Having now experienced the Big Apple’s rollercoaster of climatic conditions, I have put together a tried-and-true guide for what to pack for New York City at any time of year. The bonus is that these seasonal packing lists are carry-on friendly, so you can minimize your luggage and/or save space for shopping and souvenirs.
General New York City packing information
Climate
New York City’s climate is highly variable if nothing else – hot and humid in summer, freezing cold and windy in winter, wet in spring and any of the aforementioned in autumn. For this reason, it’s really hard to place packing lists in clear seasonal brackets, for example, early spring and late spring are two very different beasts. Not to put too finer point on how erratic it can be, here are some of my experiences:
- In the week leading up to my very first trip in early April, I was seeing reports of sunny, 25°C days. The 10-days I was there it barely surpassed 12°C maximums and drizzled rain three-quarters of the time.
- During my May and September trips, it was around 28°C at midnight. However, during early July of the same year, I was wearing jeans and a cashmere sweater in the evenings.
- During my late autumn visit, I saw everything from fine with 17°C maximums, to snow and gale-force winds–all in the space of six days.
You see what I’m saying, right? Here is a snapshot of average temperatures and precipitation (rain/snow) across a typical year in the Big Apple – use the gear icon in the top right to change between °C and °F.
What this means to you:
- The packing lists below are divided into three seasons that reflect the main weather conditions throughout the year.
- Pack layers to ensure you can scale up or down the warm/dry factor on any given day. Sticking to a colour scheme helps layer because all items can be mixed and matched.
- Check the weather right up to the day before you leave and adapt your packing accordingly.
Sightseeing and experiences
New York City is a walking town with a diverse range of experiences on offer. You will be treading the pavement most of the time because that’s the best way to see the city. You’re also likely to take part in a range of activities, from casual cycling around Central Park to dining in upscale restaurants. Your NYC packing list must balance comfort and style in the right proportions.
For my visits to the Big Apple, I have been challenged to piece together a carry-on only wardrobe that would suit both discovering the city on foot, and fulfilling the dress code of some of New York’s finest dining establishments. Averaging 25,000 steps per day and having eaten my way through 16 Michelin stars, I truly put these packing lists to the test.
What this means to you:
- Do NOT take your cue from Gossip Girl or Sex and the City, they are fictional television shows that in no way reflect the kind of wardrobe you are going to need.
- Think in terms of clothes that you can dress up and down with a simple change of shoes and accessories.
Security
New York is generally a safe city and like most big metropolitan areas, there’s petty crime and neighbourhoods you should avoid. Keep your passport, extra cash and other valuables in your hotel safe.
Pickpocketing is a problem, especially in the subway so wear bags/backpacks on your front while in the subway, at festivals or among other crowds of people. Ensure your bag is zipped up and within reach at all times. Backpacks worn on both shoulders or cross-body bags make you less vulnerable to snatch-and-grabs.
Lastly, read up on common tourist scams in NYC and North America and see these general travel security tips.
Currency
The local currency in New York City is the US dollar (USD). For international visitors, withdrawing local currency from an ATM on the ground can be the best option for getting a favourable currency conversion rate.
Cards are readily accepted everywhere. You may want some cash on you in small bills for tipping, cab rides and incidentals.
Electronics
International visitors, please note that electricity in the US is delivered at 110/120 volts, 60Hz. Depending on where you are travelling from and what kind of appliances you are bringing, you may need a voltage converter. Generally, modern phones, tablets and laptops are made for both 110-127V and 220-240V, but it is best to check. Look for this information on the label of your product: “INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz.”
The USA uses Type A and B plugs and sockets, so you will more likely need an international adaptor.
Travel documents
US domestic travellers will need a state issued ID, such as a drivers license, to board your flight. Remember as of May 2025, a REAL ID will be required for air travel.
International travellers, ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity and plenty of blank pages for your new passport stamps. Check whether you require a visa for entry into the USA – it will depend on the country of your passport. There is a Visa Waiver Program for nationals of some countries, but even if you fall in this category, you will still need an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) to enter.
All travellers, don’t forget to pack copies of your travel reservations, details of your travel insurance and Covid-19 vaccination record. Not sure if you need travel insurance? See my detailed post here.
What to pack for New York, for all trips at all times of year
Before we get into season-specific packing lists there are a few things that you should pack no matter what time of year you are travelling to New York City.
Day bag – Depending on the size of your camera, you can get away with a medium-sized day bag. Choose one with a crossbody strap for extra security and the convenience of being hands-free – better still, a small to medium size backpack. Coat check backpacks in museums or security will make you wear it on your front in case you accidentally knock over a priceless piece of art.
Sunglasses – Whether it’s the sun in your eyes or the glare from a fresh drop of snow, you’re going to want to take a pair of sunglasses wherever you go.
Earplugs – If you are staying in the Midtown (Times Square) area, there is a chance your hotel will be unavoidably noisy at night.
Gadgets – Headphones, chargers, adapters, camera, batteries, SD card and phone. A portable charger/power pack may be necessary if you are using your phone as a camera, which drains the battery.
Hand sanitiser – Stay healthy while on holiday and always carry this in your day bag for when handwashing facilities aren’t available.
- Patagonia Women’s Straight Jeans, 2. Muji Women’s Organic Cotton Long Sleeve, 3. Everlane Slouch Wide Leg Pant, 4. Everlane Lightweight Scarf, 5. Kangol Modelaine Beret, 6. Sole Society Cammila Smoking Slipper, 7. Patagonia Women’s Tres 3 in 1, 8. Grana Silk Classic Shirt,9. Everlane Cashmere Crew, 10. Grasshoppers Janey II 11. Rebecca Minkoff Julian backpack
New York City early spring (or late autumn) packing list
What to pack for New York City in March/April and October/November:
Thermals/Long Johns – Whatever you want to call them. It is tough to layer your bottom half so start with full-length wool or silk bottoms and singlet/short-sleeved tops.
Jeans – One pair in a dark colour to wear day through night. Choose straight or wider leg jeans/pants to fit your thermals comfortably underneath.
Long pants – One pair of tailored pants that will look dressier than jeans. I wore tailored wool pants on the days we dined at the most upscale (2-3 Michelin star) restaurants for lunch. My husband wore a pair of chinos.
Light layers – Four long sleeve tops that can be layered in combination or worn on their own. I wore a thick cotton top on warmest days and on the coldest layered cotton or silk tops over thermal underwear, topped with a cashmere sweater that doubled as a standalone garment. My husband, who is a warm body, wore similar long-sleeve cotton tops or t-shirts with a hoodie.
Coat – Two coats. One heavy coat that will provide maximum warmth. I recommend one that is long enough to reach down to your knees and has a hood or high collar. A second lighter coat for the warmer days. Wear or carry your biggest coat separately on the plane to save space.
Gloves – One light pair of gloves. I wore a pair of faux leather gloves which aren’t enough in winter but ok for these conditions.
Hat – A hat of wool or other warm material, in a style that will cover your ears. I chose a beret for a more upscale look that I felt comfortable wearing indoors and out. My husband wore nothing and complained of cold ears {insert look of wife rolling her eyes here}.
Scarf – One or two lightweight scarves. I found cotton scarves were sufficient, you don’t need to reach for the pashmina just yet. I took two in different colours, so I could change up my outfit a little.
Shoes – Two pairs of flat shoes. One that is a solid, supportive pair for walking and another lighter, prettier pair for evenings. I wore a pair of clean, leather-look Nike fashion sneakers that struck the balance between providing support and comfort for walking, but were still given a pass by Michelin-star maître d’s. I had a pair of sparkly loafers tucked in my purse in case I needed to change, but if you are going for lunch you can get away with a lot more than dinner. My husband wore his “all-purpose” black Saloman trail runners – which somehow he got away with.
Jewellery – When you step inside, it is nice to peel off the layers and still have something left to show. I packed three chunky necklaces so that I felt “dressed” when I was inside, sans coat and scarf. My top tip is, only take rings you can wear inside gloves.
Moisturiser – For face, body and lips. The harsh winds and cool temperatures caused my skin to dry up over the first 48hrs. My face suffered the most as my only exposed body part on the worst days.
Rain gear – In spring we used our umbrellas, while in autumn the rain was light and we weren’t getting wet enough to bother. However, it doesn’t hurt to have your preferred wet weather gear on hand.
Tissues – It is inevitable when you are constantly moving to and from, from warm buildings to the cold outdoors, that you will get the sniffles. Keep a good supply of tissues accessible in your coat pockets and day bag.
- Patagonia Women’s Straight Jeans, 2. Everlane Slouch Wide Leg Pant, 3. Vinc Camuto Cashmere Sweater thrifted via Thredup, 4. Grana Silk Top, 5. Everlane Cashmere Scarf, 6. Sorel Explorer Jane Boots, 7. Patagonia Women’s Tres 3 in 1, 8. Marc Jacobs Pussy Boat silk top, 9. Everlane Cashmere Crew, 10. Kangol Modelaine Beret, 11. Rebecca Minkoff Julian backpack
New York City winter packing list
What to wear in New York City in December through to February. Similar to late autumn, early spring list but with the following variations:
Heavier layers – Four long sleeve tops that can be layered in combination or worn on their own preferably in cashmere, wool or another warm alternative. I generally wore my full-length thermal underwear with a cashmere sweater.
Coat – One heavy coat that will provide maximum warmth and preferably be waterproof too. Ideally it will be long enough to reach your knees, and has a hood or high collar. Again, wear or carry your coat separately on the plane to save space in your bag.
Gloves – One pair of warm gloves.
Hat – A hat made of wool or other warm material, in a style that covers your ears.
Scarf – One or two wool or cashmere scarves.
Shoes – Waterproof boots suitable for snow – i.e. tall boots with thick soles and good tread/grip. Having grown up in the sub-tropics of Australia, I had no idea how much difference the right shoe could make before I experienced my first North American winter. My snow boots are my saviour!
- Patagonia Women’s Straight Jeans, 2. GAP cashmere three-quarter sleeve sweater thrifted via Thredup, 3. Grana silk ankle pants, 4. Marc by Marc Jacobs cotton dress thrifted via Thredup, 5. Grasshoppers Janey II, 6. Tori Burch sunglasses gifted, 7. Homero Ortego Bolero hat bought in Ecuador, 8. Grana Silk top, 9. Grana silk shorts, 10. Grana Silk top, 11. Sole Society Cammila Smoking Slipper, 12. Rebecca Minkoff Julian backpack
New York City summer (late spring through early autumn) packing list
What to pack for New York in May through to September:
Jeans or tailored long pants – One pair in a dark colour to wear during those chilly days or evenings.
Light bottoms – Two pairs of shorts/skirts or three-quarter length pants in natural fabrics to minimize the sweat factor.
Light tops – Four tops in natural fabrics, that can be mixed and matched with your chosen bottoms.
Dresses – Ladies may like to also pack a couple of light summer dresses.
Light sweater – One light sweater for cooler days/evenings.
Light scarf – One light scarf that you can wrap around your shoulders when the air-conditioning is set to freezing.
Hat – Be sun smart and take a wide-brimmed hat for outdoor pursuits like picnic’s in Central Park and riding the Staten Island Ferry.
Shoes – Two pairs of flat shoes. One that is solid and supportive for getting around on foot and another that is more suitable for evenings. I wore simple, canvas-style sneakers during the day and my smoking slippers at night. You may choose heels, but I gave up travelling with them a long time ago as they were always left unworn in my suitcase. My husband again wore his “all-purpose” black trail shoes.
Jewellery – Take a few key costume jewellery pieces to dress up your outfits, and that don’t matter if they are lost or broken.
Sunscreen – For face, body and lips. Despite the skyscrapers, you will get some sun drinking in rooftop bars or riding atop the hop-on, hop-off bus.
What to pack for NYC and beyond
Of course, these New York City packing lists will also work for similar Mid-Atlantic and North East Coat destinations such as Washington D.C., Philadelphia and Boston.
If you are heading to NYC for the first time, make sure you check out these lessons I learnt the hard way.
Peace, love & inspiring travel,
Madam ZoZo
