Utqiagvik in January
In January, Utqiagvik averages -20°C (-3°F) during the day and -24°C (-12°F) at night, with around 7 days of rain (6 mm total).
Off-peakConditions are deeply cold — proper winter gear is essential. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.
January in Utqiagvik 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 Utqiagvik
January is one of the coolest months in Utqiagvik (11th of 12) and one of the driest months (11th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 14°C below the annual average (-6°C). January runs 2°C cooler than December (-17°C) and stays flat into February.
January daylight in Utqiagvik
At 71° N latitude, Utqiagvik experiences polar night — no direct sunlight in mid-January.
📅 When to book — Utqiagvik 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 Utqiagvik'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 Utqiagvik
This is off-peak for Utqiagvik — 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 Utqiagvik
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 — Utqiagvik in January
Gear: Snow rare but air is freezing. Insulated coat, hat, and gloves still required — wind chill is the real enemy.
Utqiagvik in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -20°C / -3°F | -24°C / -12°F | 6 mm | 7 | — |
| February | -20°C / -4°F | -25°C / -13°F | 10 mm | 9 | — |
| March | -16°C / 3°F | -22°C / -7°F | 9 mm | 8 | — |
| April | -10°C / 13°F | -15°C / 4°F | 7 mm | 6 | — |
| May | -1°C / 30°F | -4°C / 24°F | 14 mm | 9 | — |
| June | 6°C / 43°F | 1°C / 34°F | 24 mm | 12 | — |
| July | 9°C / 48°F | 3°C / 38°F | 48 mm | 15 | — |
| August | 6°C / 43°F | 3°C / 37°F | 39 mm | 14 | — |
| September | 3°C / 38°F | 0°C / 32°F | 33 mm | 17 | — |
| October | -2°C / 28°F | -6°C / 22°F | 29 mm | 16 | — |
| November | -9°C / 15°F | -14°C / 8°F | 24 mm | 14 | — |
| December | -17°C / 1°F | -22°C / -8°F | 13 mm | 10 | — |
Other cities with similar January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Utqiagvik in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Utqiagvik in January?
In January, Utqiagvik averages a high of -20°C (-3°F) and a low of -24°C (-12°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Utqiagvik in January?
January sees occasional rain in Utqiagvik, with about 7 rainy days on average.
Is January a good time to visit Utqiagvik?
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 Utqiagvik in January?
Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves. See the full January packing list for Utqiagvik for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.