Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Duluth in January
This is the coldest month in Duluth: highs average 20°F (-7°C) and lows 5°F (-15°C), with about 0.9 in (23 mm) of rain or snow.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 49/100, 9th of 12.
- Avg high
- 20°F (-7°C)
- Avg low
- 5°F (-15°C)
- Rain or snow
- 0.9 in (23 mm)
- Humidity
- 96%
- Cloud cover
- 63%
- Daylight
- ~8 h 44 min
- Comfort score
- 49/100 · Fair
What January feels like
Real cold sets in, with afternoon highs around 20°F (-7°C).
Average lows of 5°F (-15°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
Precipitation is light, about 0.9 in (23 mm) of rain or snow, and since the average temperature is below freezing, what does fall may well be snow.
Only about 8 h 44 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around January
January sits mid-table; the best months are June – September.
- Comfort improves from 46/100 in December to 49/100.
- Our Minnesota North Shore route recommends Jun – Oct, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 5°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Duluth in January
With highs near 20°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Duluth Grill
Local-sourcing diner in West Duluth with hearty breakfasts.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 20°F.
Bent Paddle Brewing Co.
Popular Lincoln Park taproom of a Duluth craft brewery.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Vikre Distillery
Canal Park distillery making gins and aquavit with North Woods botanicals.
Why now A cozy break on a 20°F day.
Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center
Free museum by the canal on Great Lakes shipping and shipwrecks.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 20°F.
Enger Tower
Five-story stone tower on a hill with a free climb and 360-degree harbor views.
Nearby in January
- Grand Marais in January~106 mi · highs 19°F, 1.1 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Minneapolis in January~137 mi · highs 22°F, 0.7 in rain or snow · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Decorah in January~241 mi · highs 25°F, 1.0 in rain or snow · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Door County in January~266 mi · highs 26°F, 1.4 in rain or snow · 3°C (6°F) warmer by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~354 m to Duluth's ~200 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.
Duluth in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Duluth?
It's middling, scoring 49/100. The best months are June – September, at up to 86. Expect highs of 20°F (-7°C) and 0.9 in (23 mm) of rain or snow. Our Minnesota North Shore route recommends Jun – Oct, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Duluth in January?
Average highs are 20°F (-7°C) and average lows 5°F (-15°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Duluth in January?
Not much: about 0.9 in (23 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 30.8 in (782 mm).
What should I pack for Duluth in January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 5°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Planning Duluth in January?
Share this January plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.