kaybellaa

I'm going to New York City in February, and I know it's going to be freezing [especially compared to sunny San Diego]. I was wondering if anyone could help suggest what I should bring with me. I'm not used to freezing cold weather, so any little bit helps.

Thanks so much!
Kailyn

RoamsAround

February can be very cold (think sub-freezing to low 40's on average) in NYC but as a tourist you'll probably be spending time indoors so best advice is to dress in layers so you can add or take off depending on what the weather and your daily itinerary has in store. Bring a winter jacket, gloves, scarf, hat, long sleeve shirts (flannel or wool), a woolen sweater or two, warm socks, comfortable shoes. You may encounter snow, rain, sleet or all so bring a pair of totes overshoes and a travel umbrella.

jenskar2

What makes NYC feel colder is the wind -- so an outer layer that actually breaks the wind is going to help immeasurably. Absolutely bring a hat and gloves. Layers really help. Boots? If it snows -- it becomes one big slush puddle at every intersection -- Hunter makes a good looking boot and you can get sock inserts, etc. And you can wear them with tights and a skirt too -- NYC is fashionable -- so you'll want to think a bit about that if that kind of thing matters to you.

starrs

Definitely buy/bring a winter coat, even if you don't need one at home. It's better than being sick during and after your vacation. Gloves and warm scarf = a must. A hat or earmuffs if it's really cold and windy.

Don't overdress for warmth under your coat. The interiors are going to be warm and you'll be uncomfortably hot if you wear clothes too warm. I love cashmere sweaters.

Most important of all - wear comfortable shoes. It's a personal choice of what's comfortable. I'm a big believer of bringing at least two pair of shoes if you are doing a lot of walking. Switching them out helps my tired feet. I usally take a very comfortable casual pair and then a dressier (but still comfortable) pair.

Remember you can always pick up umbrellas, warmer versions of gloves, etc in NYC if you need them. Just consider those purchases souvenirs

starrs

My favorite umbrella from my favorite store in NYC -
http://www.fishseddy.com/browse.cfm/2,57.html

november_moon

Definitely don't dress too warmly under your outer layers. I am from California also, and I find that when I go to cold places, esspecially urban places, invariably it feels like they have cranked the heat up to 80°F in every building.

Italyagain

Fishs Eddy has umbrellas- wow so neat. I love their dishes. Kaybella- you can do what I do when I go to different climates-if you are adventurous, on the first day go to thirft shops and wardrobe yourself.
Last time I was in Florida I came back with all sorts of swim gear, sunhats etc and three life jackets! Sure beat buying them new up here. You may even want to keep some of it to take home- these NYC shops can be very trendy. Housingworks is a favorite.
306 Columbus Avenue

nytraveler

You will need a winter weight coat, hat, scarf, gloves and booties with non-skid soles (assuming there is no substantial snow - but ice on the sidewalk of sleet/a dusting of snow is possible).

You will also need a sturdy folding umbrella.

Dress in layers - since the indoors tends to be overheated and you want to be able to take off the coat and possibly a sweater you are wearing over you shirt or turtleneck.

Whatever you do, do NOT wear long skiing underwear. This is good only if you will be out on the slopes all day. For a city, where you will be going in and out of buildings, you will be way too warm indoors - and have to find a place to strip to get comfortable.

The key is to keep the outdoor things (Central Park, Staten Island ferry) for the nicer days and stick to museums or shops or other indoor places if the weather is really bad. The key thing to remember is that buses will run - frequently - in Manhattan - unless there is substantial snow. And the subway will run in Manhattan unless there is a major blizzard - as in 25" of snow and high winds.

So, make sure your hotel is near a subway - preferably a station with multiple lines.