Visiting New York in

January

What to expect
Getting around
Things to do
Rainy day

New York City is a winter-wonderland in the season of January. Even though the weather is nearing the middle of winter, New York is still a bustling center of excitement and awe. Locals and tourists alike are breaking out their jackets to brave the cold in order to take in all that the Big Apple has to offer in January. NYC weather in January is some of the coldest the Big Apple experiences the entire year.

What to expect

Wetter

Average Daytime Temperatures: 82F (27C)
Average Overnight Temperatures: 65F (18C)
Sunny or partly sunny days: 21
Rainy days: 7-10, 3 with significant rainfall

What to wear

Several pair of long pants and warm fleeces are a must during this season
A solid winter jacket and a hat will help top everything off
Warm boots are also a good idea for any rain or snow days

New York Prices in January

Because of the weather, New York sees a shortage of visitors in January. This means that flights will be cheaper with more available times. January is a unique time to visit NYC where the city isn't completely overrun by tourists.

Book your flights and accommodation in advance for best prices, midtown & times square are the most popular choices, but there are plenty of other options, especially in Brooklyn with convenient transport options to Manhattan attractions.

Planning your trip is a key to a balanced budget, use free online resources like our maps & guide or the itinerary tool, if you are going to visit some iconic attractions, get a sightseeing pass, it will easily save you 50% on regular admission prices – see more

Getting around

New York is easy to navigate, but if you can't walk to your destination there are plenty of options

Subway

The quickest way to travel around, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from as low as $2.75 per ride, with stops usually every 8-10 blocks.

Taxis

If the top taxi number is illuminated it's available, minimum metered fare is $2.50, which increases 50 cents every fifth of a mile or every minute.

Hop on, Hop off Buses

These buses connect major attractions all over the city and provide many photo opportunities, it's also a good way to catch a break or eat your sandwich while still sightseeing.

New York Travel Tips

Perks

New York City Subway Map

New York Tourist Map

Things to do in January

Check out the following list of ideas for fun things to do in New York in January:

1. New Years eve party

Takes place in Time Square. Every year, thousands upon thousands of visitors flock to Time Square and fill up the entire area to watch the ball drop as the New Year is counted in. This New Years Eve celebration is called New Year's Rockin' Eve and is one of the most anticipated events in NYC all year.

2. Ice skating

Another great event in January is the ice skating available throughout the city. Although there are many locations, the Rink at Rockefeller Center is the coolest location set amongst the famous Rockefeller Plaza. Some other ice skating locations include Wollman Rink and the Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers.

3. Festival and Shows

January is a month of many musical and cultural events throughout the city. The Jazz Festival starts on the 4th along with the Asian Festival. These are great opportunities for tourists to experience diverse aspects of the New York lifestyle. For those still in a holiday mood, the Holiday Train Show lasts from January 1st to the 21st. Wave Hill is a beautiful area of botanical gardens in the Bronx that offers free entrance days during the month of January.

4. Tourist Attraction

All of the major tourist attractions in New York City should still be visited in January. The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island look amazing in the snow and will even be less crowded around this time of year. Chelsea Piers will have unique festivities such as ice-skating and other weather-related activities.

Central Park is another must-see attraction when visiting NYC in January. The park is completely transformed during the winter months as leaves have fallen and snow is beginning to pile up. Central Park is truly a winter-wonderland during January. This offers tourists a great break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Central Park is another must-see attraction when visiting NYC in January. The park is completely transformed during the winter months as leaves have fallen and snow is beginning to pile up. Central Park is truly a winter-wonderland during January. This offers tourists a great break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Rainy Day Options in New York

Broadway Shows

Taking a Broadway show will chase away any rainy day blues during your visit to New York City. It might not be possible to get last minute tickets to every show, but you can find something a couple of hours before the show starts by visiting the box office of the theatre.

NYC Museums

Your weather app says it’s going to be raining the whole day? Head over to one of the best NYC Museums. Whether your interest is in art, science or city history, there’s something for everyone in just about every neighbourhood. Pick from MoMA, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, American Museum of Natural History, Whitney Museum of American Art, Museum of the City of New YorkorEl Museo del Barrio.