Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Baltimore in January
This is the coldest month in Baltimore: highs average 39°F (4°C) and lows 24°F (-4°C), with about 2.8 in (70 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 45/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 39°F (4°C)
- Avg low
- 24°F (-4°C)
- Rain or snow
- 2.8 in (70 mm)
- Humidity
- 84%
- Cloud cover
- 63%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 31 min
- Comfort score
- 45/100 · Fair
What January feels like
It's cold: daytime highs average just 39°F (4°C), so build the days around warm stops.
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 24°F (-4°C), so expect frost and ice.
About 2.8 in (70 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with temperatures averaging below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are April & May and September & October.
- Snow becomes likely from January, so check road and trail conditions.
- Comfort holds steady from December (47 → 45/100).
- Our Capital Cities Corridor route recommends Mar – Jun, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 24°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 2.8 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Baltimore in January
Cold days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
The Horse You Came In On Saloon
Fells Point saloon dating to 1775, said to be Poe's last drink stop.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 39°F.
The Walters Art Museum
Free museum with armor, ancient art and illuminated manuscripts in Mount Vernon.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 39°F.
American Visionary Art Museum
Museum of self-taught artists' work, with mosaic-covered exterior.
Why now A way to spend part of a cold day out of the wind.
Faidley Seafood
Lexington Market stall since 1886, known for its lump crab cake.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Thames Street Oyster House
Fells Point seafood house known for lobster rolls and raw bar.
Nearby in January
- Washington, DC in January~35 mi · highs 40°F, 2.6 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Lancaster in January~54 mi · highs 37°F, 2.8 in rain or snow · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Kennett Square in January~61 mi · highs 37°F, 3.0 in rain or snow · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Philadelphia in January~90 mi · highs 38°F, 3.1 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
These averages also cover Fells Point and Inner Harbor & Harbor East.
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Baltimore in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Baltimore?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 45/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are April & May and September & October. Expect highs of 39°F (4°C) and 2.8 in (70 mm) of rain or snow. Our Capital Cities Corridor route recommends Mar – Jun, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Baltimore in January?
Average highs are 39°F (4°C) and average lows 24°F (-4°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Baltimore in January?
Some: about 2.8 in (70 mm) of rain or snow falls across January on average, the driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 45.7 in (1162 mm).
What should I pack for Baltimore in January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 24°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 2.8 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Baltimore
Planning Baltimore 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.