What to wear in NYC by month: A packing guide for each season!

Empire State Building-5

Traveling to New York soon and unsure what to pack? Don’t worry! This is your one-stop guide to what to wear in New York City each month and season. Watch my video below to see the clothing recommendations for men and women and a packing list customized for the time of year (and subscribe). However, if you are thinking about moving here, then your packing guide may differ because it is important to properly prepare for this event and take into account all the nuances. Read more how to pack clothes for moving and you will be ready for anything.

Overall, remember to bring comfortable walking shoes (please no running shoes – that’s how we can tell you’re a tourist)!

Visiting when it is cold?

If you don’t have a coat, consider renting one! I recommend using Rent The Runway for a wide selection of coats to rent so that you don’t need to buy one. Use code RTRSFUNK for 40% off the first two months of the 8 & 16 item memberships. Happy travels!

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    WHICH BAG TO PACK?

    You’re going to be moving around a lot in the city and it is easier to carry a comfortable bag with you rather than go back to your hotel room frequently. There are two bags I recommend:

    Nomad Lane Bento Bag

    The Bento Bag is the ultimate travel companion for flights and business travelers. It can be used as
    a weekender, personal item bag or an everyday bag. Here are some of the cool features it has.

    Use code FUNK to save $10.

    • Opens down the middle like a suitcase
    • Fits under most standard US airline seats
    • Has a padded laptop sleeve that fits up to 16″ laptops
    • Has a trolley sleeve that slips over the handle of roller
      luggage
    • Includes a stretchy water bottle loop inside
    • Offers a TSA-approved easy access charging port for
      devices
    • Comes with a detachable shoulder strap, clear toiletry
      pouch, tech organizer & 2 Shoe bags

    High Spirit Anti-Theft Bag

    Pickpocketing is a global issue and occasionally (not often) happens in NYC. The High Spirit anti-theft bag has secret compartments in the bag to protect your most valuable items. In addition to being useful, it is also very stylish and comfortable! This is a great bag for those traveling to NYC on a vacation.

    Use code SARAHFUNKY to save 20%.

    High Spirit Anti-Theft Bag

    DECEMBER THROUGH JANUARY

    Average Temperatures: 44 to 27°F / 6 to -2°C

    Weather conditions: Very dry (bring extra moisturizer for your skin)

    Clothing: Having a very warm winter jacket is essential. I recommend a heavy-down jacket like the one from Triple F.A.T. Goose. They have great winter coats for men and women. Underneath wear a long sleeve shirt or sweater with long pants and high boots. It can snow this time of year so if your boots are waterproof that is ideal! Triple F.A.T. Goose coats are waterproof in addition to being warm. I highly recommend it!

    If you don’t have a coat, consider renting one! I recommend using Rent The Runway for a wide selection of coats to rent so that you don’t need to buy one. Use code RTRSFUNK for 40% off the first two months of the 8 & 16 item memberships.

    If you get cold easily, I recommend wearing thermals. Watch my winter clothing guide for insider tips on how to stay cozy! Alternatively, if you want to take a break from the cold, then head inside to one of the many NYC attractions! You can see availability for those attractions by clicking here.

    Packing List:

    Notes: January is the coldest month, but also when the least amount of tourists visit so everything is cheaper. December is very crowded and expensive because everyone comes for the holiday season.

    MARCH

    Average Temperatures: 50 to 35°F/ 10 to 1°C

    Clothing: It isn’t necessary to have a heavy down jacket in March so I recommend a lighter jacket. Layering is still important. Wear long sleeves or a sweater with long pants and boots.

    Packing List:

    SoHo, New York

    APRIL

    Average Temperatures: 62 to 45°F/ 16 to 7°C

    Weather Conditions: Rain is common

    Clothing: The saying goes “April showers bring May flowers”! Expect rain frequently in April. I recommend bringing an umbrella or rain jacket and wearing a sweater or long sleeve shirt with long pants and waterproof boots. Rain boots are not essential. New Yorkers will really only wear them when it is raining, other than that it is difficult to walk around a lot in between rain showers.

    Packing List:

    Central Park in spring

    MAY

    Average temperatures: 72 to 54°F/ 22 to 12°C

    Weather conditions: Rain is common.

    Clothing: May is all about layering because during the day you likely can wear a t-shirt but at night it can get chilly. It is good to bring a light jacket with you. I prefer a jean jacket.

    Shoes: By far the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn are Rothy’s. I can go for days in these shoes and my feet don’t hurt. They are literally the only footwear that I can walk miles in without having any issue. Highly recommended!

    Packing List:

    Notes: May is when all of the flowers bloom. It is a great time to explore Central Park or go to the NY Botanical Gardens.

    Little Island, NYC

    JUNE

    Average Temperatures: 80 to 64°F/ 27 to 18°C

    Weather conditions: Humid

    Clothing: In June you can wear short sleeves, shorts, or a tank top. However, I recommend always having a light jacket for the evening if you are the type of person that gets cold easily (like me). I wear pants and a short-sleeve shirt or a dress on most days.

    Shoes: By far the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn are Rothy’s. I can go for days in these shoes and my feet don’t hurt. They are literally the only footwear that I can walk miles in without having any issue. Highly recommended!

    If you’d rather have sandals this time of year, the Sanuk is my go-to if I’m going to be walking a lot. It is made out of yoga mats and is EXTREMELY comfortable. It’s also pretty cute and comes in a variety of colors!

    Packing list:

    Coney Island

    JULY TO AUGUST

    Average Temperatures: 85 to 68°F/ 30 to 20°C

    Weather conditions: Very humid

    Clothing: The humidity during July and August is so thick that it feels like you could cut it with a knife. Therefore, I recommend just wearing very light clothing. No need to bring a jacket for the evenings.

    Shoes: By far the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn are Rothy’s. I can go for days in these shoes and my feet don’t hurt. They are literally the only footwear that I can walk miles in without having any issue. Highly recommended!

    If you’d rather have sandals this time of year, the Sanuk is my go-to if I’m going to be walking a lot. It is made out of yoga mats and is EXTREMELY comfortable. It’s also pretty cute and comes in a variety of colors!

    Packing List:

    SEPTEMBER

    Average Temperatures: 76 to 61°F/ 24 to 16°C

    Weather conditions: Breezy, comfortable – My favorite time of year!

    Clothing: September is the best weather in my opinion because it isn’t humid and the temperature is comfortable. I normally wear long pants, a short-sleeve shirt, and have a jacket for the evenings.

    Shoes: By far the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn are Rothy’s. I can go for days in these shoes and my feet don’t hurt. They are literally the only footwear that I can walk miles in without having any issue. Highly recommended!

    If you’d rather have sandals this time of year, the Sanuk is my go-to if I’m going to be walking a lot. It is made out of yoga mats and is EXTREMELY comfortable. It’s also pretty cute and comes in a variety of colors!

    Packing List:

    OCTOBER

    Average Temperatures: 65 to 50°F/ 18 to 10°C

    Clothing: October is great for layering and showing off those beautiful jewel toned clothing for autumn. I recommend bringing long pants, a sweater or long sleeves, and a moderately warm jacket for the evenings.

    Packing List:

    The Mall in Central Park. Photo by Laura Peruchi

    NOVEMBER

    Average Temperatures: 54 to 42°F/ 12 to 5°C

    Clothing: November requires layer as well but I recommend a leather jacket or pea coat. Wear a sweater, long sleeve shirt, or pants.

    Packing List:

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    13 Comments

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    5. How to Dress for Winter in NYC - SarahFunky on September 2, 2020 at 4:32 am

      […] while you are out exploring the city, you’ll need to know how to dress for winter in NYC and what to pack. As a tour guide who is always outside this time of year, I’ve found that a lot of visitors are […]

    6. Jen on September 20, 2021 at 4:23 am

      Information is helpful but your outfits are so dated

    7. Zane Sanchez on December 23, 2021 at 11:32 pm

      Well, this is an awesome post and written very well. Your point of view is very good.

    8. Digitaldaybook on February 7, 2022 at 3:43 am

      I need the month of February 😂

    9. 1 sell on April 6, 2022 at 7:17 pm

      Thank you for all your help. Your service was excellent and very FAST. Many thanks for you kind and efficient service. I have already and will definitely continue to recommend your services to others in the future.

    10. Brooklyn movers on April 8, 2022 at 11:08 am

      Interesting dissection by each month. I think this is also useful when moving in that certain month so you can better prepare for that big step in your life.

    11. Jeniffer Smith on September 19, 2022 at 10:43 am

      I’m going to NY in January and your blog posts have been so great. Thank you for sharing!

    12. Carlos on November 24, 2022 at 3:27 am

      So I’m from California and I’ve never been to NYC. We are going November 30-jan5. I get cold easily. What should I pack?? Sneakers?boots? Winter heavy coat?

      • SarahFunky on December 9, 2022 at 4:37 pm

        Yes, for sure pack those winter clothes! Layer up and stay warm!

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