Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Portland, Maine in January
This is the coldest month in Portland, Maine: highs average 34°F (1°C) and lows 25°F (-4°C), with about 4.1 in (103 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 41/100 (10th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 34°F (1°C)
- Avg low
- 25°F (-4°C)
- Rain or snow
- 4.1 in (103 mm)
- Humidity
- 85%
- Cloud cover
- 65%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 06 min
- Comfort score
- 41/100 · Tough
What January feels like
Highs only reach about 34°F (1°C), so plan short stints outside between indoor stops.
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 25°F (-4°C), so expect frost and ice.
Expect about 4.1 in (103 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because the average temperature is below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
It's breezy, with average winds near 11 mph (5.1 m/s) at ground level.
Only about 9 h 06 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are September.
- Snow becomes likely from January, so check road and trail conditions.
- Comfort improves from 36/100 in December to 41/100.
- Our Boston to Portland route recommends May – Oct, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 25°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 4.1 in of rain or snow
- Windproof shellaverage wind 11 mph
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Portland, Maine in January
Cold days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Duckfat
Small sandwich shop famous for fries cooked in duck fat.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 34°F.
Eventide Oyster Co.
Oyster bar known for its brown-butter lobster roll on a steamed bun.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Portland Museum of Art
Strong Winslow Homer and Maine art collection in the Arts District.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 34°F.
Allagash Brewing Company
Belgian-style brewery with a tasting room and free tours.
Why now A cozy break on a 34°F day.
Eastern Promenade
Hilltop park and trail with views over Casco Bay and its islands.
Nearby in January
- Portsmouth in January~48 mi · highs 34°F, 4.1 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Maine in January~51 mi · highs 26°F, 2.8 in rain or snow · 5°C (8°F) cooler by day, drier
- White Mountains in January~67 mi · highs 5°F, 2.6 in rain or snow · 16°C (29°F) cooler by day, drier
- New Hampshire in January~73 mi · highs 30°F, 2.8 in rain or snow · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, drier
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.
Portland, Maine in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Portland, Maine?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 41/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are September. Expect highs of 34°F (1°C) and 4.1 in (103 mm) of rain or snow. Our Boston to Portland route recommends May – Oct, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Portland, Maine in January?
Average highs are 34°F (1°C) and average lows 25°F (-4°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Portland, Maine in January?
Some: about 4.1 in (103 mm) of rain or snow falls across January on average, the 6th-driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 53.7 in (1363 mm).
What should I pack for Portland, Maine in January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 25°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 4.1 in of rain or snow), windproof shell (average wind 11 mph) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Portland, Maine
Planning Portland, Maine in January?
Share this January plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.