Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Lake Louise in January
Lake Louise edges warmer than December, with highs of 22°F (-5°C), lows of 7°F (-14°C) and about 2.7 in (69 mm) of rain or snow.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 42/100, 8th of 12.
- Avg high
- 22°F (-5°C)
- Avg low
- 7°F (-14°C)
- Rain or snow
- 2.7 in (69 mm)
- Humidity
- 96%
- Cloud cover
- 75%
- Daylight
- ~8 h 06 min
- Comfort score
- 42/100 · Tough
What January feels like
Real cold sets in, with afternoon highs around 22°F (-5°C).
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 7°F (-14°C), so expect frost and ice.
Expect about 2.7 in (69 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because the average temperature is below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 75%.
Daylight is short, roughly 8 h 06 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around January
January sits mid-table; the best months are July & August.
- Comfort holds steady from December (43 → 42/100).
- Our Banff & Jasper Loop recommends Jun – Sep, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 7°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 2.7 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Lake Louise in January
With highs near 22°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Laggan's Mountain Bakery
Long-running bakery in Samson Mall; cheap sandwiches and pastries for the trail.
Rockpile Trail
Short climb at Moraine Lake to the famous postcard view.
Lake Louise Village Grill & Bar
Family-run since 1990 above Samson Mall. Burgers and Chinese-Western comfort food, open late with a full bar.
Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail
Flat path along the turquoise lake toward Victoria Glacier.
Lake Agnes Tea House
Historic 1905 teahouse at a hanging lake, reached by a 3.5 km climb.
Nearby in January
- Banff in January~31 mi · highs 23°F, 1.8 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, drier
- Jasper in January~129 mi · highs 27°F, 1.3 in rain or snow · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, drier
- Glacier National Park in January~212 mi · highs 23°F, 2.6 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Whistler in January~310 mi · highs 35°F, 10.4 in rain or snow · 7°C (13°F) warmer by day, wetter
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~2,099 m to Lake Louise's ~1,540 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.
Lake Louise in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Lake Louise?
It's middling, scoring 42/100. The best months are July & August, at up to 86. Expect highs of 22°F (-5°C) and 2.7 in (69 mm) of rain or snow. Our Banff & Jasper Loop recommends Jun – Sep, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Lake Louise in January?
Average highs are 22°F (-5°C) and average lows 7°F (-14°C), making it the 2nd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Lake Louise in January?
Some: about 2.7 in (69 mm) of rain or snow falls across January on average, the 3rd-driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 37.8 in (961 mm).
What should I pack for Lake Louise in January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 7°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 2.7 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Lake Louise
Planning Lake Louise in January?
Share this January plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.