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Wondering what to bring with you to New York? New York is hot and humid in the summer and below freezing in the winter. June, July and August are the hottest months and December, January and February are the coldest months. New York is also one of the rainiest cities in the US. Here you’ll find a list of basics you’ll need so you can be prepared.

Suggested Packing List

For Your Carry-On:

  • Passport with appropriate visa, I-20 or DS-2019 and other travel documents (see Tip 3 of our Plan Your Trip information for all the needed documents)
  • Money to get you through the first day or two in New York
  • Wallet
  • Travel tickets (store electronically or paper)
  • Laptop, phone, and other electronics
  • Travel outlet adapter
  • Journal/diary
  • Any medicine you may be using

For Your Luggage:

  • Clothes you most like to wear *ranging from lightweight to warm, casual to dressy as it suits your style and needs
    • Don’t overpack here as there are plenty of shops in New York if you need anything replaced.
  • 1 set of nicer clothes (for shows, dinner, night out)
  • Insulated jacket for winter, i.e. down or synthetic insulation
  • Lightweight jacket for transitioning weather
  • A few sweaters/cardigans/fleeces
  • Umbrella
  • Undergarments *including thermal underwear for winter
  • Socks *both lightweight and warmer woolens for winter
  • Sleepwear
  • Gloves/mittens
  • Woolen hat
  • Scarf
  • Sunglasses
  • 2 pairs of shoes *walking and dress
  • Warm and waterproof pair of boots
  • Backpack or messenger bag to fit several books and a laptop
  • 1 small purse/bag
  • Toiletries
  • Whatever else you usually need
  • Small gifts you may want to share with others in the US from your home country

What Not to Bring

  • Big bottles of soap and shampoo – there are pharmacies and convenience stores like Duane Reade and CVS all over New York City so you won’t have trouble finding soap or shampoo.
  • Don’t pack anything you can buy in the city (like extra clothes or shoes).
  • Food and snacks – there is an incredible selection of restaurants and grocery stores, so there shouldn’t be any need to pack food or snacks with you unless you have special dietary needs. There are plenty of health food stores in NYC too.