Last updated: February 24, 2025
January in New York City showcases a remarkable contrast in weather, with maximum temperatures reaching 18°C (64°F) and minimum plunging to -18°C (-1°F). The month averages around 1°C (34°F), enveloped in an environment characterized by high humidity at 84%. Residents can expect about 67 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation over approximately 7 days, leading to a blend of chilly winds and occasional winter flurries. This captivating winter month invites both locals and visitors to experience the unique charm of New York City amid its cool, diverse climate.
In New York City, January is characterized by a chilly embrace, with temperatures that dip as low as -18°C (1°F). The month finds an average temperature of 1°C (34°F), suggesting that winter is firmly settled in the city. Interestingly, a rare peak in temperature can reach up to 18°C (64°F), providing a brief respite from the winter chill. While the cold persists, February remains slightly warmer, with temperatures reaching up to 20°C (68°F), hinting at a gradual shift toward spring. The consistent drop in minimum temperatures from January through March, coupled with an increase in average highs, indicates a transition from the depths of winter to the promise of warmer days ahead. As the month progresses, those frigid lows gradually ease, welcoming the first hints of spring and the vibrant energy that defines New York.
In January 2023, New York City experienced a relatively moderate level of precipitation, accumulating 67 mm (2.7 in) over just 7 days. This marks a lighter start to the year compared to the following month, February, which saw a significant uptick in rainfall, reaching 102 mm (4.0 in) across 10 days. As winter transitions into spring, precipitation tends to increase, with April and May showcasing the peak months. This trend reflects the typical seasonal shifts, with January’s drier conditions providing a stark contrast to the wetter weather that follows. Notably, January's precipitation amount aligns with historical averages, reinforcing its character as a brisk, cold month with just enough moisture to herald the arrival of higher rainfall patterns in the months ahead.
In January, New York City experiences its peak humidity levels at a brisk 84%, making the air feel particularly damp and crisp as winter reaches its zenith. This trend of high humidity continues into February, though it dips slightly to 82%. As spring approaches, the moisture levels gradually decline, with March and April showcasing lower percentages of 81% and 78%, respectively. By May, the humidity drops more significantly to 69%, signaling the transition into warmer months. Interestingly, summer months like July and August display even lower humidity levels at 62% and 65%, offering a brief respite from the earlier winter chill. However, a slight increase is observed in the fall, with October at 74% and November returning to 82%, reminiscent of early winter conditions. Throughout the year, this seesawing of humidity creates a dynamic atmosphere, influencing everything from the feel of the air to the health of the city's vibrant ecosystem.
In January, New York City experiences a moderate UV Index of 3, indicating a burn time of 30 minutes for unprotected skin. As winter progresses into February, the UV Index rises to 5, maintaining the moderate exposure category but heralding the stronger sunlight of the approaching spring months. By March, the UV Index increases to 6, shifting to a high exposure level with a reduced burn time of just 25 minutes. The trend continues dramatically upward through the spring, with April and May reaching very high levels at 8 and 10 respectively, cutting burn times down to a mere 15 minutes. The summer months of June and July see equivalent values of 10 and 9, sustaining the intensity of the sun's rays. As the seasons transition into fall, the UV Index begins to decline, dropping to 6 in October and 4 in November, before plummeting to 2 in December, indicating a low exposure category with a lengthened burn time of 45 minutes. This clear seasonal pattern underscores the importance of sun protection year-round, particularly as the UV Index peaks during the warmer months. For more detailed information, visit New York City UV Index.
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In January, New York City experiences 148 hours of sunshine, marking the beginning of the year with a subdued light that gradually warms up the skies in the following months. As winter gives way to early spring, February sees an increase to 177 hours, hinting at brighter days ahead. By March, the sunshine significantly ramps up to 248 hours, invigorating the city as it transitions to a spring ambiance. This upward trend continues, peaking in July with a dazzling 339 hours, showcasing the summer's radiant embrace. Even in August, the sun remains generous with 309 hours, before beginning its descent in brightness as autumn approaches. With the city basking in a total of 271 hours in May and a still robust 272 hours in September, there’s a delightful extension of sunny days that gradually tapers to 175 hours by December. This rhythm not only marks the changing seasons but also invites residents and visitors alike to revel in the beauty and vibrancy of New York City throughout the year.
In January, New York City enjoys a 48% chance of sunny weather, making it one of the more favorable months for sun in the winter season. This likelihood stands in contrast to February's decline to 31%, showing a notable drop as the city braces for deeper winter chill. Interestingly, as spring approaches, the chances of sunshine rebound significantly in March to a whopping 57%, highlighting a clear upward trend as temperatures begin to rise. April and May present moderate rates of 45% and 42% respectively, while the summer months see a slight decrease, notably hitting a low of 29% in August. Overall, January marks a promising start to the year with a decent chance of clear skies, setting the stage for the sunny months ahead.
In January, New York City enjoys a modest 9 hours of daylight, setting the stage for a gradual, uplifting transition as the months progress. By February, the daylight increases to 10 hours, hinting at the impending arrival of spring. March and April see a delightful escalation, with 11 and 13 hours respectively, inviting residents to embrace longer days filled with sunlight. As May blooms into summer, daylight peaks at 14 hours, offering an abundance of time for outdoor activities. Though daylight begins to wane in June with 15 hours, this slow decline continues through the summer months, dropping back to 12 hours in September. The rhythm of the seasons becomes most pronounced in the following months, as both October and November return to 11 and 9 hours of daylight, mirroring the waning brightness of the winter months. January closes the cycle once again with a return to those early hours of light, underscoring the city's dynamic dance with the sun throughout the year.
In January, New York City experiences an average wind speed of 3.5 m/s (8 mph), making it one of the breezier months as winter grips the city. This brisk wind carries into February, where speeds mildly decrease to 3.4 m/s, maintaining a consistent chill in the air. As we move into March, winds pick up slightly to 3.7 m/s, perhaps hinting at the arrival of spring. Remarkably, from April through May, wind speeds remain stable at 3.4 m/s and 3.3 m/s, respectively, creating a calm ambiance as flowers begin to bloom. A noticeable trend emerges during the summer months, where wind speeds gently decline — reaching a low of 2.5 m/s (6 mph) in August, reflecting a shift to more tranquil conditions. As autumn approaches, winds gradually rise again, averaging 3.1 m/s from September to November, before tapering off in December to 2.9 m/s. Overall, January stands out as a month of lively gusts, providing a brisk reminder of winter’s presence, while the seasonal transition reveals a dynamic ebb and flow of wind that characterizes New York City's ever-changing climate.
The weather in New York City changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of January's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in New York City and find detailed weather information for every month.
In comparison to January, February experiences slightly milder temperatures, with an average of 2°C (36°F) compared to January's 1°C (34°F). The minimum temperatures are quite similar, with January dipping to -18°C (-1°F) and February a notch warmer at -16°C (4°F). February also sees more precipitation, accumulating 102 mm (4.0 in) over 10 days, while January records 67 mm (2.7 in) over just 7 days. Humidity levels remain relatively close, with January at 84% and February at 82%. For more details on February's weather patterns, check out this link: New York City weather in February.
In January, temperatures can drop as low as -18°C (1°F) with an average of around 1°C (34°F) and occasional highs reaching 18°C (64°F). The month experiences about 67 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation over roughly 7 days, accompanied by a high humidity level of 84%. In contrast, March sees a significant rise in temperatures, with minimums around -9°C (16°F) and averages elevating to 5°C (42°F), peaking at 25°C (77°F). Precipitation increases to 98 mm (3.8 in) spread over about 10 days, while humidity slightly decreases to 81%. For more details on the weather in March, you can check New York City weather in March.
January weather is characterized by frigid temperatures, with a minimum of -18°C (1°F) and an average of just 1°C (34°F), while April brings a significant warming trend, featuring a minimum of -1°C (31°F) and an average of 11°C (52°F). In January, the region experiences frequent cold spells, and although it sees less precipitation than April—67 mm over 7 days compared to April's 112 mm over 12 days—the humidity remains relatively high at 84%. By April, while the humidity drops to 78%, the increase in warm temperatures and precipitation makes for a much more varied weather experience. For more detailed information, visit New York City weather in April.
In January, temperatures are significantly colder, with a minimum of -18°C (1°F) and an average of just 1°C (34°F), while May enjoys much warmer conditions, featuring a minimum of 3°C (37°F) and an average of 17°C (62°F). The maximum temperature in January reaches only 18°C (64°F), whereas May can see highs of up to 31°C (88°F). Precipitation is also more frequent in May, occurring on 13 days compared to January's 7 days, with May receiving 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain versus January's 67 mm (2.7 in). Additionally, humidity levels are higher in January at 84%, while May boasts a more comfortable 69%. For further details on what to expect, check out New York City weather in May.
January and June present two vastly different weather experiences. In January, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -18°C (1°F), with an average temperature of around 1°C (34°F), while the maximum rarely reaches above 18°C (64°F). The month typically sees 67 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation over about 7 days, accompanied by a high humidity level of 84%. In contrast, June brings a significant warming trend, with minimum temperatures starting at 10°C (50°F) and averaging 22°C (72°F), peaking at a scorching 35°C (94°F). This month experiences increased precipitation at 92 mm (3.6 in) over 13 days, but the humidity decreases to a more comfortable 69%. For a closer look at June's climate, check out New York City weather in June.
January and July present starkly contrasting weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plunge as low as -18°C (1°F) and average around 1°C (34°F), while the month enjoys 67 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation over 7 days, accompanied by high humidity at 84%. In contrast, July boasts much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 17°C (62°F) and an average reaching 26°C (78°F), peaking at 36°C (96°F). Despite being much hotter, July sees increased precipitation of 148 mm (5.8 in) over 13 days, but with lower humidity levels at 62%. For detailed insights on July's weather, you can check New York City weather in July.
January's weather presents a stark contrast to that of August. In January, temperatures can plunge to a chilling minimum of -18°C (1°F), while the average hovers around 1°C (34°F) and peaks at a mild 18°C (64°F). With a high humidity of 84% and 67 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation over about 7 days, the month often feels cold and damp. Conversely, August boasts much warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from a comfortable minimum of 16°C (61°F) to an average of 25°C (76°F), reaching highs of 34°C (93°F). Although it experiences more precipitation at 127 mm (5.0 in) across 14 days, the humidity is relatively lower at 65%. For a closer look at the warm weather in August, check out the details here: New York City weather in August.
January and September present strikingly different weather patterns. In January, temperatures drop significantly, with lows reaching as low as -18°C (1°F) and averaging around 1°C (34°F), while maxing out at a relatively mild 18°C (64°F). The month sees considerable precipitation, averaging 67 mm (2.7 in) over about 7 days, and a high humidity level of 84%. Conversely, September enjoys a much warmer climate, with minimum temperatures around 9°C (49°F) and averages reaching 21°C (70°F), peaking at a sizzling 33°C (92°F). The precipitation in September amounts to 92 mm (3.6 in) over 9 days, but humidity is lower at 68%. For more details on September's weather, you can check New York City weather in September.
In January, temperatures range from a frigid minimum of -18°C (1°F) to a mild maximum of 18°C (64°F), with an average temperature of around 1°C (34°F). The month sees around 67 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation over roughly 7 days, coupled with high humidity at 84%. In contrast, October offers a much warmer climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 4°C (39°F) to a maximum of 33°C (91°F) and an average of 16°C (61°F). However, it also experiences considerably more rainfall, accumulating 128 mm (5.0 in) over about 10 days, while humidity is notably lower at 74%. For more insights, check out New York City weather in October.
When comparing the weather in January and November, notable differences emerge in temperature and precipitation patterns. January experiences colder conditions with an average temperature of 1°C (34°F) and can dip as low as -18°C (-1°F), while November enjoys a milder average of 8°C (47°F), with maximum temperatures reaching up to 24°C (75°F). Precipitation is slightly higher in November at 83 mm (3.3 in), compared to January’s 67 mm (2.7 in), with both months experiencing roughly a week of rainy days. Humidity levels remain fairly consistent, with January at 84% and November at 82%. For more details, check out New York City weather in November.
In January, temperatures tend to be colder than in December, with January experiencing a minimum of -18°C (1°F) compared to December’s -11°C (13°F). Despite both months having the same maximum temperature of 18°C (64°F), January's average temperature is slightly lower at 1°C (34°F), opposed to December’s average of 4°C (39°F). Additionally, January sees less precipitation, with 67 mm (2.7 in) over 7 days, while December has higher precipitation levels of 106 mm (4.2 in) spread across 10 days. Humidity levels in January are also higher at 84%, compared to December's 80%. For more details, you can check New York City weather in December.
January in New York City brings a stark contrast to the bustling vibrancy experienced in other months. As the coldest month of the year, temperatures often dip to chilly lows, with an average hovering around freezing. Despite occasional warmer days that can feel like a welcome reprieve, the biting cold is punctuated by a notable increase in humidity, making the air feel heavier. Additionally, precipitation shows up in the form of light snow or rain, leading to a few days of winter precipitation that adds charm to the city's skyline. This wintry scene stands in sharp relief against the warmer, sunnier conditions of spring and summer, offering a unique perspective on the city's diverse climate. To learn more about the broader weather patterns, visit New York City Climate.