New York in February is cold: about 6 °C (42 °F) in the afternoon, −1.4 °C (29 °F) at night and, on average, the most snowfall of the year (around 26 cm, 10 in, in Central Park). In return, February is one of the cheapest months to visit the city. It is a good choice for museums, Broadway and small budgets, if you are well equipped against the cold.
This page covers the month of February; to compare with the rest of the year, see our page on the best time to visit New York.
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New York in February: key facts
- Verdict: ⚠️ cold and possible snow, but low prices
- Temperatures: 5.7 °C (42 °F) in the afternoon, −1.4 °C (29 °F) at night in Central Park
- Precipitation: 81 mm (3.2 in), the driest month of the year
- Snow: around 26 cm (10 in) on average, very variable from one winter to the next
- Crowds: light, except during the US school holidays in mid-February
Weather in New York in February
| Month | Max | Min | Precipitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4.2 °C (40 °F) | −2.3 °C (28 °F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| February | 5.7 °C (42 °F) | −1.4 °C (29 °F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| March | 9.9 °C (50 °F) | 2.1 °C (36 °F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) |
February is a little less cold than January but is still a properly wintry month: nights drop below freezing and the wind, channelled by the avenues, makes it feel colder. It is also, on average, the snowiest month. A snowstorm can paralyse the city and its airports for a day or two: keep some flexibility in your plans and follow National Weather Service announcements.
Things to do in New York in February
- The big museums: the Metropolitan Museum of Art, MoMA, the Museum of Natural History and the Guggenheim, less crowded than in spring.
- Broadway and shows: the season is in full swing.
- Ice rinks in Central Park or Bryant Park, depending on the year and opening dates.
- Observation decks (Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, One World, Edge, Summit): cold, dry air often gives good visibility.
- Central Park under snow, if you are lucky.
- Food neighbourhoods on foot, alternating with warm breaks: Chinatown, the Lower East Side, Williamsburg.
What to avoid or plan around
- Planning only outdoor activities: keep a warm plan B for snowy days.
- The US school holidays in mid-February if you are looking for the lowest prices.
- Tight flight connections: a storm can lead to cancellations.
Events in New York in February
| Date | Event | Where |
|---|---|---|
| January or February (6 February in 2027) | Lunar New Year: parades and festivities | Chinatown (Manhattan), Flushing (Queens) |
| 14 February | Valentine’s Day | Citywide |
| Third Monday of February (15 February in 2027) | Presidents’ Day, public holiday | Citywide |
Crowds and prices in February
After the holidays, the city empties of tourists: February and January are the cheapest periods of the year for hotels and flights. Only the Presidents’ Day weekend and the US school holidays in mid-February push demand back up. For February, booking a few weeks ahead is often enough.
Practical note: for entry requirements, see our page on entry requirements for the United States. Medical travel insurance is essential, as healthcare is very expensive.
What to pack for New York in February
- A warm coat, ideally windproof
- A hat, gloves and a scarf
- Waterproof shoes for slush
- Lighter clothing underneath: indoor spaces are very well heated
- Lip balm and hand cream, against the dry air
Itinerary idea: 5 days in New York in February
In February, alternate an outdoor visit in the morning with heated venues in the afternoon. A 5-day example:
- Day 1: Midtown: Times Square, Rockefeller Center, an observation deck at sunset, a Broadway show.
- Day 2: Central Park in the morning, then the Metropolitan Museum or the Museum of Natural History.
- Day 3: Lower Manhattan: the 9/11 Memorial, the ferry to the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO.
- Day 4: the High Line, Chelsea Market and Hudson Yards, then Greenwich Village and SoHo.
- Day 5: MoMA, Chinatown and the Lower East Side.
Keep the mildest days for outdoor sights (the ferry, the Brooklyn Bridge, the High Line) and switch to museums if snow or wind turn up. The subway runs 24 hours a day and is the simplest way to get around when it is cold.
If February does not suit you
January is even colder but just as affordable after 1 January. March warms up (close to 10 °C, 50 °F) and has the St Patrick’s Day parade, but the weather stays changeable. For mild weather you need to wait until late April and May. For that late-April mildness, our page on New York in April gives the normals and the events to plan for before you book.
For sun in February, head south: Miami (around 26 °C, 79 °F, in the afternoon), Guadeloupe or the Canary Islands. More ideas on our page where to go in February. To plan your trip, read our New York travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the weather like in New York in February?
Cold: about 5.7 °C (42 °F) in the afternoon and −1.4 °C (29 °F) at night in Central Park, according to NOAA 1991-2020 normals, with 81 mm (3.2 in) of precipitation.
Does it snow in New York in February?
Often: it is on average the snowiest month, with around 26 cm (10 in) in Central Park. Amounts vary a lot from one winter to the next.
What is the coldest month in New York?
January, with an average of 4.2 °C (40 °F) in the afternoon and −2.3 °C (28 °F) at night.
Is February a good month to visit New York?
Yes for small budgets and for lovers of museums and shows: prices are among the lowest of the year. Pack warm clothes and keep your plans flexible.
What budget do I need for New York in February?
It is one of the cheapest times of year for hotels and flights, apart from the Presidents’ Day weekend and US school holidays. Museum and show prices do not drop.
What is the best time to go to New York?
Late April to June and September to early November, for mild temperatures of 17 to 27 °C (63 to 81 °F) in the afternoon.
Our sources
- NOAA / National Weather Service: 1991-2020 normals for Central Park (Belvedere Castle)
- Data taken from our page on the best time to visit New York
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026.
