New York City Weather in February: Cozy Days & Cold Nights in the City
New York City Weather in February – What It's Like in the Flatiron District
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By
Paul Martinez
- Updated
Did you start thinking about traveling and are wondering if facing the New York City weather in February is a good idea — and let me tell you something, especially if you set up camp in the Flatiron District, it can be so good.
✨ Why Visit NYC in February? Top Highlights
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🌤️ What’s NYC Weather Like in February?
Expect 32°F–45°F temperatures, lighter snow than January, and a cozy, less crowded vibe across the Flatiron District. -
☕ Flatiron’s Best Rainy Day & Indoor Activities
Warm up at Devoción, Eataly, or Rizzoli Bookstore—plus local favorites like MoMath and ABC Carpet & Home, all within walking distance. -
🎭 February Events & Seasonal Experiences
Celebrate Valentine’s Day, Black History Month, Off-Broadway Week, Winter Jazzfest, and Lunar New Year pop-ups in Flatiron. -
✈️ Essential Travel Tips for February Trips
Fly into JFK, LGA, or Newark; pack warm waterproof layers; use Uber or walk; and stay central in the Flatiron District for easy access.
We can feel the chill of winter months staying behind. There is much less chance of a sudden snowfall getting in the way of your plans. Plus, the romance of Valentine’s Day celebrations makes the city feel like love. And it can get better because the off-season is well underway, making it easier to navigate the usually busier streets.
The Flatiron District is going to be a perfect base for you to enjoy the city beyond my favorite blocks. It has many cafes to grab breakfast at before a day of exploring, and Madison Square Park can be a refuge for when concrete everywhere gets a little much. Can you imagine being this close to one of NYC’s most iconic buildings?
February gives visitors a chance to get to know a slower side of the city, with the New York weather in February making for perfect days. The Flatiron District, meanwhile, gives people the chance to feel like locals for even a little while.
This guide has everything you need to enjoy February in NYC, with a special nod to what makes the Flatiron District such a great, central home base this time of year.
Top photo: Dog Park in Madison Square Park (Flatiron District)
Average Temperatures in New York City in February
February isn’t such a far cry from the coldest month of the year, but it certainly gets better. The Flatiron District is known for windy days, especially around the namesake building close to Madison Square Park.
New York City weather in February begins to warm up from those chilly January days. Temperatures tend to be very stable with daytime highs hanging around 45°F (about 7°C) and nights being as cold as 32°F (0°C). Most days will hang around a nice end-of-the-winter chill.
It won’t exactly be that classic winter you see in movies, there isn’t much snow, but maybe that’s what you are looking for! You can still get bundled up to reach a little cozier temperatures to explore the Flatiron District and the city beyond.
Is the New York City Weather in February Rainy?
When compared to the month of January, not so much, but there is still a good amount of precipitation across the city. The Flatiron District can go from chilly sunny days to a rainy adventure in a few hours.
With that in mind, rain tends to be a little more predictable in New York City weather in February. I always carry a windbreaker and an umbrella just in case. New York won’t stop for a little rain, and neither should you!
How Much Does It Rain in February?
New York City averages 3 to 4 inches (75–100 mm) of precipitation in February, usually somewhere around 2.95 inches, which includes snow. Expect 9 to 10 days of some form of wet weather during the month.
A little wet weather never stopped people from enjoying the Flatiron District! There is so much we can do in these blocks without ever getting on a subway cart. We can grab Italian delicacies in Eataly, browse major flagship stores, or sip some coffee while the rain pours.
Best Things to Do in New York City When it Rains
New York City weather in February can be rainy, but that doesn’t mean you need to stop having fun! Here are some things you can do without ever setting foot on the subway.
- 🖼️ Visit a Museum: There are over 170 museums spread throughout the city, but the Flatiron locals love going to the Museum of Math for family-friendly fun! The Museum of Sex is great fun for grown-ups.
- ☕ Grab a Coffee at Devoción or Birch Coffee: Both places offer stylish interiors and some of the best coffee in the city (in my opinion), which pair super well with a sweet treat if you’re in the mood.
- 🍽️ Eataly Flatiron: The perfect place to spend a few hours doing pretty much nothing and still having fun. Shop, snack, sip a glass of wine, or sit down for a full meal—all under one roof!
- 🛍️ ABC Carpet & Home: A truly local way to enjoy rainy days. Browse unique house decor finds and curated home goods inside a magical building
- 📚 Rizzoli Bookstore: Oh, this is one of my personal favorites, ways to spend rainy days. Get lost among art, travel, and design books in this Flatiron gem!
Of course, you can also take a quick train ride to the MoMA, the Met, or Broadway for some more fun — but honestly, you are able to spend a whole rainy day right in Flatiron and not miss a beat.
Is it Hot in New York City in February?
Not really, since it is the last month of winter, but we only ever get cold out in the streets. Flatiron District, as well as the city beyond, is full of cozy spots to warm up at.
How Cloudy is New York City's Weather in February?
February is cloudy pretty much all the time, with cloud coverage hanging around a solid 52% almost every day. In the Flatiron District, this means a golden-age-esque atmosphere. You can grab some artsy pictures for your social media! And when the sun does come out, everyone gets a special treat.
How Humid is it in New York City in February?
New York City weather in February has a humidity level pretty similar to January, in a general range between 40% and 60%, which can feel quite dry during winter. Local shops like Credo Beauty and The Detox Market in Flatiron have great skin care options if you need to rehydrate your skin!
How Windy is it in New York City in February?
How windy New York feels can vary a lot depending on where you stand. In general, the wind speeds are pretty average and constant around 10 mph. Wider avenues like 5th or Broadway can feel stronger than that! The secret is building your outfit in smart layers you can put on or take off as needed.
When are Sunrise and Sunset in New York City in February?
Exact times for these can be hard to predict, but we can expect:
- Sunrise: 7:15–7:25 AM
- Sunset: 4:40–5:10 PM
For a memorable moment, you can try catching the rare February soft winter sunset behind the Flatiron Building or from the rooftop bars at places like Serra by Birreria inside Eataly.
Is the Water Warm in New York City in February?
Definitely not, not even to dip your toes in. We can always walk along the Hudson River to admire the rushing waters. I highly recommend hitting the East River Esplanade Park, or just enjoy water-themed relaxation with an indoor soak at spas like The Bathhouse—not too far away and much more comfortable.
How Warm is the Water in New York City in February?
It stays the same as January: between 39°F to 42°F (4°C to 5°C). Not at all recommended for swimming, but lovely to look at from cozy indoor perches like the High Line Hotel bar or a Chelsea rooftop.
What to Wear in New York City in February
Style needs to meet function in the Flatiron District, since you will probably be doing a lot of walking as your exploration gets underway.
👚 Go for thermal base layers, you can get them from shops like Uniqlo on Fifth Ave if you have to buy them in town.
🧥 Down or wool coat—look for tailored cuts if you want to look like a local. New Yorkers love fashion-forward layers.
🧤 Beanies, gloves, scarves in neutral tones or as the focal point of colour in your outfit.
👢 Waterproof boots with traction soles for icy sidewalks
🎒 Chic backpacks or totes—you’ll need room for extra layers, shopping, and maybe a book from Rizzoli you feel like getting.
Unique Things to Do in New York City in February
February in NYC is rich with cozy, cultural experiences—and the Flatiron neighborhood gives you front-row access to all of it.
🎭 NYC Off-Broadway Week:
Want to watch great shows before they hit the big stages for a fraction of what you’d usually spend? Score great tickets to top shows and start your evening with a pre-theater dinner in Flatiron—try Cote, ABC Kitchen, or Gramercy Tavern.
🎷 Winter Jazzfest
If you want to go a little further than the Flatiron District, hop on a quick train downtown for bigger performances of this genre-bending festival, or find more intimate side performances in Flatiron-area hotels and venues.
🧧 Celebrate Lunar New Year
A holiday perfect for getting to know another culture! The main parades happen in Chinatown, as one would expect, but you can find Lunar New Year specials and pop-ups in Flatiron’s many Asian eateries and tea shops.
🧠 Explore the Culture
Spending an afternoon at the National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath) is a perfect way to have fun, even if you are not exactly a museum kind of person. Other iconic NYC museums, such as the MoMA and the MET, are just a short subway ride away.
Celebrate Black History Month:
February is also Black History Month in the US. There are street performances of all kinds of things, and culinary events across the town give people the opportunity to try new things. It is a great moment to participate in local communities!
New York City in February: Ultimate Travel Guide
Is your trip to New York City happening in February? Here’s a brief but comprehensive ultimate travel guide I’ve put together for you! It’s got all the little details you need to make the most of your time here.
Is New York City Safe to Travel To?
A hundred per cent! New York is incredibly safe as a tourist destination for all travelers. I have walked the streets so many times late at night after a concert. But you do need to take some precautions, just as you would anywhere else for the first time. As a visitor, it’s good to follow some basic safety guidelines.
First thing to do is good research on where you’re staying, both the place itself and the area around it. Once you get to planning your days, I recommend you only book tours or shows online or through your accommodation if you’re staying at a larger hotel.
Please avoid isolated areas at all costs, no matter the time of day, always keeping an eye on your surroundings. It is always better to be safe than sorry! Also, leave all your fancier stuff back where it’s safe, depending on your plans for the day!
It’s also recommended to be respectful of local customs and dress codes if you see that there are any. As tourists, use trusted services to ensure you’re good going from place to place. I’d advise you to only use Uber or even rent a car if you plan on going out at night.
Stay in touch with friends and family, no matter where they are, and tell them about your plans.
I am definitely biased, but trust me, traveling to the US, more so New York City, can be wonderful if you plan correctly.
Where is New York City, USA?
New York City is way up north in the USA. New York State is a place where history meets so much natural beauty, there’s no way we can go wrong with coming here.
What State is New York City In?
New York City is a lot more than northern delights. You find this town within the state of New York. This Northern state is sandwiched between Pennsylvania and Connecticut, allowing you to also explore the highlands and beautiful coastal areas.
How to Get to New York City, USA?
New York City can be accessed easily by air and road:
By Air: There are a few airports you can use to reach NYC. Both LaGuardia and JFK are in town, easily accessible by the transit system or private ride-share apps like Uber or Lyft. You can also fly into Newark.
By Road: New York City connects to other parts of the US pretty well by highway. You could rent a car, go by bus, or hire a private transfer to get where you need to go.
Best Places to Stay in New York City in February
I can’t recommend staying in the Flatiron District enough! It is close to the best places in NYC and also the subway, so you can easily go to other places in town.
Is there Uber in New York City?
Yes, Uber is in New York City and is a very popular (and convenient) way to get around for residents and visitors. The app works just as it does anywhere else, making it easy to get a ride and go where you want to. Other than Uber, there are more ride-sharing apps, such as Lyft, also available.
New York City in February: Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Best Months to Visit New York City, USA?
In my opinion, the best months to enjoy New York City are between May and August. During these days, the weather is nice and sunny and perfect for people who want to enjoy being outside and the outdoors enthusiasts.
Does it Get Cold in New York City?
Very much so. New York City has cold winters, and temperatures go from 4 to -4 degrees Celsius (40-25°F). It’s considered quite cold by most people, but it is still a great month to enjoy the city.
What is the Coldest Month in New York City?
February is usually the coldest month in New York City, with low temperatures averaging around 1 degree Celsius (34°F).
Packing for New York City in February: What to Bring?
Start packing with your base layers to deal with the cold: thermal leggings and undershirts, which can go under any outfit! After that, pack your comfiest pants and light sweaters so you can layer thicker coats on top without getting too hot. It is better to build layers you can take off when needed!
You will still need to pack your accessories like gloves, hats, and scarves to make sure you’re ready to face whatever the New York City weather in February throws your way.
Is February a Good Time to Visit the USA?
I would say that it is despite the cold. New York City weather in February is one of my favorite times to visit the parks in New York, since it is still chilly enough so we don’t get too hot doing lots of walking. There are also plenty of festivals and events to attend when visitors want to feel like locals.
Final Thoughts: Visiting New York City in February
Love is in the air, and the New York City weather in February is perfect for all kinds of travelers. For those people who want to walk everywhere, for foodies who want to hit every restaurant possible, for people like me who love to see all of the iconic sights…
No matter what you feel like doing, the Flatiron District will be a perfect home base for your New Yorker adventures.
Explore more seasonal ideas and travel guides at our Flatiron home base.
More Help on Planning for the Weather
- Check out: New York City Weather in January
- Check out: New York City Weather in March
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