Things To Do In NYC In January & Weather
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?

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
- New Years Day (National Holiday)
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day (National Holiday)
- Bryant Park Winter Village (Holiday Market. Open till Jan 5, 2021)
- New York Botanical Garden Train Show (Bronx)
- Restaurant Week (pre-fixe discounts at restaurants. End of January)
- New York Winter Jazzfest (2022)
- Winter Antiques Show (2022)
- Must-See Week (2 x 1 tickets to attractions, end of Jan, dates pending)
Music and Entertainment
- Broadway Week (2 X 1 tickets to select shows. Dates pending Jan 2022)
- Met Opera (2022)
- New York Philharmonic (2022)
- NYC Ballet Nutcracker ( First week of Jan 2022)
- New York Ballet Winter Programs (Jan 18 – Feb 27, 2022)
- Rockettes Christmas Spectacular (till Jan 5, 2022)
Sports
- NBA Basketball: New York Knicks or Brooklyn Nets game.
- NFL Football Playoffs: Giants or Jets game (check if they advance to playoffs)
- NHL Hockey: NY Rangers, NY Islanders or NJ Devils game.
- College Basketball at Madison Square Garden
Other
- Ice Skating at Wollman Rink and Lasker Rink in Central Park, Bryant Park and Rockefeller Center, Brookfield Place,
- Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and Holiday Window displays on Fifth Avenue.
- No Pants Subway Ride by Improv Everywhere (2022)
- Three Kings Day Parade (Spanish Harlem)
- Idiotard Annual Shopping Cart Race (2021 dates unannounced)
- Free admission to Wave Hill (estate and garden in the Bronx)
Have any questions about traveling to New York in January? Or about tours with Streetwise New York? Contact us!