New York City Weather in January
With daytime temperatures of 4°C (39°F) and nighttime lows of -2°C (28°F), January in New York City brings low temperatures during the day. Do keep in mind that quite a bit of snow/rainfall is typical. Around 94 mm (3.7 in) falls on average.
Rainfall in New York City in January
Based on our climate data of the past 30 years, about 12 days of snow/rain are anticipated, with 94 mm (3.7 in) on average. Individual showers can be quite heavy this month. A proper umbrella or rain jacket is worth having.
Temperature in New York City in January
Expect highs of 4°C (39°F) in New York City in January, with nights dropping to around -2°C (28°F). The winter season is characteristic of January. Cold conditions tend to persist from morning through evening, so be prepared for winter weather. With overnight lows of -2°C (28°F), temperatures fall below freezing at night. An extra thick blanket can make a real difference if your accommodation runs cold. This is usually the coldest month of the year, so be sure to prepare with plenty of winter gear.
Sunshine in New York City in January
With about 161 hours of sunshine, the area enjoys a nice balance of sun and overcast, creating a pleasant environment.
Wind Speed in New York City in January
Wind speeds average 6 m/s (12 knots) during January. At this speed, expect strong winds that make large branches move and create some resistance when walking. Since this is an average, some days have fresh winds while others have strong breezes that can make umbrellas tricky to control.
Average water temperature in January
At 6°C (43°F), the water is very cold. Most people find it too uncomfortable for anything beyond a brief wade.January in New York City has its charm, but if you're looking for destinations with pleasant temperatures and sunny skies, our weather planner can help you explore other options in the world.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the United States of America, check out our New York City's climate page.
New York City Temperature in January
Min Temperature
-2°C (28°F)
Max Temperature
4°C (39°F)
Water Temperature
6°C (43°F)
Chance of Rain
39%
Precipitation
94 mm (3.7 in)
Rainy days
12 days
Humidity
61%
Windspeed
6 m/s (12 knots)
Sunshine
161 hours
Percentage Sunshine
54%
Daily Historical Temperatures
51-year average (1976-2026)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in New York City typically stay consistent throughout January, with daily highs averaging around 4°C (39°F). Nights are very cold, with lows typically ranging from -5°C (23°F) to 0°C (32°F).
Average temperatures in January
Daily Historical Precipitation
51-year average (1976-2026)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in January
Historical weather for New York City in January
Browse day-by-day weather records for New York City spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
New York City historical weather extremes in January
Based on 49 years of weather observations (1976-2025), these are the most extreme conditions recorded in New York City.
- New York City recorded its highest January temperature of 22°C (72°F) on January 6, 2007.
- The lowest overnight temperature recorded in January was -20°C (-4°F) (January 21, 1985).
Best Places in the United States of America in January
Find out more about the weather in the United States of America and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of the United States of America in January →
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What to Wear in New York City in January
Dress warmly and in layers for your trip to New York City in January. A good base layer system works wonders. Start with good thermal underwear, add something warm like a fleece sweater, then finish with a waterproof jacket on top. Expect heavy rainfall, so bring good rain protection and waterproof bags. With water temperatures around 6°C (43°F), the water is quite cold for swimming. You can skip the swimwear unless you're particularly tough. It won't hurt to bring your sunglasses along, as you'll see some sunny periods.What To Do in New York City in January
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the United States of America, check out our New York City's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp
See the full New York City climate overview or explore weather in the United States of America.
