This article may contain links from our partners. We may receive a small commission if you make a purchase through a link. Please read my <\/em><\/strong>privacy policy<\/em><\/strong><\/a> to learn more about affiliate links and how I keep this blog sustainable.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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? <\/p>\n\n\n\n In this travel guide, I\u2019ll break down everything you need to know to plan your best NYC winter vacation, and I mean everything.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019ll 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\u2019ll also cover the best things to do when it snows in New York and everything you should avoid. And I\u2019ll even provide you with a packing list for your trip so you remember everything to pack for your NYC winter vacation!<\/p>\n\n\n As one of the northern states in the U.S., New York typically accumulates a lot of snow. However, the majority of New York\u2019s 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s 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\u2019s perfect for snowballs and snowmen, you\u2019re better off visiting NYC between January and February.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n While New York City can receive snow as early as October, The City of Dreams typically doesn\u2019t get snow until about December 14<\/strong>, on average.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A common question asked is, does it snow in New York in March? Indeed it does! In fact, New York City\u2019s last snow will typically fall in early March.<\/strong> Although, sometimes, snow can fall as late as early April!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Snow can only form when the temperature in the sky has reached below freezing\u2014at 32\u00b0F. 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\u2019s between 30\u00b0F and 40\u00b0F. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Below, I\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n\n\n The average temperature in New York City in December is between 31\u00b0F and 44\u00b0F, and although that\u2019s cold, it\u2019s 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\u2019re probably not going to see a white Christmas in NYC, though it\u2019s still possible! <\/p>\n\n\n\n In January, New York City gets a bit colder. In fact, on average, January is New York City\u2019s coldest month of the year<\/strong>, with temperatures ranging from 26\u00b0F to 39\u00b0F. This is also the month when you\u2019re going to see some of New York\u2019s best snow.<\/strong> Fluffy, white snow falls about four days in January.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u00b0F to 43\u00b0F. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the end of March signifies the Spring Equinox, snow usually stops falling earlier this month. On average, you\u2019re only going to see about two days of snowfall in the last month of winter<\/strong>, and temperatures will hover between 36\u00b0F and 52\u00b0F.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Silive.com<\/a>, 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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n January is the coldest month of the winter, with average temperatures ranging from 26\u00b0F to 39\u00b0F. But don\u2019t worry\u2014even in the cold. There are plenty of great things to do in New York City!<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s also the law that any snow that\u2019s 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. <\/strong>Because of this, it can often seem like there is far less snow in New York City than what actually fell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The lack of snow can be great for travelers because it means you can still easily get to your bucket list attractions<\/a> without having to replan because of the snow. However, if you were looking forward to seeing snow, for instance, if you\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s 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.<\/strong> Because the subway system is mostly underground, the railway system is rarely impacted by snowfall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even though New York City doesn\u2019t get much snow compared to the rest of the state, it\u2019s always smart to do your research and be prepared when traveling. Even if the city is dry when you visit, you\u2019ve still got to get into town from wherever you\u2019re coming from, and you need to pack appropriately so you\u2019re comfortable on your New York City adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The pilot\u2019s job is to ensure that every passenger on a flight arrives at their destination safely. So, it\u2019s 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\u2019t normally as tall as thunderstorm clouds.<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/a> to see the policies of Delta, United Airlines, American Airlines, and JetBlue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s also a good idea to get travel insurance<\/a> if you are flying in the winter because you never know what kind of weather Mother Nature might throw at you, and it\u2019s always good to be prepared rather than lose out on your entire trip!<\/p>\n\n\n 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\u2019ll probably face a windchill while out exploring the town. This means that it\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are the 10 top items I recommend you pack when visiting New York City in the winter:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/a>. I didn\u2019t 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\u2019re going to want to have something that will keep you warm, especially if you\u2019re spending time exploring outside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/adventuringdreamers.com\/staging1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Does-it-snow-in-New-York-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nDoes it usually snow in New York? What does New York\u2019s snowfall season look like?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The average New York City snowfall<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When does it start to snow in New York?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Earliest First Snow<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Latest First Snow<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The temperature in New York when it snows<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/adventuringdreamers.com\/staging1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Does-it-snow-in-New-York-1024x682.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nNew York City snowfall in December<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
New York City snowfall in January<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
New York City snowfall in February<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
New York City snowfall in March<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
How much is it expected to snow this winter in 2024?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n![\"Life's](\"https:\/\/adventuringdreamers.com\/staging1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Adventuring-Dreamers-Email-Opt-In--1024x512.png\")
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\n\n\n\nWhich winter month is the coldest in NYC?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Does it snow in New York City on Christmas?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Why is there no snow in New York City?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Getting around when it snows in New York<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Planning your trip when it snows in New York<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What happens if you fly in during a blizzard in New York?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/adventuringdreamers.com\/staging1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Does-it-snow-in-New-York-City-1024x682.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nWhat to pack when visiting New York City in the winter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
New York City Winter Packing List<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
1. Winter Jacket<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
![\"Columbia](\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/41nMcpiLU0L._SL500_.jpg\")
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