Hi all--

I'm coming to New York in December and as the title explains, I'm not sure how cold it really gets in NYC at that time. I've seen average temperature numbers for this time of year, but it really doesn't help me at all as for what I should bring with me. So I'd like to ask you New Yorkers, or anyone who's gone in December what they were comfortable wearing. I also plan on taking the subway a lot and doing a high amount of walking.

Thanks in advance!

William

December is usually pretty cold. If your leather jacket is insulated or wool lined you should be ok.
We always have stores if you need tobuy a sweater to wear under it.
Best bet is to think layers

William: Best garment I ever found for NYC in December is a full length winterweight overcoat.

The temperatures are deceiving. The wind blowing between the buildings can cut right through an insubstantial garment.

It's not hard to find protection for the upper body. But let's not neglect the portion from the waist down....

Like so many other questions on this board, the proper answer would probably be "it depends."

There are so many variables, not the least of which is whether we'll have a harsh or mild winter. It also depends on whether you're used to cold weather.
And finally, it depends on how much time you plan to spend outdoors. If you were just planning to hop in & out of cabs and be indoors most of the time, an unlined leather jacket might suffice, but since you've already stated that you'll be walking around a lot, I agree that you'll need a heavier jacket. Oh, and don't forget gloves!

I checked out the temperatures on the internet before our November trip to NYC from the West coast and they didn't seem too bad. They were VERY deceiving. What's cold is the wind!! It rushes down the streets between the buildings and is miserable. An average warm coat is fine but you definitely need something for your head (ears!).

A long wool coat, a scarf, hat, and gloves. Leave the leather coat at home and don't forgot the scarf, hat, and gloves.

The first week of last December I was wearing a short sleeved shirt and no coat. It was sunny and beautiful. Impossible to predict the weather so be prepared for anything.

Last year I wore a leather jacket most of the time, since I think it cuts the wind better than fabric. I added a scarf, gloves and a hat when it got really cold.

When the weather is bitterly cold, no coat short of a North Face down parka will keep you warm. But it rarely gets that cold, and hey, that's what cabs are for. I agree with the others--if your leather is unlined, you will need something more substantial. But most of the time a basic-weight wool coat is what evrybody wears.

Last December was unusually warm for most of the East Coast. I don't think you can compare last years temperatures.

William,

Before you finish your packing to come to NYC, look at www.weather.com and The Weather channel for updates on temps and weather conditions.

That way you will be really prepared for whatever Mother Nature is throwing at us at that time.

Some years we have the worst cold in December and some years it is very mild.

We have a Russian Blue cat, Roxie, who predicts the weather with the coat she grows (not kidding, friends ask in the fall what her coat is like) So far she is saying a winter on the milder side.

Hope this helps, have a great time while you are here.

Hey, we noticed the same thing here in Toronto w/ our 2 Siamese cats!

Tweedy,that is so cute!
I have been noticing that the squirrels are plentiful and acorns are raining down on our heads here in No NJ. Someone said that means it will be a cold winter.
I like your cats prediction better

Thank you all for your answers. I guess December in New York can be deceiving! I'm from Canada, so I know that in December it will be definitely cold...I guess the best bet is to play it by ear a day or two before departure. Thanks!

William

This year will be my 4th in NYC. My suggestion would be check out weather.com before you come to get a general sense of temp. I quit wearing my leather and switch to something heavier when it dips below 55 for the high. The best bet, as also mentioned was layers. If you will be walking and taking the subway, you will be going from warm to cold to warm to cold. Would also agree with the long coat as opposed to a ski jacket type coat, as the wind is a bear. Top that off with a hat, gloves and comfortable walking attire and you will be good to go.

HAVE FUN!

I usually wear a light wool coat and scarf & gloves in Dec. The wind can blow down some of those streets and it feels like it is going right through you! And if it is a cloudy day! Brrrr~

Which ever is warmer. I grew up in a temperate area (LA) and moved to NY for a few years. Growing up in LA, I did not know why T-shirts were sometimes called "undershirts." Didn't have to worry about "layering." Had a nice jacket the first year I moved to NY. I learned. Which ever is warmer, my friend

I have lived so much in my leather coat the last few winters here in NYC, that I had to have the coat re-lined over the summer. The really cold weather usually happens in Jan., Feb. and March.

Take the leather along with a pair of gloves and a cashmere scarf. For extra protection, take a few turtlenecks.