Winter can be an incredibly magical and unique time to visit New York, with its festive atmosphere and iconic winter activities.
Also, while the Christmas and New Year season attracts lots of visitors, the winter months are typically considered off-peak for tourism. This means you might encounter less crowds at popular attractions compared to other seasons, like summer for example. This also means that prices might be lower than on-peak seasons for flights, accommodation and Broadway shows.
So, if you’re looking to dodge the crowds and save yourself a bit of money, Winter is a great time to visit New York.
That said, whether it’s a “good” time to visit will ultimately depend on personal preferences and interests. If you’re more of a sunshine and warmth person, then visiting New York in the Summer might be the best option for you as temperatures will typically sit around the 29 degrees celsius mark.
If you’re looking to make magical memories over the next few months in New York, you’re in the right place. We have rounded up our top tips for visiting New York in the Winter so you’re fully prepared when it comes to packing, organising activities and what to expect when you arrive.
Tips for Visiting New York in the Winter
5 Tips for visiting New York in the winter include:
- Pack appropriately for the cold weather
- Embrace the festive activities
- Book a private sightseeing tour
- Make the most of public transport
- Pre-book accommodation
1. Pack Appropriately for the Cold Weather
The first rule of thumb for visiting New York in the winter is to pack appropriately, as the city is known for its extremely cold weather and snowfall.
In December, daytime temperatures typically range from around 1°C to 7°C, whereas in January or February, temperatures sit at around -2°C to 3°C. Winter can therefore be bitterly cold, so you’ll want to pack lots of layers and a quality winter coat. You’ll also want to pack a hat, scarf, gloves, and waterproof footwear if you’ll be spending quite a bit of time outside. There’s nothing worse than arriving on holiday and realising you’ve packed the completely wrong things!
Regardless of which month of winter you visit, remember to check the weather forecast and pack accordingly.

2. Embrace the Festive Activities
New York is known for its festive atmosphere in the winter months. The streets are adorned with festive decorations and twinkling lights, and iconic landmarks are beautifully illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere and a real life winter wonderland.
In addition to this, the city is also known for its iconic winter activities, which are a must when planning your itinerary.
Some of the best winter activities in new york city include:
- Ice skating at the Rockefeller – If you’ve seen Elf (the best christmas film, in my opinion), you’ll know why ice skating at the Rockefeller is so popular. Ice skating at Central park is another favourite, and it also allows you to tick off the famous Central Park landmark on your list whilst enjoying the Manhattan skyline.
- Top of the rock – The observation deck at the Top of the Rock offers stunning 360-degree views of New York City. This makes for some of the coolest photos you can imagine, especially when the city is plastered in snow.
- Visiting the Metropolitan Museum of art – The Met is teeming with history and culture, and is a must-do if you’re looking for a place to escape from the chilly outdoors and explore for a few hours. In 2021, The Met was the most visited U.S. museum in 2021.
This leads us nicely onto tip number 3…

3. Book a Private Sightseeing Tour
While walking around New York without any real idea of where you’re going might be fine during the warm, summer months, when it’s freezing outside, it’s much more fun knowing where you’re going next and when. This is why booking a private sightseeing tour is perfect during these colder months.
At Yellow Moon Tours, our New York City private tours are run by local New Yorkers to give you the most authentic sightseeing experience possible.
Our team of expert guides are knowledgeable in New York’s history and know all the best places around to give you the chance to experience the city through a New Yorker’s eyes! They will also be able to share hidden gems around the city and stories that you might otherwise miss on a standard group tour.
The best part about our tours is that they are tailor made to fit around you. So, to book your tour with us, fill out this form and we’ll have a quote sent over to you.
4. Make the Most of Public Transport
Another top tip when visiting New York in the winter is to make the most out of public transport. Not only does it allow you to navigate the city while minimising exposure to the cold weather and icy surfaces, but it’s also a cost-effective option for getting around, especially when compared to the expenses associated with taxis, for example.
New York’s public transportation system also connects you to a wide range of indoor attractions, such as popular museums, theatres, and shopping centres, allowing you to enjoy cultural and entertainment experiences without being exposed to the cold weather.

5. Pre-Book Accommodation
Pre-booking accommodation in advance when visiting New York in the winter is super important for a number of reasons.
While Summer is the peak tourist season for visiting New York, Winter is the second most popular time to visit, especially over Christmas and New Year. Pre-booking accommodation therefore ensures that you secure the accommodation you want, whether it be at your preferred area or specific hotel, before the rooms sell out.
Pre-booking accommodation also often allows you access to the best rates and deals. Typically speaking, the earlier you reserve accommodation, the better advantage you can take advantage of discounts, promotions, and special offers that may be available before prices increase closer to the travel date.
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And there we have it! We hope that this article has helped you prepare for your trip to New York this winter.
For inquiries or questions, contact us today at info@yellowmoontours.com or at +44 (0) 20 3290 3665 to book your private tour today or check out our Instagram page.
Written by Kate Jones for Yellow Moon Tours, the private tours specialist covering London, Paris, New York and Ireland.