Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Victoria in January
Little changes in Victoria from December: highs stay near 45°F (7°C), lows near 39°F (4°C), and about 5.8 in (147 mm) of rain falls.
With a comfort score of 37/100 (11th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cloud cover.
- Avg high
- 45°F (7°C)
- Avg low
- 39°F (4°C)
- Rain
- 5.8 in (147 mm)
- Humidity
- 87%
- Cloud cover
- 83%
- Daylight
- ~8 h 32 min
- Comfort score
- 37/100 · Tough
What January feels like
It's cool, with highs near 45°F (7°C), so a proper jacket stays on most of the day.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 39°F (4°C).
Rain is a real factor, with about 5.8 in (147 mm) across the month.
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 83%.
Only about 8 h 32 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are June – September.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, November – January.
- Comfort holds steady from December (37 → 37/100).
- Our Vancouver, Whistler & Victoria route recommends Jun – Sep, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- Insulated jackethighs only 45°F
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoesfrequent rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Victoria in January
Wet days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Red Fish Blue Fish
Takeout fish-and-chip shack built from a shipping container on the harbour pier.
Why now A sit-down stop to wait out showers in a month with 5.8 in of rain.
Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub
Canada's oldest brewpub, opened in 1984, with harbour views and house ales.
Why now Easy to slot in when January's rain moves in.
Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Empress
Long-running tea service in the Lobby Lounge of the 1908 harbourfront hotel.
Why now Keeps part of the day dry on wetter January days.
Royal BC Museum
Provincial museum of natural and human history, including First Peoples galleries.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop for a month with 5.8 in of rain.
Inner Harbour
Harbour framed by the Parliament Buildings and the Fairmont Empress, busy with floatplanes and buskers.
Nearby in January
- San Juan Island in January~18 mi · highs 45°F, 5.8 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Olympic NP in January~45 mi · highs 32°F, 11.3 in rain or snow · 7°C (13°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Vancouver in January~60 mi · highs 41°F, 12.7 in rain · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Bainbridge Island in January~68 mi · highs 46°F, 6.9 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
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.
Victoria in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Victoria?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 37/100, held back mainly by cloud cover. The best months are June – September. Expect highs of 45°F (7°C) and 5.8 in (147 mm) of rain. Our Vancouver, Whistler & Victoria route recommends Jun – Sep, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Victoria in January?
Average highs are 45°F (7°C) and average lows 39°F (4°C), making it the 2nd-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Victoria in January?
Yes: about 5.8 in (147 mm) of rain falls across January on average, the 2nd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 39.0 in (991 mm).
What should I pack for Victoria in January?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 45°F), rain jacket and waterproof shoes (frequent rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Planning Victoria in January?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.