Sitka in January

In January, Sitka averages 3°C (38°F) during the day and 0°C (32°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 25 days of the month see precipitation (321 mm total).

Off-peak

Conditions 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 Sitka. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.

3°C
Avg high
0°C
Avg low
25
Rain days
321 mm
Rainfall

How January compares to the rest of the year in Sitka

10th
warmest month of the 12
1st
wettest month of the 12
11%
of yearly rainfall falls in January
7 h 24 min
daylight on the 15th

January is one of the coolest months in Sitka (10th of 12) and one of the wettest months (1st of 12). Daytime temperature runs 6°C below the annual average (9°C). January runs roughly the same as December (3°C) and cools 1°C in February (3°C).

January sunrise & sunset in Sitka

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
8:28 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
3:52 PM
Day length
7 h 24 min

Times shown for Sitka 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 Sitka — January

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

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
7:28 AM – 8:08 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
8:08 AM – 9:08 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
3:12 PM – 4:12 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
4:12 PM – 4:52 PM
Aurora visibility
Fair
Aurora is possible from Sitka but requires a strong geomagnetic event (Kp 5+) plus clear skies — chase nights, don't count on them.

📅 When to book — Sitka 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 Sitka's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
3-6 weeks
Cheapest flights of the year. Last-minute deals are real if you can be flexible.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-4 weeks
Last-minute bookings work fine. Some seasonal properties close — call ahead if it's a small boutique or beach resort.
⚠ 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 Sitka

Off-peak

This is off-peak for Sitka — 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 Sitka

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
1.6
Low
Minimal sun protection needed for normal activity.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●○○○
Low
Mosquitoes present but manageable. Pack repellent (DEET 10-20%) for evenings near water.

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 — Sitka in January

Snow days (typical)
0
days/month
Avg low
0°C
32°F
Avg day high
3°C
38°F

Gear: Cool to cold. Layered approach — sweater + jacket — works for most days.

Sitka in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 3°C / 38°F 0°C / 32°F 321 mm 25
February 3°C / 37°F -2°C / 28°F 260 mm 20
March 4°C / 40°F -1°C / 31°F 202 mm 22
April 7°C / 45°F 3°C / 37°F 211 mm 23
May 12°C / 54°F 7°C / 44°F 116 mm 20
June 15°C / 58°F 10°C / 50°F 134 mm 24
July 17°C / 62°F 12°C / 54°F 143 mm 23
August 17°C / 62°F 12°C / 54°F 248 mm 24
September 14°C / 58°F 10°C / 50°F 317 mm 23
October 10°C / 50°F 6°C / 42°F 377 mm 24
November 6°C / 42°F 2°C / 35°F 365 mm 24
December 3°C / 38°F 0°C / 31°F 359 mm 23

Other cities with similar January weather

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

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Sitka in January?

In January, Sitka averages a high of 3°C (38°F) and a low of 0°C (32°F) — generally cold.

Does it rain a lot in Sitka in January?

January is quite rainy in Sitka, with about 25 rainy days on average.

Is January a good time to visit Sitka?

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 Sitka 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 Sitka for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Sitka on the interactive map

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