nicnic

Hi,

I am looking to take my husband away for his birthday, but it is in Feb. I know New York/Boston areas are cold, but how cold?!?
I have been before, so I know where to go and what not to see, so we wouldn't be wandering around! Is the snow quite bad that time of year? We are coming from England so we know about cold, but often see New York on the news around winter time due to all the smow and planes being stranded! Please help. should I be going at a diffrent time or somewhere else.

thanks

nic.

Ryan

The average tempature for NY in February is about 33F or 0.8C, according to www.worldclimate.com.

Having lived here my entire life, I can tell you that it is entirely possible you hit a stretch where the tempatures hover at well below freezing for weeks. If it's windy, it can be downright brutal and the windchill might push tempatures into the negative numbers.

At best, expect it to be no higher than 1 or 2 degrees celsius.

New York is a great place to visit. But, I'm not sure February is the best time unless you're willing to deal with cold and snow.

The upside is that it'll be easier to get into some top restaurants and shows.

seetheworld

nicnic, Ryan's description is right on target. I always laugh when my nephews, who live in Cambridge, call to tell me they have "snow" and then forward a picture of them frolicking around in it - mainly green grass with a dusting of snow!

February can be very harsh here in New York. Also, most schools have a week of holiday during February. While some go off to warmer climates, many do stay in town.

Have you been to Portugal? My sister and her family enjoy holidays there, both winter and summer.

HowardR

Exactly how cold is anybody's guess. But, there is a good chance that it could get as low as single digits fahrenheit. And, there probably will be wind. And, yes, snow is a distinct possibility. Some (most?) of our worst snowstorms seem to occur in February.

nytraveler

February in New York is really anybody's guess. Some years there is almost no snow - an inch or two ocassionally. And some years there is a lot -one year we had 5 major storms - over 10" - with one being 28".


Also, you may get a couple of days of early spring - in the upper 40's - but are much more likely to get daytime temps inthe lower 30's/upper20's - and nights in the single digits. We have below 0 temps almost every year.

Its way colder than England - and the cold can last for many days at a time.

That being said - for the Northwast in wnter NYC is actualy the best place to be:

In Manhattan the subway is all underground so it never stops running - no matter how much snow there is

All power/phone lines are underground - so the ice storms that can cripple outlying areas don;t result in power or phone shutdowns in Manhattan

Still - I would do NYC any other time - except August.

suzanne

What's worse than the cold here is the slush! Stepping off the curb in NYC can be an adventure. Waterproof boots are a must.

tpatricco

The weather in the NYC area is terribly erratic. Previous posters have given you a good idea of the range of "could be's". The most intolerable conditions are bitter cold wind and slushy puddles, so be prepared for both and you'll be ok!

KathyM

As other posters have said -- you never know! I would book my flight, bring warm clothing and hope for the best. Best case scenario - you are able to be out walking around like it's springtime-- medium case scenario-- you'll need to dress warmly and may want to take a cab around -- worse case scenario -- it will be a crazy snowstorm and have an adventure to talk about!

nicnic

hi,

Thanks for all your info.
I had an idea it was going to be cold, but now I am sure we are NOT going to go in Feb.
I have been back end of March before and that was nice, so I think we'll go then.

thanks again

nic

BudgetQueen

I have been going to NYC every President's week for the last 5 years. Always warm coats required. But only one time had snow and slush. It is a great time for me because fewer tourists, great crisp walks through Central Park, lower hotel rates etc.