Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Leavenworth in January
Little changes in Leavenworth from December: highs stay near 38°F (3°C), lows near 27°F (-3°C), and about 4.8 in (121 mm) of rain or snow falls.
With a comfort score of 35/100 (11th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 38°F (3°C)
- Avg low
- 27°F (-3°C)
- Rain or snow
- 4.8 in (121 mm)
- Humidity
- 94%
- Cloud cover
- 76%
- Daylight
- ~8 h 38 min
- Comfort score
- 35/100 · Tough
What January feels like
Real cold sets in, with afternoon highs around 38°F (3°C).
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 27°F (-3°C), so expect frost and ice.
About 4.8 in (121 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with lows well below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 76%.
Daylight is short, roughly 8 h 38 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May – September.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, November – January.
- Comfort holds steady from December (35 → 35/100).
- Our Seattle, Snoqualmie Pass & Leavenworth route is planned for Late Nov – Dec, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — January falls outside it.
What to pack for January
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 27°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 4.8 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Leavenworth in January
With 4.8 in of rain or snow, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum
Upstairs museum on Front Street with thousands of nutcrackers from around the world, some centuries old.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop for a month with 4.8 in of rain.
Stevens Pass
Major ski area on the Cascade crest, 45 minutes west of Leavenworth on US 2, with night skiing on the front side.
Front Street Park
The town green and gazebo at the heart of the Christmas Lighting Festival, where the village lights are switched on at dusk.
Blackbird Island
Riverside trails in Waterfront Park, a short walk from Front Street, along the Wenatchee River.
Kris Kringl
Year-round Christmas store on Front Street selling ornaments, nutcrackers and German smokers.
Nearby in January
- Snoqualmie Pass in January~37 mi · highs 34°F, 10.2 in rain or snow · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Seattle in January~78 mi · highs 46°F, 6.9 in rain · 4°C (8°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Bainbridge Island in January~87 mi · highs 46°F, 6.9 in rain · 4°C (8°F) warmer by day, wetter
- San Juan Island in January~127 mi · highs 45°F, 5.8 in rain · 4°C (7°F) warmer by day, wetter
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~997 m to Leavenworth's ~355 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.
Leavenworth in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Leavenworth?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 35/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are May – September. Expect highs of 38°F (3°C) and 4.8 in (121 mm) of rain or snow.
How cold is Leavenworth in January?
Average highs are 38°F (3°C) and average lows 27°F (-3°C), making it the 2nd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Leavenworth in January?
Yes: about 4.8 in (121 mm) of rain or snow falls across January on average, the 2nd-wettest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 31.9 in (810 mm).
What should I pack for Leavenworth in January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 27°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 4.8 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Leavenworth
Planning Leavenworth in January?
Share this January plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.