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New York in January

18 replies

Chickenlicken15 · 19/12/2019 16:59

Hi I’m after some advice on how cold New York is likely to be in January and what to wear ! My husband is going for work and I’ve found a really cheap ticket to join him for a long weekend . I know it’s going to be cold with a wind chill factor my question is what coat will I need etc. I’m 49 and spend my life turning the heating down and opening windows which drive my family crazy ! I have a long wool coat from M&S ( it’s nylon not wool ) will that be warm enough with a jumper or do I need a long zip up down type coat with a hood ? I’ve seen a nice one in joules but seems a lot of money to spend for one trip but I would probably wear it again but don’t want to be cold as I won’t to make the most of the trip. I hate jeans so am thinking skirt long boots and thermal tights combo. Any advice gratefully received . Thank you

OP posts:
Floisme · 19/12/2019 17:09

I've been in January and I've never known cold quite like it. If I had an inch of skin exposed to the air, it froze. All I can advise is to cover everything and wear shoes with good grips plus lots of layers as you'll need to strip off as soon as you're inside.

On a positive note we had some beautiful, clear, sunny days and there were no queues anywhere!

Expressedways · 19/12/2019 17:16

NY weather is all over the place, you could end up with a an artic blizzard or it might not be too different from London. It’s most likely to be cold compared to the UK though. I definitely wouldn’t wear a wool coat. Insulated, waterproof and a hood are what you need- the one you’ve mentioned sounds good. Ditch the jumper underneath if by some miracle the weather is unseasonably warm. Skirts, long boots and thermal tights will be fine. Jeans are freezing anyway so I don’t wear them much in winter (I live in Chicago). Uniqlo extra warm heat tech fleece lined tights are the best I’ve found and never fail me for commuting. Boots make sure they’re semi waterproof and resistant to salt and grit, definitely no suede. You might need snow boots but if that happens you can always pop to TJ Maxx or somewhere like that whilst you’re there. Also take a hat and decent gloves. If the wind chill kicks up then you’ll appreciate it.

Koloh · 19/12/2019 18:21

Probably will be freezing outside and BOILING inside. Everyone wears hats and huge long down coats over light indoor clothes. If it goes really arctic then thermal tights are good because they don't make you too hot in restaurants.

FlashingFedora · 19/12/2019 18:42

I've been in January and it was knee deep snow. I basically wore ski gear, big padded trousers and jackets, plenty thermals. Was amazing though, like walking into a movie!

HundredMilesAnHour · 19/12/2019 18:44

I've been to NYC quite a few times in Jan and everyone wears long down coats, hats and gloves. And waterproof boots that grip in ice and snow. Even when the roads are gritted, it can still be very icy.

I bought my down coat when I arrived in NYC. They understandably have a better selection compared to the UK. It kept me warm and dry down to -20 degrees. I love that coat! Total lifesaver.

I wouldn't buy a coat from Joules. I'd go for an outdoor specialist. Mine was from Helly Hansen (from Macy's). When NYC is cold, it's COLD! That bitter wind....argh!

You'll have a fabulous time though. Central Park in the snow is beautiful.

XXcstatic · 19/12/2019 18:56

Probably will be freezing outside and BOILING inside

This. Don't wear layers, because you'll have to spend ages taking them off/putting them on, every time you go in and out of a building. Wear a properly warm coat & hat, then you can rip them off as soon as you get inside. Having said that, I do have silk thermals that I occasionally wear in NYC if it's really parky - they are great for travel as they take up almost no room in your bag, and they double as PJs.

Choose shoes carefully. NYC best enjoyed on foot, so you need flats. Outside winter, I wear sneakers/trainers. In winter, I wear waterproof boots with a sheepskin lining. Normal trainers aren't warm enough, and will get trashed in the slush, if it has snowed. Leather trainers would be ok but make sure you wear wool socks - if you wear cotton, your feet will freeze.

Have a fabulous time - I so miss living on the East Coast and being able to nip to NYC whenever I felt like it.

XXcstatic · 19/12/2019 18:58

PS I agree with HundredMilesAnHour that January is the perfect time to buy a really warm coat in NYC. The US is also excellent for lined gloves that are properly warm, but not massive ski mitts, and for coats with hoods.

Chickenlicken15 · 20/12/2019 07:24

Thanks everyone a rethink on the coat front is needed I think ! I’ve never been to New York before and am very excited 😀

OP posts:
quickkimchi · 21/12/2019 01:11

Op I'll be there too in Jan! It's a great time of year, often very crisp and bright as well as cold. The forecast for the month doesn't look too bad - cold at night, just above freezing in the daytime.

Silk thermals all the way! I rarely feel too warm in them, there's no bulk, they don't get clammy, they take up no room in luggage etc. I've been known to wear them under tights. Merino thermals are warmer if you plan to walk around all day but it will be overheated indoors so merino may just create another problem.

I have a down gilet from Uniqlo which fits under even my most fitted coats, can be packed into a very small pouch when I'm not using it, weighs nothing and is great for keeping the wind out. If you have a coat that's big enough for a chunky jumper I'd suggest buying one of their thin down jackets to wear underneath, it will solve a lot of problems and they're not expensive.

I like earmuffs because they keep the wind out of your ears without giving you hat head, but in Jan you'll probably need a hat as well. I find if my torso, hands, head and feet are warm enough and I'm dry and moving about I can tolerate it. And there's always somewhere to get out of the cold for a bit when you need it.

Have a great time!

Lanaa · 26/12/2019 22:25

It's the coldest place I've ever been. The first time I went was late January and I packed stylish clothing. Massive mistake. The first think I did was get a hat, scarf, gloves and a gigantic, full-length North Face down coat. Second the pp that suggested the Uniqlo gilet. I saw Trinny recommending them for warming up coats and they work perfectly. They come in a good range of colours too.

FirmlyRooted · 27/12/2019 13:46

I go to NY for work regularly and in the winter I take a Uniqlo style down jacket to wear under my smart wool coat. Warm knee length boots with good grip. If I wasn't going for work I'd be wearing my huge Jack Wolfskin padded coat. Definitely get a good ski type coat, padded and long enough to cover your bum a thighs.

Expressedways · 27/12/2019 15:33

I’m there right now visiting family and it’s 10 degrees Celsius and we are expecting similar weather for the rest of our stay through to New Year’s Day. My nephew insisted on wearing shorts to the park! It’s not a given that you need to dress like you’re going on an artic expedition although as always with the Northern US in winter, it is a possibility. Check the weather before you go and pack accordingly!

XingMing · 27/12/2019 15:33

Not suggesting clothing, because you've had sensible advice above, but I found I needed moisturisers that were more nourishing than for the rest of the year. My skin was always dried out by the wind chill. And lipbalm all the time. Insulated innersoles will help keep your feet warm.

DickDewy · 27/12/2019 18:27

We went once in early January and it was unbelievably cold. Crossing roads between blocks was shocking. You need a really good coat for the conditions and layers.

Longdistance · 27/12/2019 18:42

I’ve been in December during Christmas and February. Both times was brass monkeys cold. I had to wear thermals under my jeans. We had snow in the February. We were ducking in and out of places to take the edge off the cold.
I had a long coat, I just wished it was thicker.

Jojobythesea · 27/12/2019 18:49

@Chickenlicken15 New York is AMAZING. Have an amazing time. Proper thick coat, warm shoes and decent hat. Wool is always good as it cools down when you cool down too. My wool duvet is my best ever investment 😂😂

KatherineJaneway · 28/12/2019 18:42

Been to NY in January and it was cold! Luckily not as bad as the week before my arrival but cold. Huge warm coat, gloves and a warm hat are essential. Have fun. I miss NY.

Chickenlicken15 · 29/12/2019 19:45

Thank you everyone for your help it’s much appreciated I keep looking at the weather forecast and it does change quite a bit. I’m going to order a Uniqlo gilet to see if that will fit under my long coat other wise I’ll look at getting a longer padded coat thanks again !

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