Utah Weather in January
If you’re planning a trip to Utah in January, be prepared for cold temperatures and snowy conditions at any time throughout the state. Utah weather in January means average high temperatures in the 30s and lows are in the 20s degrees F.
If you’re looking for Utah winter vacation spots, it’s important to know the expected weather and temperatures you may encounter! In January the weather will be cold and could be snowy all around the state.
We’ve lived in Utah over 20 years and have traveled all over the state during all four seasons. For us, we enjoy visiting the Utah National Parks in January located in the southern part of the state because we avoid the crowds that flock there during the other three seasons.
We recommend you pack layers: fleece jacket, winter jacket, winter gloves, and winter hat plus waterproof or insulated boots if you plan to enjoy the outdoors. Be sure to check the weather forecast ahead of time so you’re prepared for any changes, especially if you’ll be doing outdoor activities.
Use our Utah Packing Lists so you have the right clothing and gear for visiting in January! Grab your free printable packing checklist by clicking the image below!
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Tips For Visiting Utah in January
Utah is divided into two regions: Northern Utah and Southern Utah. The temperatures and weather conditions in January can be drastically different due to elevation and location in the state.
Northern Utah: This is where you’ll find the three large cities in the state: Salt Lake City, Park City, and Provo. In January you can enjoy all snow sports!
Southern Utah: All 5 Utah National Parks are located in Central and Southern Utah. It’s usually snow-free in this part of the state, but storms can roll through any time bringing a small amount of snow. The higher elevations will be cold with lots of snow, like Bryce Canyon.
Check to see where the places you want to visit are located around the state because a drive from Salt Lake City to any of the National Parks in the south can take 4 to 5 hours.
Pack your winter road trip supplies because Utah roads will be impacted by snow or ice after storms. Driving between the northern and southern parts of the state you’ll be passing through rural areas with small towns, limited services, and spotty cell service.
Is January a Good Time to Visit Utah?
The month of January is a fun time to visit Utah to enjoy a variety of activities. In the Southern part of the state, you can do outdoor activities like hiking, off-roading, scenic drives, and stargazing at the National Parks, State Parks, and National Monuments.
Enjoy snow activities like skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, and more in Northern Utah and the higher elevation mountains around the state.
Utah Weather in January
Here’s a summary of the Utah weather in the winter during the month of January:
Northern Utah Average temperatures in January:
- Salt Lake City: highs 39 / lows 24 degrees F
- Provo: highs 41 / lows 24
- Ogden: highs 38 / lows 20
- Park City: highs 33 / lows 16
- Alta: highs 31 / lows 15
Northern Utah Average Snowfall in January:
- Salt Lake City – 7 days / 12.7 inches
- Logan – 8 days / 12.9 inches
- Provo – 5 days / 12.5 inches
- Alta – 14 days / 74.7 inches
- Park City – 11 days / 34 inches
Southern Utah Average temperatures in January:
- St. George: highs 54 / lows 28 degrees F
- Moab: highs 44 / lows 21
- Escalante: highs 43 / lows 19
- Cedar City: highs 42 / lows 22
- Brian Head: highs 30 / lows 10
Southern Utah Average Snowfall in January:
- Moab (Arches/Canyonlands) – 1 day / 1.7 inches
- Bryce Canyon – 6 days / 19.8 inches
- Capitol Reef – 2 days / 3.8 inches
- Cedar City – 5 days / 9.5 inches
- Zion – 0.5 days / 0.7 inches
- St. George – 0.1 days / 0.5 inches
Utah National Parks January Weather
Visiting Utah National Parks in January is the off season so you can enjoy your vacation without the crowds you find in the summer. All of the Utah National Parks are open every single day in January. Not all the visitor centers and amenities are open throughout the whole park during the winter.
Here’s the National Parks weather in January you can expect at all five parks! The temperatures will be COLD and snow storms are possible any time during the winter season.
Be sure to check the expected weather and temperatures for the park you’ll be visiting so you’re prepared with the right clothing and gear you’ll need for the activities you want to do.
Arches National Park January Weather
The January weather at Arches is pretty cold with average highs near 40 degrees with the lows near 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember that Arches National Park is located at 5,653 feet above sea level so it does get cold in the winter, even if the sun is out.
The Arches National Park scenic drive might be closed after a snowfall for several hours for plowing. Park roads, parking lots, and pullouts can still be icy, especially in shaded areas. Check at the visitor center for the latest information on road conditions in the park.
You’re in for a treat when it snows to capture Arches National Park winter photos with the white contrast against the red rock landscape!
Bryce Canyon National Park January Weather
It’s important to note that the January weather at Bryce Canyon is the coldest park of all 5 in Utah due to its elevation. January brings the coldest temperatures of the year with highs around 36° F and lows around 11° F.
You can’t beat visiting Bryce Canyon without the crowds and the offseason rates in the winter. Yes there will be snow at Bryce Canyon in January, but that’s what makes it magical! If you’re not a fan of exploring the outdoors in cold weather or snowy conditions, then you should probably skip visiting this park in January.
There are many Bryce Canyon winter hikes to explore, but you may need snowshoes or traction devices. Keep in mind the Wall Street side of the Navajo Loop is closed, but the Two Bridges side of the Navajo Loop remains open. We love the Navajo Loop Queen’s Garden trail for down-and-back hiking to explore the canyon below the rim. The Rim Trail between Inspiration and Bryce Points will also be closed in January.
You can’t beat the amazing Bryce Canyon winter photos you can get. We recommend using winter clothing and winter gear for you and your camera like photographer gloves, rechargeable hand warmers, and a lens warmer.
Canyonlands National Park January Weather
The weather at Canyonlands in January will be cold and it could snow. Expect highs to be around 40 degrees with the lows near 20 degrees. Remember that Island in the Sky is located at 6,100 feet above sea level, and Canyonlands Needles is 5,920 so it does get cold in the winter, even if the sun is out.
After a snow storm, the park road might be closed for plowing for a few hours. Keep in mind that the roads, parking lots, and pullouts in the park can still be icy, especially in shaded areas. Check to make sure the Island in the Sky scenic drive is open after a snow storm.
Visiting Canyonlands National Park in January requires a little more work on your behalf. In the winter most amenities are closed throughout the park and both parks are remote locations. Be sure to pack water, food and proper clothing so you can be self-reliant.
Capitol Reef National Park January Weather
The weather at Capitol Reef in January will be cold, and you may encounter snow. Expect highs around 39 and lows around 18 degrees Fahrenheit.
Although the temperatures will be cold it is worth visiting this time of year. In the winter we recommend exploring the Capitol Reef scenic drive. If conditions allow it, and you have the right vehicle, you can also explore two more nearby scenic drives:
Cathedral Valley and the Burr Trail Loop are remote, rugged regions that require vehicles with high ground clearance. In the winter you may need four-wheel drive depending on road and weather conditions.
Zion National Park January Weather
The January weather at Zion can be unpredictable so be prepared for sunny, rainy, snowy days in January. The days and nights are definitely cooler this time of year at Zion. In January the highs are usually around 54 degrees and the lows hover around 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
Normally Zion does not see a lot of snow, only about 5 inches a year in the park. After a snow storm the roads, parking lots, and trails could be wet, snowy, or icy so be prepared with the right clothing and shoes!
The best thing about visiting in January is you can drive your car through Zion Canyon and not worry about riding the Zion National Park shuttle, except around New Years and during the Martin Luther King holiday weekend!
Usually there will be snow on the tops of the canyon walls which create amazing Zion National Park winter photos! We recommend exploring all three scenic drives: Zion Canyon, Highway 9, and Kolob Terrace Road to capture a variety of landscapes found at Zion.
What to Wear in Utah in January
January is cold and usually snow-free in Southern Utah and at all 5 of the National Parks. In Northern Utah the valleys can experience sunny blue skies or snow storms. The higher elevation mountains are a winter wonderland with a variety of snow activities available!
We recommend layers and winter accessories for visiting Utah in January:
- Fleece jacket
- Winter hat
- Winter gloves
- Photographer gloves
- Insulated jacket
- Darn Tough hiking socks
- Waterproof hiking shoes
- Insulated boots
- Rechargeable hand warmers
Places to Stay in Utah in January
- Coolest Hotels in Utah
- Arches National Park Lodging
- Arches National Park Winter Camping
- Bryce Canyon Winter Lodging
- Canyonlands National Park Lodging
- Canyonlands Winter Camping
- Capitol Reef National Park Lodging
- Capitol Reef National Park Winter Camping
- Zion National Park Lodging
- Zion National Park Winter Camping
Utah Bucket List
Check out this comprehensive list of must-do activities that belong on every Utah Bucket List: things to see, do and taste all around the state! Grab the free printable packet by clicking the graphic below!
