New Year's Eve weather forecast in NYC: it's going to be pretty freezing

New Yorkers planning to ring in 2026 outdoors should get ready for a very different kind of New Year’s Eve this year. According to AccuWeather, colder air is settling over the Northeast just in time for the city’s biggest celebrations, with flurries and biting temperatures possible as the clock counts down in Times Square.

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After a stormy stretch of post-Christmas weather across parts of the Midwest and Northeast, conditions are expected to improve overall heading into the holiday. Still, forecasters say New Year’s Eve itself could bring some lingering wintry trouble, especially for travelers moving through the Great Lakes and Northeast. Snow showers and brief periods of heavier downfall could slow things down, even as much of the country sees calmer conditions following back-to-back winter systems.

For New York City specifically, the forecast points to a cold, blustery night for the iconic ball drop. AccuWeather meteorologists say flurries may be in the air before midnight, adding a festive (if frosty) atmosphere to Times Square. Temperatures will be the bigger story. The "real feel" is expected to dip into the teens before the ball drops, with winds gusting up to around 15 miles per hour, making it feel even colder for revelers standing outside for hours.

“People heading out to the ball drop or other outdoor celebrations should bundle up. Flurries could be flying in Times Square before the ball drops,” AccuWeather meteorologist Elizabeth Danco said in an official statement. “The AccuWeather RealFeel Temperature before midnight will drop into the teens. Make sure you have a winter coat, hat, gloves and a scarf. Winds could gust around 15 mph.” Even those hopping between parties may feel the chill during late-night walks or subway waits.

This year’s forecast marks a sharp contrast from last New Year’s Eve, when much milder temperatures were paired with rain and thunderstorms that soaked partygoers across the city. While 2025’s farewell may feel 20 to 30 degrees colder than last year’s send-off, at least revelers won't lose an eye from umbrella spokes.

For many New Yorkers, that's a worthy trade. Cold, dry weather is a lot easier to dress for than surprise downpours, especially if you're hoping for fireworks to close out the year. Just don’t expect a steamy midnight kiss.