and you could probably stay in there for days.
Have you been before? You're going to love it! Or you already know that you've going to love it! New York is amazing Chiera!
I'll put that on my list for next time, thanks Tiffany! I could stay there for weeks if I had the money 🙂
it looks great in winter! I'd love to visit NYC #farawayfiles
It's absolutely gorgeous Tanja.
Love this! It's so good have a little guide of what to do someplace during the off season or when it's cold out. Definitely saving for my next NYC trip!
#farawayfiles
I have visited two times in December. It was cold but not as bad as January or February. Anyway, it was way colder than Los Angeles and I was hesitant to go. Well, with the correct clothing the trip wasn't that bad. Plus, there are a lot of indoor markets, restaurants and museums. I walked the Brooklyn Bridge and went to the Top of the Rock and it wasn't that bad. #FarawayFiles
Plus it's cheaper in the off-season Natalie. I'm not saying that's a huge drawcard, but it does count for something!
Oh yeah,you'd definitely notice the cold if you were going from LA to NY! You know, I found Seattle way colder than New York to be honest. Maybe because I was wearing better clothes? Anyway, I'm glad that you enjoyed NY Ruth!
I've never been to NYC, although I did make a trip to Ellis Island when I was a kid–that's as close as I got! The immigration museum was an eye-opening experience.
I've never considered visiting NYC in the winter since I prefer to stay away from cold weather & snow, but I'm not sure I'd like the heat of summer any better! Winter might be doable since I'd want to spend a lot of time in museums anyways.
#FlyAwayFriday
An extremely cool couple of days, Kat! I've been to New York in late February and it was cold but sunny – the perfect weather for walking around and hanging out in cafés and museums. I loved it far more than in the hot summer. Some great suggestions here. It's been years since I was in NYC. Time to start planning a revisit. Thanks for inspiring me on #FarawayFiles
We went to New York in the winter and actually got engaged there! It was such a joy walking through Central Park and going to Liberty Island as you are right, it is way less crowded 🙂 #flyawayfriday
You could always do late Autumn Courtney. That might cut out some of the cold and the people! I didn't get to go to the immigration museum, there's still so much to see!
So I shouldn't put too much emphasis on going in the summer then… I tried going back over Thanksgiving weekend, but the flights were just crazily expensive!
Aww, that's lovely! There can't be a better proposal story than one in New York 🙂
Love your perspective on the Big Apple! Bruce Willis in Misery – now THAT is something! I've been to NYC in January AND June – both have merits… thanks for sharing – love your style! Cheers, Erin #FarawayFiles
Thanks Erin! I have to give Jenna the credit for Misery. She found out about it, but it was fantastic.
Omg this is PERFECT!!!!! I just booked my trip to NYC for May and I was looking for some posts – so glad I ran into yours! 🙂 Thanks for joining #FlyAwayFriday, hope to see you again this week! xo
Aw love this! We went to NYC in December and absolutely loved it!! We had just missed the snow tho and I wish we could have seen it covered in snow!! It would have been magical!
Yay, happy to help Kana! Have a fantastic trip and I'm not jealous of you at all… *cough* I might actually be a smidgen jealous.
Hopefully that means you missed a cold snap too Chloe!
To do lists on your blog are worth reading.
Thanks Neha, I try to make them good 🙂
Eek! I really want to go to New York in Winter, but would probably prefer it over Christmas. Thanks for sharing! <3
Just stumbled upon this post! Cannot believe it gets colder than what I felt in the beginning of December! ? We’re off again in October, love your olio e piu recommendation, we’ll definitely head there. Thanks for the tips ☺️
I would love to go to NYC in the winter – it looks so magical!
Doesn’t it just? I had such a great time!
You’ve captured it beautifully! I’m a native New Yorker living in California and my favorite time to visit NYC is between Thanksgiving an Christmas when everything is decorated for the holidays.
I lived in NYC for a few years, you are right that it gets COLD! I never quite adjusted to that, having grown up in TX haha. Living in Los Angeles and Arizona has been fine, but my time in Boston and NYC was rough. I remember one time trying to put my key in my apartment door in Brooklyn, my fingers nearly froze and I couldn’t turn it!
I always thought the Nostalgia Train sounded so fun! Can’t believe I never got around to doing it, what a waste. Did you get a chance? Also never went to the Dead Poet, that sounds right up my alley. Maybe the next time I go back to visit friends!
I used to adore the holiday market at Union Square, it’s where I did all my Christmas shopping and I always got a warm chocolatey marshmallowy waffle, which felt great to eat while it was cold out. I really do miss NYC in winter, even if I don’t necessarily want to live there again. Glad you had such a good time and understood the magic!
Such a gorgeous post with great photography! Saving this for borders opened to explore more of USA. Thank you for sharing!
I visited NYC in March and it was still freezing! I would love to return to see the magic of winter here! Love your pics and this post!
Thanks for sharing. I always wonder how to pack for the right temperature!
NYC at Christmas time is on my bucket list! These are some really great ideas.
Great tips especially on local eateries. Love NY winters
New York City is so beautiful in the snow! I would love to experience it, especially since you mention that there are fewer crowds. When I visited the city in summer 2 years ago everything was super crowded.
NYC is definitely a special place to be in the winter. Taking a stroll through Central Park in a winter wonderland is absolutely magical. This is a great guide with amazing suggestions. 🙂