January Weather in Washington Heights, United States

Last updated: February 24, 2025

In Washington Heights during January, the weather showcases a remarkable range of temperatures, with maximums reaching 18°C (64°F) and plunging to minimums of -18°C (-1°F). The average temperature hovers around a brisk 1°C (34°F), making for a chilly but diverse month. Residents can expect about 67 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation over approximately 7 days, contributing to an overall humidity level of 84%. This combination of temperatures and moisture creates a unique winter atmosphere in the heart of New York City, where layers and warm beverages become essential.

January Temperature in Washington Heights

In January, Washington Heights experiences a chilly grip, with temperatures ranging from a brisk -18°C (1°F) to a maximum of 18°C (64°F), creating a stark wintry landscape. As the month progresses, the average temperature hovers around 1°C (34°F), indicating a distinct chill but also hints of warmer days ahead as spring approaches. This trend of steadily rising temperatures continue into February and March, with February starting off slightly warmer at -16°C (4°F) and showing an increase in the maximum highs, which can reach 20°C (68°F) by the end of the month. By March, not only has the minimum temperature climbed to -9°C (16°F), but the average also rises to 5°C (42°F), creating a sense of anticipation for the warmer months. Thus, January sets the stage for a gradual transition, embodying the winter's chill while signaling the promising arrival of milder weather in the upcoming months.

January Weather in Washington Heights: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates January temperature patterns in Washington Heights, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec343642526272787670604638
Data source: Temperature data for Washington Heights generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

January Precipitation in Washington Heights

In January, Washington Heights experiences a moderate precipitation level of 67 mm (2.7 in), over the course of just 7 days. This sets the tone for the winter season, where precipitation generally remains lower compared to the spring and summer months. As the year progresses into February, rainfall increases significantly to 102 mm (4.0 in), heralding a trend of rising moisture that continues through the spring, peaking in April and May with amounts of 112 mm (4.4 in) and 114 mm (4.5 in), respectively. Notably, July sees the highest level of precipitation at 148 mm (5.8 in), associated with summer thunderstorms, while the trend tapers down again into the fall months, with October bringing 128 mm (5.0 in). Overall, January's relatively dry climate foreshadows a shift towards wetter conditions in the following months, reflecting the dynamic seasonal changes characteristic of the region.

January Precipitation Trends in Washington Heights

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Washington Heights, with values for each month alongside January's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the amount of precipitation, providing insights into how January's conditions compare to those of other months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec6710298112114921481279212883106
Data source: Precipitation data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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January Humidity in Washington Heights

In January, Washington Heights experiences a notable humidity level of 84%, marking one of the wettest months of the year. As the winter season transitions into February and March, humidity levels gradually decline to 82% and 81%, respectively, indicative of a slight shift towards drier conditions. However, this trend reverses in the colder months of October and November, where humidity surges back to 74% and 82%. By December, humidity settles at 80%, suggesting a consistent moisture presence as the year closes. Notably, the warm summer months witness a dip in humidity, with July recording the lowest point at 62%, allowing for a more comfortable atmosphere during those steamy days. Overall, January stands out as a month characterized by high humidity, setting the tone for the moisture patterns that prevail throughout the year in Washington Heights.

January Average Humidity in Washington Heights

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Washington Heights, with January's data highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the fluctuation in humidity throughout the year, allowing you to see how January's humidity levels compare to other months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec84%82%81%78%70%69%62%65%68%74%82%80%
Data source: Humidity data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

January UV Index in Washington Heights

In January, Washington Heights experiences a moderate UV Index of 3, suggesting that while sunscreen isn't mandatory, precaution is advisable for prolonged sun exposure, with a burn time of about 30 minutes. As the month progresses into February, the UV Index rises to 5, maintaining a similar exposure risk and burn time. This upward trend continues into March, with the index reaching 6, signifying high exposure and a slight decrease in burn time to 25 minutes. This pattern escalates dramatically in the spring, with April and May presenting UV Indexes of 8 and 10 respectively, pushing burn times down to a mere 15 minutes in a very high exposure category. Even June and July hold steady at these extreme levels, before tapering off slightly in August and September. The fall months see a gradual decline, leading to a low of 2 in December, which allows for a more generous 45-minute burn time. For more detailed insights, visit the Washington Heights UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Washington Heights for January

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Washington Heights in January, representing the highest UV radiation level. The UVI measures the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, indicating the potential risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec35681010998642
Data source: Washington Heights January UVI data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

January Sunshine in Washington Heights

In Washington Heights, January brings a modest 148 hours of sunshine, setting the tone for a gradual increase in daylight as the year unfolds. February follows suit with a slight rise to 177 hours, teasing the promise of early spring. However, by March, the sun starts to shine brighter, offering a substantial jump to 248 hours. As we move into April and May, the sun continues to grace the area with 238 and 271 hours respectively, highlighting the burgeoning energy of spring. The height of summer arrives in July, boasting an impressive 339 hours of sunshine—its peak—before gradually tapering off with 309 hours in August. The transition to fall sees a decrease in sunlight, down to 272 hours in September and further to 218 hours by October. As the year winds down, November and December offer 208 and 175 hours of sunshine, respectively, encapsulating the cyclical nature of daylight in this vibrant community. Throughout the year, Washington Heights experiences a dynamic rhythm of sunlight that invigorates its residents and paints the seasons in warm hues.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Washington Heights: January Highlighted

The January sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Washington Heights experiences direct sunlight during the month of January, excluding cloudy or obstructed periods. This chart compares the sunshine duration of January with the other months of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec148h177h248h238h271h310h339h309h272h218h208h175h
Data source: Washington Heights January Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Washington Heights During January

In Washington Heights, January boasts a 48% chance of sunny weather, making it the second brightest month of the winter season. As the year unfolds, the likelihood of sunshine tends to fluctuate, with a notable peak in March at 57%, suggesting a transition to spring warmth. However, January stands out as a relatively optimistic start to the year compared to the darker depths of December and February, which drop to 31% and 31%, respectively. As temperatures rise in the spring, the chances of sunshine also brighten, indicating that while January may be chilly, it’s a month where residents can still expect to enjoy nearly half their days bathed in light. This early glimpse of sun serves as a refreshing reminder that winter will soon give way to the more vibrant and sun-kissed months ahead.

Percentage of Sunny Days in January in Washington Heights

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Washington Heights throughout the year, with January highlighted. It highlights the variation in sunshine across each month and provides an overview of the typical frequency of sunny days, offering insights into how often Washington Heights experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec48%31%57%45%42%39%43%29%45%37%55%31%
Data source: Washington Heights January chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Washington Heights in January

In Washington Heights, January marks the start of a gradual increase in daylight, with 9 hours of sunlight to kick off the year. This trend towards longer days continues into February, adding an extra hour of light, and reaches 11 hours by March. As spring approaches, daylight peaks at 14 hours in May, providing a vibrant atmosphere that encourages outdoor activities. The sun lingers even longer during the summer months, with June boasting 15 hours of daylight. However, as July gives way to August, daylight begins to wane, gradually decreasing to 13 hours and continuing the decline into fall. By November, daylight returns to 9 hours, mirroring its January counterpart. This cyclical pattern beautifully underscores the transition between the seasons, emphasizing the dynamic rhythm of light in Washington Heights throughout the year.

Average Daylight Hours in Washington Heights for January

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Washington Heights throughout the year, with January highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec9h 36m10h 39m11h 58m13h 19m14h 28m15h 2m14h 43m13h 42m12h 24m11h 3m9h 53m9h 17m
Data source: Washington Heights daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

January Winds in Washington Heights

In Washington Heights, the January wind brings an average speed of 3.5 m/s (8 mph), setting a brisk tone for the new year. As winter progresses into February and March, the winds remain relatively steady, with speeds hovering around 3.4 to 3.7 m/s. This consistency is soon followed by a gradual decline as spring blossoms into warm weather, with the gusts tapering off to 3.4 m/s in April and continuing to diminish through the summer months, reaching a low of 2.5 m/s (6 mph) by August. Interestingly, as the year turns toward fall, the winds begin to pick up slightly again, stabilizing around 3.1 m/s from September through November. This pattern highlights Washington Heights’ shifting wind dynamics, where winter's vigor slowly gives way to a calmer summer, only to regain a gentle rhythm as autumn approaches.

Average January Wind Speed in Washington Heights

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Washington Heights, with values for each month shown alongside January's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It illustrates the average wind speed, offering insights into how January's wind conditions compare to the rest of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec3.5 m/s3.43.73.43.32.82.62.53.13.13.12.9
Data source: Washington Heights January wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How January Weather in Washington Heights Compares to Other Months

The weather in Washington Heights 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 Washington Heights and find detailed weather information for every month.

In January, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -18°C (1°F) to a mild maximum of 18°C (64°F), with an average around 1°C (34°F). This month sees a total precipitation of 67 mm (2.7 in) over 7 days, and humidity levels are relatively high at 84%. In contrast, February experiences slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of -16°C (4°F) and a maximum of 20°C (68°F), averaging 2°C (36°F). However, it is a wetter month, with precipitation increasing to 102 mm (4.0 in) over 10 days, and humidity remains close at 82%. For more detailed insights into February weather, check out Washington Heights weather in February.

In January, the weather is notably colder, with average temperatures hovering around 1°C (34°F) and nighttime lows dipping to -18°C (1°F). This month experiences relatively less precipitation, totaling 67 mm (2.7 in) over about 7 days, accompanied by high humidity at 84%. In contrast, March brings a noticeable warming trend, with average temperatures climbing to 5°C (42°F) and maximum highs reaching 25°C (77°F). March also sees more precipitation, with 98 mm (3.8 in) over approximately 10 days, while humidity decreases slightly to 81%. For more details about the weather in March, check out Washington Heights weather in March.

January and April present stark contrasts in weather patterns. In January, temperatures can dip as low as -18°C (1°F), with an average of just 1°C (34°F) and a maximum reaching 18°C (64°F). The month sees around 67 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation over about 7 days, accompanied by high humidity at 84%. In comparison, April warms up significantly, with minimum temperatures around -1°C (31°F) and an average temperature of 11°C (52°F), peaking at 27°C (82°F). This month experiences increased precipitation of 112 mm (4.4 in) over 12 days, but the humidity lowers slightly to 78%. For more detailed insights, visit Washington Heights weather in April.

January weather is characterized by its cold temperatures, with a minimum of -18°C (1°F) and an average of 1°C (34°F), making it a stark contrast to the milder conditions of May. The maximum temperature in January reaches only 18°C (64°F), while May experiences a more significant range with a minimum of 3°C (37°F) and a warm average of 17°C (62°F), peaking at a high of 31°C (88°F). Additionally, January has higher humidity levels at 84% and receives less precipitation over fewer days (67 mm over 7 days) compared to May, which sees more rain (114 mm over 13 days) but a lower humidity of 69%. For a closer look at May weather specifics, check out Washington Heights weather in May.

January and June present starkly contrasting weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plummet as low as -18°C (1°F), with an average around 1°C (34°F) and a maximum of 18°C (64°F). The month experiences significant precipitation over about 7 days, with a high humidity of 84%. In contrast, June boasts much milder temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 10°C (50°F) to a maximum of 35°C (94°F), averaging around 22°C (72°F). It also sees increased precipitation days, totaling 13, but with lower humidity at 69%. This transformation highlights the seasonal shift from the frigid depths of winter to the warmth of early summer. For more detailed weather insights specific to the June conditions, you can visit Washington Heights weather in June.

In January, Washington Heights experiences frigid temperatures, with minimums plunging to -18°C (1°F) and an average around 1°C (34°F), while the maximum can reach a mild 18°C (64°F). The month sees about 67 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation over approximately 7 days, coupled with a high humidity level of 84%. In stark contrast, July offers a warm respite, with minimum temperatures around 17°C (62°F), an average of 26°C (78°F), and highs that can soar to 36°C (96°F). This summer month brings even more rainfall, totaling 148 mm (5.8 in) across 13 days, but the humidity drops to a more comfortable 62%. For more detailed information on the weather in July, visit Washington Heights weather in July.

January and August present markedly different weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plummet to as low as -18°C (1°F), with an average of about 1°C (34°F) and a maximum reaching 18°C (64°F). This month sees an average precipitation of 67 mm (2.7 in) over roughly 7 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 84%. In contrast, August boasts much warmer conditions, with minimum temperatures around 16°C (61°F), average highs of 25°C (76°F), and peaks reaching as high as 34°C (93°F). This summer month receives increased precipitation at 127 mm (5.0 in) over about 14 days, but benefits from lower humidity at 65%. For more details on the warm and humid climate, check out Washington Heights weather in August.

In January, temperatures in Washington Heights can plummet to a chilling minimum of -18°C (1°F), with an average temperature hovering around 1°C (34°F) and a maximum reaching 18°C (64°F). The month experiences a significant amount of precipitation, with 67 mm (2.7 in) over approximately 7 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 84%. In contrast, September ushers in much warmer conditions, with minimum temperatures starting at 9°C (49°F), average temperatures soaring to 21°C (70°F), and maximums climbing to a balmy 33°C (92°F). This month also sees increased precipitation, totaling 92 mm (3.6 in) over 9 days, but with lower humidity at 68%. For a more in-depth look at the weather during September, visit Washington Heights weather in September.

When comparing the weather in January and October, notable differences in temperature and precipitation emerge. January is significantly colder, with average temperatures hovering around 1°C (34°F) and plummeting to a minimum of -18°C (-1°F). In contrast, October enjoys milder conditions, with average temperatures reaching 16°C (61°F) and a maximum of 33°C (91°F). Precipitation is also more substantial in October, totaling 128 mm (5.0 in) over approximately 10 days, compared to January's 67 mm (2.7 in) over 7 days. Additionally, the humidity in January is higher at 84%, while October's humidity is relatively lower at 74%. For more specifics on how the weather unfolds during October, check Washington Heights weather in October.

In comparing the weather between January and November, January generally presents a colder atmosphere, with average temperatures hovering around 1°C (34°F) and a minimum of -18°C (-1°F). Conversely, November experiences milder conditions, with average temperatures around 8°C (47°F) and a minimum of -9°C (17°F). While both months see a fair amount of precipitation, January averages 67 mm (2.7 in) over about 7 days, whereas November is slightly wetter with 83 mm (3.3 in) over 8 days. Additionally, humidity levels are similar, with January at 84% and November at 82%. To explore more about the weather specifics in November, you can refer to Washington Heights weather in November.

In December, temperatures in Washington Heights show a minimum of -11°C (13°F) and an average of 4°C (39°F), while the maximum remains consistent with January at 18°C (64°F). This month's weather is characterized by higher precipitation, totaling 106 mm (4.2 in) over 10 days, compared to January's 67 mm (2.7 in) across just 7 days. Humidity levels are slightly lower in December at 80%, compared to 84% in January. For more detailed insights, check out the Washington Heights weather in December.

Compare Washington Heights's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From January Weather in Washington Heights

January in Washington Heights presents a captivating contrast to the rest of the year. As the coldest month, it ushers in a sharp drop in temperatures, with chilling lows that may plunge to -18°C, making it a time for bundling up. The average temperature remains a brisk 1°C, starkly different from the milder climates of spring and summer. With abundant humidity at 84% and a notable precipitation level of 67 mm over seven days, the atmosphere feels heavy and damp. While January may lack the warmth of other months, it offers a unique beauty, blanketing the neighborhood in a serene winter wonderland. For those keen to explore more about the local climate, visit Washington Heights Climate.