What to Pack for New York City in November
November 2, 2026
Filed under North America, Fall, City break
Photo by Look Again Digital on Unsplash
November is a great month in New York. The last fall color hangs on in Central Park, the holiday windows start going up on Fifth Avenue, and Thanksgiving week brings the parade. It is also the month the city turns from crisp to properly cold, so the first week and the last week can feel like different seasons. Pack layers and good shoes, and you can handle all of it.
Weather at a glance
- Daytime highs
- About 10 to 13°C (50 to 55°F), cooler late in the month
- Nighttime lows
- About 3 to 6°C (38 to 43°F)
- Rain
- Roughly 8 to 10 wet days in the month
- Daylight
- Sunset around 4:30 pm once clocks change on November 1
Long-term averages. Check the forecast a few days before you leave.
The short version
Think a warm coat you can open up, layers underneath, and shoes you can walk in all day. You will walk more than you expect, and you will go in and out of warm subway stations, shops and museums, so being able to take a layer off matters as much as staying warm.
Clothes
- A wool coat or a packable down jacket. Late November evenings can dip near freezing.
- Two or three light merino sweaters to layer over shirts. They stay warm without bulk and don't need washing after every wear.
- Jeans or warm trousers. New York dresses casually, but darker colors fit in everywhere.
- One nicer outfit for a show or dinner. Smart casual is fine for most Broadway theaters and restaurants.
- A warm scarf, plus touchscreen gloves so you can check the map without freezing your fingers.
- A knit hat if you are going to the parade or spending an evening outside.
Shoes
Plan on 15,000 to 20,000 steps a day. Bring waterproof walking sneakers or waterproof ankle boots that are already broken in. Puddles collect at every curb on rainy days, and wet socks will end a sightseeing day early. Pack warm wool socks, too.
Day bag and extras
- A crossbody bag that zips closed. Crowds around Times Square, Rockefeller Center and the parade route are prime spots for pickpockets.
- A compact windproof umbrella. Wind between tall buildings flips cheap ones inside out.
- A portable charger. Maps, tickets and the subway tap-to-pay all run on your phone.
- Lip balm and hand cream. The cold air and indoor heating are drying.
If you're going to the Thanksgiving parade
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is on Thursday, November 26 this year. People stake out spots along the route before sunrise, and you will be standing still in the cold for hours. Dress a layer warmer than you think you need, bring hand warmers, and pack a thermos with something hot. A small foam seat pad helps if you plan to sit on the curb while you wait.
What to leave at home
- Heavy winter boots. Unless a cold snap hits, waterproof sneakers or ankle boots are enough in November.
- New shoes you haven't worn yet.
- A big suitcase if you are staying in a small hotel room. New York rooms are famously tight.