Skagway in January

In January, Skagway averages -1°C (31°F) during the day and -4°C (24°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 22 days of the month see precipitation (257 mm total).

Off-peak

Conditions are deeply cold — proper winter gear is essential. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.

January is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Skagway. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.

-1°C
Avg high
-4°C
Avg low
22
Rain days
257 mm
Rainfall

How January compares to the rest of the year in Skagway

11th
warmest month of the 12
6th
wettest month of the 12
11%
of yearly rainfall falls in January
6 h 52 min
daylight on the 15th

January is one of the coolest months in Skagway (11th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (6th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 8°C below the annual average (8°C). January runs roughly the same as December (0°C) and cools 1°C in February (-2°C).

January sunrise & sunset in Skagway

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
8:44 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
3:36 PM
Day length
6 h 52 min

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

Photography light in Skagway — January

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

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
7:44 AM – 8:24 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
8:24 AM – 9:24 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
2:56 PM – 3:56 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
3:56 PM – 4:36 PM
Aurora visibility
Fair
Aurora is possible from Skagway but requires a strong geomagnetic event (Kp 5+) plus clear skies — chase nights, don't count on them.

📅 When to book — Skagway 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 Skagway'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 Skagway

Off-peak

This is off-peak for Skagway — 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 Skagway

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
1.2
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.

🥶 Bitter cold — Skagway in January

Snow days (typical)
0
days/month
Avg low
-4°C
24°F
Avg day high
-1°C
31°F

Gear: Snow rare but air is freezing. Insulated coat, hat, and gloves still required — wind chill is the real enemy.

Skagway in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January -1°C / 31°F -4°C / 24°F 257 mm 22
February -2°C / 29°F -6°C / 21°F 176 mm 17
March 1°C / 34°F -3°C / 27°F 149 mm 21
April 6°C / 43°F 2°C / 36°F 141 mm 22
May 12°C / 53°F 7°C / 44°F 114 mm 18
June 16°C / 61°F 11°C / 51°F 120 mm 23
July 19°C / 66°F 14°C / 57°F 116 mm 22
August 18°C / 64°F 13°C / 55°F 198 mm 24
September 13°C / 56°F 9°C / 48°F 246 mm 23
October 7°C / 45°F 3°C / 37°F 291 mm 23
November 1°C / 34°F -2°C / 28°F 260 mm 23
December 0°C / 31°F -4°C / 24°F 281 mm 22

Other cities with similar January weather

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

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Skagway in January?

In January, Skagway averages a high of -1°C (31°F) and a low of -4°C (24°F) — generally cold.

Does it rain a lot in Skagway in January?

January is quite rainy in Skagway, with about 22 rainy days on average.

Is January a good time to visit Skagway?

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 Skagway 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 Skagway for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Skagway on the interactive map

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