Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Manhattan in January
This is the coldest month in Manhattan: highs average 36°F (2°C) and lows 22°F (-6°C), with about 3.2 in (81 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 42/100 (11th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 36°F (2°C)
- Avg low
- 22°F (-6°C)
- Rain or snow
- 3.2 in (81 mm)
- Humidity
- 87%
- Cloud cover
- 69%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 23 min
- Comfort score
- 42/100 · Tough
What January feels like
Real cold sets in, with afternoon highs around 36°F (2°C).
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 22°F (-6°C), so expect frost and ice.
Expect about 3.2 in (81 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because the average temperature is below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Daylight is short, roughly 9 h 23 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May and September & October.
- Comfort holds steady from December (40 → 42/100).
- Our NYC Cultural Weekend route recommends Sep – Nov, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 22°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 3.2 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Manhattan in January
With highs near 36°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Russ & Daughters
Fourth-generation appetizing shop for smoked fish, bagels and babka.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 36°F.
The Dead Rabbit
Irish pub and cocktail parlor in the Financial District, known for its Irish coffee.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Katz's Delicatessen
Lower East Side deli serving hand-cut pastrami on rye since 1888.
Why now A cozy break on a 36°F day.
Museum of Modern Art
Van Gogh, Picasso, Warhol and a strong design collection across six floors in Midtown.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 36°F.
Times Square
The billboards and Broadway theaters are at their best after dark.
Nearby in January
- New York City in January~5 mi · highs 38°F, 3.9 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Beacon in January~50 mi · highs 34°F, 3.0 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Philadelphia in January~85 mi · highs 38°F, 3.1 in rain or snow · 1°C (3°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Hudson in January~102 mi · highs 32°F, 2.9 in rain or snow · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, about as wet
These averages also cover Museum Mile.
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Manhattan in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Manhattan?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 42/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are May and September & October. Expect highs of 36°F (2°C) and 3.2 in (81 mm) of rain or snow. Our NYC Cultural Weekend route recommends Sep – Nov, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Manhattan in January?
Average highs are 36°F (2°C) and average lows 22°F (-6°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Manhattan in January?
Some: about 3.2 in (81 mm) of rain or snow falls across January on average, the 2nd-driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 48.7 in (1236 mm).
What should I pack for Manhattan in January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 22°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 3.2 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Manhattan
Planning Manhattan in January?
Share this January plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.