Manhattan, New York Weather in February

Cold days, clear plans

February in Manhattan feels properly wintry: afternoons reach about 3°C, while nights can drop to -5°C. Rain falls on around nine days, and grey skies are common. The cold can make long walks along the High Line or the Hudson feel tiring, especially when the wind picks up.

You'll have better luck mixing short outdoor outings with indoor stops. See the ice rink at Rockefeller Center, then warm up inside the nearby Museum of Modern Art. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is another good choice for a slow, cold afternoon. Save a long stroll through Central Park for a dry spell, and don't count on a sunny view from an outdoor observation deck.

Holidays and February crowds

Valentine's Day brings couples to restaurants and Broadway shows, while Presidents' Day can make for a busier long weekend. Lunar New Year celebrations in Chinatown sometimes fall in February, depending on the calendar; the parade and street events are worth checking for your dates.

Compared with May and September to October, February is usually a quieter, lower-demand time for Manhattan hotels and sights. The holiday weekend and popular shows can still draw crowds, though. Budget travellers may find better value than in peak months, but prices vary by event and weekend.

A useful local trick

For a cold day, take the subway between Midtown sights instead of trying to walk every block. The Rockefeller Center station puts you close to the rink and MoMA, so you can keep outdoor time brief. At Grand Central Terminal, warm up over a bowl of soup or a classic New York bagel before heading back out.

Families who want indoor stops between outings may find February easier than a packed summer visit. Just leave room in your day for slower trips when rain or icy pavements make walking less pleasant.