Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Yellowstone National Park in January
Little changes in Yellowstone National Park from December: highs stay near 20°F (-7°C), lows near 1°F (-17°C), and about 3.2 in (81 mm) of rain or snow falls.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 40/100, 9th of 12.
- Avg high
- 20°F (-7°C)
- Avg low
- 1°F (-17°C)
- Rain or snow
- 3.2 in (81 mm)
- Humidity
- 98%
- Cloud cover
- 75%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 01 min
- Comfort score
- 40/100 · Tough
What January feels like
Real cold sets in, with afternoon highs around 20°F (-7°C).
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 1°F (-17°C), so expect frost and ice.
About 3.2 in (81 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with temperatures averaging below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 75%.
Daylight is short, roughly 9 h 01 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around January
January sits mid-table; the best months are July – September.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, November – January.
- Comfort holds steady from December (38 → 40/100).
- Our Glacier to Yellowstone route recommends Jun – Sep, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 1°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 3.2 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Yellowstone National Park in January
With highs near 20°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Bear Pit Lounge
Small bar off the Old Faithful Inn dining room with historic etched-glass panels.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 20°F.
Old Faithful Inn
1904 log hotel with a seven-story lobby and stone fireplace, open to all visitors.
Artist Point
Classic viewpoint of the Lower Falls and the yellow walls of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
Hayden Valley
Open valley along the Yellowstone River with bison herds and frequent wolf and bear sightings.
Fairy Falls Trail Grand Prismatic Overlook
Short climb to a raised platform above Grand Prismatic Spring for the full color rings.
Nearby in January
- Yellowstone in January~13 mi · highs 19°F, 3.2 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Grand Teton National Park in January~44 mi · highs 24°F, 3.3 in rain or snow · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Jackson in January~67 mi · highs 28°F, 2.7 in rain or snow · 5°C (8°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Salt Lake City in January~262 mi · highs 37°F, 2.2 in rain or snow · 10°C (17°F) warmer by day, drier
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.
Yellowstone National Park in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Yellowstone National Park?
It's middling, scoring 40/100. The best months are July – September, at up to 97. Expect highs of 20°F (-7°C) and 3.2 in (81 mm) of rain or snow. Our Glacier to Yellowstone route recommends Jun – Sep, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Yellowstone National Park in January?
Average highs are 20°F (-7°C) and average lows 1°F (-17°C), making it the 2nd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Yellowstone National Park in January?
Some: about 3.2 in (81 mm) of rain or snow falls across January on average, the 3rd-wettest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 32.8 in (834 mm).
What should I pack for Yellowstone National Park in January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 1°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 3.2 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Yellowstone National Park
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