Washington weather in January
January in Washington averages 45°F by day and 30°F at night, with 2.9 inches of precipitation and 4.9 inches of snow. It is the 12th-warmest and 11th-wettest month of the year here.
- Average high
- 45°F-4° vs December
- Average low
- 30°F20 nights below freezing
- Precipitation
- 2.9 in6 days with 0.1 in. or more
- Snow
- 4.9 in0 days at 90°F+
Is January a good time to visit Washington?
January is cold, with highs around 45°F. The most comfortable months overall are April to June and September to October.
What to do in Washington in January
Mix it up: Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, National Museum of Natural History, Jefferson Memorial. All things to do in Washington.
On January 15 the sun rises at 7:25 am and sets at 5:10 pm, giving 9h 45m of daylight. Daylight all year.
What to pack for Washington in January
- A winter coat, hat, gloves and warm layers
- Expect nights below freezing
- Waterproof boots for snow
Based on 30-year averages, not a forecast. Check the forecast a few days before you go.
January nearby
| City | Distance | High | Low | Precip. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 45°F | 30°F | 2.9 in | |
| Arlington, VA | 5 mi | 45°F | 30°F | 2.9 in |
| Silver Spring, MD | 7 mi | 45°F | 30°F | 2.9 in |
| Alexandria, VA | 7 mi | 45°F | 30°F | 2.9 in |
| Bethesda, MD | 9 mi | 45°F | 30°F | 2.9 in |
| Reston, VA | 15 mi | 43°F | 25°F | 2.9 in |
| Columbia, MD | 23 mi | 43°F | 25°F | 3.1 in |
Warmer places in January
Big cities with comfortable January highs between 68°F and 86°F:
Frequently asked questions
What is the weather like in Washington in January?
In January, Washington averages a high of 45°F and a low of 30°F, with 2.9 inches of precipitation and 4.9 inches of snow (NOAA 1991-2020 normals).
Is January a good time to visit Washington?
January is cool to cold in Washington, with average highs of 45°F. Pack warm layers.
Does it snow in Washington in January?
Yes. January averages 4.9 inches of snow.
Before and after: Washington in December and Washington in February. All twelve months: Washington weather by month.
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 climate normals, station Washington Reagan Airport, VA, 3.3 miles from the city center.