Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Downtown Raleigh in January
This is the coldest month in Downtown Raleigh: highs average 48°F (9°C) and lows 29°F (-2°C), with about 2.8 in (72 mm) of rain.
Its comfort score of 61/100 is still Good, though it ranks 10th of 12 here.
- Avg high
- 48°F (9°C)
- Avg low
- 29°F (-2°C)
- Rain
- 2.8 in (72 mm)
- Humidity
- 80%
- Cloud cover
- 52%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 50 min
- Comfort score
- 61/100 · Good
What January feels like
Cool days top out near 48°F (9°C), better for brisk walks than lingering outside.
Average lows of 29°F (-2°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 2.8 in (72 mm).
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are April and October & November.
- Freezing nights return: average lows drop to 29°F.
- Comfort slips from 65/100 in December to 61/100.
- Our Raleigh New Year's Eve route is planned for Dec 30 – Jan 1, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — January is part of it.
What to pack for January
- Insulated jackethighs only 48°F
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 29°F
- Shoes with gripfrost and ice are possible
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 2.8 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Downtown Raleigh in January
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
The Raleigh Times Bar
Bar in the 1906 building of the old Raleigh Times newspaper, with a rooftop patio a block from City Plaza.
Why now January scores 61/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
North Carolina State Capitol
Greek Revival capitol from 1840 at the north end of Fayetteville Street, a straight sightline from City Plaza.
Why now Highs near 48°F and 2.8 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
First Night Raleigh and the Acorn Drop
Artsplosure's New Year's Eve festival on Fayetteville Street, ending with the copper acorn lowered over City Plaza and fireworks.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Bida Manda
Laotian restaurant run by a brother and sister since 2012, known for crispy pork belly soup and lemongrass dishes.
Nearby in January
- Uptown Charlotte in January~130 mi · highs 49°F, 3.1 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Richmond in January~139 mi · highs 44°F, 2.9 in rain or snow · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Williamsburg in January~149 mi · highs 45°F, 2.8 in rain or snow · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Ocracoke in January~156 mi · highs 56°F, 3.3 in rain · 4°C (8°F) warmer by day, about as wet
These averages also cover Dix Park & West Raleigh.
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.
Downtown Raleigh in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Downtown Raleigh?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 61/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are April and October & November. Expect highs of 48°F (9°C) and 2.8 in (72 mm) of rain.
How cold is Downtown Raleigh in January?
Average highs are 48°F (9°C) and average lows 29°F (-2°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it rain a lot in Downtown Raleigh in January?
Some: about 2.8 in (72 mm) of rain falls across January on average, the driest month of the year. The annual total is about 46.7 in (1187 mm).
What should I pack for Downtown Raleigh in January?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 48°F), hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 29°F), shoes with grip (frost and ice are possible), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 2.8 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Downtown Raleigh
Routes in season in January
- Raleigh New Year's Eve Dec 30 – Jan 1
Planning Downtown Raleigh in January?
Share this January plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.