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Contents
New York in January at a glance: Must-see attractions, winter festivities, and events
NYC in January at a glance
- Weather: Average temperatures range from -3°C (27°F) to 4°C (39°F). It’s one of the coldest months, often accompanied by brisk winds and the occasional snow, especially in the second half of the month.
- Daylight: About 9.5 hours of daylight, with sunset around 5pm.
- Key Events: Broadway Week, Restaurant Week, Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations, Winter Jazzfest, NY Jewish Film Festival.
- Packing Essentials: A warm winter coat, thermal wear, insulated gloves, a hat, and a scarf. Waterproof, snow-friendly boots.
Category
December
January
February
Weather
Avg: -2°C (28°F) to 7°C (45°F). Chilly with crisp air, occasional snowfall toward the end of the month.
Avg: -3°C (27°F) to 4°C (39°F). Coldest month with brisk winds and potential snow.
Avg: -2°C (28°F) to 5°C (41°F). Similar to January but slightly milder toward the end of the month.
Crowds and atmosphere
High due to holiday festivities, peaking around Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
Low after New Year’s Eve; quieter and less crowded.
Moderate as Valentine’s Day draws couples and families during mid-winter break.
Key events
Rockefeller Tree Lighting, ice skating rinks, holiday markets, Christmas Spectacular, NYE in Times Sq.
Broadway Week, Restaurant Week, Winter Jazzfest, MLK Jr. Day events, NY Jewish Film Festival.
NYC Winter Wine Festival, Lunar New Year celebrations, Fashion Week, Valentine’s Day events.
Best for
Festive holiday experiences, family trips, shopping, New Year’s celebrations.
Exploring iconic attractions without crowds, theater lovers, foodies.
Romantic getaways, family outings during mid-winter break, arts and culture.
Ticketed attractions
Rockefeller Tree tours, Radio City Christmas Spectacular, NYE parties, popular Broadway shows.
Broadway Week tickets, ice skating reservations, Statue of Liberty tours, museum passes.
Fashion Week shows, popular Valentine’s Day dining spots, guided walking tours.
Outdoor activities
Ice skating at Bryant Park and Central Park, holiday light displays, strolling holiday markets.
Snowy walks in Central Park, Brooklyn Botanic Garden winter scenes, ice skating at major rinks.
Winter walks on the High Line, Lunar New Year parades, Bryant Park’s Winter Village (early Feb).
Transportation tips
Subways run on holiday schedules during Christmas and NYE; book rides early during busy days.
Subways are less crowded; bundle up for walks between destinations.
Expect delays during snowstorms; use rideshare for late-night romantic dinners.
Shopping and sales
Holiday sales early in the month; post-Christmas discounts start Dec 26.
Major post-holiday sales; outlet stores like Woodbury Common are ideal.
Valentine’s Day promotions, Presidents’ Day weekend sales in department stores.
Budget considerations
High prices for hotels and flights during Christmas and NYE; book early for deals.
Lower hotel and flight rates; budget-friendly dining during Restaurant Week.
Affordable except around Valentine’s Day; check for winter discounts on experiences.
NYC in January: Popular things to do
Broadway
January on Broadway has fewer crowds than December and more chances for you to enjoy. You can get discounted tickets during Broadway Week (from January 21 to February 9) for a 2-for-1 price on shows!
- Special events: Broadway Week offers 2-for-1 ticket deals on select shows, making it a great time to catch your favorite performance.
- Recommended experiences: Hamilton, Wicked, and The Lion King.
- Insider tip: Get your tickets for popular shows during Broadway Week early, as they sell out fast.
Ice skating
Ice skating remains a classic winter activity in NYC. Iconic rinks are still open and less crowded in January compared to the holiday season to create a truly magical experience.
- Special events: Some rinks host themed skating nights or special programming.
- Recommended rinks: Rockefeller Center Ice Rink, and Wollman Rink in Central Park. The Rink at Bryant Park
- Insider tip: Book skating sessions in advance to avoid long waits, especially on weekends.
Winter JazzFest
Winter Jazzfest, from January 9 to January 15, is an annual gathering of globally renowned musicians for a celebration of jazz across multiple venues in the city.
- Special events: Marathon performances and themed nights exploring jazz's diverse styles.
- Insider tip: Check out smaller, less-known venues for a more intimate experience of the festival.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations
Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations take place across NYC with events that include many cultural programs and concerts commemorating the special day.
- Special events: Tributes and performances at the Apollo Theater and the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM).
- Insider tip: Arrive early for free events, as they tend to fill up quickly.
Restaurant Week
Some of New York’s best restaurants open their doors with specially curated menus during Restaurant Week, taking place from January 21 to February 9. Perfect for those who want to enjoy Michelin-star food without the price tag that usually comes with it.
- Recommended experiences: Classic New York steakhouses, Michelin-starred hotspots like Le Bernardin or Daniel
- Insider tip: Reserve your spot as soon as participating restaurants are announced!
Post-holiday shopping sale
January is a fantastic month for shoppers, with major post-holiday discounts at department stores and designer outlets.
- Special events: Winter sales at flagship stores like Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue.
- Recommended experiences: Seasonal sales at SoHo boutiques.
- Insider tip: Visit outlets during weekdays for smaller crowds and better deals.
Statue of Liberty cruises
Take a winter cruise to visit Lady Liberty and Ellis Island. The crisp air and quiet waters offer a more serene experience, with fewer tourists making the trip.
- Special events: Take guided tours to learn more about NYC’s history.
- Insider tip: Dress warmly, as the ferry’s outdoor decks can be chilly.
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
Spend an afternoon soaking up some of the best artworks from around the world at MoMA, with works from Van Gogh, Picasso, and many other contemporary visionaries. You can have a more relaxed experience since January tends to have fewer visitors.
- Special events: Seasonal exhibitions and artist talks by Thomas Schütte, Nour Mobarak, and Robert Frank.
NYC in January: Popular Things to Do
Experience
In January
Timings & closures
Tips
Compared to other months
Broadway
Discounted tickets during Broadway Week (mid-to-late January).
Shows run as usual; limited shows on MLK Jr. Day (January 20).
Book tickets early for popular shows, especially Broadway Week deals.
Less festive than December’s holiday shows; fewer crowds than February’s Valentine’s outings.
Ice skating
Iconic rinks like Rockefeller Center and Central Park are less crowded than December.
Most rinks open daily; closures possible during extreme weather.
Reserve skating sessions in advance, especially on weekends.
Quieter than December’s holiday season but similar ambiance to February.
Winter Jazzfest
Jazz performances at multiple venues throughout January.
Varies by venue; some events have limited seating.
Purchase all-access passes for the best value and flexibility.
Not available in December or February, making January unique for jazz lovers.
MLK Jr. Day Celebrations
Citywide events and commemorative tributes on January 15, including BAM and Apollo Theater programs.
Specific to January 15; some venues may require advance registration.
Arrive early for free events to secure your spot.
Unique to January; no direct equivalents in December or February.
Restaurant Week
Prix fix menus at top NYC restaurants starting mid-to-late January.
Specific dates announced closer to January; lunch and dinner slots vary by restaurant.
Book reservations as soon as participating venues are announced.
Exclusive to January; not available in December or February.
MoMA
Less crowded, allowing for a relaxed viewing of art exhibits.
Open daily; free admission on Fridays (timed entry required).
Visit on weekdays for fewer crowds and take advantage of free Fridays.
Busier in December; slightly quieter in February during winter break.
Statue of Liberty Cruises
Crisp air and serene views with fewer tourists.
Ferries operate daily; cancellations possible in extreme weather.
Dress warmly for the outdoor decks, and book pedestal/crown access early.
Less crowded than December but similar weather and atmosphere to February.
Post-holiday shopping sales
Major sales at department stores and designer outlets, including clearance discounts.
Stores open daily; some outlets extend hours for post-holiday shoppers.
Visit outlets like Woodbury Common during weekdays for better deals and smaller crowds.
Heavier crowds in December; fewer discounts in February after sales conclude.
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January highlights: Must-do experiences for families, couples, and more
Families with kids
Must-experience:
- American Museum of Natural History: Perfect for curious kids, the museum’s massive exhibits, like the dinosaur halls and planetarium, make for a day of wonder.
- Ice skating in Central Park: The open space, scenic views, and kid-friendly atmosphere make it a favorite for families.
Better in January:
- Winter Jazzfest family-friendly concerts: Some venues include matinee performances suitable for families, introducing kids to live music in an engaging way.
- The January lull means fewer crowds so families can explore the museums and go ice skating more comfortably.
Couples
Must-experience:
- Sunset at Edge Observation Deck: Sunset views at the Edge are one of the most romantic spots in New York, and the winter air creates an even more intimate setting.
- Dining during Restaurant Week: January’s prix fixe menus make fine dining accessible for couples to enjoy and they get a chance to savor NYC’s top restaurants in an intimate setting.
Better in January:
- Central Park strolls: The winters create a more private and romantic setting in Central Park, especially when compared to December’s festive buzz.
Live entertainment fans
Must-experience:
- Broadway Week: January is the perfect time to watch your favorite musicals and plays on Broadway, with discounted tickets making it easier to experience multiple shows.
- Winter JazzFest: Hours of live music at various venues spread across New York with artists from around the world make this a must-see experience for those who love live music.
Better in January:
- The discounted tickets on timeless classics on Broadway make it an even more special treat to catch in January.
Art and culture lovers
Must-experience:
- MoMA and the Guggenheim: Modern art masterpieces in world-famous galleries, make MoMA and the Guggenheim a must-visit for art lovers.
- 9/11 Memorial and Museum: You can visit and spend as much time as you need at the Memorial without the December holiday rush interrupting your flow.
Better in January:
- January, being a quieter month, gives you more space and time to appreciate iconic works at your favorite museums.
- Seasonal Exhibits: January has various rotating exhibitions that showcase works from museum collections.
Solo travelers or friend groups
Must-experience:
- Statue of Liberty tours: Visit one of NYC’s most historically significant landmarks on a clear, winter morning in January.
- Speakeasy bars: Perfect for solo adventures or friend hangouts, NYC’s hidden speakeasies come with warm interiors and great cocktails that help you escape the cold.
Better in January:
- You can curate your trip and plan your visits to all attractions and landmarks of your choosing with a lot more freedom in January as compared to December or February because of the lack of holidays or festivities surrounding the month.
Shopping enthusiasts
Must-experience:
- Post-holiday sales: Stores like Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue have clearance sales in January on winter clothing, accessories, and a lot more.
Better in January:
- SoHo boutiques: Many local shops offer unadvertised markdowns in January to clear inventory for spring collections.
Food lovers
Must-Experience:
- Restaurant Week: Dine to your heart’s content with multi-course meals at top restaurants for a fraction of the regular price. It’s the ultimate way to experience NYC’s food scene without overspending.
Festivals and events in NYC this January
Event/Festival
Description
Location
Best For
Broadway Week
2-for-1 tickets to select Broadway shows, offering affordable access to iconic musicals and plays.
Broadway theaters across NYC
Theater lovers, couples, and families
Winter JazzFest
Multi-day celebration of jazz with performances by legendary and emerging artists in venues citywide.
Various venues across NYC
Live music fans, jazz enthusiasts, art lovers
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Cultural programs, concerts, and tributes commemorating Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy.
Apollo Theater, Brooklyn Academy of Music
History enthusiasts, families, solo travelers
Restaurant Week
Prix fix menus at NYC’s top restaurants, offering an affordable culinary experience.
Restaurants citywide
Food lovers, couples, and groups
Post-holiday shopping sales
Major discounts at department stores and designer outlets, ideal for bargain hunters.
Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Woodbury Common
Shopping enthusiasts, budget-conscious travelers
NYC in January: Your 3-day itinerary
Day 1:
Morning:
- Start with a visit to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Take an early ferry to avoid crowds, especially if you’re visiting over the weekend.
- Option: If you prefer an indoor activity, explore the American Museum of Natural History, perfect for immersing yourself in science and history.
Lunch:
Head to Westville Hudson in the West Village for a hearty American meal or grab some great seafood at Luke’s Lobster (ask for their signature lobster rolls!).
Evening:
Stroll through Central Park and try ice skating at the Wollman Rink. You can also visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) if you find the weather to be too cold.
Dinner:
Visit Carbone for their Italian food (reservations recommended) or try Locanda Verde for a cozy meal.
Post-dinner:
Check out speakeasies like Employees Only in the West Village for their craft cocktails in a great, thriving atmosphere.
Day 2:
Morning:
Visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and check out modern masterpieces by great artists. Or, you can take a tour of the Guggenheim Museum to enjoy its iconic spiral design and exhibits. (if you’re ambitious enough, you can do both!)
Lunch:
Eat at Eataly Flatiron to enjoy their artisanal Italian dishes or try Jack’s Wife Freda in Chelsea if you want to go for a brunch-style meal.
Evening:
Head to the Edge Observation Deck early in the evening to watch a panoramic view of the NYC skyline and catch a matinee show at Broadway.
Dinner:
Try Katz’s Delicatessen for a classic New York deli experience and their must-try meats.
Post-dinner:
If you’re in town for the Winter JazzFest, look for smaller, more intimate venues hosting jazz performances around the city.
Day 3:
Morning:
Treat yourself to some cronuts at Dominique Ansel Bakery in SoHo with a warm cuppa to get you started as you spend your morning walking through SoHo and shopping at local boutiques.
Lunch:
Stop by Prince Street Pizza for a slice of their legendary pepperoni square. If you’re looking for a more elaborate lunch, try Balthazar, a SoHo staple.
Evening:
Catch the sunset over the Hudson River or continue your day of shopping at Brookfield Place.
Dinner:
End your trip with a dinner at Michelin-starred Le Bernardin (seafood-focused) or go to The Smith for a more American brasserie dinner.
Post-dinner:
Your nightcap should be at The Dead Rabbit, a historic pub in the Financial District, famous for its award-winning cocktails.
NYC in January: Frequently asked questions
What’s the weather like in New York during January?
January is one of the coldest months in NYC, with average temperatures ranging from -3°C (27°F) to 4°C (39°F). You can expect brisk winds and occasional snow, especially later in the month. Make sure you’re dressed warmly!
Is January a good time to visit New York City?
Absolutely! January has fewer visitors, which makes it more peaceful and gives you more time to explore the city’s landmarks, museums, and winter festivals. Post-holiday sales, Broadway Week, and Restaurant Week only add to the charm.
What should I pack for a trip to NYC in January?
Pack for the cold! Essentials include a heavy winter coat, thermal layers, insulated gloves, a scarf, a hat, and waterproof boots. Bring a compact umbrella for unexpected snow or rain and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
Are any attractions closed in January?
Most NYC attractions remain open in January, but some outdoor activities are weather-dependent like ice skating, helicopter tours, and certain cruises. Check weather conditions and with the tour operator a few hours before your experience to confirm your booking.
Can you still use the ice skating rinks in January?
Yes! Rinks like Rockefeller Center, Wollman Rink, and The Rink at Bryant Park remain open through winter.
What’s the best way to get around New York in January?
The city’s subway system is reliable and operates regardless of the weather. Buses, taxis, and rideshares are also great options.
What exactly is Broadway Week, and how can I participate?
Broadway Week in January offers 2-for-1 tickets to select shows. It’s an excellent opportunity to see top performances at a bargain. Tickets sell out fast, so book early!
Where can I shop in New York in January?
January is paradise in the city with massive post-holiday sales at flagship stores like Macy’s and boutique discounts in SoHo. Visit during weekdays for smaller crowds and better deals.
What are some family-friendly activities that I can participate in NYC in January?
Families can go ice skating, visit the American Museum of Natural History’s exhibits, or even catch a Broadway matinee of The Lion King!
How long should I plan to stay in NYC during January?
A 3-5 day trip gives you ample time to explore key attractions, go to events, and enjoy the city’s charm. Plan your itinerary around your interests for a fulfilling visit.