Hot take: Visiting New York City during the holidays can be fun, but going right after the holidays is even better. After moving cross-country to the Big Apple two winters ago, I’ve found that January is an underrated time to visit the city. For one, flights to NYC are cheaper after the holiday rush. There are also fewer crowds, making sightseeing a calmer, more enjoyable experience. Plus, the city sees plenty of snow after January — and trust me, getting to walk through a snow-covered Central Park bundled up in a toasty puffer jacket is an unforgettable experience straight out of a Hallmark movie. 

That said, winter in New York is cold (like, really cold), so I recommend preparing your packing list with the right clothes and accessories before stepping on a flight to LaGuardia. If you’re unsure what to bring, look no further: I’ve scoured Amazon to handpick all of the winter travel essentials you’ll need to stay warm and comfortable on your trip, like rechargeable hand warmers and fleece-lined leggings. Plus, I’ve included some must-have accessories that are useful in any season, like RFID-blocking wallets and power banks, starting at $14.

Binacl Women’s Hooded Puffer Coat

A thick winter coat will be your first line of defense against New York’s frigid windchills. This windproof, water-resistant puffer coat is stuffed with alternative down filling and has elastic rib-knit wrist cuffs to trap body heat. Available in seven colors and sizes up to 3XL, this puffer coat also comes with a removable faux fur hood, multiple interior and exterior pockets, and a button and zipper front closure for extra warmth. The best part? It’s on sale for just $75 with an on-site coupon. 

Chanyarn Women’s 100% Merino Wool V-neck Sweater

When it comes to winter-friendly fabrics, merino wool is hard to beat. Its fine, natural fibers trap heat, making it a great insulator. But it also has natural moisture-wicking properties that promote sweat evaporation, keeping you dry and comfortable when the weather warms up. Merino wool can be pricey, but you can snag this 100 percent merino wool sweater for just $48. It has a flattering V-neck design and ribbed arm cuffs, and it’s made from lightweight Australian wool, making it suitable for year-round wear.

Thermajane Women’s Long Johns Thermal Base Layers

You’ll want to layer up if your winter NYC itinerary involves sightseeing or walking tours. For super active days, I recommend wearing base layers for additional warmth, and these Thermajane long johns are a great pick. They’re on sale for $23 and come as a matching set with a long-sleeved top and bottoms, available up to size 3XL. The stretchy fleece fabric keeps you warm while wicking away sweat. Not only are the great for layering, but, the top and bottom can also be worn separately as a regular long-sleeved shirt or leggings, giving you more travel outfit options without taking up extra luggage space.  

Baleaf Women’s Fleece-lined Leggings

I love how versatile leggings are for trips: You can throw on an oversized hoodie for a no-fuss airplane outfit, or wear them underneath a sweater dress for extra coverage. Unfortunately, wearing standard athletic leggings alone just won’t cut it during an NYC winter (believe me, I’ve tried). I now have several pairs of fleece-lined leggings in my rotation for wintry outings, and this $38 pair from Baleaf has become one of my favorites for traveling. 

These leggings have ultra-deep side pockets on each thigh that can easily fit my smartphone and wallet. They also have a secret zippered pocket in the waistband for stashing my keys and extra cash. They’re water-resistant on the outside and fleece-lined on the inside, and you can choose from 24 colors and sizes up to 3XL. With over 8,000 five-star ratings, shoppers rave about how warm and well-fitting they are.  One reviewer shared that they’re “toasty and warm” and kept them comfortable on a recent trip to the European Christmas Markets. 

Hobibear Women’s Winter Snow Boots

You might be thinking, “Why do I need snow boots in New York?” As I look out my apartment window, I see a patch of icy pavement that hasn’t been salted and isn’t seeing much foot traffic. That’s where snow boots, like these cozy Hobibear ones, come in handy. They have grippy rubber outsoles that provide traction and stability on icy surfaces, preventing an embarrassing spill in Central Park. These lace-up boots also have a fluffy faux fur cuff and a mid-calf shaft to keep your feet warm, plus a waterproof upper to keep melted snow, sleet, and rain out.

Miady USB Portable Chargers 2-pack

Don’t let the skyscrapers and flashing lights fool you: Tracking down a proper place to charge your phone in the middle of New York City can be a hassle. To keep your phone powered while you’re out exploring, grab this two-pack of portable chargers. For just $18, these Miady chargers have two USB-A outputs and one USB-C output, allowing you to charge up to three devices at once. They’re compact enough to slip into your handbag, and they’ve racked up over 76,000 five-star ratings from Amazon shoppers for their quality and functionality. 

Mysuntown Trapper Winter Hat

Trust me on this: You don’t want to leave your ears exposed during a New York City winter (and no, a beanie won’t cut it). Cold ears aren’t just uncomfortable — they can seriously hurt after just a few minutes of exposure. That’s why I recommend a hat  that completely covers your ears and blocks the wind, like this $20 trapper hat. It’s lined with soft faux fur, has extra-long ear flaps, and even comes with a removable face mask to shield your cheeks, mouth, and nose from the wind. The adjustable chin strap keeps everything snug and warm, and the waterproof outer shell will protect you from rain, sleet, and snow. 

Travelon Anti-theft Classic Messenger Bag

Theft can happen anywhere, but the crowded streets of bigger cities can raise your odds of becoming a victim. This messenger bag from Travelon isn’t your ordinary travel purse; it’s made with a five-point anti-theft security system to ward off pickpockets. With an ultra-durable nylon exterior, it comes with locking zippers, a hidden zip pocket, a slash-resistant lining, and RFID-blocking card sleeves to safeguard your personal information. Roomy and reliable, many Amazon shoppers say it’s “perfect for travel” — and right now, you can get it for 40 percent off.

Lavemi RFID-blocking Leather Wallet

If you prefer to explore without a bag, opt for an anti-theft wallet. This Lavemi wristlet has a 100 percent genuine leather exterior, a durable cloth lining, and an RFID-blocking material in the middle. It has 17 card slots, a clear ID slot, a pen holder, and two cash compartments. It’s spacious enough to hold a smartphone yet slim enough to slip into a deep coat pocket. Plus, it comes in 51 color choices and has earned over 16,000 five-star ratings at Amazon. 

Koxly Waterproof Windproof 3M-insulated Gloves 

Like your ears, face, and feet, your hands are especially susceptible to cold weather. If you’re heading to New York City this season, ditch the knitted gloves and opt for something more practical. These weatherproof gloves from Koxly come in five sizes and have ribbed cuffs and adjustable straps to prevent wind from creeping in. A waterproof TPU material keeps your hands dry, while polar fleece keeps them warm. Plus, the gloves come with touchscreen-sensitive fingertips, allowing you to capture memories on your phone without taking them off. 

Ocoopa Magnetic Hand Warmers 2-pack

If you want to keep your hands super warm, I recommend packing a set of rechargeable hand warmers. Disposable hand warmers can take up a lot of room in your carry-on, and they’re wasteful. While they might cost less up front, you’ll only get a few hours of heat before tossing them out.

On the other hand, these $20 Ocoopa hand warmers can be used over and over again and take up about the same space as your phone. They havethree heat settings, with the highest reaching 125 degrees Fahrenheit, and they come with magnetic panels tokeep them together while you travel. With over 3,000 five-star ratings at Amazon, one reviewer called them “a sustainable and convenient solution,” noting that they’re great for both kids and adults. 

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.