Sckylar RayneDoes New York Get Snow? What You Need To Know To Plan The Best NYC Winter Trip in 2024
Does it snow in New York? You betcha! This travel guide covers what months it snows in New York and what the accumulation is, so you can best plan your trip to NYC. I’ll also cover things to do in NYC when it snows and what to pack for your winter trip!
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New York City in the winter. What could be more romantic? Imagine walking through Central Park as the lights from the surrounding sky scrappers glisten in the snow… But how often does it actually snow in New York? And how can you play your trip so it will either be (or not be) snowing when you visit?
In this travel guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know to plan your best NYC winter vacation, and I mean everything.
I’ll cover the months when it’s most likely to snow, so you can plan your trip perfectly to either play in the snow or avoid it altogether. We’ll also cover the best things to do when it snows in New York and everything you should avoid. And I’ll even provide you with a packing list for your trip so you remember everything to pack for your NYC winter vacation!
Does it usually snow in New York? What does New York’s snowfall season look like?
As one of the northern states in the U.S., New York typically accumulates a lot of snow. However, the majority of New York’s snowfall blankets the northern and western parts of the state, near the mountains and the Great Lakes. In fact, because of the urban heat island effect and the fact that NYC is on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, NYC receives the least amount of snow compared to anywhere else in the state.
The average New York City snowfall
On average, New York City snows about 11 days out of the year and gets about 25-29 inches of snow during that time. In comparison to the rest of New York, most New York cities get snow an average of 40 days per year and usually receive between 60 and 90 inches. Old Forge in the Adirondack Mountains gets the most amount of snow out of any community in New York and averages 69.5 days of snow per year and 177.3 inches.
When does it start to snow in New York?
It’s possible that New York City can start seeing snow as early as October. However, in the late fall, the snow falls in thick, wet, sleety clumps that look nothing like the white puff balls and light flakes most people tend to prefer. To get the thick, fluffy snow that’s perfect for snowballs and snowmen, you’re better off visiting NYC between January and February.
Earliest First Snow
While New York City can receive snow as early as October, The City of Dreams typically doesn’t get snow until about December 14, on average.
Latest First Snow
A common question asked is, does it snow in New York in March? Indeed it does! In fact, New York City’s last snow will typically fall in early March. Although, sometimes, snow can fall as late as early April!
The temperature in New York when it snows
Snow can only form when the temperature in the sky has reached below freezing—at 32°F. However, that requirement is just for the sky, and it can be warmer on the ground when it snows. Typically, snow will fall when it’s between 30°F and 40°F.
Below, I’ve outlined the typical weather for the months when it’s most likely to snow in New York so you can plan your trip to the Big City accordingly.
New York City snowfall in December
The average temperature in New York City in December is between 31°F and 44°F, and although that’s cold, it’s hardly cold enough to get a lot of snow. On average, in NYC, it snows only two days in the entire month of December. This means you’re probably not going to see a white Christmas in NYC, though it’s still possible!
New York City snowfall in January
In January, New York City gets a bit colder. In fact, on average, January is New York City’s coldest month of the year, with temperatures ranging from 26°F to 39°F. This is also the month when you’re going to see some of New York’s best snow. Fluffy, white snow falls about four days in January.
New York City snowfall in February
While the temperatures start to rise again in February, the city still stays pretty cold in the second month of the year, with average temps ranging from 29°F to 43°F. Even though the temperatures usually rise a bit in February, you are still likely to see the same amount of snowfall, with snow falling on average about 3-4 days this month.
New York City snowfall in March
Although the end of March signifies the Spring Equinox, snow usually stops falling earlier this month. On average, you’re only going to see about two days of snowfall in the last month of winter, and temperatures will hover between 36°F and 52°F.
How much is it expected to snow this winter in 2024?
According to Silive.com, New York City expects a dry winter with below-average snow accumulation this year. While NYC typically sees about 29 inches of snow, for the 2023-2024 season, New Yorkers will only get about 18-23 inches. This can be great news for travelers because fewer snow storms mean fewer flight cancelations and better weather for exploring!
Which winter month is the coldest in NYC?
January is the coldest month of the winter, with average temperatures ranging from 26°F to 39°F. But don’t worry—even in the cold. There are plenty of great things to do in New York City!
Does it snow in New York City on Christmas?
New York City averages only two days of snow every December, meaning that out of 31 days, 29 are likely going to be dry and without snowfall. However, the average first day of snow in December usually falls between December 14 and 24, so a snowstorm on Christmas is definitely a possibility!
Why is there no snow in New York City?
It can seem like there is hardly any snow in New York City since the city only gets an average of 25-29 inches compared to other areas of the state, which can get over 100 inches! In addition to less snow accumulation, it’s also the law that any snow that’s fallen on the sidewalks in New York must be removed within four hours or by 11 am the next day if it fell at night. Because of this, it can often seem like there is far less snow in New York City than what actually fell.
The lack of snow can be great for travelers because it means you can still easily get to your bucket list attractions without having to replan because of the snow. However, if you were looking forward to seeing snow, for instance, if you’ve always daydreamed about strolling through a white-washed Central Park, then your best bet is to plan your trip to New York in either January or February.
Getting around when it snows in New York
The good news for travelers is that the streets of New York City are very accessible, even after heavy snowfall. Because the snow is required to be removed shortly after it’s fallen, either by salt or shoveling, the streets are still very walkable, and taxis can still drive you safely from point A to point B. Because the subway system is mostly underground, the railway system is rarely impacted by snowfall.
Planning your trip when it snows in New York
Even though New York City doesn’t get much snow compared to the rest of the state, it’s always smart to do your research and be prepared when traveling. Even if the city is dry when you visit, you’ve still got to get into town from wherever you’re coming from, and you need to pack appropriately so you’re comfortable on your New York City adventure.
What happens if you fly in during a blizzard in New York?
The pilot’s job is to ensure that every passenger on a flight arrives at their destination safely. So, it’s standard procedure for pilots to scrutinize their plane for ice before take-off. If a winter storm appears in the sky, pilots can usually fly above them, as winter storm clouds aren’t normally as tall as thunderstorm clouds. If your flight takes off in the winter, despite stormy weather approaching, you can sit back and relax during your flight because your pilot and their team are trained to make sure that you will arrive safely.
However, in the chance that your flight is delayed or canceled due to weather, you may need to adjust your travel plans. In the U.S., airlines are not required to provide food or hotel vouchers, though some might accommodate their customers as part of their policy. Click here to see the policies of Delta, United Airlines, American Airlines, and JetBlue.
It’s also a good idea to get travel insurance if you are flying in the winter because you never know what kind of weather Mother Nature might throw at you, and it’s always good to be prepared rather than lose out on your entire trip!
What to pack when visiting New York City in the winter
Whether there is snow in New York City at the time of your visit or not, the fact is that NYC is still going to be cold, and you’ll probably face a windchill while out exploring the town. This means that it’s wise to dress in waterproof shoes, a good winter jacket, and plenty of layers because, despite the winter chill outside, the subways will still be burning hot.
Here are the 10 top items I recommend you pack when visiting New York City in the winter:
New York City Winter Packing List
1. Winter Jacket
A winter coat is essential when visiting New York during the cold months. Take it from someone who had been living for the past ten years in Arizona. I didn’t even own a warm jacket when I moved to NYC, and I barely made it to November before needing to stop by the thrift store to buy a recycled coat. Once the snow starts falling and the winter chill starts blowing, you’re going to want to have something that will keep you warm, especially if you’re spending time exploring outside.
This winter coat by Columbia is longer, so it will help save your legs from the chill of the winter winds, and it comes insulated with cruelty-free faux down to keep you warm so you can play in the snow.
2. Water-resistant shoes that are comfortable to walk in… extra points if they’re cute boots!
If you’re like me, when you travel, you’re likely going to do a lot of walking. Whether you prefer something with a heel or sneakers, that’s up to you, but at least make sure that the shoes you wear are water-resistant so you don’t go back to your hotel with pruned toes due to melted snow soaking into your socks.
3. Winter hats, gloves, and scarfs
If you’re going to spend a lot of time outside exploring places like the Statue of Liberty or wandering through the High Line or Central Park, then you will want to dress warm so you can maximize your time outdoors. I recommend these cute accessories to keep you comfy in the NYC snow.
4. Anti-theft traveling bag or purse
Safety is the top priority when traveling. Having an anti-theft purse like this makes me feel safer, which makes me more comfortable—especially when visiting highly populated areas like Times Square.
Unlike most bags, this purse is made with anti-slash and RFID-blocking material, and the main compartment locks.
5. Bring layers! This means sweaters and long-sleeved thermals.
Dressing warmly will keep you comfortable outside for longer, meaning you can maximize your adventure time in the city. Dressing in layers is also helpful because while it might be in the 30s outside, the subway systems run hot year-round, and you’ll want to shed a few layers once you get on the train.
6. Warm socks
When I first got to NYC, I averaged walking around 10-20 miles per day as I wandered around Manhattan to see places like Hell’s Kitchen and Greenwich Village. Not only are these winter socks cute and festive, but they’ll keep you warm and cushion your toes while you walk around the town.
7. Umbrella
This one might actually be a good idea no matter what time of year you’re visiting NYC. You never know when a freak storm might hit, and since NYC is such a walking town, it’s always helpful having a nifty tool like an umbrella to keep you dry.
8. Hand sanitizer
Let’s face it. You’re going to be in a big city. Every door handle you touched was already touched by a thousand people earlier that same day, and you know that at least a quarter of them probably don’t wash their hands on a regular basis. Keeping a travel-sized hand sanitizer on you like this one is a fail-safe way to keep you feeling clean and germ-free, even when visiting a city with a population of 8.5 million.
9. Chapstick and lotion
If the cold weather generally dries out your skin, you’re going to be emailing me later to thank me for reminding you to pack your chapstick and lotion.
10. Portable phone charger
You’re going to be out all day (and night, too, probably), and you’re gonna want to take a lot of photos to document your adventure. Plus, it’s always a good idea to have your phone fully charged while on vacation for safety reasons. One travel necessity for any trip is to make sure you’ve got a portable phone charger so you can keep your battery at 100 all day long.
What to do when it snows in New York City
If you’re lucky enough to be in NYC while it’s snowing, don’t fret! There are still plenty of fun things to do.
Central Park
If it isn’t too cold or snowing too hard, visiting Central Park while it’s snowing can be a magical experience. The world’s most famous park is truly a forest hidden inside a big city, and wandering a forest in the snow is like something out of a fairytale. Brave the cold and take a walk in a snow-covered park. It will be an experience you will remember for a lifetime.
Museums
If wandering outside in the snow is not your cup of tea, then your time will be just as well spent indoors. If it storms during your trip, take the opportunity to experience a slice of the plethora of history and art that NYC has to offer by visiting the Museum of Natural History, the MoMA, or the MET.
Ice skate in the snow
Talk about a movie-worthy experience. Feel like you’re the main character when you and your travel partners spin laps around the ice rink while it’s snowing outside. NYC has several ice rinks to choose from, but whether you pick the one in Rockefeller Center or Central Park, you’re bound to have a wonderful adventure.
Shopping during snow
New York City is the fashion capital of the United States. If that’s something you’re into, then shopping is a must for NYC, and it’s totally something you can do in the snow because all the shops are indoors!
There are tons of areas to explore in NYC for great shopping, but some New York neighborhoods that I’d recommend checking out include Nolita (North of Little Italy), Union Square, SoHo (South of Houston), and of course, the infamous luxury shopping artery of America—Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.
Indoor activities
In addition to shopping, you might want to try one (or all) of these fun indoor activities that will keep you warm and out of the snow.
- Bar hop from cozy bar to cozy bar in the East or West Village.
- Take an underground tour of the Federal Reserve Bank.
- Explore the catacombs under St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral.
- Read a book in the historic Rose Room at the NYC Library.
- Grab a bite to eat at the Chelsea Market.
ADVENTURER’S NOTE: Get access to more than 150 attractions at a discounted rate with the New York Sightseeing Pass.
The best places to enjoy the snow in New York City
If you’re visiting NYC in the winter, there’s a good chance you believe landscapes covered in snow are the makings of a fairytale. And I would agree with you. Here are some of the best places to enjoy the snow in all its glory in New York City.
- The gardens at Carl Schurz Park, Manhattan.
- Sunset Park’s sledding—a hill with a view.
- The Pine Grove in Forest Park, Queens.
- The Bronx’s oldest house at Van Cortlandt Park.
- The many romantic bridges of Central Park.
Things to avoid when it’s snowing in New York City
Walking Tours
Unless you want to spend two hours in the freezing cold and/or walk around until your shoes are soaked with melted snow, I’d recommend saving any walking tours for a later visit during warmer weather.
Hop-on Hop-Off Bus Tours
Since most hop-on hop-off tours seat passengers on the top of the double-decker busses, you are exposed to all the elements Mother Nature decides to unleash at the time of your tour. While some buses put up shields to help protect you from the weather, these shields can obstruct your view while the bus is driving. Not to mention, you will still have to wait at cold bus stops as you hop on and hop off. It’s better to save these tours for warmer weather as well.
Wearing water-penetrable clothing
It’s a necessity to avoid wearing any clothing that is not water-resistant. If you’re walking around NYC in soaked clothing and it’s below 40°F outside, you’re probably going to catch a bad cold or flu. Believe me, being sick on a vacation is a pretty sucky experience, and therefore, it must be avoided at all costs! Wear layers, and wear waterproof clothes. End of story.
Skiing in New York
It should be pretty obvious that as a seaside metropolis, NYC does not have any skiing within city limits. However, the Big Apple is within a two-hour drive to several ski resorts. So, if you’re interested in adding a few days at the snow-capped mountains to your NYC itinerary, you can easily do so by swinging by Windham Mountain, Camelback Mountain, Thunder Ridge, or another ski resort near the big city.
Does it snow in New York? NYC winter travel guide conclusion
Yes! It does snow in New York City, though it snows less in the Big Apple than it does anywhere else in the state. There are only a few days out of the year that you can expect to see actual snowfall in the city, but the entire winter season is sure to be cold with a wind chill.
If you’re lucky enough to be in town after fresh snow, there is plenty of wintery magic to find, especially in Central Park or at one of the ice skating rinks. However, if the weather ends up being cold and sleety during your trip, don’t fret! There is still plenty of fun things to do in town that will keep you out of the cold.
Ready to Book Your Trip?
Here are a few helpful services:
Booking.com | Find a comfy place to lay your head after a full day of adventuring.
Vrbo | If you’re looking for a more homey vibe, these rental homes might do the trick.
Expedia | Whether you’re looking for some wheels or a flight, you can find a way to get to your destination here.
Get Your Guide | Find local attractions and tours and book tickets to your excursions.
Viator | Another great resource for local attractions and tours.
TSA | If you’re flying, check out the TSA page to make sure that you pack to TSA regulations.
New York City Pass | Save 40% at 5 major New York City attractions, including the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty.
World Nomads Travel Insurance | Feel safe while traveling with simple and flexible travel insurance.
