What January feels like in New York
Winter bottoms out in January, the coolest month of New York's year. It is cold outside for most of the day; indoor breaks come as a relief. Little changes after sunset — nights drop well below freezing, only slightly below the daytime level. Damp air makes the cold feel rawer than the numbers alone suggest.
Rain in New York in January
Expect a mix of dry and wet days, with rain about one day in 3. Rain tends to come in heavy bursts: about 9.2 mm (0.4 in) on an average rainy day. The yearly figure is similar, around 10 mm per wet day. It is among the three driest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in January
Mid-month, New York gets 9 h 33 min of daylight, from sunrise near 7:18 am to sunset near 4:51 pm. Since mid-December the day has gained 16 min. About 68% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, there are plenty of bright spells.
How January compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, January comes out as the coolest month in New York. Compared with December, afternoons are 2.7°C (4.9°F) cooler, with 28 mm less rain. From here it only gets warmer, starting with February. The next month's average high: 5°C (41°F).
Who January suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — it is cold for long walks.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — warm places to spend the coldest part of the day.
Tips for visiting New York in January
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Warm Layers
A proper winter coat, with gloves and a hat for early starts.
Quick questions
How warm is New York in January?
Expect around 3.9°C (39°F) in the afternoon and -3.8°C (25.2°F) at night, which most visitors would call cold.
Does it rain a lot in New York in January?
Quite a lot — 83 mm spread over about 9 days.
What should I wear in New York in January?
Based on the averages: rain protection and warm layers. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is January or February better for visiting New York?
February, narrowly: it ranks #10 of 12 among New York's months, against #12 for the other. February is warmer.