Late winter · Weather & things to do
Manhattan in February
Manhattan edges warmer than January, with highs of 38°F (3°C), lows of 23°F (-5°C) and about 3.2 in (81 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 44/100 (10th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 38°F (3°C)
- Avg low
- 23°F (-5°C)
- Rain or snow
- 3.2 in (81 mm)
- Humidity
- 85%
- Cloud cover
- 64%
- Daylight
- ~10 h 26 min
- Comfort score
- 44/100 · Tough
What February feels like
It's cold: daytime highs average just 38°F (3°C), so build the days around warm stops.
Average lows of 23°F (-5°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
About 3.2 in (81 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with temperatures averaging below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
Plan around February
February is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May and September & October.
- Comfort holds steady from January (42 → 44/100).
- Our NYC Cultural Weekend route recommends Sep – Nov, so February falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for February
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 23°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 3.2 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Manhattan in February
Cold days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Chelsea Market
Former Nabisco factory with food stalls, bakeries and shops at the south end of the High Line.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 38°F.
Joe's Pizza
Classic thin New York slice, served fast since 1975.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
The Dead Rabbit
Irish pub and cocktail parlor in the Financial District, known for its Irish coffee.
Why now A cozy break on a 38°F day.
Museum of Modern Art
Van Gogh, Picasso, Warhol and a strong design collection across six floors in Midtown.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 38°F.
Bethesda Terrace
Carved arcade and fountain at the heart of Central Park, a calm start before Midtown crowds.
Nearby in February
- New York City in February~5 mi · highs 39°F, 3.7 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Beacon in February~50 mi · highs 37°F, 3.1 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Philadelphia in February~85 mi · highs 41°F, 3.1 in rain or snow · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Hudson in February~102 mi · highs 34°F, 2.9 in rain or snow · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, about as wet
These averages also cover Museum Mile.
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Manhattan in February: quick answers
Is February a good time to visit Manhattan?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 44/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are May and September & October. Expect highs of 38°F (3°C) and 3.2 in (81 mm) of rain or snow. Our NYC Cultural Weekend route recommends Sep – Nov, so February is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Manhattan in February?
Average highs are 38°F (3°C) and average lows 23°F (-5°C), making it the 2nd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Manhattan in February?
Some: about 3.2 in (81 mm) of rain or snow falls across February on average, the driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 48.7 in (1236 mm).
What should I pack for Manhattan in February?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 23°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 3.2 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Manhattan
Planning Manhattan in February?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.