The month in detail
What to expect in January
Winter in New York is cool (39°F during the day). Days are short (4.7h of sunshine) but the city reveals a different side. Rain risk remains low (24% of days), leaving good room for outdoor activities.
January ranks 10 out of 12 months in New York. Compared to December: −4°F daytime.
This month's conditions
What it's like in January
UV index
2 · low
no protection needed
Feels like
dry air
-5°
Sea
6°C
cold, for the brave
Daylight
9.4h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 30
Compare
Is January the right month?
The best month in New York is August (8.4/10), 4.4 pts higher than January.
Book
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
Stay
Hotels & rentals · New York
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
See ↓
Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →
🎟️ Activities & tours · New York
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
Practical info
What you need to know before you go
Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a beach trip.
Country · United States
🗣️LanguageEnglish
💶CurrencyUS Dollar ($)
🚗DrivingRight-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living ⓘExpensive · 4/5
🌡️ Climate
🌍Climate typeTemperate oceanic
📈Climate trend ⓘStable
🔥Hottest monthJuly · 86°F
❄️Coolest monthJanuary · 39°F
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘJuly · 33%
🏖️ Beach trip
📅Peak seasonJuin → Sept
🏖️Swell (Sept–Mar) ⓘModérée
Explore
Other destinations in January
If January doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.
Location
Where is New York ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
United StatesTemperate oceanic climate with a 8.4 → 4.0 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
40.71°N · 74.01°W
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit New York?
June is the best month with 79°F highs, 63°F lows, 7.9h of sunshine and 26.0% rainy days. The months of June & August offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does New York get in June?
New York averages 7.9 sunshine hours per day in June. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 7.9/10.
What is the rainiest month in New York?
January is the most unfavourable month with January has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in New York in June?
In June, overnight lows reach 63°F, while afternoon highs average 79°F.
Is New York good in winter?
In winter (December-February), New York scores 4.0/10 on average — Difficult period — prefer the peak season.. The best month overall remains June with a score of 7.9/10.
When should you avoid New York?
January is the most difficult month to visit New York, with January has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Can you swim in New York in January?
In January, the sea averages 42°F in New York: cold, for the brave. Best left to hardened swimmers or those with a wetsuit.
Do you need sun protection in New York in January?
The average UV index reaches 2 in January in New York (low), with about 9.4h of daylight. No protection needed.