Weather Comparison
New York vs Paris
Side-by-side weather comparison for January
January Weather: New York vs Paris
| Metric | New York | Paris | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average HighHigher is warmer | 4°C (39°F) | 7°C (45°F)▲ | Paris |
| Average LowHigher is milder | -4°C (25°F) | 2°C (36°F)▲ | Paris |
| Rain DaysFewer is drier | 9 days▲ | 12 days | New York |
| PrecipitationLess is drier | 83 mm | 52 mm▲ | Paris |
| Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier | 7h/day▲ | 4h/day | New York |
| HumidityLower is more comfortable | 65% | 65% | Tie |
| UV IndexLower is safer | 1 | 1 | Tie |
| Wind SpeedCalmer is better | 19 km/h▲ | 20 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 7 hours of daily sunshine with only 9 rain days, while Paris sees 4 sunshine hours and 12 rain days.
New York is on the cooler side at 4°C, requiring warmer clothing. Paris is cooler at 7°C.
For travelers who prioritize dry weather, New York is the stronger choice in January. New York receives 3 more hours of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Temperature Comparison in January
New York reaches an average high of 4°C (39°F) and drops to -4°C (25°F) at night during January. The daily temperature range is 8°C, meaning moderate variation throughout the day.
Paris averages 7°C (45°F) for the high and 2°C (36°F) for the low, with a daily range of 5°C. The 3°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
New York receives approximately 83 mm of rainfall across 9 rain days during January. You can expect rain roughly every other day.
Paris sees 52 mm over 12 rain days. That makes New York the drier option by 3 rain days and 31 mm of total precipitation.
Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.
What to Pack: New York vs Paris
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
Packing for Paris in January
Highs of 7°C, lows of 2°C, 12 rain days
- ✓heavy winter coat
- ✓thermal base layers
- ✓warm gloves and hat
- ✓insulated boots
- ✓waterproof jacket
- ✓compact umbrella
- ✓waterproof shoes
- ✓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: New York vs Paris
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 | New York | Paris | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Rain | High | Rain | |
| Jan | 4°C | 9d | 7°C | 12d |
| Feb | 5°C | 9d | 8°C | 10d |
| Mar | 9°C | 10d | 12°C | 11d |
| Apr | 15°C | 11d | 15°C | 11d |
| May | 21°C | 11d | 19°C | 11d |
| Jun | 26°C | 11d | 22°C | 10d |
| Jul | 29°C | 12d | 24°C | 10d |
| Aug | 28°C | 11d | 24°C | 9d |
| Sep | 24°C | 9d | 21°C | 8d |
| Oct | 18°C | 9d | 16°C | 11d |
| Nov | 12°C | 8d | 11°C | 11d |
| Dec | 6°C | 10d | 7°C | 12d |
New York Weather in January
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities
Paris Weather in January
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities