If you’re staring at your suitcase wondering if that light trench coat is a stroke of genius or a recipe for hypothermia, you aren’t alone. New York City in January is a fickle beast. One minute you’re walking through a cinematic flurry of snow in Central Park, and the next, you’re dodging a slush puddle the size of a mid-sized sedan while the wind whips off the Hudson River at 30 miles per hour. This coming Sunday, the New York weather Sunday forecast looks like a classic mix of Mid-Atlantic unpredictability that could easily ruin a tourist’s day if they aren’t prepared.
Seriously. Don't just trust the little sun icon on your phone.
Weather in the five boroughs is rarely just about the temperature. It’s the "feels like" factor that gets you. This Sunday, we are looking at a high of roughly 42°F, but that number is a bit of a liar. Between the skyscraper wind tunnels in Midtown and the dampness that lingers near the East River, it’s going to feel significantly colder. You’ve basically got to plan for three different climates: the frigid street level, the sweltering subway platforms, and the aggressively heated museums or shops.
The Reality of New York Weather Sunday
Most people check the weather and see "partly cloudy" and think they're fine. They aren't. Sunday’s setup involves a high-pressure system sliding out, which usually means the morning starts crisp—read: bone-chilling—before a slight afternoon "warm-up" that barely registers because the cloud cover will likely thicken by 2:00 PM.
The National Weather Service (NWS) is currently monitoring a weak clipper system passing to the north. While it’s not expected to dump a foot of snow on Times Square, it could bring some "ocean effect" moisture or just a biting dampness. If you’re planning on a walking tour or hitting the High Line, that damp air is going to cut right through a standard denim jacket or a light fleece. You need a shell. Something that blocks the wind.
Humidity will hover around 60%. That’s high enough to make the 40-degree air feel like it’s clinging to your skin. When the sun dips behind the buildings around 4:30 PM, the temperature will plummet faster than a tech stock in a recession. By dinner time, you're looking at 32°F or lower.
Why the "Wind Tunnel Effect" Matters
New York’s grid system is a masterpiece of urban planning, but it’s a nightmare for thermodynamics. The long, straight avenues like 5th and 6th act as literal canyons. Wind gets compressed and accelerates. Even if the airport reports a 10 mph breeze, between 42nd and 59th streets, it can feel like a gale.
This Sunday, the wind is expected to come from the Northwest. This is the "cold" direction. It’s coming down from Canada, across the flat plains of Upstate New York, and slamming into Manhattan. If you’re walking North (uptown), you’re walking right into the teeth of it.
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I’ve seen people try to do the "Brooklyn Bridge Walk" on a day like this. Honestly? It’s brutal. The bridge is completely exposed. Without a scarf to cover your face, your skin will feel like it’s being exfoliated by ice crystals. If you must do the bridge this Sunday, do it from Brooklyn toward Manhattan so the wind is at your back, and try to go before the clouds settle in during the late afternoon.
Layers Are Your Only Friends
Forget fashion for a second. Okay, don't forget it entirely—this is New York—but prioritize function. The biggest mistake people make with New York weather Sunday is wearing one massive, heavy parka over a t-shirt.
Why is this a mistake?
The subway.
The MTA doesn't do "subtle" when it comes to heating. You will descend into a station where it is a humid 75°F, wait for the L train, and start sweating. Then you get on the train, and it’s even hotter. When you finally exit back into the 38-degree air, that sweat turns into an ice coat. It’s the fastest way to catch a cold or just feel miserable for four hours.
- Base Layer: Uniqlo Heattech or any synthetic moisture-wicking shirt. Avoid cotton if you plan on walking a lot.
- Mid Layer: A light wool sweater or a "shacket." Something you can unbutton easily.
- Outer Layer: A long coat. Length matters here because it keeps the wind off your thighs.
- The Secret Weapon: Thick socks. The concrete in New York is a heat sink. It sucks the warmth right out of the soles of your shoes. If you're wearing thin dress socks, your toes will be numb by the time you finish your first bagel.
What the Locals Know About Sunday Slush
Even if it doesn't rain or snow on Sunday, there is always "mystery liquid" in New York. There’s leftover ice from Friday’s dusting, or perhaps a leaky fire hydrant, or just the general grime of the city.
Leather boots are better than sneakers. Suede is a death wish. If you wear your brand-new suede sneakers on Sunday, they will be ruined by a combination of salt (the city puts down tons of it) and grey slush. Use a protector spray before you leave the hotel, or better yet, just wear something with a thick rubber sole.
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Is Sunday a Good Day for Outdoor Sightseeing?
It depends on your tolerance for the "grey."
Sunday morning will likely offer the best light for photos. If you want that shot of the Flatiron Building or the Vessel at Hudson Yards, get out there by 9:00 AM. The light is low, and the crowds are thinner because most New Yorkers are still at brunch or sleeping off Saturday night.
By the afternoon, the sky will likely turn that specific shade of "New York Grey"—a flat, oppressive ceiling of clouds that makes the city look like a 1940s film noir. It’s actually quite beautiful in a gritty way, but it's not the bright, sparkling metropolis you see in the movies.
If the wind picks up as forecast, the Staten Island Ferry becomes a different experience. It’s free, which is great, but the deck will be freezing. Sit inside for the ride out, and only go to the back deck for the 30 seconds you need to snap a photo of the Statue of Liberty.
Museum Strategies for Cold Sundays
When the New York weather Sunday gets biting, everyone has the same idea: "Let’s go to the Met!"
The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the MoMA will be packed. If you want to escape the cold without being shoulder-to-shoulder with five thousand other people, try some of the smaller spots. The Morgan Library is cozy and feels like a billionaire’s secret study. The Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria is a bit of a trek but keeps you indoors and out of the wind.
The Brunch Factor and Weather
You’re probably going to do brunch. It’s Sunday in New York.
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Be aware that many "outdoor dining" structures are still around, but they aren't all created equal. Some have great heaters; others are basically just wooden sheds where you can see your own breath. If you’re making a reservation, ask specifically for "indoor seating" or "heated patio." Don't assume.
Also, keep an eye on the humidity levels. If they spike toward the evening, expect fog. This can actually be pretty cool if you're at a rooftop bar like Westlight in Williamsburg or 230 Fifth. You won't see the top of the Empire State Building—it’ll be buried in the clouds—but the atmosphere is incredibly "Blade Runner."
Key Details to Watch
- Sunrise: 7:18 AM
- Sunset: 4:54 PM (The "Golden Hour" is more like a "Golden 15 Minutes" this time of year)
- Chance of Precipitation: 20% (Mostly "nuisance" rain or flurries)
- Average Wind Speed: 12-18 mph
Practical Advice for Your Sunday Trip
Don't let the forecast scare you off, but don't ignore it either. The city is vibrant in the winter, and there’s something special about the way the steam rises from the manhole covers when the air is cold.
- Check the MTA App: Cold weather can sometimes cause signal issues or track maintenance. Sunday is prime time for "planned work" that diverts trains.
- Moisturize: The air is incredibly dry indoors because of the steam heat. Your skin and lips will crack within hours if you aren't prepared.
- Charge Your Phone: Cold weather kills battery life. If you're using Google Maps to navigate the West Village, your phone might drop from 40% to dead surprisingly fast. Carry a small power bank in your coat pocket.
- Footwear: Again, I cannot stress this enough. Comfort over style. You will likely walk 5 to 10 miles. If your feet are cold and sore, the Empire State Building will just look like a giant radiator you can't reach.
Expect the unexpected. New York weather is a conversation starter for a reason. You might get a random burst of sunshine at noon that makes 40 degrees feel like 60, or a wind gust at 3:00 PM that makes you want to crawl into the nearest Starbucks and never leave.
Pack a scarf. Bring the "good" gloves—the ones that actually work with touchscreens. Wear layers that you can shed like a snake as you move from the street to the subway to the cafe. If you do that, you’ll actually enjoy the city rather than just enduring it.
Check the local radar on the morning of. Apps like Dark Sky or Carrot Weather provide hyper-local "down to the minute" rain alerts which are much more useful than a general daily forecast. If it says rain is starting in 10 minutes, duck into a drug store or a museum immediately. The New York rain doesn't mess around; it’s usually accompanied by wind that turns umbrellas inside out in seconds. Invest in a sturdy, wind-resistant umbrella or just stick to a hooded waterproof shell. Ground yourself in the reality that the city is best experienced on foot, but only if you're dressed for the reality of the pavement.