Packing list for a winter city trip
New York and London between December and February: cold outside, hot inside, and a lot of standing in line for lights and rinks.
On a phone with Waystop installed, the button adds the list to your trip as a bag you can tick off. Otherwise copy it and paste it into Waystop’s Chat with “add this to my packing list”.
Checked October 10, 2026.
Tick things off as you go and this browser will remember. Changed your mind?
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Warmth
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0/3What the weather is like
January runs from 28 to 39°F (-2 to 4°C) in New York and 36 to 46°F (2 to 8°C) in London, with wind between the avenues that feels ten degrees colder. Interiors are overheated, so layers beat one big coat.
- An umbrellaThe wind between the New York avenues turns it inside out, so a hood works better.
- Thin sneakersSlush finds them in an hour. Waterproof boots or shoes with a real sole do the job.
- Three bulky sweatersA base layer, one sweater and a good coat are enough, and you can take the sweater off indoors.
- Hand warmersAny pharmacy sells them by the pair, for the rink line and the lights walk.
- Heattech from UniqloUniqlo has stores in both New York and London and the thermal layers cost less than at specialist outdoor shops.
- Slip-on ice cleatsHardware stores in New York sell them in January, when sidewalks glaze after a freeze.
Worth knowing
- Daylight ends at 4:30 p.m.; plan outdoor stops before 3 p.m. and the lights after dark.
- Book the observatory for sunset and the rink for a weekday morning.
- Museum coat checks fill; arrive at opening or carry a small bag.
Trips to pack this for
Never leave the charger in the hotel again.
Waystop keeps a list for each bag and each person. On the morning you change hotels it walks you through a quick pack-up check, and Chat can suggest items to add when you ask what to bring.