Victoria in January

In January, Victoria averages 7°C (45°F) during the day and 3°C (38°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 20 days of the month see precipitation (158 mm total).

Shoulder

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

7°C
Avg high
3°C
Avg low
20
Rain days
158 mm
Rainfall

How January compares to the rest of the year in Victoria

10th
warmest month of the 12
2nd
wettest month of the 12
15%
of yearly rainfall falls in January
8 h 46 min
daylight on the 15th

January is one of the coolest months in Victoria (10th of 12) and one of the wettest months (2nd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 7°C below the annual average (14°C). January runs 1°C warmer than December (7°C) and stays flat into February.

January sunrise & sunset in Victoria

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
7:59 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
4:45 PM
Day length
8 h 46 min

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

Photography light in Victoria — January

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

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
6:59 AM – 7:39 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
7:39 AM – 8:39 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
4:05 PM – 5:05 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
5:05 PM – 5:45 PM

📅 When to book — Victoria 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 Victoria'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 Canada — 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 Victoria

Shoulder

Victoria 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 Victoria

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
3.3
Moderate
Use SPF 15-30 for prolonged outdoor exposure; sunglasses recommended at peak hours.
🦟 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.

Victoria in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 7°C / 45°F 3°C / 38°F 158 mm 20
February 7°C / 44°F 2°C / 36°F 108 mm 20
March 10°C / 49°F 4°C / 39°F 90 mm 20
April 12°C / 54°F 6°C / 44°F 67 mm 18
May 17°C / 63°F 10°C / 50°F 33 mm 12
June 20°C / 68°F 12°C / 54°F 26 mm 11
July 23°C / 73°F 15°C / 58°F 12 mm 5
August 23°C / 73°F 15°C / 59°F 16 mm 7
September 19°C / 65°F 13°C / 55°F 59 mm 14
October 13°C / 56°F 9°C / 48°F 130 mm 18
November 9°C / 48°F 5°C / 41°F 173 mm 20
December 7°C / 44°F 3°C / 37°F 165 mm 21

Other cities with similar January weather

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

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Victoria in January?

In January, Victoria averages a high of 7°C (45°F) and a low of 3°C (38°F) — generally cold.

Does it rain a lot in Victoria in January?

January is quite rainy in Victoria, with about 20 rainy days on average.

Is January a good time to visit Victoria?

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 Victoria 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 Victoria for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Victoria on the interactive map

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