Reno in January

In January, Reno averages 7°C (44°F) during the day and -1°C (29°F) at night, with around 8 days of rain (80 mm total).

Shoulder

Conditions are cold — pack winter layers. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.

January in Reno is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).

7°C
Avg high
-1°C
Avg low
8
Rain days
80 mm
Rainfall

How January compares to the rest of the year in Reno

11th
warmest month of the 12
2nd
wettest month of the 12
18%
of yearly rainfall falls in January
9 h 41 min
daylight on the 15th

January is one of the coolest months in Reno (11th of 12) and one of the wettest months (2nd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 12°C below the annual average (19°C). January runs 1°C warmer than December (6°C) and warms a further 2°C into February (9°C).

January sunrise & sunset in Reno

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
7:17 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
4:59 PM
Day length
9 h 41 min

Times shown for Reno local time (America/Los_Angeles), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Reno — January

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Reno's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
6:17 AM – 6:57 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:57 AM – 7:57 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
4:19 PM – 5:19 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
5:19 PM – 5:59 PM

📅 When to book — Reno 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 (Shoulder) and Reno's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
6-10 weeks
Sweet spot for value. Major fare-sales (US: Black Friday, EU: post-Easter) hit hardest in shoulder months for shoulder travel.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
4-8 weeks
Lots of selection. Look for shoulder-season packages — many hotels add value (free breakfast, spa credit) to fill rooms.
⚠ Christmas / New Year travel is a global premium-pricing event — many destinations 30-50% above normal. Book 4+ months ahead if your dates are Dec 20 - Jan 2.

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.

🎄
US Christmas/New Year Window
Travel surge · high impact

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 Reno

Shoulder

Reno is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.

Sun & mosquito risk — January in Reno

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
5.1
Moderate
Use SPF 15-30 for prolonged outdoor exposure; sunglasses recommended at peak hours.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●○○○○
Minimal
Occasional mosquitoes possible near standing water. Repellent rarely needed.

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.

🌬 Frosty nights — Reno in January

Snow days (typical)
0
days/month
Avg low
-1°C
29°F
Avg day high
7°C
44°F

Gear: Cold nights, milder days. Light insulated jacket fine for daytime, real coat for after dark.

Reno in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 7°C / 44°F -1°C / 29°F 80 mm 8
February 9°C / 48°F -1°C / 30°F 66 mm 7
March 12°C / 53°F 1°C / 33°F 58 mm 9
April 17°C / 62°F 4°C / 39°F 26 mm 5
May 22°C / 71°F 8°C / 46°F 30 mm 7
June 29°C / 84°F 13°C / 56°F 7 mm 2
July 33°C / 92°F 17°C / 62°F 9 mm 2
August 32°C / 89°F 17°C / 62°F 8 mm 2
September 27°C / 81°F 13°C / 56°F 15 mm 3
October 20°C / 68°F 8°C / 46°F 36 mm 3
November 11°C / 53°F 2°C / 35°F 32 mm 5
December 6°C / 43°F -2°C / 29°F 76 mm 8

Other cities with similar January weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Reno in January →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Reno in January?

In January, Reno averages a high of 7°C (44°F) and a low of -1°C (29°F) — generally cold.

Does it rain a lot in Reno in January?

January sees occasional rain in Reno, with about 8 rainy days on average.

Is January a good time to visit Reno?

January is cold. 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 Reno in January?

Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves. See the full January packing list for Reno for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Reno on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.