Yellowstone weather
in January
“Cool and moody. Best paired with warm rooms and long lunches.”
Roughly 11 rainy days across the month, on average.
In january, Yellowstone settles into its cold, contemplative stillness. The city keeps a different pulse than in summer or midwinter, and travellers who arrive with the right expectations are rewarded.
Days average around -6°C (21°F), cooling to -12°C after sunset. Rainfall is moderate — around 11 rainy days spread through the month.
These figures are climatological averages, drawn from a decade of daily records via the Open-Meteo Archive — not a forecast. But they are honest, and they are the sort of thing a good travel guide ought to tell you before you book the flight.
What to pack for Yellowstone in January
- •A properly warm coat — not a fashion piece
- •A merino base layer for the cold evenings
- •Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes
- •A small daypack that won't look like a tourist beacon
What to pack for Yellowstone in January
- →Merino wool base layerAmazon · shop this
- →Insulated puffer jacketAmazon · shop this
- →Thermal glovesAmazon · shop this
- →Compact travel umbrellaAmazon · shop this
- →Universal travel adapterAmazon · shop this
- →Compression packing cubesAmazon · shop this
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Where to stay in Yellowstone
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Yellowstone in January — FAQ
Q01Is January a good time to visit Yellowstone?
Is January a good time to visit Yellowstone?
It is a challenging month — you may want to consider another time of year. In January, Yellowstone averages a high of -6°C (21°F) and a low of -12°C (10°F), with 49mm of rainfall across roughly 11 rainy days.
Q02What is the average temperature in Yellowstone in January?
What is the average temperature in Yellowstone in January?
The average high temperature in Yellowstone during January is -6°C (21°F), with an average low of -12°C (10°F). These figures are averaged from ten years of daily records (2015–2024, Open-Meteo Archive).
Q03How many rainy days does Yellowstone have in January?
How many rainy days does Yellowstone have in January?
Yellowstone averages approximately 11 rainy days in January, with a total monthly rainfall of about 49mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04What should I pack for Yellowstone in January?
What should I pack for Yellowstone in January?
For Yellowstone in January, pack a warm winter coat, a merino base layer for evenings, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on the ten-year weather averages for this specific month.
Q05How crowded is Yellowstone in January?
How crowded is Yellowstone in January?
Tourist crowds in Yellowstone during January are typically low — winter is off-season, meaning quiet streets and better hotel deals. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely.