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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be worried about New York in December?

53 replies

Landseer · 19/01/2023 23:21

DH wants to go to NY in December for around 5 nights.
We used to go to America every year and have been to NY twice but since Covid I’m so anxious about travelling and I don’t know why.

Im thinking NY in December will be unbearably cold??

Risk of airports being snowed under

Other things I’m scared about that I can’t quite explain …

AIBU to be worried about going at this time of year? We’ve not been abroad since before Covid

OP posts:
NorseKiwi · 19/01/2023 23:24

I went to NY one December, I wouldn't really recommend it because it is really cold and it did snow, go in September instead!

Thesenderofthiscard · 19/01/2023 23:25

I live NYC in December, and unlike us they know how to deal with the cold!
that being said - take a big coat, hat and gloves!

19lottie82 · 19/01/2023 23:27

You’ll be fine. Just take a warm coat, hat and gloves.

laddersandsnakes12 · 19/01/2023 23:28

I went to New York in December, it was cold but not unmanageable, we just wore layers, had warm coats and scarves/gloves etc. and felt fine. Not much different to a cold winter day in the UK. Even though it was really busy, we had a lovely time because of how Christmassy it was and the cold didn't bother us at all.

Lockheart · 19/01/2023 23:28

Millions of people live and visit there year-round, it's not the Arctic tundra. You'll be fine.

SocksAndTheCity · 19/01/2023 23:32

December in NY is very cold, but January is far worse IME. I used to travel there for work and the only month you couldn't pay me to go is August.

If you can go a bit sooner I'd recommend November instead - the Christmas stuff is all in the shops, the marathon is on and Veteran's Day (which has an amazing parade) plus the weather can be relatively mild. Central Park is pretty in the autumn too, although Central Park is always pretty 😊

PurpleFlower1983 · 19/01/2023 23:33

It snowed 10 inches when I went the week before Christmas in 2009, it was magical though!

PurpleFlower1983 · 19/01/2023 23:34

I found February colder though! 10 below and difficult to be outside.

GarlandsinGreece · 19/01/2023 23:55

I live in Connecticut and it’s been mostly balmy this winter. I lived in NYC for eleven years and while December is customarily cold, it isn’t always the case.

All Covid restrictions have been dropped and everyone is getting on with their lives. Midtown feels a bit strange now that most people are working from home/working in a hybrid model. And be a bit cautious about the subway—there’s been a huge uptick in crime. But the city is mostly the same awesome beast as ever.

Lockeddownagain · 19/01/2023 23:59

We went for new york it was brillant

Lockeddownagain · 20/01/2023 00:00

It wasn't cold compared to Scotland we didn't need gloves or hats

ZZTopGuitarSolo · 20/01/2023 04:01

Last time I was in NYC in Dec they were having an incredibly cold windy week and it was shit.

I live in Maine so I’m used to the cold but this was really really fecking freezing especially with the wind chill.

BritWifeInUSA · 20/01/2023 04:30

There are places in the US colder than New York in the winter. Including where I live. And I have lived through many winters here and I’m still here to tell the tale.

Justellingthetruth · 20/01/2023 04:48

@Landseer

worst thing about NYC now is it smells of weed everywhere

it’s terrible

Witsendwilly · 20/01/2023 04:53

Justellingthetruth · 20/01/2023 04:48

@Landseer

worst thing about NYC now is it smells of weed everywhere

it’s terrible

Sounds awesome tbh 😂

Ericaequites · 20/01/2023 06:26

New York is filthy, very expensive, and crime ridden. The subways smell like urine. There’s much theft that they lock up toothpaste in drugstores. Go to Washington or Boston ahead. Both have more charm, posh shops, good museums, and plenty of theatre.
If you go to Boston, you’re two hours by car from Stockbridge, the ultimate in New England charm. There are several mansions with lovely decorations, nice museums, and quaint breweries.

StrawHatOnTheParcelShelf · 20/01/2023 06:30

Justellingthetruth · 20/01/2023 04:48

@Landseer

worst thing about NYC now is it smells of weed everywhere

it’s terrible

I have 5 nights booked for this December and this has really cheered me up!

CohenTree · 20/01/2023 06:32

Yes it will be cold and yes there is a chance that you may be snowed in and the airport will close.
Is it still worth it?

StrawHatOnTheParcelShelf · 20/01/2023 06:33

Back to the OP though - for me, all the Christmassy things and the chance of snow in Central Park make up for it being cold. I have good winter gear but know I'll be able to top up with relatively inexpensive stuff while there, if needed.

SpaceMonitor · 20/01/2023 06:34

NorseKiwi · 19/01/2023 23:24

I went to NY one December, I wouldn't really recommend it because it is really cold and it did snow, go in September instead!

I agree. It’s very cold and dark.

BigBunkers · 20/01/2023 06:52

I’ve only been to New York once in December, it was about 15 years ago and it wasn’t that bad. I think they had an unseasonably warm spell though

Mumskisail · 20/01/2023 06:55

I love NY in December, yes it's cold but usually very sunny, it's like being in a ski resort. So pretty, your can go ice skating at the Rockefeller centre or Central Park and the Christmas decorations are on another scale to London

Aprilx · 20/01/2023 06:55

I would be more concerned about January / February than December. I have been a few times in December and it is fine, obviously needed my big coat, but generally fine.

Snowpaw · 20/01/2023 06:56

I’ve been in February and was freeeezing but if you plan for it it’s fine - get some thermal base layers and wear fur lined trousers etc. big coat, hat, gloves and scarf. It’s fine. Still one of my favourite places to go even in winter.

Rockingcloggs · 20/01/2023 07:07

Been to New York in all seasons, I love it in December. Yes, it's cold but just dress for that! For me, personally I prefer it in winter but I prefer everywhere in the winter!