New York City

New York State Weather in January

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in New York State, the United States of America in January.

Planning a trip to New York State, the United States of America this January? Here's what you need to know about the weather:

What to Expect in New York State in January

New York State, the United States of America is a region in the United States of America. January in New York State generally has temperatures that range from very cold to cold, with precipitation levels ranging from moderate to high. January falls during the winter season.

Temperatures

During the day the temperature is very cold in Massena at -3°C (27°F) and cold in Garden City at 5°C (41°F). As night falls, temperatures generally drop to -3°C (27°F) in Garden City and -13°C (9°F) in Massena. Typically, it's the chilliest month of the year. Making it a great time for staying indoors and enjoying the warmth. Make sure you're prepared by packing the right winter outfits.

For a closer look at conditions across New York State, the United States of America, refer to the map below.

Precipitation

In January, precipitation varies across different areas. From moderate snow/rainfall in Geneseo with an average of 39 mm (1.5 in) to high snow/rainfall in Pulaski with 129 mm (5.1 in).

Average sunshine

Most places get a reasonable amount of sunshine. Take New York City as an example - it receives around 161 hours of sunlight, offering a nice mix of sunny and partly cloudy days. Want to compare this with brighter destinations? Try our weather planner to explore your options.

Explore New York State by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in New York State — and find the best time to visit. (based on New York City)

Best Places to Visit in New York State in January

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across New York State.

perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

Popular Destinations in New York State

What is the weather like in January for some of the most popular destinations in New York State, the United States of America?

Temperature range in New York State (January)

Precipitation variation in New York State (January)

New York City

In January New York City generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 4°C (39°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -2°C (28°F) and moderate monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
8°C (46°F)
4°C (39°F)
5°C (41°F)
Min temperature
2°C (36°F)
-2°C (28°F)
-3°C (27°F)
Monthly sun hours
141 hours
161 hours
162 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
127 mm (5 in)
94 mm (3.7 in)
84 mm (3.3 in)
Monthly rainy days
11 days
12 days
10 days
Weather conditions

Brooklyn

In January Brooklyn generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 5°C (41°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -3°C (27°F) and moderate monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
8°C (46°F)
5°C (41°F)
5°C (41°F)
Min temperature
1°C (34°F)
-3°C (27°F)
-3°C (27°F)
Monthly sun hours
141 hours
161 hours
162 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
130 mm (5.1 in)
94 mm (3.7 in)
88 mm (3.5 in)
Monthly rainy days
11 days
11 days
10 days
Weather conditions

Queens

In January Queens generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 4°C (39°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -2°C (28°F) and moderate monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
8°C (46°F)
4°C (39°F)
5°C (41°F)
Min temperature
2°C (36°F)
-2°C (28°F)
-3°C (27°F)
Monthly sun hours
141 hours
161 hours
162 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
127 mm (5 in)
94 mm (3.7 in)
85 mm (3.3 in)
Monthly rainy days
11 days
12 days
10 days
Weather conditions

Buffalo

In January Buffalo generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 0°C (32°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -7°C (19°F) and moderate monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
4°C (39°F)
0°C (32°F)
-1°C (30°F)
Min temperature
-3°C (27°F)
-7°C (19°F)
-8°C (18°F)
Monthly sun hours
68 hours
93 hours
109 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
114 mm (4.5 in)
75 mm (3 in)
73 mm (2.9 in)
Monthly rainy days
18 days
20 days
17 days
Weather conditions

Staten Island

In January Staten Island generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 5°C (41°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -3°C (27°F) and moderate monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
8°C (46°F)
5°C (41°F)
5°C (41°F)
Min temperature
1°C (34°F)
-3°C (27°F)
-3°C (27°F)
Monthly sun hours
141 hours
161 hours
162 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
126 mm (5 in)
88 mm (3.5 in)
80 mm (3.1 in)
Monthly rainy days
12 days
10 days
10 days
Weather conditions

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in New York State, in the United States of America.

Popular cities in January

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in New York State in January.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
New York City 4°C (39°F) -2°C (28°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Brooklyn 5°C (41°F) -3°C (27°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Queens 4°C (39°F) -2°C (28°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Buffalo 0°C (32°F) -7°C (19°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Staten Island 5°C (41°F) -3°C (27°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Bronx 4°C (39°F) -3°C (27°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)

New York State weather in January: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in New York State, the United States of America in January?

Expect poor weather across New York State, the United States of America in January. The popular destination of New York City averages 4°C (39°F) by day and -2°C (28°F) at night during this winter month.

What is the average temperature in New York State, the United States of America in January?

In New York City, the average daytime high in January is 4°C (39°F), while nighttime temperatures drop to around -2°C (28°F).

Does New York State, the United States of America get a lot of snow/rain in January?

January is on the drier side in New York State, the United States of America. New York City averages only about 94 mm (3.7 in), with most days staying dry.

Is January a Good Time to Visit New York State, the United States of America?

Given the typically poor weather conditions in New York City, January may not be the ideal time to visit New York State, the United States of America.

Generally speaking, September provides perfect weather in New York City. On the other hand, the weather in January, February, March and December tend to be poor.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in New York State.

Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to the United States of America? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in the United States of America.

Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

Bucket list

Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.