Yellowknife in January
In January, Yellowknife averages -21°C (-5°F) during the day and -26°C (-15°F) at night, with around 12 days of rain (15 mm total).
Off-peakConditions are deeply cold — proper winter gear is essential. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
January in Yellowknife 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 Yellowknife
January is one of the coolest months in Yellowknife (11th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (5th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 20°C below the annual average (0°C). January runs 2°C cooler than December (-18°C) and cools 1°C in February (-22°C).
January sunrise & sunset in Yellowknife
Times shown for Yellowknife local time (America/Yellowknife), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Yellowknife — January
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Yellowknife's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Yellowknife 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 Yellowknife'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 Yellowknife
This is off-peak for Yellowknife — 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 Yellowknife
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 — Yellowknife in January
Gear: Snow rare but air is freezing. Insulated coat, hat, and gloves still required — wind chill is the real enemy.
Yellowknife in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -21°C / -5°F | -26°C / -15°F | 15 mm | 12 | — |
| February | -22°C / -7°F | -28°C / -19°F | 7 mm | 9 | — |
| March | -12°C / 10°F | -20°C / -3°F | 12 mm | 9 | — |
| April | -2°C / 28°F | -10°C / 14°F | 12 mm | 9 | — |
| May | 11°C / 51°F | 1°C / 34°F | 25 mm | 10 | — |
| June | 19°C / 65°F | 9°C / 49°F | 33 mm | 13 | — |
| July | 21°C / 70°F | 13°C / 56°F | 40 mm | 12 | — |
| August | 18°C / 65°F | 12°C / 53°F | 54 mm | 18 | — |
| September | 11°C / 52°F | 6°C / 42°F | 28 mm | 14 | — |
| October | 2°C / 36°F | -2°C / 29°F | 25 mm | 15 | — |
| November | -10°C / 15°F | -15°C / 4°F | 20 mm | 12 | — |
| December | -18°C / -1°F | -24°C / -12°F | 14 mm | 9 | — |
Other cities with similar January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Yellowknife in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Yellowknife in January?
In January, Yellowknife averages a high of -21°C (-5°F) and a low of -26°C (-15°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Yellowknife in January?
January can be fairly wet in Yellowknife, with about 12 rainy days on average.
Is January a good time to visit Yellowknife?
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 Yellowknife 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 Yellowknife for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.