If you decide to go to New York in January, you probably have many questions. The cold… the holidays are over… Is it really a good idea to go? What about the price of the trip? What are the main attractions and activities to explore or do in New York in January? We tell you everything in this guide.
New York weather in January
January is the coldest month of the year to visit New York. The weather is harsh: temperatures drop well below freezing, and the city feels genuinely cold at this time of year. But there’s some good news, the atmosphere is still lively thanks to winter sales and the first weeks of the new year.
New York’s climate in January
According to this chart, which shows average temperatures from the past three years in New York, January is a truly wintery month with the lowest temperatures of the year. Daily highs generally range from 34°F to 52°F (1°C to 11°C), while lows can drop to around 23°F (-5°C), especially in mid-January.
This three-year data set offers a reliable picture of the weather conditions you can expect. It’s absolutely essential to pack proper winter gear for your trip! The month shows a noticeable progression: relatively mild in the very beginning with highs around 46–50°F (8–10°C), January becomes significantly colder between the 14th and the 23rd, when temperatures can stay below freezing even during the day. Toward the end of the month, temperatures rise slightly but remain wintery overall.
Be sure to bring full winter gear: a very warm coat (such as a puffer or parka), a hat, a thick scarf, insulated gloves, and several layers of thermal clothing. Waterproof, non-slip shoes are also recommended in case of snow or icy conditions. Mornings and evenings are especially frigid, and even afternoons remain cold throughout the month.
Precipitation in New York in January
Based on average precipitation over the past three years, New York experiences fairly wet conditions in January, with regular periods of rainfall or snow. Daily averages vary significantly, with several days exceeding 9 mm, notably January 9 (12 mm), as well as the 13th, 19th, and 25th. However, there are also some drier stretches, particularly in the middle and at the end of the month.
Important: In January, precipitation may come in the form of snow or freezing rain depending on the temperature. It’s recommended to pack a sturdy umbrella and footwear suitable for winter conditions. Weather can affect your sightseeing plans, so it’s wise to have a list of indoor activities ready, museums, Broadway shows, shopping centers, or the many cafés and restaurants where you can warm up between visits.
Going to New York in January 2026
The city offers great opportunities for deals at this time of year, and several events are worth checking out. New York in January is also much quieter for strolling around, since the city attracts more tourists in summer than at any other time of year. It’s precisely this calm atmosphere that makes it an even more appealing time to explore. You won’t have long queues at attractions like the Statue of Liberty, the Top of the Rock and museums.
Plus, it’s a great time to take a trip to New York at a reasonable cost because hotel and airfare prices in January are among the lowest of the year.
The New York programme in January 2026
Like every month, the “city that never sleeps” keeps its promise in January. You can do all the activities you want every day. But some programmes are more interesting because it is winter, the attractions are less crowded and the prices are unbeatable in January.
Fun outing, show and shopping
Guided tours in English
Explore the city on foot or by bike with an English guide. He or she will share interesting stories about New Yorkers, tips and tricks of the trade in the Meatpacking District, Greenwich Village, Soho, Harlem, East Village and Brooklyn.
The ice-rinks in New York
Winter in New York offers a unique experience for ice-skating enthusiasts. The city transforms into a frozen wonderland, with its many rinks glowing beneath the shimmering skyscrapers. Each rink has its own charm and distinctive atmosphere.
The most famous one, The Rink at Rockefeller Center, is an essential stop. Open since 1936, it welcomes thousands of skaters every year beneath its towering Christmas tree. For a more natural setting, Wollman Rink in Central Park offers stunning views of the buildings that surround the park. Bryant Park’s rink, nestled in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, provides a magical and free skating experience, surrounded by illuminated skyscrapers and the charming Winter Village holiday market.
DreamWorks Water Park
The park offers water rides of all shapes and sizes. You’ll also find the world’s largest indoor wave pool, at a temperature of 81°F (27°C), perfect for warming up on those cold winter days in January.
Shopping in Woodbury Common
This shopping area is home to over 220 branded shops. Stroll the streets of Woodbury Common and browse through the likes of Jimmy Choo, Dior, Gucci, J. Crew, Banana Republic, Ralph Lauren, Lacoste and Tommy Hilfiger. And if you’re a shopping enthusiast, take advantage of the post-holiday sales to get some great deals.
Broadway musical show
In the evening, see a Broadway musical. It’s easier to get tickets for shows at this time of year.
The cultural events in January
Winter Jazzfest in Greenwich Village
A musical event bringing together musicians and jazz fans from 8 to 13 January 2026. Today, Winter Jazzfest has evolved into a major event hosting up to 150 bands, representing more than 600 artists, on 20 different stages across Manhattan and Brooklyn. Find out more about the concerts and venues : https://www.winterjazzfest.com/
MANHATTANHENGE
These are two days when the rising sun aligns perfectly with the streets of Manhattan. It’s a magnificent sight to behold on 9 and 10 January 2026 at 7.30am. For the best view of Manhattanhenge, position yourself on Manhattan’s main east-west avenues (14th, 23rd, 34th, 42nd or 57th Street). Arrive 30 minutes before dawn to choose the best location. Face east to capture the sun’s perfect alignment with the skyscrapers.
New York City Restaurant Week
From 20 January to 12 February 2026, a unique opportunity to sample New York dishes at reduced prices in the city’s best restaurants. $30 for lunch and $45 for dinner are fixed prices for the hundred or so participating restaurants. Tips, extra charges and certain days are not included. Book in advance by consulting the list here : NYCtourism.
January’s sporting events
Attend a basketball (NBA), ice hockey (NHL) or American football (NFL) match. And even if you’re not a sports fan, you certainly don’t want to miss these large-scale, American-style events.
Basketball: experience an NBA game
January is an important month in the NBA regular season, and the New York teams will have to give their all to finish in the top ten places in order to qualify for the play-offs. If you want to join New York Knicks fans for a thrill, head for Madison Square Garden, or if you prefer the Brooklyn Nets, the venue is Barclays Center.
New York Knicks
The Knicks will play 8 games at Madison Square Garden during January 2026, a unique opportunity to experience an NBA match in a crazy atmosphere.
Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets will be playing 7 games at the Barclays Center, giving you the chance to watch an NBA match for less, with tickets 5 to 10 times cheaper than those for the Knicks.
Hockey: experience an NHL match
New York Rangers is the NHL’s professional hockey team, playing its home games at Madison Square Garden. And whether or not you know the rules of hockey, it doesn’t matter, because while the main thing is to get a puck into a small cage, the spectacle offered by the games is incredible. You spend an hour in a memorable atmosphere.
6 games await the Rangers in January, including two electric encounters with their best enemies, the Boston Bruins on 26 January and the New Jersey Devils on 29 January.
Latest American football matches
The NFL regular season has come to an end for the Giants and Jets. Will either team qualify for the play-offs? That’s all we want for them, but if one of the two teams makes it to this stage of the competition, we’ll be happy.
The Giants’ chances of qualifying are virtually nil given their last place in the standings, and barring a miracle none of them will be shown below :
The Jets will play their last regular-season game in New York in December, and their chances of making the playoffs are slim:
Other events not to be missed in January
In January, New York always offers very interesting programs to see and participate in. Between parades, shows, concerts and other small events, there is no time to get bored. You can book your tickets directly online for each event.
The public holidays in January 2026:
- 1st January : New Year’s Day – New Year’s Day postponed to Monday
- Monday 19 January 2026 : Martin Luther King Day – public holiday commemorating Martin Luther King
During these two days, restaurants and other tourist attractions remain open.
