Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Salt Lake City in January
Little changes in Salt Lake City from December: highs stay near 37°F (3°C), lows near 21°F (-6°C), and about 2.2 in (55 mm) of rain or snow falls.
With a comfort score of 48/100 (11th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 37°F (3°C)
- Avg low
- 21°F (-6°C)
- Rain or snow
- 2.2 in (55 mm)
- Humidity
- 84%
- Cloud cover
- 60%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 23 min
- Comfort score
- 48/100 · Fair
What January feels like
Real cold sets in, with afternoon highs around 37°F (3°C).
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 21°F (-6°C), so expect frost and ice.
About 2.2 in (55 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with temperatures averaging below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
Daylight is short, roughly 9 h 23 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 September & October.
- Comfort holds steady from December (46 → 48/100).
- Our Salt Lake City & Park City route is planned for Late Nov – Jan, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — January is part of it.
What to pack for January
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 21°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Salt Lake City in January
Cold days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Cathedral of the Madeleine
Salt Lake's 1909 Catholic cathedral, with painted interiors and Christmas concerts by its choir school in December.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 37°F.
Ballet West's Nutcracker at the Capitol Theatre
Ballet West dances Willam Christensen's Nutcracker, descended from the first full-length American staging, in a 1913 theater.
Why now A way to spend part of a cold day out of the wind.
Red Iguana
Family-run Mexican restaurant on North Temple, known for its moles and a line out the door.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 37°F.
Gallivan Center Ice Rink
Outdoor rink in the downtown Gallivan Center plaza, open through the winter with skate rental.
Nearby in January
- Park City in January~22 mi · highs 30°F, 2.0 in rain or snow · 4°C (7°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Capitol Reef in January~174 mi · highs 42°F, 0.7 in rain or snow · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, drier
- Arches in January~186 mi · highs 42°F, 0.9 in rain or snow · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, drier
- Jackson in January~196 mi · highs 28°F, 2.7 in rain or snow · 5°C (9°F) cooler by day, about as wet
These averages also cover Downtown Salt Lake City.
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~1,744 m to Salt Lake City's ~1,300 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.
Salt Lake City in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Salt Lake City?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 48/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are May & June and September & October. Expect highs of 37°F (3°C) and 2.2 in (55 mm) of rain or snow.
How cold is Salt Lake City in January?
Average highs are 37°F (3°C) and average lows 21°F (-6°C), making it the 2nd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Salt Lake City in January?
Not much: about 2.2 in (55 mm) of rain or snow falls across January on average, the 4th-wettest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 21.3 in (542 mm).
What should I pack for Salt Lake City in January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 21°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Salt Lake City
Routes in season in January
- Salt Lake City & Park City Late Nov – Jan
Planning Salt Lake City in January?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.