Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
New York City in January
This is the coldest month in New York City: highs average 38°F (4°C) and lows 29°F (-1°C), with about 3.9 in (99 mm) of rain.
With a comfort score of 42/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 38°F (4°C)
- Avg low
- 29°F (-1°C)
- Rain
- 3.9 in (99 mm)
- Humidity
- 82%
- Cloud cover
- 62%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 24 min
- Comfort score
- 42/100 · Tough
What January feels like
Real cold sets in, with afternoon highs around 38°F (4°C).
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 29°F (-1°C), so expect frost and ice.
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 3.9 in (99 mm).
It's breezy, with average winds near 12 mph (5.2 m/s) at ground level.
Only about 9 h 24 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May and July – October.
- Freezing nights return: average lows drop to 29°F.
- Comfort slips from 45/100 in December to 42/100.
- Our Hudson Valley by Rail route recommends Apr – Nov, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 29°F
- Shoes with gripfrost and ice are possible
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 3.9 in of rain
- Windproof shellaverage wind 12 mph
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in New York City in January
With highs near 38°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Katz's Delicatessen
Lower East Side deli since 1888 for hand-carved pastrami on rye.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 38°F.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Vast art museum on Central Park; the rooftop garden opens in summer.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 38°F.
Russ & Daughters
Appetizing shop since 1914 for lox, bagels and smoked fish.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
The Campbell
Restored 1920s office of a tycoon, now a cocktail bar inside Grand Central.
Why now A cozy break on a 38°F day.
Grand Central Terminal
Beaux-Arts station with the celestial ceiling; Hudson Line trains to Beacon leave here.
Nearby in January
- Manhattan in January~5 mi · highs 36°F, 3.2 in rain or snow · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, drier
- Beacon in January~55 mi · highs 34°F, 3.0 in rain or snow · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, drier
- Philadelphia in January~81 mi · highs 38°F, 3.1 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, drier
- Hudson in January~107 mi · highs 32°F, 2.9 in rain or snow · 4°C (7°F) cooler by day, drier
These averages also cover Brooklyn, DUMBO & Brooklyn Heights and Midtown Manhattan.
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.
New York City in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit New York City?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 42/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are May and July – October. Expect highs of 38°F (4°C) and 3.9 in (99 mm) of rain. Our Hudson Valley by Rail route recommends Apr – Nov, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is New York City in January?
Average highs are 38°F (4°C) and average lows 29°F (-1°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it rain a lot in New York City in January?
Some: about 3.9 in (99 mm) of rain falls across January on average, the 3rd-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 51.7 in (1313 mm).
What should I pack for New York City in January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 29°F), shoes with grip (frost and ice are possible), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 3.9 in of rain), windproof shell (average wind 12 mph) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on New York City
Planning New York City in January?
Share this January plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.