What to pack for New York City in April

12 rain days a month finds every seam. A real shell, not a windbreaker.

Lows around 43°F. Goes under the shell when the wind picks up.

Wear one, dry one. Cotton stays wet all week here.

The layer you'll wear more than any other.

Wind at 23 km/h pulls heat from your head on riverside walks.

UV index hits 7.4 in April sun, even on cool days.

Water reflects off the Hudson and pavement at a UV index of 7.4, burning eyes without protection.

Coastal humidity at 66% keeps insects active near parks and water.

Check ankles and, if there's a dog, paws and ears every night.

Urban hiking and transit mean minor cuts and scrapes need cleaning.

Phones drain faster in cold April air, and charging stations in transit hubs charge by the minute.

Overhead bins fit this size on every regional flight out of the city.

Day trips to parks near the city need a separate small pack.

Fits the overhead on every airline that matters. Skip the checked-bag line entirely.

For the passport, the chargers, and the one dry pair of socks.

Lows of 43°F and wind chill make your neck vulnerable during the day.

UV hits 7.4 here. Long sleeves beat reapplying sunscreen every hour.

Thirteen hours of daylight expose your face to serious UV rays.

Treat the clothes once and it lasts weeks.

Tap water is safe; a bottle beats buying drinks every few hours.

One brick charges the laptop, phone, and camera.

Busy transit hubs and crowded trains make bags easy to lose.

Twelve rain days mean damp clothes compress differently than dry ones.

Two weeks in one bag requires laundry by day ten.

Lows around 43°F. One blanket that packs small covers the car, the campsite and the beach at sunset.

Layering matters when highs are only 61°F and sun won't warm you much.

Twelve rain days means wet boots trap moisture that breeds fungus and rot.

Wind and sun dry lips fast; SPF prevents cracking.

Crowds and subway poles require frequent hand washing without a sink.

Insect bites itch harder when you're already sunburned.

Multiple devices and one hotel outlet make short cables essential.

Hostels and shared accommodations require locks on your gear.

Damp clothes from twelve rain days need to dry separately from toiletries in shared bathroom spaces.