New York · January
Low seasonUSA · North America
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 5° (41°)-6– (21–)16 (61) | 6° (43°)-2– (28–)17 (63) | 11° (52°)0– (32–)23 (73) | 17° (63°)8– (46–)28 (82) | 22° (72°)12– (54–)31 (88) | 27° (81°)19– (66–)33 (91) | 30° (86°)23– (73–)35 (95) | 29° (84°)23– (73–)34 (93) | 25° (77°)18– (64–)32 (90) | 19° (66°)10– (50–)26 (79) | 13° (55°)3– (37–)21 (70) | 8° (46°)-2– (28–)17 (63) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | -1° (30°)-12– (10–)7 (45) | -1° (30°)-10– (14–)8 (46) | 3° (37°)-6– (21–)11 (52) | 8° (46°)1– (34–)16 (61) | 14° (57°)7– (45–)22 (72) | 19° (66°)12– (54–)24 (75) | 23° (73°)17– (63–)26 (79) | 22° (72°)16– (61–)25 (77) | 18° (64°)11– (52–)23 (73) | 12° (54°)4– (39–)19 (66) | 6° (43°)-2– (28–)15 (59) | 2° (36°)-7– (19–)9 (48) |
☀️Sunshine | 5h UV 4 | 6h UV 5 | 7h UV 6 | 7h UV 7 | 8h UV 7 | 8h UV 8 | 8h UV 8 | 8h UV 7 | 7h UV 6 | 6h UV 5 | 6h UV 4 | 4h UV 3 |
🌊Water Temp | 5° (41°) | 4° (39°) | 6° (43°) | 9° (48°) | 14° (57°) | 19° (66°) | 22° (72°) | 23° (73°) | 22° (72°) | 18° (64°) | 13° (55°) | 9° (48°) |
🌧Rain Days | 7d100mm (3.9") | 7d82mm (3.2") | 7d103mm (4.0") | 7d112mm (4.4") | 8d98mm (3.9") | 8d106mm (4.2") | 8d123mm (4.8") | 8d124mm (4.9") | 6d98mm (3.9") | 7d117mm (4.6") | 6d81mm (3.2") | 9d115mm (4.5") |
Best travel time current monthØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Deep off-season — very low prices, but weather conditions are suboptimal.
January is the coldest winter month in New York — with highs of only 5°C (41°F), it holds little appeal for sun-seekers. Better travel in June and September.
Temperatures reach a maximum of 5°C (41°F) during the day and drop to -1°C (30°F) at night — warm layers recommended. Peaks reach around 16°C (61°F), the coldest nights around -12°C (10°F) — frost does occur. With 5 sunshine hours per day and 7 rain days (100 mm (3.9 in)), this is one of the cloudier months. At 5°C (41°F), the water is still quite cool in January — a wetsuit may be useful.
Pack warm clothing and sturdy footwear. Cool temperatures make hiking and cultural trips enjoyable — beaches are off the agenda.
Cold, clear winter days and a city in lights: ice rinks, shop-window displays and Christmas markets make December the high season. January and February are quieter and hotels cheaper, with museums and Broadway shows the best programme. Snow occasionally turns Central Park into a postcard.
Packing list for New York in January
- Winter coat
- Thermal clothing and warm layers
- Hat, scarf and gloves
- Warm, waterproof shoes
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Light umbrella or rain poncho
- Travel first-aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is January a good time to visit New York?
- No — January is not among the recommended months for New York (Score: 32/100). Climate conditions are unfavourable. For better conditions, consider June and September.
- How warm is it in New York in January?
- In January, New York sees daily highs of 5°C (41°F). Nights cool to -1°C (30°F), with a daily average of 2°C (36°F). Peaks reach around 16°C (61°F), the coldest nights around -12°C (10°F) — frost does occur.
- How much rain falls in New York in January?
- In January, New York receives an average of 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain over 7 rain days. An umbrella may occasionally be needed.
- How many sunshine hours does New York get in January?
- New York averages 5 sunshine hours per day in January — below the annual average.
- How warm is the water in New York in January?
- Water temperature in New York in January averages 5°C (41°F) — still quite cool — a wetsuit may be useful.
