When Is Winter in New York City?

Astronomical Winter: December 21/22 (Winter Solstice) – March 19/20 (Vernal Equinox).

Meteorological Winter: December 1 – February 28/29 (standard for climate records).

Practical NYC Winter: Late November through early April.

Monthly Breakdown

• December: Transition. Avg high 43°F (6°C). First measurable snow ~Dec 14. Holiday crowds.
• January: Coldest month. Avg high 39°F (4°C), low 28°F (-2°C). Highest snow probability. "January Thaw" brief warmup common.
• February: Still cold (avg high 42°F / 6°C). Nor'easter risk peaks. Daylight noticeably longer.
• March: Volatile. Avg high 50°F (10°C). Major snowstorms possible (e.g., 1993, 2018), but 60°F days occur.

What to Expect

• Snowfall: Avg 28–30 inches/season (Central Park), but highly variable (2.8" in 1972–73 vs. 75.6" in 1995–96).
• Wind Chill: Urban canyons amplify wind; "feels like" temps often 10–15°F below actual.
• Indoor Heat: Apartments/offices often overheated (legal minimum 68°F day, 62°F night). Layer clothing.

For real-time conditions: NWS New York, NY.