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Weather Comparison

Boston vs New York

Side-by-side weather comparison for January

Boston: 2°CNew York: 4°C306 km apart

January Weather: Boston vs New York

MetricBostonNew YorkBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer2°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 drier10 days9 daysNew York
PrecipitationLess is drier93 mm83 mmNew York
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier6h/day7h/dayNew York
HumidityLower is more comfortable65%65%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer11Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better23 km/h19 km/hNew 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 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. New York receives 1 more hour of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

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.

MonthBostonNew York
HighRainHighRain
Jan2°C10d4°C9d
Feb3°C9d5°C9d
Mar7°C11d9°C10d
Apr14°C11d15°C11d
May19°C11d21°C11d
Jun25°C10d26°C11d
Jul28°C10d29°C12d
Aug27°C9d28°C11d
Sep23°C8d24°C9d
Oct16°C10d18°C9d
Nov10°C10d12°C8d
Dec5°C11d6°C10d
2°

Boston Weather in January

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

4°

New York Weather in January

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Boston warmer than New York in January?
No. In January, New York is warmer with an average high of 4°C (39°F) compared to Boston at 2°C (36°F), a difference of 2°C.
Which city gets more rain in January, Boston or New York?
Boston gets more rain in January with 10 rain days and 93 mm of precipitation. New York is the drier option with 9 rain days.
Is it better to visit Boston or New York in January?
It depends on your preferences. Boston averages 2°C and 6 hours of daily sunshine with 10 rain days. New York averages 4°C with 7 sunshine hours and 9 rain days. If you prefer cooler conditions, choose New York. For fewer rain days, New York is the better pick.
How far apart are Boston and New York?
Boston and New York are approximately 306 km (190 miles) apart. Boston is located in United States (North America) while New York is in United States (North America).
What is the best month to visit Boston and New York?
For Boston, July tends to be the best month with 12 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 28°C. For New York, July is typically ideal with 12 sunshine hours and 29°C highs.

Compare Boston and New York in Other Months

Climate data sourced from the Open-Meteo Historical Weather API, using ERA5 reanalysis data covering 30-year normals from 1991 to 2020. All temperatures shown in Celsius with Fahrenheit equivalents. Rain days count days with 1 mm or more of precipitation. Sunshine hours represent average daily values. This comparison is generated from long-term climate averages and individual trips may vary.

Boston coordinates: 42.36°N, -71.06°E | New York coordinates: 40.71°N, -74.01°E