Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Snoqualmie Pass in January
The year's rain or snow peaks now, with about 10.2 in (258 mm) falling in Snoqualmie Pass, alongside highs near 34°F (1°C) and lows of 24°F (-4°C).
With a comfort score of 20/100 (10th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 34°F (1°C)
- Avg low
- 24°F (-4°C)
- Rain or snow
- 10.2 in (258 mm)
- Humidity
- 97%
- Cloud cover
- 76%
- Daylight
- ~8 h 40 min
- Comfort score
- 20/100 · Tough
What January feels like
Real cold sets in, with afternoon highs around 34°F (1°C).
Average lows of 24°F (-4°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
Expect about 10.2 in (258 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because the average temperature is below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 76%.
Daylight is short, roughly 8 h 40 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are July – September.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, November – January.
- Comfort holds steady from December (20 → 20/100).
- 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 24°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 10.2 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Snoqualmie Pass in January
With 10.2 in of rain or snow, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Twede's Cafe
North Bend diner that played the Double R in Twin Peaks, still serving cherry pie and coffee under Mount Si.
Why now A sit-down stop to wait out showers in a month with 10.2 in of rain.
Northwest Railway Museum
Railway museum based in the 1890 Snoqualmie Depot, running its Santa Train to the falls on December weekends.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop for a month with 10.2 in of rain.
Snoqualmie Falls
A 268-foot waterfall on the Snoqualmie River, running at full force in the wet winter months.
Gold Creek Pond
Flat snowshoe loop around a mountain pond on the east side of the pass, reached from the Gold Creek Sno-Park.
Nearby in January
- Leavenworth in January~37 mi · highs 38°F, 4.8 in rain or snow · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, drier
- Seattle in January~45 mi · highs 46°F, 6.9 in rain · 7°C (12°F) warmer by day, drier
- Bainbridge Island in January~54 mi · highs 46°F, 6.9 in rain · 7°C (12°F) warmer by day, drier
- Olympic NP in January~105 mi · highs 32°F, 11.3 in rain or snow · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, wetter
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~1,198 m to Snoqualmie Pass's ~923 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.
Snoqualmie Pass in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Snoqualmie Pass?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 20/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are July – September. Expect highs of 34°F (1°C) and 10.2 in (258 mm) of rain or snow.
How cold is Snoqualmie Pass in January?
Average highs are 34°F (1°C) and average lows 24°F (-4°C), making it the 2nd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Snoqualmie Pass in January?
Yes: about 10.2 in (258 mm) of rain or snow falls across January on average, the wettest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 69.4 in (1764 mm).
What should I pack for Snoqualmie Pass 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 10.2 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Snoqualmie Pass
Planning Snoqualmie Pass in January?
Share this January plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.