Note. This article is a copy of a post from our beloved weekly newsletter, where readers get updates on our daily lives in NYC every Monday morning. If is on your list, you’re going to want to read this before you go. If that sounds like your cup of tea, join the community!
Hi there! There’s a lot of new faces on here (welcome!) so please allow me to (re)introduce myself.
I’m Antonina, one of the folks behind New York Simply, a website that seeks to demystify the Big Apple through helpful guides.
We share my favorite spots with locals + visitors alike in the hopes of giving everyone something to love about NYC.
Our Monday newsletter tends to be a quick recap of weekend adventures, new-to-us local gems and a place where we answer reader’s questions.
Looking for great food in Ues? Check out our guide to the best restaurants.
This Monday, we’re falling into the “answer reader’s questions category.” (If interested, last Monday we talked about Greenpoint).
Question from a reader. I’m Visiting This Winter & Need Advice on What to Wear
Q. I’m (finally!) visiting NYC for the holidays this year with my in-laws (yay & nay). We live in a mild climate and I’m nervous about the winter weather because we’ll be spending a lot of time outside (window shopping, holiday markets, Christmas trees, etc.). I’m curious, does the perfect winter coat exist? Please say yes.
A.First things first, are you the type of person that packs a sweater for Hawaii and casual throws it on en route to the beach? If so, you’re speaking my language.
Winter is a hard season for me because I’m a total wimp when the temperatures dip. As such, my ideal winter jacket is nothing short of a down blanket with a belt strapped around the middle.
But alas, there are some unwritten rules in life, and one of those rules (surely) must be. don’t wear a blanket outside.
So, I’ve resorted to conforming, and after a few years of trial and error, I finally landed on this dreamy down park, which I can gladly recommend (pictured below).
But, if that specific coat doesn’t fit the bill, you may want to check out my personal guide on What to Pack for Winter in NYC, (there’s a few different options sprinkled about).
My biggest advice is to get a coat that covers your bum, to prevent the cold wind from blowing on your back. No need to purchase something new if you already have a coat you love!
Even on warm fall days, I can’t leave the house without this security blanket of a jacket, it’s been great so far!
Wrapping up
Hope you all have some lovely plans for the holidays! We’re heading to Portland, Oregon to celebrate with my side of the family (fingers crossed my hanger doesn’t start any fights this year).
It’ll be a short trip and upon our return we’ll start decorating the apartment for Christmas (can’t wait!). The hardest part about living in a 400 square foot apartment is figuring out where the Christmas Tree should go, any clever ideas out there?
Also, what’s the oddest thing you’ve had to store in an unconventional place while living in NYC? I’m notorious for keeping guest’s luggage in the bathtub.
Chat with you next Monday, cheers!
You May Also Enjoy
- What to Wear in New York City in the Winter (+2025 Packing List)
- 20 Worthwhile Winter Activities in New York City (Local's Guide)
- 3 Essential Winter Coats New Yorkers Swear By (Helpful Local)
- How to Dress an Infant for Winter in New York City (Local's Guide & Photos)
- The Complete Guide to Celebrating New Year's Eve in New York City (2026)
The Complete NYC Layering Guide
As a local who’s survived more NYC winters than I can count, here’s my actual layering system that works. Base layer. a merino wool long-sleeve top and leggings (I swear by Uniqlo Heattech. affordable and genuinely warm). Middle layer. a fleece or lightweight down vest for core warmth. Outer layer. a knee-length wool coat or a parka with a wind-resistant shell. This combination handles everything from a mild 40-degree day to a brutal 15-degree wind chill.
For your extremities. and this where most people go wrong. you need. a wool or cashmere beanie that covers your ears, touchscreen-compatible gloves (I like the ones from North Face or Uniqlo). And a scarf or neck gaiter that you can pull up over your chin. Wool socks are non-negotiable. I’ve been wearing Darn Tough brand for three winters and they’re indestructible.
What to Expect by Month
November. Highs in the 45–55°F range, lows in the mid-30s. You’ll want a solid coat but probably won’t need the full winter armor yet. This scarf-and-light-gloves weather.
December. Temperatures drop to highs around 40°F, lows in the high 20s to low 30s. This when layers become essential. Expect your first real cold snap and possibly some snow by late December.
January. The coldest month. Highs in the low-to-mid 30s, lows that can dip into the teens. Wind chill makes it feel even colder, especially along the avenues which act as wind tunnels. This full base-layer-plus-parka territory.
February. Similar to January but with occasional teaser warm days in the 40s that will trick you into thinking spring is coming. It’s not. Keep your heavy coat accessible through March.
My Specific Product Recommendations
Trust me when I say these are worth the investment. I’ve tested everything and these are the items I actually use every winter.
Coat. The Aritzia Super Puff (warm, lightweight, doesn’t make you look like a marshmallow) or a classic wool coat from J.Crew for dressier occasions. For serious cold, the North Face Arctic Parka is unbeatable.
Boots. Blundstones for everyday walking (waterproof and warm enough with thick socks), or Sorel Joan of Arctic boots for snow days. Whatever you do, don’t wear sneakers in January. your feet will be miserable.
Accessories. Uniqlo Heattech base layers (around $15 each. buy multiples), Darn Tough merino socks. And a good pair of touchscreen gloves so you don’t have to bare your hands every time you check your phone on the subway platform.
Planning Tips
Here’s what most people don’t know about NYC winters. January and February are the coldest months, with temperatures regularly dipping into the teens and twenties. But it’s the wind that gets you. those avenues act like wind tunnels, especially crosstown streets. Plan your outings for midday when it’s warmest, and always have a backup indoor activity ready.
I’ve spent years figuring out the layering system that actually works here, and it comes down to three things. a moisture-wicking base layer, a warm middle layer (fleece or wool), and a wind-blocking outer shell. Skip the bulky puffer if you’re taking the subway. you’ll overheat underground and then freeze when you come back up. A versatile wool coat with a zip-out liner is worth the investment.
What Most People Miss
Here’s what most people don’t know about winter in NYC. the subway stations are heated, and some of them are surprisingly warm. If you’re freezing during a walk, duck into a station for a few minutes to warm up. you don’t even need to swipe your MetroCard. The stations at 72nd and Broadway, 86th and Lex, and Columbus Circle are especially good warming spots.
Another thing people overlook. NYC has incredible indoor spaces for cold days. The Metropolitan Museum, the New York Public Library on Fifth Avenue, Chelsea Market, and the Winter Garden at Brookfield Place are all free or low-cost ways to stay warm while actually enjoying your day. I’ve spent entire January afternoons at the Met without feeling like I was hiding from the weather.
Trust me when I say. invest in good socks. I know it sounds basic, but merino wool socks changed my winter experience in this city completely. Your feet are the first thing to get cold, especially if you’re standing on subway platforms or walking on frozen sidewalks. Smartwool and Darn Tough are my go-to brands.
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