Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Traverse City in January
Traverse City cools off: highs slip to 29°F (-2°C), from 34°F in December, with lows of 22°F (-6°C) and about 2.0 in (51 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 42/100 (11th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 29°F (-2°C)
- Avg low
- 22°F (-6°C)
- Rain or snow
- 2.0 in (51 mm)
- Humidity
- 88%
- Cloud cover
- 79%
- Daylight
- ~8 h 58 min
- Comfort score
- 42/100 · Tough
What January feels like
Highs only reach about 29°F (-2°C), so plan short stints outside between indoor stops.
Average lows of 22°F (-6°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
Expect about 2.0 in (51 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 79%.
It's breezy, with average winds near 13 mph (5.7 m/s) at ground level.
Daylight is short, roughly 8 h 58 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are June – September.
- Comfort holds steady from December (40 → 42/100).
- Our Great Lakes Hidden Gems route recommends May – Sep, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 22°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 Traverse City in January
With highs near 29°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Right Brain Brewery
Traverse City's original microbrewery, known for oddball beers and arcade games.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 29°F.
Chateau Grand Traverse
Old Mission Peninsula's pioneering winery, known for Riesling.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Sleder's Family Tavern
Michigan's oldest continuously operating tavern (1882), with burgers and a mahogany bar.
Why now A cozy break on a 29°F day.
Art's Tavern
Glen Arbor tavern since the 1930s, serving burgers and whitefish near the dunes.
Cherry Republic
Cherry-everything store with samples, from salsa to cherry soda.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 29°F.
Nearby in January
- Sleeping Bear Dunes in January~21 mi · highs 30°F, 1.9 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Door County in January~79 mi · highs 26°F, 1.4 in rain or snow · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, drier
- Mackinac Island in January~89 mi · highs 25°F, 1.9 in rain or snow · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Frankenmuth in January~136 mi · highs 28°F, 2.0 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.
Traverse City in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Traverse City?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 42/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are June – September. Expect highs of 29°F (-2°C) and 2.0 in (51 mm) of rain or snow. Our Great Lakes Hidden Gems route recommends May – Sep, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Traverse City in January?
Average highs are 29°F (-2°C) and average lows 22°F (-6°C), making it the 2nd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Traverse City in January?
Not much: about 2.0 in (51 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 34.3 in (872 mm).
What should I pack for Traverse City in January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 22°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).
More on Traverse City
Planning Traverse City in January?
Share this January plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.