Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Aviemore & the Cairngorms in January
Little changes in Aviemore & the Cairngorms from December: highs stay near 39°F (4°C), lows near 33°F (1°C), and about 4.7 in (120 mm) of rain falls.
With a comfort score of 34/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 39°F (4°C)
- Avg low
- 33°F (1°C)
- Rain
- 4.7 in (120 mm)
- Humidity
- 97%
- Cloud cover
- 79%
- Daylight
- ~7 h 03 min
- Comfort score
- 34/100 · Tough
What January feels like
Highs only reach about 39°F (4°C), so plan short stints outside between indoor stops.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 33°F (1°C).
Expect regular rain: about 4.7 in (120 mm) falls in the month.
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 79%.
Daylight is short, roughly 7 h 03 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are June – September.
- Comfort holds steady from December (36 → 34/100).
- Our Edinburgh & the Cairngorms route is planned for Late Nov – early Jan, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — January is part of it.
What to pack for January
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 33°F
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoes4.7 in of rain on average
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Aviemore & the Cairngorms in January
With 4.7 in of rain, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
The Old Bridge Inn
Long-running pub by the Spey on the edge of Aviemore, serving food beside an open fire.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 39°F.
Strathspey Railway
Heritage steam line from Aviemore to Boat of Garten and Broomhill, with seasonal Christmas services.
CairnGorm Mountain
Ski area on the northern slopes of Cairn Gorm, served by Britain's highest funicular railway.
Glenmore Forest Park
Pine forest around Loch Morlich with waymarked trails, including the walk up to An Lochan Uaine.
Nearby in January
- Inverness in January~25 mi · highs 42°F, 2.8 in rain · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, drier
- Fort William in January~55 mi · highs 42°F, 7.5 in rain · 1°C (3°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Edinburgh in January~89 mi · highs 42°F, 2.9 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, drier
- Dublin in January~282 mi · highs 46°F, 3.4 in rain · 4°C (7°F) warmer by day, drier
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~535 m to Aviemore & the Cairngorms's ~211 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Aviemore & the Cairngorms in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Aviemore & the Cairngorms?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 34/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are June – September. Expect highs of 39°F (4°C) and 4.7 in (120 mm) of rain.
How cold is Aviemore & the Cairngorms in January?
Average highs are 39°F (4°C) and average lows 33°F (1°C), making it the 2nd-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Aviemore & the Cairngorms in January?
Yes: about 4.7 in (120 mm) of rain falls across January on average, the 6th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 54.3 in (1380 mm).
What should I pack for Aviemore & the Cairngorms in January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 33°F), rain jacket and waterproof shoes (4.7 in of rain on average) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Aviemore & the Cairngorms
Routes in season in January
- Edinburgh & the Cairngorms Late Nov – early Jan
Planning Aviemore & the Cairngorms in January?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.