Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Seward in January
This is the coldest month in Seward: highs average 31°F (0°C) and lows 24°F (-4°C), with about 9.9 in (252 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 21/100 (10th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 31°F (0°C)
- Avg low
- 24°F (-4°C)
- Rain or snow
- 9.9 in (252 mm)
- Humidity
- 93%
- Cloud cover
- 72%
- Daylight
- ~6 h 19 min
- Comfort score
- 21/100 · Tough
What January feels like
Highs only reach about 31°F (0°C), so plan short stints outside between indoor stops.
Average lows of 24°F (-4°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
About 9.9 in (252 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 6 h 19 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are June – August.
- Comfort holds steady from December (19 → 21/100).
- Our Alaska Glacier Route recommends Jun – Aug, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 24°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 9.9 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Seward in January
Wet days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Alaska SeaLife Center
Aquarium and marine rescue center with Steller sea lions, puffins and harbor seals.
Why now Our curated notes list it for "rainy day", which suits a wetter month.
Seward Brewing Company
Downtown brewpub with house beers and Alaska-sourced food.
Why now A sit-down stop to wait out showers in a month with 9.9 in of rain.
Resurrection Roadhouse
Lodge restaurant at Seward Windsong Lodge on the road to Exit Glacier.
Why now Easy to slot in when January's rain moves in.
Ray's Waterfront
Long-running harbor restaurant for fresh halibut, salmon and crab.
Exit Glacier
Kenai Fjords' only road-accessible glacier, with signs showing its retreat since 1815.
Nearby in January
- Anchorage in January~79 mi · highs 24°F, 2.1 in rain or snow · 4°C (7°F) cooler by day, drier
- Homer in January~80 mi · highs 31°F, 5.9 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, drier
- Talkeetna in January~155 mi · highs 19°F, 2.5 in rain or snow · 7°C (12°F) cooler by day, drier
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~505 m to Seward's ~35 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.
Seward in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Seward?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 21/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are June – August. Expect highs of 31°F (0°C) and 9.9 in (252 mm) of rain or snow. Our Alaska Glacier Route recommends Jun – Aug, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Seward in January?
Average highs are 31°F (0°C) and average lows 24°F (-4°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Seward in January?
Yes: about 9.9 in (252 mm) of rain or snow falls across January on average, the 5th-wettest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 103.7 in (2635 mm).
What should I pack for Seward in January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 24°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 9.9 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Planning Seward in January?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.