Hi - I'm coming to visit NY in Feb and was wondering about the weather. What is the best way to cope with the cold (I'm from Phoenix). We'll be visiting for about a week and for example, I was wondering what kind of shoes might be best since we'll be outside for some of the time but obviously will be spending plenty of time indoors at museums, shows, stores etc.

Thanks, Sharon

Lots of layers and comfortable walking shoes. Do you have a nice wool coat?

So far the winter has been very warm - in the 40s today. But by Feb may be the same or could be 20 and snowing.

Make sure you have a warm coat, scarf, hat, gloves and some sort of waterproof shoes or booties (don;t have to be high but it's quite likely you'll run into an inch of so of slush - or water melting from same.)

As soon as you get indoors take all of this off - and check the coat etc if you can. I don;t reco any skiing underwear - since you cant take it off and will be sweating as soon as you get indoors. It's much easier to take off an extra sweater - if you think you'll be cold.

But - unless you're going to do a ton of walking don;t wear too much - if you keep moving you won;t get cold in 15 or 20 minutes unless it's REALLY cold out - like the worst day of the year.

Even when there is bad snow in NY, it clears pretty quickly, so you mostly don't need big boots, especially if you're packing just for a trip. Something like the "all weather mocs" from Lands End, or any similar type of shoe is great. Comfortable shoes with good traction should work fine.

I agree with the "layers" recommendation for clothes, but I'd definitely bring a hat (or wind-proof head band which works great and fits in a pocket easily)and gloves. They don't need to be designed for very cold weather, but something for walking around town is useful.

A hat that covers your ears and a scarf are a necessity. It makes a huge difference in how long you can stand the elements. The closer you get to the rivers and downtown the more brisk it gets. As many have already said, layers are best. Just make sure that your jacket fits comfortably over what you are wearing.
Wear comfortable walking shoes with low or no heels. Plenty of tourists and NYers wear tennis or sport shoes. If the weather is bad, you will need some sort of water resistant shoes but you can always buy them here.