Ketchikan in January
In January, Ketchikan averages 4°C (39°F) during the day and 0°C (32°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 23 days of the month see precipitation (366 mm total).
Off-peakConditions are cold — pack winter layers. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
January is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Ketchikan. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How January compares to the rest of the year in Ketchikan
January is one of the coolest months in Ketchikan (10th of 12) and one of the wettest months (2nd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 6°C below the annual average (10°C). January runs 1°C warmer than December (3°C) and stays flat into February.
January sunrise & sunset in Ketchikan
Times shown for Ketchikan local time (America/Sitka), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Ketchikan — January
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Ketchikan's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Ketchikan in January
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on January's tier (Off-peak) and Ketchikan's popularity.
January in United States — events that affect travel
Known cultural, religious, or national events that surge prices, fill hotels, or close businesses during this month. Plan around them, or build your itinerary around the ones you'd like to see.
Major travel surge plus widespread Dec 24-26 and Jan 1 business closures.
Plan: Book flights and hotels well ahead; expect many restaurants/shops closed Dec 25 and Jan 1.
Crowds & pricing — January in Ketchikan
This is off-peak for Ketchikan — the lowest prices of the year and the fewest crowds, but with real trade-offs: some restaurants, hotels, and beach businesses may close for the season; weather conditions can make outdoor activities unpredictable; and a handful of seasonal sights run reduced hours or close entirely. Great if you prefer a quiet local rhythm and don't mind the climate giving you reasons to choose indoor activities.
Why this tier: challenging tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — January in Ketchikan
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
🍂 Cool — Ketchikan in January
Gear: Cool to cold. Layered approach — sweater + jacket — works for most days.
Ketchikan in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4°C / 39°F | 0°C / 32°F | 366 mm | 23 | — |
| February | 4°C / 38°F | -1°C / 30°F | 251 mm | 19 | — |
| March | 6°C / 43°F | 0°C / 33°F | 255 mm | 21 | — |
| April | 9°C / 49°F | 3°C / 38°F | 281 mm | 23 | — |
| May | 14°C / 58°F | 8°C / 46°F | 151 mm | 19 | — |
| June | 16°C / 61°F | 10°C / 50°F | 174 mm | 22 | — |
| July | 19°C / 65°F | 13°C / 55°F | 179 mm | 22 | — |
| August | 18°C / 65°F | 13°C / 55°F | 283 mm | 21 | — |
| September | 15°C / 59°F | 10°C / 50°F | 343 mm | 22 | — |
| October | 10°C / 51°F | 6°C / 43°F | 372 mm | 23 | — |
| November | 6°C / 43°F | 2°C / 36°F | 401 mm | 25 | — |
| December | 3°C / 38°F | -1°C / 31°F | 333 mm | 21 | — |
Other cities with similar January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Ketchikan in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Ketchikan in January?
In January, Ketchikan averages a high of 4°C (39°F) and a low of 0°C (32°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Ketchikan in January?
January is quite rainy in Ketchikan, with about 23 rainy days on average.
Is January a good time to visit Ketchikan?
January is cold but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cold weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Ketchikan in January?
Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full January packing list for Ketchikan for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.