January

January is the coldest month on the South Fork. The 1991 to 2020 normals at Bridgehampton give an average high of 39° and low of 23°, with 7.2 inches of snow. Mid-month daylight lasts 9 h 32 min. If you are weighing a winter rental against a year-round lease, this is the month to picture yourself in.

Where the cold differs

The coast moderates the lows. Montauk Airport’s January normal low is 28°, against 23° at Bridgehampton and 20° at Gabreski Airport in Westhampton. A cottage near the ocean in Montauk and a house inland in Westhampton are living through different Januaries.

What recurs every January

• Archery season on county land. Suffolk County says archery season at its park locations begins October 1 and runs until January 31, with some properties opening November 1. Read the county’s information packet before you walk a county preserve.
• Ticks stay active in mild spells. Suffolk County says ticks can be active year-round, even in winter, whenever temperatures are above 40°F. The winter tick page has the county’s advice.
• Seals use the shores of southeastern Long Island in winter, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation. NOAA asks people to stay at least 50 yards away from seals. See seal watching.

Daylight

The sun rises at 7:12 a.m. and sets at 4:44 p.m. on the 15th. The latest sunrise of the standard-time months comes around January 4, at 7:14 a.m. The evenings have been lengthening since early December; the mornings catch up after that.

If you live here

Heat is the biggest household decision of the month. Most East End homes burn oil or propane, which arrive by truck; see how to heat a Hamptons house. If this is your first winter, work through the first winter checklist.