What January feels like in Salt Lake City
January is the coldest stretch of winter in Salt Lake City. Afternoons stay around freezing — the sort of cold that makes long outdoor stretches hard work. Evenings bring a clear drop in temperature, and nights drop well below freezing. The air is damp, which makes cool temperatures feel colder, particularly in wind.
Rain in Salt Lake City in January
It is a changeable month: rain comes about one day in 3, with dry spells in between. A rainy day brings about 5.5 mm (0.2 in) on average — steady rain rather than a passing shower. That is close to Salt Lake City's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 6 mm).
Daylight and sunshine in January
In mid-January, sunrise is at about 7:50 am and sunset at about 5:23 pm (local time) — 9 h 33 min of daylight. Since mid-December the day has gained 16 min. The sun is out for roughly 76% of those daylight hours, so there are plenty of bright spells.
How January compares to the rest of the year
January is the coolest month of the year in Salt Lake City. Afternoons run 0.9°C (1.6°F) cooler than in December, with 5 mm less rain. This is the low point, and February starts to warm up. The next month's average high: 4.8°C (40.6°F).
Who January suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — it is cold for long walks.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Hiking: less ideal — trails are cool.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — warm places to spend the coldest part of the day.
Tips for visiting Salt Lake City in January
Versatile Layers
Days are noticeably warmer than nights — layers you can add or remove.
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Warm Layers
Insulated layers and warm shoes for the cold hours.
Sunglasses
Plenty of sun, so bring sunglasses and a cap.
Quick questions
How warm is Salt Lake City in January?
Expect around 2.1°C (35.8°F) in the afternoon and -6.7°C (19.9°F) at night, which most visitors would call freezing.
Does it rain a lot in Salt Lake City in January?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about one day in 3 and totals about 55 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Salt Lake City in January?
The numbers point to versatile layers, rain protection, warm layers and sunglasses. Add a layer for after dark.
Is January or February better for visiting Salt Lake City?
On our 12-month climate ranking, February comes out ahead (#10 of 12 vs #11). February is warmer and has fewer rainy days.