Whitehorse in January
In January, Whitehorse averages -9°C (15°F) during the day and -14°C (6°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 16 days of the month see precipitation (27 mm total).
Off-peakConditions 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 Whitehorse. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How January compares to the rest of the year in Whitehorse
January is one of the coolest months in Whitehorse (12th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (8th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 14°C below the annual average (5°C). January runs roughly the same as December (-9°C) and warms a further 1°C into February (-8°C).
January sunrise & sunset in Whitehorse
Times shown for Whitehorse local time (America/Whitehorse), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Whitehorse — January
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Whitehorse's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Whitehorse 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 Whitehorse's popularity.
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.
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 Whitehorse
This is off-peak for Whitehorse — 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 Whitehorse
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 — Whitehorse in January
Gear: Snow rare but air is freezing. Insulated coat, hat, and gloves still required — wind chill is the real enemy.
Whitehorse in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -9°C / 15°F | -14°C / 6°F | 27 mm | 16 | — |
| February | -8°C / 17°F | -15°C / 4°F | 24 mm | 13 | — |
| March | -2°C / 29°F | -10°C / 13°F | 21 mm | 13 | — |
| April | 6°C / 42°F | -3°C / 26°F | 19 mm | 14 | — |
| May | 14°C / 56°F | 3°C / 37°F | 30 mm | 17 | — |
| June | 18°C / 64°F | 8°C / 46°F | 48 mm | 21 | — |
| July | 20°C / 69°F | 11°C / 51°F | 60 mm | 18 | — |
| August | 18°C / 64°F | 9°C / 48°F | 65 mm | 19 | — |
| September | 12°C / 53°F | 4°C / 40°F | 52 mm | 19 | — |
| October | 5°C / 40°F | -1°C / 30°F | 47 mm | 18 | — |
| November | -5°C / 24°F | -10°C / 15°F | 34 mm | 19 | — |
| December | -9°C / 15°F | -15°C / 6°F | 31 mm | 15 | — |
Other cities with similar January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Whitehorse in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Whitehorse in January?
In January, Whitehorse averages a high of -9°C (15°F) and a low of -14°C (6°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Whitehorse in January?
January is quite rainy in Whitehorse, with about 16 rainy days on average.
Is January a good time to visit Whitehorse?
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 Whitehorse 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 Whitehorse for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.