Things To Do In NYC In January & Weather

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Overview

Once the ball drops in Times Square on New Year’s Eve, tourism declines as New York enters the coldest two months of the year. For travelers willing to brave the cold, there are cheaper flights and hotels, fewer crowds, great deals, and plenty of things to do in New York in January.

At the start of the month, you can experience the tail end of the Holiday season, visiting Holiday Markets, the Rockefeller Center tree. You can also find post-Christmas discounts. The real savings for travelers come at the end of the month, with Restaurant Week, Broadway Week and Must See Week, which offer steep discounts for some of New York’s top restaurants, Broadway Shows and attractions. Make your restaurant reservations ticket purchases in advance, as more popular options fill up fast.

And of course, book a Streetwise New York Tour to get a real insight into the local life and history of New York’s neighborhoods.  We’ll make sure to adjust the routes to pop into markets, cafes, architectural gems, and unique shops to keep you warm!

See our full list of deals, events and things to do in New York in January below! If you’re considering coming to New York another month, check out our guide, “When is the best time to come to New York?

Want to make the most of your time by having your day planned by an expert? Or wish to dig deeper and get a local's perspective? Book a Streetwise New York walking tour.
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Streetwise New York tour group in the snow in Chinatown

Weather in New York City in January

Traveling to New York in January has many benefits, but the weather is not one of them. The average low temperature is below freezing, 27F (-3C), while the daily high is 38F (4C). With luck, it is possible to have days above 50F (10C), but just as likely are bitter cold days that the temperature reaching below 20F (-8C).

Since, the temperature floats above and below the freezing point, both rain and snow are possible in January. On average, there are eight days of precipitation in the month of January, with four days of snow. Normally, only two of the days of snow will have any significant accumulation of over 1 inch (2.5cm)

BE AWARE: Occasionally, New York receives blizzards of upwards of over a foot of snow (30cm). This has occurred 10 times in the past 20 years. Two of the times recorded over 2 feet of snow (60cm). Significant snowfall does cause plane cancelations and the closures of many New York attractions and businesses. But don’t worry, after a major storm New York is up and running within a day. 

How to pack for New York in January

You need a good winter coat! Most New Yorkers will wear down feather coats in the winter. In addition, bring hats, gloves and a scarf.

Wear layers! It is well worth it to bring base layers (thermal clothing). Uniqlo’s heatech thermals are a good cheaper option. 

Keep your feet warm and dry! If it rains or snows, streets may get wet, icy, and snowy for days. Winter boots are essential. As are good warm socks. Be aware when choosing boots, that the sidewalks are salted, to melt the ice. Salt may stain your leather boots!

What to do in New York in January

There are year-round activities, we recommend, like going up a skyscraper, boat rides to see or visit the statue of liberty, museums, and Streetwise New York walking tours of New York’s many can’t miss neighborhoods!

This is a list of seasonal activities and January specific events and deals. Take advantage of coming to New York at the start of the New Year!

Ice Skating at Bryant Park

Events/Festivals

Music and Entertainment 

Sports

Other

 

 

Have any questions about traveling to New York in January? Or about tours with Streetwise New York? Contact us!