United States New York Weather in February — Climate Guide
February in New York is Below Average
New York Weather in February — Quick Answer
As of 2026- Avg temp
- 6° / -2°
- Rainfall
- 78mm · 10 days
- Crowds
- Moderate
As of 2026, New York in February averages a high of 6°C and low of -2°C with 78mm of rain over about 10 days. Same as January — heavy coat, scarf, gloves. Slightly milder by late month, but still snow boots advisable.
February is Below Average for New York.
February remains low season with similar weather to January. Days are getting longer (sunrise 7:00 AM, sunset 5:30 PM by month's end). Hotel prices stay near year-low.
Lunar New Year Parade in Chinatown (varies year to year — typically early to mid-February) is one of NYC's most colorful free events. Mott Street, Mulberry Street, and Canal Street fill with dragon dances, lion performances, fireworks. Genuinely surreal for an American city.
Travel score
Still winter, but with Restaurant Week and Fashion Week energy
February Weather at a Glance
February is barely warmer than January — 6°C / 43°F highs and -2°C / 28°F lows with the same wind chill bringing felt-temperatures to -8°C / 18°F. Snowfall drops to 6-8 days from January's 8-12. Daylight stretches by an hour, with sunset moving to 5:30 PM. Late February sometimes throws in a 10°C / 50°F day that feels like spring, but expect the cold to return the next morning.
February Travel Advice
Same winter packing as January: heavy parka, snow boots, scarf, gloves. February's Valentine's Day (Feb 14) means top restaurants book out a month ahead — particularly The View (Marriott Marquis revolving restaurant) and Per Se. New York Fashion Week (early February) brings celebrity and influencer crowds to Chelsea, SoHo, and Midtown — hotel rates in those neighborhoods rise 20-30%. Keep outdoor activities short and pivot to indoor venues during the coldest hours.
Flying In from Overseas
January and February share off-peak fare structures — long-haul flights from Asia, Europe, and Australia remain at winter lows. The trade-off is that mid-February (Lunar New Year and Asian school break) brings spikes from Asian markets specifically. For European travelers, late February is the sweet spot before spring break.
February Pricing Trends
Hotel pricing similar to January: 3-star Midtown $130-180/night, 4-star $250-350. Restaurant Week extends into early February. NYFW weeks see 20-30% hotel premiums in Chelsea and SoHo.
New York February Weather Stats
Avg High
6°C
Avg Low
-2°C
Rainy Days
10
78mm total
Sunshine
6h
Daily avg
Humidity
64%
Damp
UV Index
2
Low
Wind
16 km/h
Gusts 31
Snow Days
3
Monthly avg
Crowds
Moderate
At attractions
February Sunrise & Sunset
Expect about 3 snow days this month. Bring slip-resistant shoes and warm gear.
Air Quality
PM2.5
18 μg/m³
PM10
28 μg/m³
Status
Moderate
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
3°C
Nighttime
-7°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
16 km/h
Max gust 31 km/h
Activities Recommended for February
February Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- Low-season prices continue
- Lunar New Year Parade in Chinatown
- NYC Fashion Week energy
Cons
- Still cold (6°C / 43°F daytime)
- Valentine's Day reservations require 2-3 weeks ahead
- Limited spring atmosphere
February Events & Festivals
- NYC Restaurant Week continues
- Lunar New Year Parade in Chinatown (varies — early to mid-February)
- Valentine's Day at top restaurants
- NYC Fashion Week (mid-February)
New York in February — Full Picture
February remains low season with similar weather to January. Days are getting longer (sunrise 7:00 AM, sunset 5:30 PM by month's end). Hotel prices stay near year-low.
Lunar New Year Parade in Chinatown (varies year to year — typically early to mid-February) is one of NYC's most colorful free events. Mott Street, Mulberry Street, and Canal Street fill with dragon dances, lion performances, fireworks. Genuinely surreal for an American city.
Valentine's Day (February 14) sees top restaurants book 2-3 weeks ahead. The Plaza, Le Bernardin, Eleven Madison Park all run special menus. Hotel rooftop bars (230 Fifth, Bar SixtyFive at Top of the Rock) offer Valentine's packages.
New York Fashion Week (mid-February) brings runway shows and street-style energy. Most shows are industry-only, but you can watch arrivals at major venues (Spring Studios, Park Avenue Armory). Hotels around the venues get fashion-week premium pricing.
Museums remain wonderfully uncrowded. Met has its lowest crowd density of the year. Statue of Liberty ferries run on reduced schedule but with 15-min queues vs 90 in summer.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Same as January — heavy coat, scarf, gloves. Slightly milder by late month, but still snow boots advisable.
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
16.7°C
7°C
12/mo
Summer (Jun·Jul·Aug)
28.7°C
19°C
10.3/mo
Autumn (Sep·Oct·Nov)
18.7°C
10.3°C
9.3/mo
Winter (Dec·Jan·Feb)
Current5.3°C
-1.7°C
10.3/mo
New York Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Humid | UV | Crowd | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4° | -3° | 11d·84mm | 5h | 64% | 1 | Moderate | Low season | |
| 6° | -2° | 10d·78mm | 6h | 64% | 2 | Moderate | Low season | |
| 11° | 2° | 12d·95mm | 7h | 62% | 4 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| April (Best) | 17° | 7° | 12d·110mm | 8h | 60% | 6 | Busy | Peak |
| May (Best) | 22° | 12° | 12d·115mm | 9h | 64% | 8 | Busy | Peak |
| June (Best) | 27° | 17° | 11d·105mm | 10h | 65% | 9 | Very busy | Peak |
| 30° | 20° | 10d·105mm | 10h | 64% | 9 | Very busy | Peak | |
| 29° | 20° | 10d·105mm | 9h | 67% | 8 | Busy | Shoulder | |
| September (Best) | 25° | 16° | 9d·100mm | 8.5h | 68% | 7 | Busy | Peak |
| October (Best) | 19° | 10° | 9d·95mm | 8h | 65% | 5 | Busy | Shoulder |
| 12° | 5° | 10d·95mm | 6h | 65% | 3 | Busy | Peak | |
| 6° | 0° | 10d·90mm | 5h | 64% | 1 | Very busy | Peak |
View Other Months
New York February Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is February a good time to visit New York?
New York in February is Below Average. Tourist crowds are moderate and flight/hotel prices are low season.
What's the average temperature in New York in February?
New York February averages a high of 6°C and a low of -2°C.
Does it rain much in New York in February?
New York February averages 78mm of rainfall over about 10 rainy days.
What should I wear in New York in February?
Same as January — heavy coat, scarf, gloves. Slightly milder by late month, but still snow boots advisable.
What time are sunrise and sunset in New York in February?
New York February sunrise is 07:00 and sunset is 17:25, with 10h 25m of daylight.
What's the air quality like in New York in February?
New York February air quality (AQI) averages 42, rated Good. PM2.5 averages 18μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in New York in February?
In February, New York is great for Lunar New Year Parade, Valentine's Day dinners, NYC Fashion Week street-style.
Is February peak season in New York?
New York February crowds are moderate and prices are low season. You can travel relatively comfortably without long queues.
Best Months to Visit New York
View Other Months
Planning a February trip to New York?
You've checked the weather — next come the budget and the route.
Why you can trust weather guide
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.