Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Keuka Lake in January
This is the coldest month in Keuka Lake: highs average 31°F (-1°C) and lows 17°F (-8°C), with about 2.1 in (54 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 41/100 (11th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 31°F (-1°C)
- Avg low
- 17°F (-8°C)
- Rain or snow
- 2.1 in (54 mm)
- Humidity
- 90%
- Cloud cover
- 81%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 12 min
- Comfort score
- 41/100 · Tough
What January feels like
Real cold sets in, with afternoon highs around 31°F (-1°C).
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 17°F (-8°C), so expect frost and ice.
About 2.1 in (54 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with temperatures averaging below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 81%.
Daylight is short, roughly 9 h 12 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May & June and August & September.
- Comfort improves from 38/100 in December to 41/100.
- Our Finger Lakes Wine Trail route recommends May – Oct, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 17°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Keuka Lake in January
Cold days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Keuka Spring Vineyards
Small family winery on the east shore with a relaxed porch tasting.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 31°F.
Glenn H. Curtiss Museum
Aviation and motorcycle museum for the Hammondsport pioneer who rivaled the Wright brothers.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 31°F.
Heron Hill Winery
Hillside tasting room with wide views down the lake.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Keuka Outlet Trail
7-mile rail-trail from Penn Yan to Seneca Lake past old mill ruins and waterfalls.
Crooked Lake Ice Cream Co.
Old-fashioned soda fountain and diner on the Hammondsport village square.
Nearby in January
- Seneca Lake in January~21 mi · highs 31°F, 2.4 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Ithaca in January~34 mi · highs 31°F, 2.5 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Prince Edward County in January~97 mi · highs 30°F, 2.5 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Niagara Falls & Niagara-on-the-Lake in January~107 mi · highs 32°F, 2.3 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
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.
Keuka Lake in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Keuka Lake?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 41/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are May & June and August & September. Expect highs of 31°F (-1°C) and 2.1 in (54 mm) of rain or snow. Our Finger Lakes Wine Trail route recommends May – Oct, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Keuka Lake in January?
Average highs are 31°F (-1°C) and average lows 17°F (-8°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Keuka Lake in January?
Not much: about 2.1 in (54 mm) of rain or snow falls across January on average, the 2nd-driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 38.5 in (978 mm).
What should I pack for Keuka Lake in January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 17°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Keuka Lake
Planning Keuka Lake in January?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.