Welcome to our ultimate guide on NYC outfits and packing tips for spring travel! Written by our New York resident!
As you prepare to explore the vibrant streets of New York City during this beautiful season, it’s essential to pack smartly for the unpredictable spring weather. From chilly mornings in March to the pleasant warmth of May, our guide will help you navigate through the essentials for your NYC wardrobe.
In this article, we’ll provide you with an overview and thorough outfit tips for
- March
- April
- May
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Here’s your comprehensive guide on what to wear and pack for the spring months in the Big Apple.
Monthly Overviews
March Overview
March in New York City is a time of gradual transition from the cold of winter to the beginning of spring. The temperatures typically range from a high of 46°F (8°C) in early March to around 55°F (13°C) by the end of the month.
Mornings and evenings can be notably cooler, often dropping by about 5-10 degrees Fahrenheit compared to the daytime highs. This month also sees varying weather patterns, with some days feeling more like winter and others hinting at spring.
- Tops: Layering is essential. Start with a long-sleeve shirt and add a medium-weight sweater or cardigan for extra warmth, especially in early March.
- Bottoms: Jeans or other casual pants work well. Consider slightly thicker fabrics to keep warm, especially during cooler mornings and evenings.
- Outerwear: A versatile spring jacket is ideal. You need a warmer coat for the colder days in early March, especially at night.
- Footwear: Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring the city. Sneakers are good for warmer days, while boots are better for the chillier days of early March and any unexpected rainy weather.
💡 Read our detailed March outfit guide below (in the middle of the article). Just scroll down or swipe.
April Overview
April in New York City marks the arrival of spring with more consistent warmth, although the weather can still be quite variable. Temperatures typically range from 55°F (13°C) in early April to around 66°F (19°C) by the end of the month.
The mornings and evenings are cooler, often dipping to about 50°F in the morning and 54°F in the evening. This month also experiences a mix of sunny days and occasional spring showers.
- Tops: A long-sleeved base layer is good for mild days, with a hoodie or cardigan for cooler times. Layering is flexible to adapt to temperature changes.
- Bottoms: Jeans are a solid choice, offering comfort and versatility for both warm afternoons and cooler evenings.
- Outerwear: A lightweight jacket is essential for variable temperatures. A rain jacket is also advisable for those occasional spring showers.
- Footwear: Opt for comfortable walking shoes. Dark-colored sneakers are practical, and rain boots are useful for rainy days.
💡 Read our detailed April outfit guide below (in the middle of the article). Just scroll down or swipe.
May Overview
May in New York City welcomes warmer spring weather, with temperatures ranging from 67°F (19°C) early in the month to 75°F (24°C) by the end. Mornings begin at around 60°F, with afternoons reaching 70°F, and evenings cooling to 63°F. This month offers a mix of warm days and cooler nights.
- Tops: Choose short-sleeved shirts for day warmth, with a hoodie or light jacket for cooler evenings.
- Bottoms: Jeans are versatile for varying temperatures. Shorts or skirts are great for hotter days later in the month.
- Outerwear: A light jacket is perfect for cooler times and rain jackets are recommended for spring showers.
- Footwear: Comfortable sneakers are ideal for city walks. Consider rain boots for wet days and ankle boots for a stylish look.
💡 Read our detailed May outfit guide below (at the end of the article). Just scroll down or swipe.
Essential Spring Clothing Items
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Denim Jeans
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Denim jeans are a top choice for spring in NYC. They’re versatile and comfortable, adapting well to the city’s variable spring weather. Pair them with a long-sleeve shirt for a classic look, ideal for indoor activities or a stroll in the park.
Jacket/Coat
Buy Here: Trendy Spring Jackets on Amazon
In early to mid-March, we prefer wool or puffer coats as they suit cooler temperatures. As the season progresses, lighter jackets like trenches or leather jackets become more appropriate. These can be layered over t-shirts on milder days or sweaters on cooler mornings and evenings.
Tops
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T-shirts are good for layering under jackets or coats as the weather warms up. Sweaters, both chunky and lightweight, are also essential, especially in March and April, for those cooler days or evenings. Jeans and a sweater remain a great combination for spring.
Dresses and Skirts
Spring, like fall, is a great time for dresses and skirts. They can be paired with light tights and a jacket, suitable for the varying temperatures. In April and May, you might opt for lighter materials and forego the thermal tights.
Sweaters
Sweaters remain a staple in spring as well. Choose from chunky knits for early spring or lightweight layers for the warmer days in late April and May. They pair well with both jeans and skirts, offering flexibility for any spring day.
Sneakers/Boots
Comfortable footwear is key for exploring NYC. Sneakers are perfect for long walks around the city. In early spring, boots can provide extra warmth while transitioning to lighter shoes as the weather warms. Unlike in fall, you might consider bringing rain boots for those occasional spring showers.
Basic Packing List
Spring in New York City can be quite variable, with temperatures and weather conditions changing significantly from March through May. Here’s a basic packing list to help you prepare for your visit:
- Layered Tops:
- Long-sleeved shirts for early to mid-March when it’s cooler.
- Short-sleeved shirts for late April and May as the weather warms up.
- Hoodies or cardigans for layering, especially useful during evenings throughout spring.
- Bottoms:
- Jeans for their versatility and comfort, suitable for the entire spring season.
- Shorts or skirts for late May when temperatures start to climb.
- Outerwear:
- A warm coat for early March when it’s still quite chilly.
- Lightweight jackets for April and May, adaptable for cooler mornings and evenings.
- A rain jacket, essential throughout spring due to occasional showers.
- Footwear:
- Comfortable walking shoes, like sneakers, for exploring the city. Dark colors are preferred to hide city grime.
- Boots for early to mid-March, offering warmth during cooler days.
- Rain boots, particularly useful in April and May for rainy days.
- Ankle boots for a stylish option, especially in late April and May.
- Accessories:
- A versatile scarf for early spring, providing extra warmth when needed.
- Sunglasses for sunny days, increasingly common in April and May.
- A compact umbrella, handy for sudden spring showers throughout the season.
This list should help you stay comfortable and prepared for the wide range of weather conditions you might encounter in NYC during the spring months.
However, we highly recommend that you read our monthly tips from March to May:
March Outfit Guide
In March, you wear layers and warm clothes. The first half of the month is colder, and it may even snow, while the second half of the month starts to warm up. Pack waterproof boots, jeans, long-sleeved base layers, hoodies or sweaters, a winter hat, gloves, and a warm coat.
This is a time of changing temperatures, with colder temperatures at the beginning of the month and at night. It usually rains quite a bit during the month and may even snow at the beginning of the month, so it’s important to pack waterproof boots to keep your feet dry and comfortable.
Wear a warm base layer and a coat, and pack an umbrella and poncho for rainy days. We wear beanies to keep our heads warm during this windy month. On milder days in March, you can wear a light jacket or hoodie instead of a winter coat.
Shoes
You will be walking a lot during your trip to New York City, so pack comfortable walking sneakers. March tends to be a rainy month, and may even be sleet or snow, so also bring waterproof boots to keep your feet dry.
Women’s Outfit Tips March
For ladies visiting New York City during this month, pack layers of clothing, including a coat, long-sleeved shirts, hoodies or sweaters, jeans, waterproof boots, a beanie, and sneakers for walking. If you are coming in the first half of the month, pack gloves for cold weather.
It is a chilly time, especially within the first week or two. Thus, you’ll want to stay warm and dry and have layers for extra protection on wet, windy, and cold days and nights. Almost half of the month may be rainy, so bring waterproof boots, an umbrella, and a poncho.
Tops
As the weather changes and shifts during this time in NYC, wearing layers will help you stay comfortable at any temperature. Wear a long-sleeved base layer that you can dress up or dress down.
Add a hoodie or sweater for windy, chilly days. We like to wear dark, solid colors for fashionable tops that you can mix and match.
Jacket
March is a chilly time in the city, so a warm jacket is important. For cooler weather at the beginning of the month, a coat is your best bet.
For milder days, a jacket and layered tops will be enough to stay comfortable. We often wear black or dark coats and jackets for versatile style options and a clean look. Check out our recommendations above for suggestions.
Shoes
New York is a walking city, so you’ll need comfortable shoes so you can see all the best attractions without getting sore feet (check out our tips on where to go at the end of this article!).
For sneakers, you pack comfortable shoes in dark colors as they will be less likely to show dirt from the city streets. March in NYC tends to be rainy and chilly, so a pair of water-resistant boots will keep your feet dry and comfortable when it rains.
Pants
Jeans are versatile pants that you can dress up with a nice sweater and boots or dress down with a hoodie and sneakers. We like to wear jeans in New York City for chilly days and nights during this month.
If you plan on working out during your trip or want some comfy pants for casual days, joggers are a good option.
Accessories
March is windy and chilly in New York City, so you will need a beanie to keep your head warm. If you are coming to the city in the first half of the month, pack gloves for colder nights and possible snow days. You will also need an umbrella for rainy days.
For going out at night, bring a purse or small bag. During the day, you may need a larger bag for carrying water, your wallet, your phone, and hand sanitizer.
Additionally, we highly recommend a bag with anti-theft features (see our recommendation above) to keep your belongings safe in the city!
Men’s Outfit Tips March
Pack layers, water-resistant boots, a coat, and a beanie for men traveling to New York City in this month. If you are visiting during the first half of the month, you may need gloves, but only for cold nights or potential snow days. You’ll also need comfortable walking shoes for exploring the city on foot.
Tops
March weather in New York City can be windy and cold, but there may be warmer days as well, especially at the end of the month. Wear layers to stay comfortable, including a long-sleeved shirt as a base layer and a hoodie or sweater on top.
A warm or at least medium coat is perfect for colder days and nights, and a light jacket will keep you warm on milder days.
Coat
March weather can be chilling and rainy so bring a warm coat and rain gear, including an umbrella and poncho. We like to wear puffer coats in NYC, and they’re great for traveling as you can easily pack them into small spaces.
Jeans
Jeans are versatile and warm, and you can pair them with a hoodie for a casual look or add a sweater to dress up more.
Rain Gear
Be prepared for rainy, chilly days and nights in March with a beanie, umbrella, poncho, and waterproof boots. If you are coming in early March, you may also need gloves.
Shoes
Pack waterproof boots for your March trip to this city. A comfortable pair of water-resistant boots will help keep your feet dry and toasty even on wet days and cold nights. For mild days, you can wear some comfortable sneakers.
Essential March Packing Checklist
- Coat
- Waterproof boots
- Sneakers
- Jeans
- Base layer – long-sleeved shirts
- Sweaters and hoodies
- Beanie
- Warm socks
- Gloves (if visiting during the first half of March)
- Umbrella
- Poncho or rain jacket
- Toiletries
April Outfit Guide
In New York City in April, wear a jacket, light layers, and comfortable walking shoes. The first half of the month tends to be chillier, while the second half of the month is more mild and warm. Pack rain boots, jeans, long sleeve shirts, a few hoodies or sweaters, an umbrella, and a jacket.
💡 For cooler nights or days, wear a hoodie or light jacket to stay comfortable.
April is a mild time of year in general here, with chilly temperatures in the early mornings and at night after the sun goes down. It is rarely cold in during this month but it may get wet, so rain gear and light layers will keep you comfortable. By the end of April, temperatures are more stable and warm.
Shoes
New York City is a walking city, so we like to wear comfortable sneakers. Make sure you “break in” your sneakers and walk in them regularly for at least a week before your trip so you know they’re comfortable.
April can have frequent but short showers, so also pack rain boots to keep your feet dry.
Women’s Outfit Tips April
If you’re a woman visiting NYC in April, pack a jacket and light layers of clothing, including long-sleeved shirts, hoodies or sweaters, jeans, waterproof boots, and sneakers for walking.
You will need your jacket or a hoodie to stay warm on most days, but you won’t need heavy winter gear as the temperatures will usually range from chilly to warm but not cold or hot. Also pack rain boots, an umbrella, and a poncho for spring showers.
Tops
Light layers will help you stay warm and comfortable during changing weather in April in the city. Most days will be mild and cool, so wear a long-sleeved base layer that you can dress up or dress down. Add a hoodie or cardigan for windy, chilly times.
Evenings: We often wear sweaters and hoodies in the evenings as the temperatures get cooler after sunset.
Jacket
April is a mild month in New York, with cooler nights and mornings and warmer afternoons. Some days will be chilly and some are warmer, with warmer days more consistently at the end of the month.
A jacket will help you stay comfortable in almost all weather conditions, and a rain jacket will keep you dry on rainy days.
Check out our recs above for suggestions.
Shoes
New York is best seen on foot, so it’s important to have comfortable shoes. (Check out our tips on attractions to hit at the end of this article!).
For sneakers, pack comfortable shoes in dark colors as they will be less likely to show dirt from the city streets. Make sure you try out all your shoes before packing so you know they will be comfortable and won’t give you blisters.
April in NYC can be rainy, so a pair of rain boots will keep your feet dry, allowing you to see all the sights on your list despite the weather.
Pants
Pack jeans for your April trip to NYC. You can dress them up with a cardigan and boots or dress down with a hoodie and sneakers. Whether it’s warm or cool during this month, you can pair jeans with almost any top for an easy and functional outfit.
Accessories
April in NYC is mild so the only weather accessories you’ll need are an umbrella and rain boots.
For going out at night, bring a purse or small bag. During the day, you may need a larger bag for carrying water, your wallet, your phone, and hand sanitizer.
Additionally, we highly recommend a bag with anti-theft features (see our recommendation above) to keep your belongings safe in the city!
Men’s Outfit Tips April
For men traveling to New York City in April, pack layers, water-resistant boots, a jacket, and an umbrella. You’ll also need comfortable walking shoes for exploring the city on foot.
Tops
April in New York City usually serves up mild weather, with some chilly nights and rainy days, and warmer days, especially at the end of the month. Wear light layers to stay comfortable, including a long-sleeved shirt and a hoodie or cardigan on top. For cooler days and nights, wear a light jacket.
Jacket
April weather during this month ranges from warm to chilly with some rainy days so bring a jacket and rain gear, including an umbrella and rain jacket or poncho.
Jeans
Jeans are versatile and you can dress them up with a cardigan for nights out or wear them with a hoodie or long-sleeved fitted shirt for a more casual look.
Rain Gear
Be prepared for spring rain showers in April with an umbrella, rain jacket, and waterproof boots.
Shoes
Pack waterproof boots for your April trip to New York. A comfortable pair of water-resistant boots will help keep your feet dry even when spring rain storms hit. For mild days, you can wear comfortable sneakers. We like to wear dark-colored sneakers that don’t show dirt from the city streets and subway.
April Packing Checklist
- Jacket
- Rain boots
- Sneakers
- Jeans
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Hoodies and cardigans
- Socks
- Umbrella
- Poncho or rain jacket
- Toiletries
May Outfit Guide
When you’re packing for your trip in May, include jeans, short-sleeved shirts, a light jacket, and comfortable shoes for walking. The first half of the month is slightly cooler, so you will be more likely to need your jacket at this time. Nights can be cooler any time though, so a jacket is perfect to stay warm on the go at night.
During May, you wear jeans, short-sleeved shirts, a light jacket, and comfortable shoes for walking. The first half of the month is slightly cooler, so you will be more likely to need a jacket at this time.
Nights can be cooler any time though, so a jacket is perfect to stay warm on the go at night.
💡 May is a mild time of year in NYC, with warm days and slightly cooler temperatures in the early mornings and at night. It is very rarely cold in May but it does rain occasionally, so rain gear and light layers will keep you comfortable.
By the end of the month, temperatures are warmer and you may want to wear tank tops or even shorts.
Shoes
NYC is the biggest walking city in the country, so you will want to wear comfortable shoes. Make sure you “break in” your sneakers and walk in them regularly for about a week before your visit. Since it usually rains several times, you should also pack water-resistant shoes like rain boots.
Women’s Outfit Tips May
For women visiting the city in May, pack for warm weather with light layers, including short-sleeved shirts, jeans, a jacket, a hoodie, and rain gear. If you are traveling to the city in late May, you should also bring tank tops and skirts or shorts for summery weather.
Be prepared for the rain with rain boots, an umbrella, and a poncho or rain jacket for spring showers.
Tops
Warm weather tops and a light jacket or hoodie will help you stay comfortable during this mild month. Most days will be mild and warm, so wear a short-sleeved base layer that you can dress up or dress down.
Add a hoodie or jacket for windy, chilly times, which are often at night. We often wear jackets or hoodies in the evenings as the temperatures tend to get cooler after the sun goes down.
Jacket
May is generally a warm month in NYC, but it can be windy and cool sometimes, especially at nighttime. A light jacket will keep you warm and you can tie your jacket around your waist or put it in your bag if you’re out in the city and the temperatures keep rising.
Pack a rain jacket, as there can be quite a few rainy days during this period. Check out our recs above for jacket suggestions.
Shoes
Comfortable shoes are the most important piece of clothing to enjoy your travels in New York City because you will be walking a lot. (Check out our tips on attractions to visit at the end of this guide!).
💡 We like to wear comfortable sneakers in dark colors as they will be less likely to show dirt from the subway and city streets. Ankle boots are also a versatile way to dress up.
Make sure you try out any new shoes before packing so you know they will be comfortable and won’t give you blisters. Also, bring rain boots to keep your feet dry on rainy days.
Pants
Jeans are versatile pants that you can dress up with a nice shirt and boots or dress down with a hoodie and sneakers. Whether it’s warm or cool, you can pair jeans with almost any top for a stylish outfit to explore NYC.
For hotter days later in the month, you can also wear shorts or skirts to stay cool.
Accessories
May in NYC is warm and mild so the only weather accessories you’ll need are an umbrella and rain boots.
For going out at night, bring a purse or small bag. During the day, you may need a larger bag for carrying water, your wallet, phone, jacket, and hand sanitizer.
Besides, we highly recommend a bag with anti-theft features (see our recommendation above) to keep your belongings safe in the city!
Men’s Outfit Tips May
For men traveling to New York City in May, pack warm weather clothes and a light outer layer, water-resistant boots, a jacket, and an umbrella. You’ll also want to bring comfortable shoes to walk around the city.
Tops
May is a beautiful time in NYC with mild temperatures and some rainy days, with cooler nights and warm, mild days. The temperatures are especially warm at the end of the month.
That means wearing light layers will keep you comfortable. This should include a short-sleeved shirt and a hoodie or light jacket.
Jacket
May weather in New York is generally warm and mild, with some rain and cooler temps at night. A light jacket is perfect to stay comfortable while traveling around the city during this month.
Jeans
Pack jeans for versatile outfits that you can make more casual, with sneakers and hoodies or t-shirts, or dress up with a button-up shirt and boots.
Rain Gear
Be prepared for spring rain showers in May with an umbrella, rain jacket, and weather-resistant shoes.
Shoes
Bring comfortable sneakers that you will be able to explore the city in. We like to wear dark sneakers that don’t show dirt. Also, pack waterproof shoes or rain boots for your May trip to New York.