I am trying to begin packing for a trip to New York next week. I have really put a lot of planning into this trip with much help from this site. My dinner reservations are made and theater tickets bought. I have been watching the weather web page from the zip code that was in a previous post, and mostly what I am seeing are highs in the 30s and lows in the 20s. Maybe some possibilities of snow or rain. I have read enough here to know that Manhatten will be cold and dress in layers, but could somebody tell me what the weather is really like in the next few days; also night time. I don't want to over pack; however, I certainly don't want my family or me to freeze. I am having a feeling that we really don't know what cold can be!! I also want to adjust my tentative itinerary if it's going to be really wet weather. Thanks once again for all of the great help!!
I can hardly wait to get on the plane!!!!

Northwest of Albany NEW YORK, where I live, we have 4 inches of snow on the ground and temperatures in the 20s with wind chills in single digits. Further north in Plattsburgh NEW YORK, where my mother lives -- it's even colder. My friend, Karen, in Syracuse NEW YORK writes of lake affect snow -- lots of it. My cousin in Buffalo NEW YORK has had more snow already this winter than in previous entire winters. My brother in NEW YORK CITY has no snow.

Did you know NEW YORK encompasses a lot of different weather since it's quite a LARGE state? Hope you don't teach geography....

none of us can guarantee what the weather will be when you are here. it will probably be along the lines that you expect. everyone should have a hat and gloves. try not to obssess. go with the flow and it will all work out fine.

Below is the link for a zip code in lower Manhattan (Wall Street area to be exact) - it's supposed to be party sunny with highs in the mid-upper 30s and lows in the mid 20s. In other words, bring a winter coat, gloves and a hat and you all should be fine.

To the previous wise guy poster - perhaps reading isn't your thing - Susan did mention Manhattan as her destination.

http://www.weather.com/weather/us/zips/10005.html

We're leaving later on this morning. I'm packing wool slacks, wool sweaters, cotton tees, silk undies (tops and bottons), a really warm waterproof coat, shearling lined boots, along with hat, gloves, scarf and earmuffs. "It will be cold, dress in layers" could not be more valuable advice. The reality is you must pack what you need to be comfortable when out and about. Without a doubt, it will be cold and there may be some sort of precipation at anytime during your visit. You'll find out what the weather is "really like" once you're there. Hopefully, your dinner reservations are at places you can easily reach by walking or public transportation should no taxis be readily available. The only difference between 20's, 30's, 40's is just how long you can stand it in whatever you happen to be wearing.

It also depends were you are coming from. If you arrive from a warm climate you will be more sesitive to the cold. We just live outside NYC and whenever I go to the city I am cold, those tall buildings can block the sun and keep in the cold. Yet, my husband commutes by train and only wears his suit with an unlined trench coat. So, layering makes sense. Hope you all have fun!

Expect wind chills in the 20s and the teens. And, yes, there will be wind!
Welcome to winter in NYC!

A scarf is highly advisable. If it's not windy it can simply be draped around your neck (or not worn at all) , but when those intense, bitterly cold winds arise, wrapping the scarf across one's face can make it bearable if walking a distance into the wind. Like the previous poster's husband, I only wear a suit and unlined trenchcoat when coming into the city to work but find that my face and hands are the most affected by the winds.