Styling insights every potential visitor should know! Outfit tips for ladies and men!
Autumn in New York City can be quite a sight. If you are a lover of the fall season, visiting New York in October is a perfect choice for you. With Halloween right around the corner and the changing colors, there is much to see.
However, it can be difficult to decide what to wear and pack for this month.
Essential links to save/deals:
🧥 Fall Clothing Deals | Amazon
🎟️ Best NYC Attraction Tickets
These links open in a new tab. They are incredibly useful for your NYC trip in October.
Read our full outfit and styling guide below the weather details and a packing list at the end (written by our NYC residents):
Weather
Autumn NYC temperatures are at their peak in October. The average high temperature falls to around 64°F (18°C), while the average low temperature falls to around 46°F (8°C). Perfect temperatures to pull out your stylish fall coats and partake in some staple fall outdoor activities.
A Typical Day
In early October, a typical day’s temperatures will range from around 55°F (13°C) in the early mornings to mid-high 60’s°F (between 18-20°C) in the afternoons, and finally cooling back down to the 50’s°F (between 12-13°C) in the evenings.
Later in the month, you will notice temperatures drop down slightly. When this happens, typical daytime temperatures will fall to around 46°F (8°C) in the early mornings to 60°F (16°C) in the afternoons, and then back down to low-mid 50’s°F (between 10-12°C) in the evenings.
Rain
While you are sure to experience a good amount of cloudy days, rest assured October is not considered an especially rainy month in New York. On average, it only rains nine days out of the month.
What To Wear / What To Pack
Like most of the fall months, layering is key in October.
Autumn weather can generally be a little unpredictable—being warm in the afternoons but becoming seasonably chilly by nightfall. With this in mind, the clothing decisions are slightly easier:
During October in New York City, layers are essential as they can become a true savior. On most days you wear good-quality long-sleeve shirts or light-weight thermal undershirts and pair them with your favorite sweatshirts, hoodies, sweaters, and/or vests.
đź’ˇ New York weather in October has often comfortable days and slightly colder nights. On pleasant days, especially in the first half of the month, you might get away with a t-shirt. However, bring an umbrella for those few rainy days.
Shoes: In general, it’s a good idea to wear comfortable walking shoes, so you can discover the city’s neighborhoods and all those iconic attractions without getting blisters or foot pain.
Halloween: The month of October is most known for Halloween, a traditional American holiday all in honor of the spookies. If you’re coming to experience Halloween first-hand, there are countless events around and on Halloween day to partake in.
A costume is a must (no matter how silly). The more creative, the better! We suggest not worrying too much over packing a costume with you. Instead, plan it out and make a day of going Halloween costume-hunting in the city!
Ladies

Ladies! When packing for your October travels to the infamous New York, here are a few pointers to help you when packing. In regards to bottoms, we advise narrowing your selection to long pants (such as jeans, trousers, etc).
If you want to bring along a dressier option as well, a full-length knit skirt with the right pair of boots is always cute.
You can pair said bottoms with long-sleeve shirts, either to be worn on their own or paired with cardigans, sweaters or sweater-vests, stylish graphic old-school sweatshirts, or hoodies.
Jacket
The last touch for the chilly mid-Autumn weather is definitely a dependable fall coat or jacket. This could be a bomber, pea-coat, stylish trench, etc. A light coat or a slightly heavier jacket keeps you warm in October.
Shoes
The staple shoe for autumn is, hands-down, the classic boot. If you have a favorite fall boot be sure to bring it along!
Along with your boots make sure to pack a stylish, reliable pair of sneakers as well.
Tops
- Material: This Ribbed Long Sleeve Tops is made from premium breathable, lightweight...
The weather can go from warm to chilly in October and get colder at night so wear layers. A long-sleeved shirt, hoodie, or sweater will keep you cozy on autumn days in NYC.
See our Amazon recommendation above.
- Womens Sweaters’ Features: This knit sweater for women has the ribbing on the sleeves and bottom shawl collar,...
Evenings: We often wear sweaters and hoodies in the evenings as the temperatures get cooler after sunset.
Pants
- You might also like the “Classic Straight”
Jeans are a classic staple we like to wear in New York. You can dress them up or down and stay comfortable as you sightsee or go out at night.
Accessories
- FROM SCHOOLYARDS TO RUNWAYS: The Fjällräven Kånken backpack for men and women has an incredible journey that...
Make sure to add in a cute, yet dependable day bag to go along with whatever outfits you pack for your trip. A few good options might be a small- to mid-sized backpack, a cross-body bag, a saddle bag, etc. Pick a bag that is big enough to carry all your essentials.
We highly recommend a bag with anti-theft features (see our recommendation above) to keep your belongings safe in the city!
Men

Jacket
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Of course, make sure not to forget a fall coat. Whether it be a bomber, leather jacket, trench, etc., just remember you want to be warm, not boiling. A medium weight coat is perfect for October in NYC.
Top
- QUALITY FABRIC - Soft and strong 6-oz. ring-spun cotton feels great for comfort that lasts. (Heathers are a...
Wear long-sleeved shirts for October in NYC. Add in a stylish, warm outer layer for the chillier temperatures, such as a sweatshirt, sweater, or vest (i.e. puffer, utility, or sweater) and you’re good to go!
Pants
- Same great jeans, brand new name! Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. is now Levi Strauss Signature Gold
For men, we also recommend sticking to comfortable, long pants. Some good suggestions might be jeans, cargo pants, khakis, etc. Jeans are a staple in New York.
Bag
- Keep Everything in Order: Size: 7 x 3.5 x 15 inches /18 x 9 x 38 cm. The front zipper bag and buckle bag allow you...
You’ll also want to bring along a day bag to hold all your daily essentials as you explore. Some good options may be a backpack, shoulder bag, satchel bag, saddle bag, etc.
Shoes
- Waterproof leather upper
In regards to fall shoe wear to get around the city, give yourself an option between a classic fall ankle boot and a good pair of sneakers. We like to wear Timberland boots in New York so those are a great way to fit in. If you’re not someone with many boots in your closet, simply pack one or two sneaker options to go along with your various outfits.
Accessories
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Additionally, remember to pack along a few warm hats or beanies to combat the falling autumn temperatures.
Packing Checklist
- Pants (jeans, trousers, etc.)
- Full-length knit skirts or dresses
- Fall coat or jacket (bomber, pea-coat, trench, etc.)
- Long-sleeve shirts
- Vests (be it a sweater, puffer, or utility)
- Sweatshirts and/or hoodies
- Cardigans and/or sweaters
- Accessories (jewelry, etc.)
- Warm hats/beanies
- Scarf
- Undergarments
- Thick, warm socks
- Toiletries
- Day bag (backpack, saddle bag, shoulder bag, tote, etc.)
- Shoes (i.e. sneakers, comfortable boots)
- Umbrella
Things To Do
We suggest not only exploring the city, but further upstate as well. October in New York is also one of the best months for a day-trip or a small exploration weekend into upstate New York. There you’ll find numerous charming towns that provide top-tiered displays of the fall foliage, apple-picking farms, pumpkin patches, Halloween haunted houses, and more!
Ideas for Fall / October-only activities
- Halloween Parade
- Open House New York (Free access into New York City’s most unique houses)
- Halloween Dog Parade
- Comic Con (Oct 6 – 9, tickets must be bought in advance)
- New York’s Haunted Houses
- Halloween club events
- Queen’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch
- Queen County’s Corn Maze*
- Apple-picking
- Newfest: NY’s LGBTQ Film Festival
- Ulster Park’s Headless Horseman Haunted Hayrides and Haunted Houses
- Hot Apple Cider and Cider Donuts
Must-Visit Attractions
October is a fabulous time to visit all the popular and iconic attractions in NYC. We highly recommend booking tickets in advance for the first slot in the morning. Our favorites are the Empire State Building, and Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Center).
Tip: Vist the 9/11 Memorial and Museum as well.
Use the banner above (GetYourGuide) to check availabilities and make reservations (you will get a mobile voucher, very comfortable and hassle-free).