New York City, New Jersey, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to New York City, New Jersey, United States of America? If you're planning to go to New York City, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to New York City
- Important essentials for New York City
- Activities for New York City
- New York City in January: weather and what to pack
- New York City in February: weather and what to pack
- New York City in March: weather and what to pack
- New York City in April: weather and what to pack
- New York City in May: weather and what to pack
- New York City in June: weather and what to pack
- New York City in July: weather and what to pack
- New York City in August: weather and what to pack
- New York City in September: weather and what to pack
- New York City in October: weather and what to pack
- New York City in November: weather and what to pack
- New York City in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to New York City, New Jersey, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in New York City, the best time to go is September. See below for details.
Important essentials for New York City, New Jersey, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in New York City, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection available.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks don't exist for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may wear out. An unreadable vaccination card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good plane-friendly choice.
General health necessities
Don't forget these
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should be sufficient for most locations, but check with your hotel.
-
Luggage protection
Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in New York City. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
For families with young children
What to wear/what to pack for New York City, New Jersey, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
Traveling to New York City in January, you will notice that it can be extremely cold. Expect it to rain or snow regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Gloves
-
Lip balm
Our pick is: this
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Sweaters
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, you should bring snow boots. For travel to New York City, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is vital here. This one is an excellent choice.
-
Ski accessories
New York City has some excellent ski slopes If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
February
February in New York City is pretty cool. Temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains or snows regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Gloves
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this one
-
Heavy jacket
-
Sweaters
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to New York City, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is a great option.
-
Ski accessories
New York City has some excellent ski areas If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
March
March in New York City is pretty cool. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: this one
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Fleece
-
Jacket or coat
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to New York City, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a great option.
-
Ski accessories
New York City has some great skiing If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
April
April in New York City is chilly. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C) to high 50s F (mid 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
May
If you vacation in New York City during May, you may see that it is mild. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Dresses
-
Pants or jeans
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We suggest:
June
If you vacation in New York City during June, you will probably see that it is a perfect temperature. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (high 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
July
July in New York City is hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) to low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also removes dangerous contaminants:
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against skin damage:
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We like:
August
August for New York City is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Light skirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We suggest:
September
September here is warm. Temperatures average in the 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Extra socks
-
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
October
October in New York City is crisp. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) to low 60s F (high 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Extra socks
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
November
November in New York City is cold. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) to low 50s F (low 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: this one
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We recommend:
December
If you are traveling to New York City in December, you will notice that it is brisk. Expect it to rain or snow regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the low 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: this
-
Gloves
-
Sweaters
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to New York City, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a great option.
-
Ski accessories
New York City has some great skiing If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
Activities for New York City, New Jersey, United States of America
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for New York City.
Check out our guides for these other locations: Collector, New South Wales, Australia, Lake Bolsena, Italy, Ganzhou, China, Nevada, Ohio, United States of America, Datça, Turkey, Ischia, Italy, Hällefors and Grythyttan, Sweden, Qalqilya, Palestinian territories, Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area, India, Kungälv, Sweden, and Sundarbans, Bangladesh.