Forecast-based guidance for visitors heading to New York City’s biggest holiday tradition.
Millions of visitors are preparing to line Manhattan’s streets for the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – but this year, the weather will be more than just background scenery. Forecasts point to a cold, breezy morning in New York City, with wind gusts strong enough to test the famous character balloons and the patience of anyone waiting for hours on the kerb.
According to the latest AccuWeather forecast, temperatures during the parade are expected to stay in the 40s°F (single digits °C) with winds that could gust between 20 and 30 mph. That combination will make it feel noticeably colder for spectators and balloon handlers along the 2.5-mile route.
Will the Macy’s balloons fly this year?
New York City has strict safety rules following past high-wind incidents. Under city regulations, the largest balloons cannot fly if sustained winds exceed around 23 mph or if gusts are forecast to top roughly 34–35 mph. In those conditions, police and parade officials can order balloons to be flown very low – or not flown at all.
As of now, forecasters expect winds to stay close to but generally below those thresholds. That means the parade itself is set to go ahead, and the balloons should be able to fly, though they may be kept lower to the ground and handled more cautiously if gusts ramp up earlier than expected. Visitors should be prepared for last-minute adjustments announced on local TV or social media on Thanksgiving morning.
For a full overview of the 2025 lineup – including 34 giant balloons, new floats and performance times – visitors can also check the official NYC parade guide before heading out.
What visitors should expect on the ground
Even if the balloons fly, the bigger risk for most visitors will be the wind chill. Standing outside from pre-dawn through late morning in a stiff northwest breeze can make temperatures in the 40s°F feel closer to the low 30s°F or even colder at street corners where wind funnels between tall buildings.
- Dress for a long freeze, not a short walk. Thermal base layers, thick socks, gloves, hats and a wind-proof coat will make a huge difference.
- Protect hands and feet. Chemical hand warmers and insulated boots help, especially for children who move less in the crowd.
- Plan your warm-up breaks. Identify cafés, subway stations or indoor spaces along your route so you can step inside if someone in your group feels unwell.
If you are travelling on from the parade to visit family or make a longer drive in changing conditions, it may also be worth reviewing a detailed thunderstorm and travel-weather alert guide to understand how sudden downpours, crosswinds and low visibility can affect holiday journeys.
Best viewing tactics in breezy conditions
In windy setups, not all sections of the route feel the same. North-south avenues can offer slightly more shelter than exposed east-west streets, but intersections are often gustiest. Families with young children or older visitors may be more comfortable a little further back from the corners, where the crowds help block some of the wind.
- Arrive earlier than usual. Security screening and packed viewing zones can take longer when everyone is layered up and moving slowly.
- Consider slightly lower-profile spots. Areas away from TV cameras may be less crowded and easier to exit if conditions worsen.
- Follow live updates. Keep an eye on New York weather alerts, NYPD and parade channels in case balloon heights are reduced or parts of the route are adjusted.
Forecast can still change – so stay flexible
Forecasts this close to Thanksgiving are usually reliable on temperature and the general wind trend, but precise gust speeds and timing can still shift. If a stronger surge of wind arrives earlier than anticipated, visitors could see some balloons walk lower or be pulled from the lineup for safety. Equally, slightly calmer conditions would mean a more classic skyline of giant characters above Manhattan.
For now, the message to visitors is simple: the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is expected to march on – but pack for a cold, breezy morning, build in warm-up breaks and be prepared for the balloons to fly lower than usual if safety rules demand it.
