If you’re standing on a street corner in Bushwick right now or planning a weekend trip to DUMBO, the first thing you probably did was check your phone for what's the temperature in Brooklyn New York. It’s a habit. We all do it. But here’s the thing about Brooklyn weather—the number on your screen rarely tells the whole story.
Right now, as of Wednesday, January 14, 2026, it’s about 49°F in Brooklyn. It’s cloudy. Kinda grey. Honestly, it feels like a standard mid-January afternoon where the sun is putting in the bare minimum effort. But if you’re down by the water in Williamsburg, that 49 degrees is going to feel a lot more like 40 because of the wind whipping off the East River.
The Current Situation: January 14, 2026
Today’s high is expected to hit 50°F, with a low tonight of 43°F. We’ve got about an 18% chance of rain during the day, which jumps up to 27% tonight. It’s not a washout, but you’ll definitely want a layer.
Tomorrow, Thursday, the vibe shifts. The temperature is going to drop to a high of 43°F and a bone-chilling low of 24°F. If you’re visiting, this is your warning: the "January Thaw" we’re seeing today is a lie. Real winter is coming back fast.
Why the Brooklyn "RealFeel" is Actually a Thing
Most people think New York City weather is uniform. It’s not. There is a massive difference between the concrete heat of Bed-Stuy and the breezy shade of Prospect Park.
In the winter, Brooklyn’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and various rivers creates a "maritime influence." This sounds fancy, but basically, it means the water keeps us a tiny bit warmer than upstate New York, but it also adds a dampness to the air that gets into your bones.
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When you look up what's the temperature in Brooklyn New York, you’re often getting a reading from a station that might not be in your specific neighborhood. If you’re in a high-density area with lots of brick buildings, the "Urban Heat Island" effect is real. Those bricks soak up whatever sun they can get and radiate it back out.
Breaking Down the Seasonal Averages
To really understand Brooklyn's climate, you have to look at the extremes.
- January (The Coldest Month): Highs usually hover around 40°F, with lows near 29°F. Today’s 49 degrees is actually a bit of a treat compared to the historical average.
- July (The Hottest Month): This is when things get swampy. Highs average 84°F, but with the humidity, it often feels like 95.
- The Wind Factor: January is technically the windiest month in Brooklyn, with average speeds around 13 mph. That wind is the difference between "I need a light jacket" and "I can't feel my face."
The Neighborhood Variance (It’s Not All the Same)
If you’re in Coney Island, you’re basically in a different climate zone than someone in Bushwick.
- Coney Island/Brighton Beach: Expect it to be 3-5 degrees cooler in the summer and windier in the winter. The ocean is a giant heat sink.
- Brooklyn Heights/DUMBO: The wind tunnel effect between the skyscrapers and the river can make a 45-degree day feel like a 30-degree day.
- Prospect Park: The "Lungs of Brooklyn." All that greenery actually cools the air. If you're running the loop, it might feel a few degrees cooler than the surrounding streets.
What to Wear Right Now
Since the temperature is sitting at 49°F but heading toward 24°F tomorrow, you need to be smart.
Honestly, the "New Yorker Uniform" exists for a reason. Layers. You want a base layer that breathes because the subway platforms are currently 20 degrees hotter than the street. Then a sweater. Then a medium-weight coat.
Don't be the person who gets caught in a t-shirt because the app said it was 50 degrees. By the time you walk from the L train to your destination, that South wind at 7 mph will remind you that it's still January.
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Looking Ahead: The 10-Day Outlook
If you're planning for the next week, get the boots ready.
- Friday, Jan 16: High of 35°F. Brisk.
- Saturday, Jan 17: We’re looking at a "Wintry Mix"—rain and snow with a high of 42°F. This is the worst kind of Brooklyn weather. It's slushy, it's wet, and the corners of the streets turn into deep lakes of icy trash water.
- Tuesday, Jan 20: A true cold snap hits. High of only 27°F and a low of 15°F. If you have pipes that freeze, this is the night to keep the faucet dripping.
A Quick Word on Data Sources
When you ask what's the temperature in Brooklyn New York, most apps pull from JFK Airport or Central Park. Neither is actually in the heart of Brooklyn. Central Park is a massive forest in Manhattan that tends to be cooler, and JFK is on the edge of the water in Queens. For the most accurate local feel, many residents rely on the "NY1" forecast or localized neighborhood sensors.
Surprising Facts About Brooklyn Weather
Did you know that Brooklyn once hit 106°F? That happened back in 1936. On the flip side, it has also dropped to -15°F in 1934.
We also get about 50 inches of precipitation a year. That’s more than London. We just get it in big bursts rather than a constant drizzle. This is why when it rains in Brooklyn, it really rains. The drainage system in older parts of the borough, like Gowanus or Carroll Gardens, sometimes struggles to keep up, leading to those infamous street floods.
Actionable Next Steps for Today
If you are in Brooklyn right now:
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- Check the wind chill: The raw temperature is 49°F, but the humidity is at 50% and rising.
- Prepare for tomorrow's drop: We are losing about 25 degrees between today's high and tomorrow's low. Dig out the heavy scarves tonight.
- Walk on the sunny side: On these 50-degree days, the difference between the shade and the sun is massive. Cross the street; it’s worth it.
- Monitor the Sat/Sun "Mix": Saturday's rain-snow transition is the prime time for "Slippery Surface" warnings on the MTA. Give yourself an extra 15 minutes if you're taking the bus or train.
Brooklyn weather is a moving target. It’s moody, it’s unpredictable, and it’s rarely as simple as a single number on a screen.
Stay warm, keep a compact umbrella in your bag, and always, always trust the wind over the thermometer.
Actionable Insight: Check the "Dew Point" rather than just the humidity if you want to know how "heavy" the air will feel during your commute today. A dew point in the 40s is comfortable, but as it climbs toward 60, that Brooklyn dampness starts to feel much colder in the winter and stickier in the summer.