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

August 21, 2020 | Stefanie DiMartino

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). 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!

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%.

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 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:

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:

Women’s Rain Jacket
Men’s Rain Jacket
Rain Boots
Waterproof boots
Long Pants
Long sleeve shirt or sweater
Umbrella

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:

Women’s light jacket
Men’s light jacket
Long Maxi dress
Long pants
Short sleeve shirt
Sneakers or sandals

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.

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 linen dress on most days.

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:

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.

Packing List:

Short sleeve shirts/tank tops
Shorts
Sunscreen
Sandals

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.

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: