The Perfect Packing List for New York City in the Winter: 20+ Essentials You May Need

New York City in the winter can be FREEZING, or it can be really nice weather. I love going right after the New Year. The city is a lot less crowded but still has a lot of Christmas decorations up. Sometimes you get lucky and the weather during this time is gorgeous. Other times, you might get hit with a bomb cyclone, as I did in 2018. Either way, New York City in the winter is a fabulous place to visit. The following packing list will keep you warm on a 3 day trip to New York City in the winter. 

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Where to Stay in New York City

TripAdvisor is a great place to start your hotel search. Search for the best New York hotels here!

My favorite area to stay in NYC is Midtown due to its central location to everything. You can typically find a good deal to stay in this area. I recommend anywhere between 34th Street and 60th Street. 

Some of my favorite hotels include:

• Hampton Inn Manhattan/Times Square Central*
• Hampton Inn Manhattan/Times Square South* 
• Hilton Times Square*
• New York Marriott Marquis
• Hilton Garden Inn New York/West 35th Street*
• Hotel Edison
• Voco Times Square South*
• Club Quarters Hotel Times Square, New York
• AC Hotel by Marriott New York Downtown
• DoubleTree by Hilton New York Downtown

What to Wear in New York City in the Winter

Outerwear

1 warm coat: I recommend that a down coat that goes at least to your knees. This will keep you the warmest.

1 comfy and warm sweatshirt or fleece jacket like a Patagonia (optional): I usually wear this on the airplane and then under my coat on really cold days. 

Clothing

4 warm long sleeve shirts

1-2 long sleeve base layer: I like the ones from Uniqlo. This will be an extra layer to keep you warm on frigid days. 

2 pairs of jeans/pants: You could get away with one pair, but since it can sometimes be snowy or rainy, I opt to bring 2. To save space, you can always wear one on the airplane. 

1-2 pairs of leggings or tights: I opt for the leggings from Uniqlo. They are thin so they fit under my jeans and warm. 

4 pairs of warm socks: Try to get wool socks if possible. If your feet are cold, you will be cold!

1 pair of warm boots: I love my lace-up Uggs. They are more stylish than regular Uggs and are also waterproof, so you can use them in the rain or snow. 

1 pair of other shoes (optional): I like to have a backup pair in case one pair gets wet. However, you can opt not to bring this pair and buy another pair in New York if you end up needing another pair. 

2 bras

5 pairs of underwear

1 comfy outfit for the airplane: I like wearing a pair of Lululemon pants or these pants, a comfy shirt, and a sweatshirt or fleece jacket. I wear my bulkiest shoes on the airplane since I try not to check a bag when I am on a basic economy ticket. It can be difficult to do for New York City in the winter, but make sure to pack light enough to have room for shopping. 

Accessories

Earmuffs, beanie or headband: I opt to bring 1-2 of these. They help to change up the outfit and are easy to pack! Make sure it is mostly wool to keep you warm. Nordstrom Rack always has a good assortment.

1-2 scarves: Scarves are another way to brighten or change up an outfit. I like to bring at least two so I do not get tired of wearing one. 

Warm gloves: Gloves are a must because even my hands get cold in my pockets. 

Camera: You will want to have pictures of all the scenic views! I love my Sony a6400 mirrorless camera, but iPhones work great too. 

Toiletries

• Shampoo and Conditioner: I usually bring bottles I got from other hotels or do not bring any at all and use whatever is at the hotel. 
• Dry Shampoo
• Shower Gel or Soap
• Face Wash or Facial Wipes
• Deodorant
• Perfume or Body Spray
• Face Lotion
• Body Lotion
• Sunscreen and Face Sunscreen
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Floss
• Mouthwash
• Hairbrush
• Flat Iron/Curling Iron (Optional)
• Chapstick
• Eyedrops, especially if you wear contacts

Make-Up

• Mascara
• Eyeliner
• Eyeshadow Palette: I love my travel size ones from Urban Decay.
• Make-Up Brushes
• Foundation
• Primer
• Concealer
• Lipstick/Lip Gloss
• Make Up Sponge

Do not be afraid to go somewhere cold when you are used to warmer weather. As long as you pack right, New York City in the winter is a marvelous place to visit. Hopefully, this list helped you plan out what to pack to keep you warm on those snowy days! This list also works for these February cold weather getaways. 

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