Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Yellowstone in January
Little changes in Yellowstone from December: highs stay near 19°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
- 19°F (-7°C)
- Avg low
- 1°F (-17°C)
- Rain or snow
- 3.2 in (81 mm)
- Humidity
- 98%
- Cloud cover
- 75%
- Daylight
- ~8 h 59 min
- Comfort score
- 40/100 · Tough
What January feels like
It's cold: daytime highs average just 19°F (-7°C), so build the days around warm stops.
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 1°F (-17°C), so expect frost and ice.
Expect about 3.2 in (81 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 75%.
Daylight is short, roughly 8 h 59 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).
- January sits inside the Mid-Dec – Mar window our Grand Teton, Jackson & Yellowstone route recommends.
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 picks involve some walking
What to do in Yellowstone in January
Cold days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Yellow-walled canyon where the 308-foot Lower Falls builds a huge cone of ice in winter.
Grand Prismatic Spring
The largest hot spring in the United States, in Midway Geyser Basin; in winter its steam drifts over the Firehole River.
Old Faithful
Yellowstone's best-known geyser, erupting about every 60 to 110 minutes; in winter the plume of steam towers over the snow.
West Yellowstone
Montana gateway town at the West Entrance, where most snowcoach and guided snowmobile tours to Old Faithful begin.
Nearby in January
- Yellowstone National Park in January~13 mi · highs 20°F, 3.2 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Grand Teton National Park in January~57 mi · highs 24°F, 3.3 in rain or snow · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Jackson in January~79 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~274 mi · highs 37°F, 2.2 in rain or snow · 10°C (18°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 in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Yellowstone?
It's middling, scoring 40/100. The best months are July – September, at up to 97. Expect highs of 19°F (-7°C) and 3.2 in (81 mm) of rain or snow. January is inside the Mid-Dec – Mar window our Grand Teton, Jackson & Yellowstone route recommends.
How cold is Yellowstone in January?
Average highs are 19°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 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 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 picks involve some walking).
More on Yellowstone
Routes in season in January
- Grand Teton, Jackson & Yellowstone Mid-Dec – Mar
Planning Yellowstone in January?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.