Tourists flock to New York in the summertime, but visiting New York in February means accessing the best travel deals and cheapest hotels. Granted, it's in the middle of the cold season for the Big Apple, but there are still plenty of things to see and do.
Take advantage of attractions on the cheap, restaurants, shows, and more. February is synonymous with Fashion Week, Broadway week, Chinese New Year, and the New York City Ballet season. Pack your gloves, hat, and warm jacket, and you are good to go!
Weather in New York City in February
If you plan your New York trip during February, you must prepare for cold weather and occasional snow days. New York is a bit warmer than January, but the average low temperature will fall below the freezing point at 29F.
Rain and snow (with an accumulation of over 1 inch) are possible, with occasional blizzards.
How to pack for New York in February
Most New Yorkers wear down feather coats, hats, gloves, and a scarf when they are out shopping. Pack layers and good winter boots to navigate the slippery sidewalks.
Leather shoes are not a great idea as the streets are salted, which can lead to staining.
Things to do in New York in February
Never fear - there are still plenty of activities you can do in New York City on cold or rainy days. Take advantage of great deals to tick some items off your bucket list or discover hidden gems that only locals know about.
1. Celebrate Chinese New Year
Head to the New Year's Firecracker Ceremony and Cultural Festival, or watch the Chinese New year parade featuring dragon dancers, food, and other festivities celebrating the Chinese lunar New Year .
This two-week celebration is one that is not to be missed if you are in the city in February.
2. Have the Most Romantic Valentine's Day Event Ever
Whether you are looking for love or are spending your day with your significant other, New York is the perfect city to celebrate Valentine's Day.
Take a selfie in front of the heart sculpture at the Love in Times Square event, sip hot chocolate under the stars at the Hayden Planetarium, spend the night exploring Little Italy or take a romantic cruise along the Hudson River.
There will still be plenty of ice skating opportunities at Lasker Rink in Central Park, along with the legendary winter festival at Bryant Park.
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog will also have their not-to-be-missed best-in show in Madison Square Garden, so make sure to plan a visit to see the best-looking dogs in New York.
3. See the Sites
There are plenty of February events and fun activities to keep you occupied in New York, but don't forget about the tourist attractions in the city!
There's Ellis Island, the Empire State Building, the famous Plaza Hotel, the Brooklyn Bridge, the American Museum of Natural History, and of course, you have to check out the variety of Broadway shows and entertainment.
Central Park in February offers beautiful trails and ice rinks, while the Metropolitan Museum of Art gives you the opportunity to get out of the cold and peruse the best in modern art.
4. Events and Festivals in New York in February
New York offers several exciting, discounted events for tourists, including Restaurant Week (with prefixed discounts at selected restaurants) and Must-See Week (which is actually a month of discounts for many famous attractions).
You can also enjoy a Broadway show at a discounted rate during Broadway week, visit the Met Opera, or attend the New York Ballet's popular Winter Program.
Winter sports fans can catch a game by the New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, NY Rangers, NJ Devils, or even college basketball in February.
5. Take a Walk in the Park
Central Park is covered by snow in February, but that shouldn't dissuade you from visiting the heart of NYC.
The New York Botanical Garden also ensures that its tropical plants are kept safe inside heated greenhouses, which means you can take a balmy break from the cold and explore the floral kingdom - even in winter!
This content was created by bestofnewyork.com. If you see this on another site, it has been stolen.
Conclusion
New York City offers something for everyone - no matter the weather. You'll find plenty to do and see in the city in February while enjoying great discounts and iconic local events.
You might also be interested in these things to do in NYC
- The Worst Times To Visit New York City - March 10, 2024
- Best Souvenirs To Buy in NYC - February 28, 2024
- Best Restaurants In New York For First Time Visitors - February 21, 2024