Honestly, if you’re looking at a 10-day weather forecast for New York City, New York, you’re probably trying to figure out if you need the heavy-duty parka or just a light layer for a walk through Central Park. NYC weather in January is a fickle beast. One minute you’re dodging a snow squall on 5th Avenue, and the next, you’re squinting at a bright, albeit freezing, sun reflecting off the glass of the Freedom Tower.
Right now, as of January 15, 2026, the city is settling into a classic mid-winter groove.
Today is basically as clear as it gets. We're looking at a high of 41°F with tons of sunshine. It sounds decent on paper, right? But the low is dropping to 21°F tonight. That’s the kind of temperature swing that catches you off guard if you stay out late for a Broadway show and realize your "cute" coat isn't doing much against the Hudson River breeze.
Breaking Down the 10-Day Weather Forecast for New York City New York
Looking ahead at the 10-day weather forecast for New York City, New York, the trend is "cold but manageable."
We aren't seeing any massive "Snowmageddon" events on the immediate horizon, which is a relief for anyone who remembers the messy start to the month. If you recall, New Year’s Day 2026 kicked off with an intense snow squall that dumped an inch of snow in minutes before the wind chills plummeted into the single digits.
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For the next week and a half, expect highs to hover mostly in the mid-30s to low-40s.
Why the "Feel Like" Temperature is the Only One That Matters
In New York, the thermometer is a liar. The "RealFeel" or wind chill is what actually dictates your day. With winds often gusting between 15 and 25 mph through the concrete canyons of Midtown, a 38°F afternoon can easily feel like 28°F.
The humidity is sitting around 36% to 40% this week. It’s dry. Really dry. This is the part of the winter where everyone’s skin starts to protest and the static electricity in the subway is basically a localized power grid.
What the Experts Are Seeing
The National Weather Service and the Climate Prediction Center are currently tracking a transition. We’ve been under a La Niña pattern, which usually means more volatility, but there’s a 75% chance we move into an "ENSO-neutral" state as we head toward March.
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What does that mean for your weekend plans?
Basically, it means the extreme, record-breaking cold we saw in December 2025—the coldest December for the city since 2010—is starting to lose its grip. We’re moving back toward averages. In NYC, a "normal" January day averages about 39°F for a high and 24°F for a low. We are hitting those numbers almost exactly over the next 10 days.
Managing the NYC Winter Reality
If you’re visiting or just commuting, the 10-day weather forecast for New York City, New York suggests you keep the umbrella in the bag but the scarf around your neck.
Precipitation looks light. We might see some afternoon clouds or a stray flurry around January 29th, but the "Big One" isn't showing up yet. This dry spell is actually a bit concerning for the long term—2025 ended with a nearly 10-inch rainfall deficit—but for your daily commute, it’s a win.
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Practical Tips for the Current Forecast
- Layering is a science: The subway stations are often 20 degrees warmer than the street. If you wear one massive coat over a t-shirt, you will sweat underground and freeze above ground.
- Footwear matters: Even without deep snow, the slush from previous flurries and the salt on the sidewalks can ruin leather. Stick to something with a rubber sole and some grip.
- Sunscreen isn't just for July: With 5 hours of bright sun expected daily over this stretch, and a UV index around 2 or 3, the winter sun can still be surprisingly harsh when it bounces off the skyscrapers.
Looking Toward Late January
The long-range outlook from the Farmer’s Almanac suggests a bit of a "milder" turn toward the end of the month before February brings back the rain and potential snowstorms. But "mild" in New York just means you might see 45°F instead of 35°F.
Keep an eye on the wind direction. If the wind starts coming from the North or Northwest, those "bitter cold" warnings usually follow within 24 hours. For now, the flow is relatively steady, keeping us in this cold-but-sunny holding pattern.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check your heat and insulation now while the weather is stable. If you’re traveling into the city between now and January 25th, pack items you can peel off easily. The forecast is holding steady with highs near 40°F and lows in the 20s, so prioritize wind-blocking outer layers over heavy insulation.