Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Red Rock Canyon in January
Little changes in Red Rock Canyon from December: highs stay near 53°F (12°C), lows near 32°F (0°C), and about 0.8 in (20 mm) of rain falls.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 75/100, 8th of 12.
- Avg high
- 53°F (12°C)
- Avg low
- 32°F (0°C)
- Rain
- 0.8 in (20 mm)
- Humidity
- 50%
- Cloud cover
- 47%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 48 min
- Comfort score
- 75/100 · Great
What January feels like
It's cool, with highs near 53°F (12°C), so a proper jacket stays on most of the day.
Average lows of 32°F (0°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
Rain is scarce: about 0.8 in (20 mm) for the whole month.
Plan around January
January sits mid-table; the best months are March – May and October & November.
- Last month with freezing nights on average; by February, lows rise to 34°F.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, December – February.
- Comfort improves from 71/100 in December to 75/100.
- Our Las Vegas New Year's Eve route is planned for Dec 30 – Jan 1, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — January is part of it.
What to pack for January
- Insulated jackethighs only 53°F
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 32°F
- Shoes with gripfrost and ice are possible
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Red Rock Canyon in January
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Spring Mountain Ranch State Park
Historic ranch under the Wilson Cliffs, with a cabin, blacksmith shop and short trails; Nevada State Parks runs First Day Hikes here.
Why now January scores 75/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Calico Basin
Area just outside the Scenic Drive with the Red Spring boardwalk and sandstone walls; no timed entry needed.
Why now Highs near 53°F and 0.8 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center
BLM visitor center at the start of the Scenic Drive, with desert exhibits and an outdoor tortoise habitat.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Peppermill
Round-the-clock Strip diner since 1972, with oversized breakfasts and a neon lounge built around a fire pit.
Nearby in January
- Las Vegas in January~16 mi · highs 58°F, 0.7 in rain · 3°C (6°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Zion in January~155 mi · highs 42°F, 1.3 in rain or snow · 6°C (11°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Joshua Tree in January~159 mi · highs 59°F, 0.6 in rain · 3°C (6°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Palm Springs in January~171 mi · highs 67°F, 0.9 in rain · 8°C (14°F) warmer by day, 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.
Red Rock Canyon in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Red Rock Canyon?
It's middling, scoring 75/100. The best months are March – May and October & November, at up to 99. Expect highs of 53°F (12°C) and 0.8 in (20 mm) of rain.
How cold is Red Rock Canyon in January?
Average highs are 53°F (12°C) and average lows 32°F (0°C), making it the 2nd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it rain a lot in Red Rock Canyon in January?
Not much: about 0.8 in (20 mm) of rain falls across January on average, the 3rd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 6.5 in (165 mm).
What should I pack for Red Rock Canyon in January?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 53°F), hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 32°F), shoes with grip (frost and ice are possible) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Red Rock Canyon
Routes in season in January
- Las Vegas New Year's Eve Dec 30 – Jan 1
Planning Red Rock Canyon in January?
Share this January plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.