Richmond in January
In January, Richmond averages 9°C (47°F) during the day and 0°C (31°F) at night, with around 10 days of rain (86 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cold — pack winter layers. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
January in Richmond 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.).
How January compares to the rest of the year in Richmond
January is one of the coolest months in Richmond (12th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (5th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 12°C below the annual average (21°C). January runs 3°C cooler than December (12°C) and warms a further 3°C into February (11°C).
January sunrise & sunset in Richmond
Times shown for Richmond local time (America/New_York), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Richmond — January
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Richmond's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Richmond 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 Richmond'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 Richmond
Richmond 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 Richmond
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 — Richmond in January
Gear: Cold nights, milder days. Light insulated jacket fine for daytime, real coat for after dark.
Richmond in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9°C / 47°F | 0°C / 31°F | 86 mm | 10 | — |
| February | 11°C / 53°F | 1°C / 34°F | 93 mm | 10 | — |
| March | 15°C / 59°F | 4°C / 39°F | 85 mm | 10 | — |
| April | 21°C / 69°F | 9°C / 49°F | 94 mm | 10 | — |
| May | 25°C / 78°F | 15°C / 59°F | 99 mm | 11 | — |
| June | 30°C / 85°F | 19°C / 66°F | 104 mm | 11 | — |
| July | 32°C / 90°F | 22°C / 72°F | 102 mm | 13 | — |
| August | 30°C / 87°F | 21°C / 70°F | 109 mm | 12 | — |
| September | 28°C / 82°F | 18°C / 65°F | 101 mm | 10 | — |
| October | 22°C / 71°F | 12°C / 54°F | 95 mm | 8 | — |
| November | 15°C / 59°F | 5°C / 42°F | 78 mm | 7 | — |
| December | 12°C / 53°F | 3°C / 37°F | 99 mm | 10 | — |
Other cities with similar January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Richmond in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Richmond in January?
In January, Richmond averages a high of 9°C (47°F) and a low of 0°C (31°F) — generally cool.
Does it rain a lot in Richmond in January?
January can be fairly wet in Richmond, with about 10 rainy days on average.
Is January a good time to visit Richmond?
January is cool. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cool weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Richmond in January?
Pack a warm jacket and layers, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full January packing list for Richmond for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.