What to Wear in NYC in November: Leather Jacket Outfit Ideas
November in New York starts crisp and ends properly cold, sometimes within the same week. Working out what to wear in NYC in November comes down to layers that handle the jump from street to subway, an outer layer that stands up to wind and rain, and shoes you can walk in all day.
Quick answer: Expect highs in the 50s and lows in the 40s, getting colder toward the end of the month, with rain on several days. Wear a leather jacket over a sweater early on, switch to a lined jacket or a long leather coat later, add a scarf, and choose water-resistant boots or sneakers you can walk in.
What is the weather like in NYC in November?
Based on the official 1991 to 2020 climate normals for Central Park, November averages a high of about 54°F and a low of about 42°F. The month starts mild, with normal highs near 59°F, and ends with highs near 49°F and lows in the upper 30s. Expect about 3.6 inches of precipitation spread over roughly nine wet days. Snow is uncommon, with a monthly normal of only about half an inch.
| Part of November | Typical high / low | What to wear |
|---|---|---|
| Early (1st to 10th) | Upper 50s / mid 40s °F | Leather jacket over a light knit or long-sleeve tee |
| Middle (11th to 20th) | Low to mid 50s / low 40s °F | Leather jacket, sweater and a scarf |
| Late (21st to 30th) | Around 50 / upper 30s °F | Lined jacket or long coat, scarf and gloves |
These are averages. Warm spells in the 60s and cold snaps with lows near freezing both happen, so check the forecast a few days before you go. Clocks also fall back on the first Sunday of November, so the sun sets before 5 p.m. for most of the month and around 4:30 p.m. by the end. Evenings cool down quickly.
Why does layering matter so much in New York?
New York is a walking city, and that changes how cold feels. You'll warm up on a brisk walk, step down into a subway station that feels close and stuffy at rush hour, sit on a heated train, then climb back up into a gust of wind. Museums, shops and restaurants are warm too.
So build your outfit to open and close easily: a T-shirt or thin base layer, a sweater or overshirt, then a jacket or coat you can unzip without fuss. A scarf is the most useful layer of all, because you can loosen it or wrap it tighter in seconds.
Wind deserves its own mention. Long avenues and open stretches along the rivers can funnel cold air, and wind is often what makes a 50-degree day feel much colder. Leather is good at blocking it, as we explain in our guide to how windproof a leather jacket is.
What to wear in NYC in November: outfits for men and women
Daytime outfits for women
- Early November: a black leather jacket with a shearling collar, a fine-knit turtleneck, straight jeans and flat ankle boots.
- Late November: a long leather coat over a chunky sweater, wide-leg trousers, a wool scarf and low block-heel boots.
Daytime outfits for men
- Early November: a leather jacket over a merino crewneck and oxford shirt, dark jeans and leather sneakers.
- Late November: a leather car coat over a quarter-zip sweater, chinos, Chelsea boots with rubber soles and a knit beanie.
Evening outfits
- For women: a long leather coat over a knit midi dress with opaque tights and heeled ankle boots, or a leather jacket over a satin blouse and tailored trousers.
- For men: a car coat over a fine black turtleneck, wool trousers and polished leather boots. A car coat is long enough to cover a blazer, which helps on dressier nights.
Our leather car coat guide has more on choosing one. These three pieces cover the month, from crisp early days to a cold Thanksgiving week:
Women's Black Lambskin Leather Jacket with Shearling Collar
Men's Black Cowhide Leather Car Coat
Women's Brown Lambskin Long Leather Coat
When is a long leather coat better than a jacket?
A jacket is perfect for mild days and lots of walking. A longer coat earns its place when:
- Temperatures drop into the 40s and below, especially after dark.
- You'll be standing still outdoors for a while, such as waiting in line or watching a parade.
- It's raining, since the extra length keeps your thighs and trousers drier.
- You're dressed up and want to cover a dress, skirt or blazer.
Long coats feel warmer and more formal but are heavier to carry around a warm museum. If you can only pack one, choose by date: a jacket for early November, a coat for the last week. Our women's leather coat guide walks through lengths and styles.
What should you do if it rains?
Genuine leather handles light rain well. Carry a compact umbrella, but expect the wind to make it awkward on street corners. If your jacket or coat gets wet, blot it with a towel, hang it on a wide hanger and let it dry at room temperature. Don't hang it over a hotel radiator or use a hair dryer, since fast heat can stiffen leather. Our guide to wearing a leather jacket in the rain has the full routine.
Watch the curbs, too. Water and slush collect at crosswalk corners, and a deep puddle can soak through mesh sneakers in one step.
Which shoes are best for walking NYC in November?
You'll probably walk more than you expect, so bring shoes that are already broken in. Good choices include:
- Leather sneakers, which handle damp sidewalks better than mesh.
- Chelsea or lace-up boots with rubber, treaded soles.
- Low block-heel ankle boots for evenings.
- Wool or wool-blend socks for the second half of the month.
Subway stairs and wet station floors are much easier in shoes with grip. Leave brand-new shoes at home.
What should you pack for New York in November?
- One leather jacket or coat, worn on the plane to save space (see our tips for traveling with a leather jacket)
- Two or three sweaters, including a turtleneck
- A few long-sleeve tops and T-shirts for layering
- Dark jeans plus one dressier pair of trousers or a skirt
- One evening outfit
- A scarf, a beanie and light gloves
- Water-resistant boots and comfortable sneakers
- A compact umbrella and a crossbody bag or tote
What should you know about Thanksgiving week?
Thanksgiving falls on the fourth Thursday of November, and the city gets busy. The Thanksgiving morning parade draws big crowds along its route in Manhattan, and many people arrive early to get a spot. Early morning is usually the coldest part of the day, so dress warmer than you think: a thermal layer, a long coat or lined jacket, a hat, gloves and thick socks.
The days after the holiday bring packed sidewalks and busy shops, with holiday markets in full swing. A crossbody bag and zip pockets keep your phone and wallet close, and a jacket you can unzip makes crowded stores more bearable.
FAQ
Is a leather jacket warm enough for New York in November?
For most of the month, yes, with a sweater underneath. By late November, especially at night, choose a lined jacket, one with a shearling collar, or a long leather coat, and add a scarf and gloves.
Does it snow in NYC in November?
Not often. Measurable snow is uncommon, and the monthly normal for Central Park is only about half an inch. Rain is far more likely, so plan for wet sidewalks rather than snow.
Can I wear sneakers in NYC in November?
Yes. Leather or water-resistant sneakers are a smart choice for long walking days. Save mesh styles for dry forecasts.
What should I wear to the Thanksgiving parade?
Dress for standing still in the cold for several hours: a thermal base layer, a warm sweater, a long coat or lined jacket, a hat, gloves, warm socks and comfortable waterproof boots.
Knowing what to wear in NYC in November comes down to smart layers, a wind-blocking outer layer and shoes made for walking. For a piece that takes you from crisp afternoons to cold holiday mornings, browse our leather coats and trench coats.