Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Toronto in January
This is the coldest month in Toronto: highs average 32°F (0°C) and lows 23°F (-5°C), with about 2.1 in (54 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 41/100 (11th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 32°F (0°C)
- Avg low
- 23°F (-5°C)
- Rain or snow
- 2.1 in (54 mm)
- Humidity
- 86%
- Cloud cover
- 81%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 06 min
- Comfort score
- 41/100 · Tough
What January feels like
Real cold sets in, with afternoon highs around 32°F (0°C).
Average lows of 23°F (-5°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
About 2.1 in (54 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with temperatures averaging below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 81%.
It's breezy, with average winds near 13 mph (5.6 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 June – September.
- Snow becomes likely from January, so check road and trail conditions.
- Comfort holds steady from December (40 → 41/100).
- Our Toronto, Niagara & Prince Edward County route recommends May – Oct, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 23°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Windproof shellaverage wind 13 mph
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Toronto in January
Cold days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
St. Lawrence Market
Historic food hall with butchers, cheesemongers and the peameal bacon sandwich.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 32°F.
Royal Ontario Museum
Natural history and world culture museum with dinosaur galleries and the Crystal facade.
Why now A way to spend part of a cold day out of the wind.
Carousel Bakery
St. Lawrence Market stall that made the peameal bacon sandwich famous.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 32°F.
Art Gallery of Ontario
Frank Gehry-redesigned gallery with Canadian art and a Group of Seven collection.
Pai Northern Thai Kitchen
Lively basement restaurant for khao soi and northern Thai curries.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Nearby in January
- Niagara Falls & Niagara-on-the-Lake in January~36 mi · highs 32°F, 2.3 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Prince Edward County in January~109 mi · highs 30°F, 2.5 in rain or snow · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Seneca Lake in January~133 mi · highs 31°F, 2.4 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Keuka Lake in January~135 mi · highs 31°F, 2.1 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, 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.
Toronto in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Toronto?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 41/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are June – September. Expect highs of 32°F (0°C) and 2.1 in (54 mm) of rain or snow. Our Toronto, Niagara & Prince Edward County route recommends May – Oct, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Toronto in January?
Average highs are 32°F (0°C) and average lows 23°F (-5°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Toronto in January?
Not much: about 2.1 in (54 mm) of rain or snow falls across January on average, the 3rd-driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 30.5 in (774 mm).
What should I pack for Toronto in January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 23°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), windproof shell (average wind 13 mph) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Planning Toronto in January?
Share this January plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.