Here’s a short, insightful article on the topic:

During this time, most parts of the country experience cold temperatures, with average temperatures ranging from 29°F (-2°C) in the Northeast to 49°F (9°C) in the Southwest. Some areas, especially in the northern states, can be quite chilly, with temperatures often dropping below freezing.

Technically, . But the lived experience ranges from deep-freeze hibernation to patio-dining weather. The U.S. is so geographically vast—spanning from near-Arctic Alaska to subtropical Florida—that a single season label can’t capture it.

Would you like a version tailored for a specific audience, like kids or travelers?

But perceived seasons matter more. Ask a Texan: a 35°F (2°C) January morning feels bitterly cold to them. Ask a Minnesotan: 35°F in January is a heat wave worthy of leaving your coat unzipped. And ask a Miamian: anything below 60°F (15°C) triggers “arctic blast” news alerts.

: Often sees the peak of the rainy season (especially in the Pacific Northwest), while high-altitude areas like the Rockies experience peak skiing conditions with heavy snow.

Keep in mind that these are general trends, and specific weather conditions can vary greatly from year to year and even within different parts of a region.

But if you actually travel across the U.S. in January, you’ll quickly realize that “winter” means vastly different things depending on where you stand. The real answer is:

Spring months : March, April, May. Summer months : June, July, August. Fall months : September, October, November. Winter months : Seasons - North Carolina State Climate Office

: Typically the coldest month of the year, characterized by freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, and ice storms.

To understand why January is winter, it helps to look at the three ways seasons are defined in the U.S.: Seasons of the Year in the United States - Calendarr