[Updated January 7, 2025] Winter in New York City can deliver the clearest, most intensely blue skies. Some days, the sun shines with enough warmth to almost balance out the chill, or least make it bearable.
And then there’s the bad weather.
Cold drizzling rain. Icy pellets hurtling into your face, not painful but certainly not comfortable either. There’s freezing cold rain. Rain mixed with ice. Snow that alternates with sleet. Snow that blows sideways, attached to whipping winds. Something the weather channel calls a Polar Vortex.
Weather in New York during winter really runs the gamut, making it somewhat difficult to predict what Mother Nature has in store from week to week. With that being said, the season isn’t all that bad. The extreme weather I mentioned above may last for a day or two at a time, after which it will usually remain quite calm for a stretch of time before the next winter storm or freezing cold spell.
Incidentally, winter is an amazing time to visit New York. Fewer tourists mean thinner crowds at restaurants and major landmarks. It’s easier to get tickets to attractions, and hotels are likely as cheap as they’ll be all year, particularly in the months of January and February.
Keep in mind, though, that it is a good idea to plan for any possible weather. I hope this article gives you ideas for the many things to do in NYC in the winter. There’s a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Some are temporary and occur only during the winter while others are available all year long but are especially good for chilly winter days.
First, let’s look at how exactly cold an NYC winter is.
How Cold is Winter in New York City?
Winter in NYC is cold, especially if you’re traveling from a warmer climate. The rainiest month in the winter is December. The coldest month is January and the snowiest month is March. Here are average temperatures, rain, and snowfall to give you an idea of what to expect in the month you plan to visit.
| Month | Average High | Average Low | Average Rain | Average Snowfall |
| December | 42.3F 5.7C | 32.9F 0.5C | 12.1 days 3.5 inches 89 mm | 3 days 1.34 inches 34 mm |
| January | 36.5F 2.5C | 26.1F -3.3C | 9.1 days 2.17 inches 55 mm | 5.8 days 1.57 inches 40 mm |
| February | 39.2F 4C | 27.7F -2.4C | 10.8 days 2.36 inches 60 mm | 5.5 days 1.89 inches 48 mm |
| March | 46.4F 8C | 34.2F 1.2C | 12.7 days 2.83 inches 72 mm | 4.1 days 2.64 inches 72 mm |
Now read on for more information on fun winter activities in NYC.
*Note: This post is about things to do in the winter in New York, specifically during the months of January and February. See here for Christmas-related activities. Spending Valentine’s Day in NYC? Plan your romantic outing here!
13 Things to do in the Winter in New York City
1. Spend the day at Winter Village at Bryant Park
Bryant Park is probably the most perfect one-stop winter destination in New York City.
In late October, the midtown Manhattan park undergoes its winter transformation. An open-air market springs up where holiday shops sell their wares and food kiosks serve hot beverages and nourishing snacks to keep you going.
A Christmas tree is lit and an ice skating rink appears, providing a unique opportunity to glide around the rink as skyscrapers rise at the park’s periphery. The rink becomes the center of attention at this urban winter village. Visitors can ice skate, drive bumper cars, watch live performances, and try your hand at the sport of curling.
When the cold of an NYC winter makes its way deep into your bones, heated igloos are available to rent so you and your group can warm up in before hitting the rink or the shops again. Bryant Park in winter, especially if you’re lucky enough to see it covered in snow, is truly magical.
NOTE: Bryant Park Winter Village runs from October to early March but be aware that dates, operating hours, and prices vary for different activities. Check the schedule for complete information.
- Where: Bryant Park is located between Fifth and Sixth Avenues and 40th and 42nd Streets.
- Subway: B or D to 42 Street-Bryant Park Station
2. Ice Skate Amidst Iconic NYC Views
New York City in winter virtually transforms into a city of outdoor ice skating rinks for a few months every year. There are loads of places to skate in addition to the rink at Bryant Park (mentioned above). And they all offer a little something different in terms of views and vibes. Popular ones include those listed below.
The Rink at Rockefeller Center
Lace up for the most famous ice skating venue in New York City. Crowded? Yes, almost always. But worth it for the iconic location, especially when the Rockefeller tree is still lit, which is usually from late November-early January. The Rink at Rockefeller Center is open from late October to late March.
- Admission begins at $21 for adults and children ages 6-12, and $11 for children 5 and under. Prices increase depending on day and time. Skate rental: $12.
Wollman Rink
The Central Park location makes this another idyllic setting for ice skating in New York. Wollman Rink is open for the season from October 2024–March 2025.
- Admission begins at $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 4-12 and seniors. Children 3 and under: FREE. Prices increase depending on day/time. Skate rental: $12.
3. Score Discounts on Major Attractions
If you’re visiting NYC in January or February, you’re in luck! If you don’t mind some unpredictable, possibly very cold, weather, you’ll be rewarded with incredible discounts. There are deals to be had and attractions are the cheapest and least crowded you’ll find them all year.
NYC Winter Outing offers discounts in four areas: dining, attractions, Broadway shows, and hotels. The special runs from January 21-February 9, 2025 (make reservations/purchase tickets beginning on January 7), with the exception of NYC Hotel Week, which runs from January 2-February 9, 2025.
NYC Restaurant Week
This is your chance to experience the city’s finest dining experiences. Hundreds of restaurants in all five boroughs offer set menus for lunch and dinner. Prixe Fixe options typically range in cost from $29-$59 per person (beverages excluded).
Individual restaurants decide if they want to participate for lunch, dinner, or both. NYC Restaurant Week menus are available Monday-Friday during the offer period. Reservations are typically required but check with the restaurant where you wish to dine.
NYC Must-See Week
This deep discount program allows two-for-one entry into New York’s most beloved—and often expensive—attractions. Two tickets for the price of one are available for museums, observation decks, city tours, live comedy and music performances, ice skating, and much more.
NYC Broadway Week
Score two-for-one tickets to select Broadway performances. See smash hits like Wicked, The Lion King, Hadestown, and more. This is a great deal so don’t hesitate! Broadway two-for-one tickets sell out quickly.
NYC Hotel Week
Enjoy a 25% discount for hotel stays at over 100 popular hotels in all five boroughs. 2025 marks the fourth year for this initiative and personally, I’m hoping to take advantage of it by booking a staycation or two at a couple of NYC hotels I’ve always wanted to check out!
4. Take in Sweeping Skyline Views
During the winter in New York City, I live for dazzling sunny days when the sky is so blue and the sun so winter bright I end up with spots in front of my eyes from the brilliant light.
On days like this, city views from an iconic New York skyscraper are in order. To me, it doesn’t matter which one because the Manhattan skyline never disappoints. But people do have their favorites, and everyone currently seems to be enamored of SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, an experience that involves glass ledges jutting out more than 1,000 feet above the city, a glass elevator that climbs even higher than that on the building’s exterior, and much more for the daring among us.
Awe-inspiring views can also be had from Edge at Hudson Yards, Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, and One World Observatory. Matt and I went to One World on a recent clear winter day and had astounding 360 degree views from more than 100 stories up, making it appear there was no end to the horizon.
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5. Celebrate Black History Month
Visiting NYC in February? That means you can pay homage to the rich Black history and culture that helps make New York one of the most diverse cities in the world.
And for sure, these contributions should be celebrated all year long, but special attention should be paid during the month of February, when there are numerous special performances, exhibits, and lectures that acknowledge contributions and achievements made by New York’s Black community.
Resources for special events related to February’s Black History month:
Some recommendations for year-round venues that honor Black culture and history:
- Apollo Theater-Catch a performance at this historical performing arts center in the heart of Harlem. The Apollo, which opened in 1914, strives to promote talent of artists who are part of the African diaspora. 253 W. 125th Street, New York, NY
- African Burial Ground National Monument-In 1991, more than 400 graves were unearthed in Lower Manhattan. It was determined that the remains belonged to free and enslaved Black people. 290 Broadway, New York, NY
- Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture-Public library in Harlem that houses historical documents, literature, exhibits, and stories of people of African descent. 515 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY
- Louis Armstrong House Museum-Take a guided tour of the home of the legendary musician, where he lived with his wife Lucille until his death in 1971. 34-56 107th St., Queens, NY
6. Celebrate Lunar New Year
Visiting New York in the winter makes it more likely you’ll find a Lunar New Year Celebration. Exact dates for the holiday change every year but it typically occurs in January or February.
During this time, the New York Chinese Cultural Center pulls out all the stops to bring traditional Chinese dances and performances to spectators around the city. Check out traditional lion dances, ribbon-twirling performances, parades, and more special events that last take place on various dates surrounding the holiday.
January 29, 2025 ushers in the Year of the Snake. The major event to celebrate this is the Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade & Festival on February 16, 2025.
There’s also an annual parade in Flushing, Queens, as well as a day of performances and crafts for kids at the Queens Botanical Garden. Finally, I recommend, any time of year, visiting the Museum of Chinese in America to learn about the history, contributions, and struggles of New York’s Chinese population.
7. Go on a Hot Chocolate Crawl
Is there a better time than the frozen depths of winter to try all the hot chocolates of New York City?
Luckily, the mouthwatering beverage is plentiful around the city. And while you almost can’t go wrong, some places should not be missed on a proper hot chocolate crawl in New York City.
- Dominique Ansel Bakery-You’ve probably seen the flower-shaped marshmallow unfold and stretch its petals on social media. Now it’s time to go and sample the velvety chocolate drink that comes with it! 189 Spring St., New York, NY
- MarieBelle-In front is a candy shop selling the most beautiful artistic handmade chocolates. Keep going to the back for a cup of thick hot chocolate made from pure cacao shavings. 484 Broome St., New York, NY
- L.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates-If you expect a specialty chocolate shop to also serve to-die-for hot chocolate, you won’t be disappointed at L.A. Burdick. 156 Prince St., New York, NY
- Jacques Torres-Hot chocolate as thick and silky as I’ve ever had outside of Paris. Various locations.
8. Frolic in the Snow in Central Park
Look, it doesn’t snow in New York City all that often. And when it does, we have a window of about three minutes before the pristine pure snow becomes sullied with mud, footprints, car exhaust, trash, and other items I’d prefer not to mention.
For that reason, a jaunt to Central Park during or soon after a snowfall is nearly required if you’re in New York City. Exploring Central Park, composed of landscaped wilderness, romantic bridges, winding paths, and great open lawns is amazing any time of year, but even more scenic when covered with a fresh blanket of snow.
In my experience, New Yorkers become excited as children after a good snowstorm. You can find us in Central Park cross-country skiing, making snowmen, or taking selfies like we’ve never seen the white stuff before. The swarms of children (and sometimes adults) that come out of the woodwork to go sledding is also a sight to see.
Central Park Walking Route
If you want to just take a walk in the park to take on a snowy day, here’s a nice route that will take you by a lot of Central Park’s landmarks, made even more wondrous by the snow:
- Enter the park at Central Park West and 81st Street, which is the northeast corner of the American Museum of Natural History.
- Walk southeast and pass through The Ramble, made up of wooded winding paths that, topped with fresh snow, look magical.
- Continue walking south, but veer a bit to the west so you can follow the shore of The Lake.
- Cross Bow Bridge, which is famous for being the site of many marriage proposals. It’s a lovely photo op spot too, but expect others to be thinking the same thing.
- Continue southeast to Bethesda Terrace, which is perhaps one of the most beautiful spots in all of Central Park. If it’s a clear day, the site of Bethesda Fountain against a snowy backdrop will absolutely steal the show.
- Continue south down The Mall and Literary Walk, past the Women’s Rights Pioneers Monument.
- Keep heading south and east until you exit Central Park at 59th Street and Fifth Avenue.
Click here for a live version of the above map.
9. Escape to Rooftop Bars & Restaurants
One thing I love about New York City is that cold winter temperatures don’t drive people indoors but instead gives us even more reasons to get out and explore. That’s how I feel about the winter rooftop bars and restaurants. They’re fleeting, they’re fancy in an instagrammable way, and they usually serve drinks to warm you up quickly, like spiked hot chocolate and hot toddies.
What more could you want?
Notable rooftop bars and restaurants to visit in the winter include SERRA by Birreria at Eataly, Magic Hour Rootop Bar & Lounge at Moxy Times Square, and 230 Fifth, which offers breathtaking city views.
10. Dine at Cozy La Grande Boucherie
Some restaurants are just right for winter and La Grande Boucherie, despite its large size, is a cozy one. The midtown location is the newest and largest in this family of four French restaurants scattered around Manhattan. This location, with its indoor and outdoor seating, makes a perfect warm-up break.
The outdoor seating spans the length of a full city block. Above, an arched skylight on the 40-foot high ceiling allows sunlight to stream in and below, a heated floor keeps things warm and snug during a wintertime meal.
I love the outdoor plaza at La Grande Boucherie. It’s huge, with seating for 150 diners, and decorated with tall ferns and big-leafed plants to trick the mind into thinking, perhaps, you’re in a warm tropical setting instead of New York in the winter.
Inside, the space is also cavernous. An arched stained-glass window combined with the brasserie’s Art Nouveau style makes a cheerful setting that will help chase away the winter blues.
- Address: 145 W. 53rd (at 6 ½ Avenue of the Americas)
- Reservations are recommended and can be made via their website.
- Green Hour (Happy Hour) takes place Monday-Sunday from 3-7 p.m., available at the bar only.
- A special Pre-Theater menu is available Monday-Friday from 4:30-6:00 p.m. for $65.
- Subway: B, D, or E trains to 7th Ave.
11. Take a Staycation or Spa Day at a Local Hotel
Looking for NYC staycation ideas? Winter nights in a posh hotel may be just the pick-up you need during a spell of cold weather. And don’t forget, NYC Hotel Week means there are deals to be had. But whether you live in NYC or are just visiting and want a way to warm up in the winter, book a night or two at a unique NYC hotel.
Each one below has a little something extra for anyone interested in a winter warm up. The hotels here also offer guest day-passes. Be sure to check if your chosen hotel participates in NYC Hotel Week or offers any other winter discounts.
Disclosure: Please note this section contains affiliate links, which means, at no additional cost to you, I may receive a commission if you make a purchase. Be assured that I only recommend products and companies I use and trust.
The Rockaway Hotel + Spa
Spending time at The Winter Pool House at this Rockaway Beach hotel includes use of a sauna, heated outdoor pool, towels, and robes. Overnight guests may use The Winter Pool House at no extra cost. For non-guests, day passes start at $35 per person and are available on select days. 108-10 Rockaway Beach Dr, Queens, NY
TWA Hotel
Rooms with views of the JFK runway or renovated TWA terminal are available for overnight or day reservations and a heated rooftop pool with runway views is open year-round.
In the winter, the rooftop transforms into The Runway Chalet, an alpine-themed après ski experience. Pool hours and policies vary depending on the season.
- The Winter/Spring season lasts from November 1-May 25. The TWA Rooftop Pool is FREE for hotels guests during this time. Reservations are recommended but not required.
- Winter/Spring non-guests: Adults: $25. Children (5-12): $10. Children under age 5: FREE.
- One Idlewild Drive, Terminal 5 at JFK Airport.
The William Vale
The William Vale Winter Spa offers outdoor red cedar saunas and hot tubs. Sessions may be booked for 1-2 people. The saunas and hot tubs are private and not shared with other spa guests during your session. The following charges apply to both hotel guests and non-guests. Spa visitors must be at least 16 years old.
- Sauna only: $90 p/person for one hour.
- Sauna + Hot Tub: $130 p/person for 90 minutes.
- Reservations recommended. Limited availability for walk-ins.
- 111 N. 12th Street, Brooklyn, NY
12. Warm up with a Hot Pot of Fondue
A few years ago we visited Paris in January and while temperatures didn’t reach the polar depths of what they might in New York City, Paris had a consistent drizzly rain and each day had a raw cold quality to it.
This was when I discovered the nourishing warmth of fondue. And sure, New York is no match for Paris when it comes to all things cheese, but there are plenty of good fondue restaurants to duck into here. At each one, you can count on warming up over steaming pots of pungent cheese, with fresh bread and salty cured meats for dipping.
Restaurants that are noted for serving consistently good fondue in Manhattan include:
- Kashkaval Garden–852 9th Ave, New York, NY
- Taureau–558 Broome Street, New York, NY
- Blue Ribbon Brasserie–97 Sullivan Street, New York, NY
- Max Brenner-Selection of chocolate fondue served with fruit, crepes, churros, and more. 841 Broadway, New York, NY
13. Lose Yourself in Rare Books at The Morgan Library & Museum
Is it me or does the idea of being surrounded by an astounding collection of rare books housed inside a grand Italian Renaissance-style structure sound the like most idyllic way to spend a cold winter day?
Maybe it’s the plush velvet wallpaper, the rich brown bookshelves that soar to the ceiling, or the ornate (unlit) fireplaces that create such coziness. More likely, any thoughts of the cold temperatures outside are suspended by the awe-inspiring collection inside.
Visitors to The Morgan Library & Museum can peruse the personal collection of rare books and manuscripts, printed music, and original art amassed by wealthy financier J.P. Morgan, who began collecting these artifacts around 1890. Some priceless pieces include a 13th century Crusader Bible, 15th-century Gutenberg Bibles, and an original symphony penned by Mozart in 1782.
The building alone, with its high arched ceilings, rich tapestries, and marble columns is a sight to see.
- Address: 225 Madison Avenue at 36th Street
- Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday: 10:30 a.m.-5 pm. Friday: 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Admission: Adults: $22. Seniors (65 and up): $14. Students (with ID): $13. Children 12 and under: FREE. Disabled visitors: $13 with free admission for caregiver.
- Free Fridays: 5-7 p.m. every Friday. Reservations required. Tickets available one week in advance.
- Subway: 6 train to 33rd Street. 4, 5, 6, or 7 train to Grand Central. B, D, F, or Q to 42nd Street
Final Thoughts on Winter in New York City
Winter in New York City can truly be a magical time to visit. With fewer crowds and discounted prices on attractions and hotels, you really get more for your money this time of year. So bundle up, be prepared for unpredictable weather, and start planning your NYC winter getaway!
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