What to Wear in New York in December: Everything you Need to Pack!
Heading to NYC for Christmas? Need to know what to wear in New York in December? Here are suggestions for coats, tops, bottoms shoes. and more that you should pack for a New York City Christmas!
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Weather in NYC in December
That average high in December is 44 degrees F and the average low is 33 degrees F per weather,com Obviously, the temperate will change quite a bit from the beginning of December to the end
We visited the first weekend in December and it honestly felt like it does in Arkansas in December. It was cold but it wasn’t miserable. We did have a morning of rain, which can be common in December.
Once you get toward the end of the month, there is a chance the temperatures may stay in the 30’sF all day; it varies and you will just have to keep track before you begin to pack!
What to Wear in New York in December: Coats and Jackets
With the temperatures reaching mid-40’s F you will be comfortable in a lighter coat with layers if you don’t want to wear something bulky. However, you do need to pack something that is waterproof. Rain or shine, you are going to have a lot of walking to do and an umbrella likely won’t be enough.
- What I packed for the first weekend of December: One light peacoat and one thick, long, waterproof coat.
P.S. Coats that over your butt are so much warmer than shorter coats! And even more-so when it covers the knees.
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Tops to Pack for NYC in December
What tops you bring depend on what outer coat you plan to pack. If you are bringing a lighter coat, be sure to bring thicker sweaters and layers to wear underneath.
If you opt to bring a thicker coat, you won’t need thick sweaters, especially after walking miles around the city. I actually got warm in my thicker coat up until we did a Hudson River sunset cruise.
- What I packed for the first weekend of December: Thin sweaters and a hoodie to wear underneath my peacoat and thin sweaters to wear underneath my thick jacket. No short sleeves needed.
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Bottoms: Jeans, Leggings, SKirts?
I am a proponent of being comfortable but I am trying to be better about not LOOKING so comfortable 😅. When I went to NYC for Christmas, pleather was everywhere, so I opted to wear leather leggings and jeans. Surprisingly, they are quite weather-resistant. They did a great job of blocking wind, the rain ran off them instead of soaking me all day and the stretch was nice and comfortable.
However, I know style changes within half a second. Whatever you choose, choose something you can walk miles in and that will keep you at a comfortable temperature. You don’t want to freeze all day nor do you want to start sweating and then get cold.
Good options to pack are:
- Comfortable jean you know you can wear all day
- Leather or corduroy pants that you can put another layer under
- Fleece-lined leggings you could wear with a skirt without freezing
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Shoes to Keep you Walking
As you look around NYC and see what people are able to walk miles in, this may seem like dumb advice. Obviously, New Yorkers’ feet are tougher than mine as they walk around in heels without blinking an eye.
However, you will walk a LOT while in NYC, so make sure whatever shoes you pack can hold up to the miles! Also, if it is going to rain while you are there, make sure you have at least one pair of shoes that can holdup to the rain.
- What I packed to wear in New York in December: One pair of white, leather sneakers, one pair of warm boots and a pair of Dr Martins
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Layers? How many Do You Need?
The best thing you can bring is a set of long johns that you can put under a sweater or under your pants to improve the warmth if you decide you have’t dressed warm enough. Or that you can take off during the day if you get warm.
If you opt to wear a lighter peacoat, a great layering option is long john top, light sweater and then your peacoat. You could likely even get by with a long john top, thin sweater and then thicker sweater and not need a jacket.
- You can get a base layer that is fleece-lined (first photo below), traditional waffle thermals (second photo) or more of ski base layers that are spandex-type materials (third photo).
- Also, a great fleece-lined legging is the nude-based legging that makes it look like you have regular pantyhose on with skirts, but without freezing.
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Additional Outwear: Are Gloves and Scarves Necessary?
What to wear in New York in December? Outwear accessories! Bring all of the outwear. When your hands and head get cold, your whole body is going to get cold. Bring the gloves, bring a scarf, a beanie and make sure you have warm, moisture-wicking socks!
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What to Wear in New York in December Recap
For a general rule of thumb, err on the side of cold and pack layers. Also, be prepared for rain, sleet or snow with proper outwear and shoes and make sure whatever outfit you wear you can walk miles in it!
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