Weather Comparison
Boston vs New York
Side-by-side weather comparison for January
January Weather: Boston vs New York
| Metric | Boston | New York | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average HighHigher is warmer | 2°C (36°F) | 4°C (39°F)▲ | New York |
| Average LowHigher is milder | -6°C (21°F) | -4°C (25°F)▲ | New York |
| Rain DaysFewer is drier | 10 days | 9 days▲ | New York |
| PrecipitationLess is drier | 93 mm | 83 mm▲ | New York |
| Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier | 6h/day | 6h/day | Tie |
| HumidityLower is more comfortable | 65% | 65% | Tie |
| UV IndexLower is safer | 1 | 1 | Tie |
| Wind SpeedCalmer is better | 23 km/h | 19 km/h▲ | New York |
Which City is Better in January?
Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, New York edges ahead as the better destination in January. New York offers 6 hours of daily sunshine with only 9 rain days, while Boston sees 6 sunshine hours and 10 rain days.
Boston is on the cooler side at 2°C, requiring warmer clothing. New York is cooler at 4°C.
For travelers who prioritize dry weather, New York is the stronger choice in January.
Temperature Comparison in January
Boston reaches an average high of 2°C (36°F) and drops to -6°C (21°F) at night during January. The daily temperature range is 8°C, meaning moderate variation throughout the day.
New York averages 4°C (39°F) for the high and -4°C (25°F) for the low, with a daily range of 8°C. The 2°C difference is noticeable but not dramatic.
Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in January.
Rainfall Comparison in January
Boston receives approximately 93 mm of rainfall across 10 rain days during January. You can expect rain roughly every other day.
New York sees 83 mm over 9 rain days. That makes New York the drier option by 1 rain day and 10 mm of total precipitation.
Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.
What to Pack: Boston vs New York
Packing for Boston in January
Highs of 2°C, lows of -6°C, 10 rain days
- ✓heavy winter coat
- ✓thermal base layers
- ✓warm gloves and hat
- ✓insulated boots
- ✓waterproof jacket
- ✓compact umbrella
- ✓waterproof shoes
- ✓a warm scarf
Packing for New York in January
Highs of 4°C, lows of -4°C, 9 rain days
- ✓heavy winter coat
- ✓thermal base layers
- ✓warm gloves and hat
- ✓insulated boots
- ✓a packable rain jacket
- ✓an umbrella
- ✓a warm scarf
Pack for both: heavy winter coat, thermal base layers, warm gloves and hat, insulated boots, a warm scarf. These items are useful in either destination during January.
Year-Round Comparison: Boston vs New York
The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month of the year, helping you find the best time to visit either city.January is highlighted for quick reference.
| Month | Boston | New York | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Rain | High | Rain | |
| Jan | 2°C | 10d | 4°C | 9d |
| Feb | 3°C | 9d | 5°C | 9d |
| Mar | 7°C | 11d | 9°C | 10d |
| Apr | 14°C | 11d | 15°C | 11d |
| May | 19°C | 11d | 21°C | 11d |
| Jun | 25°C | 10d | 26°C | 11d |
| Jul | 28°C | 10d | 29°C | 12d |
| Aug | 27°C | 9d | 28°C | 11d |
| Sep | 23°C | 8d | 24°C | 9d |
| Oct | 16°C | 10d | 18°C | 9d |
| Nov | 10°C | 10d | 12°C | 8d |
| Dec | 5°C | 11d | 6°C | 10d |
Boston Weather in January
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities
New York Weather in January
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities