Last updated: April 22, 2025
Experience the winter wonderland of Banff, Canada, in January, where enchanting landscapes meet chilly temperatures. With maximum temperatures hovering around 2°C (36°F) and an average dipping to -13°C (8°F), visitors should prepare for some serious cold, as temperatures can plummet to a chilling -38°C (-36°F). Despite the frigid air, this month brings light snowfall, with 19 mm (0.8 in) of precipitation spread over approximately 5 days, creating a picturesque setting. The high humidity of 95% adds a magical frost to the scenery, making January in Banff a truly captivating experience for adventurous souls.
In January, Banff, Canada, experiences bitterly cold temperatures, with minimums plunging to a chilling -38°C (-36°F) and an average temperature hovering around -13°C (8°F). The month marks the heart of winter, where daily highs struggle to reach 2°C (36°F), providing a stark contrast to the milder conditions of spring just a few months away. As we transition into February, temperatures remain consistently low, with minimums of -37°C (-34°F) and an average of -15°C (5°F), though a slight uptick in daytime warmth is noticed as maximums inch up to 4°C (40°F). This trend of rising temperatures persists into March, where winter begins its retreat with milder minimums of -33°C (-27°F) and average temperatures creeping closer to freezing at -8°C (18°F), culminating in highs that can reach 11°C (51°F). This gradual warming sets the stage for the warmer months ahead, showcasing Banff's dramatic seasonal shifts and the beauty of its winter landscape before the spring thaw.
In January, Banff experiences relatively low precipitation, totaling just 19 mm (0.8 in) over typically 5 days. This minimal moisture marks the month as one of the driest in the year, setting the stage for winter activities amid a striking snowy landscape. As winter transitions to spring, the precipitation steadily increases, with February and March seeing notable rises to 42 mm (1.6 in) and 52 mm (2.1 in), respectively. This trend continues, culminating in spring where April and May deliver robust precipitation amounts, peaking at 75 mm (3.0 in) in May. The evolution of precipitation from the stark dryness of January to the burgeoning moisture of late spring illustrates the dynamic weather patterns that shape Banff’s stunning alpine environment.
In January, Banff, Canada, experiences a notable high humidity level of 95%, setting a trend for the cold winter months. This peak is closely followed by February at 94%, and a slight decrease to 92% in March, indicating a consistent winter moisture that contributes to the region's stunning snowy landscapes. As spring approaches, humidity begins to decline gradually, moving to 89% in April and reaching 86% in May. This trend continues through the summer, where humidity stabilizes around 84% from June to July, before dipping to 80% in August. The transition into fall sees a gradual rise again, shooting back up to 88% in October, before peaking once more at 97% in December. Overall, January sets the tone for a humid winter, while the fluctuating humidity throughout the year reflects Banff's dynamic climate.
In January, Banff enjoys a low UV Index of 2, allowing residents and visitors to relish outdoor adventures without much concern for sunburn, as the burn time stretches to 45 minutes. As the months progress, the UV index gradually rises, reaching moderate levels in February and March, before hitting a peak of very high UV readings of 9 from May to July. This trend underscores the transition from winter's protective clouds to summer's vibrant sunshine, necessitating greater sun protection as exposure increases significantly, particularly in early summer. As the year draws to a close, the UV exposure lessens, with November and December returning to low values akin to January. For a detailed overview of the UV Index throughout the year, visit Banff UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In January, Banff is embraced by a blanket of snow, with 134 hours of sunshine offering a serene winter landscape for snow sports enthusiasts. As the year progresses into February, sunlight increases to 177 hours, hinting at the slow awakening of spring. By March, this trend accelerates, with 253 hours of bright days inviting more outdoor adventures. April shines even brighter with 285 hours, as nature begins to awaken in anticipation of summer. The sunny days peak in the warmth of July, boasting an impressive 381 hours. The abundance continues into August before gradually tapering off through the autumn months, where September enjoys 263 hours and October sees a further decline to 220 hours. Amidst November and December, sunshine dips back down to 153 and 158 hours respectively, reminding us that Banff’s dynamic weather dances between extremes, ensuring every season carries its unique charm and allure.
In Banff, Canada, January offers a 36% chance of sunny weather, making it one of the more optimistic months in the heart of winter. While this is notably higher than the dreariness experienced in December and November, which dip to 23% and 24% respectively, it’s still eclipsed by the peaks of sunlight found in spring and early summer months. As winter gives way to March, the probability of clear skies rises significantly to 41%, hinting at the gradual transition into sunnier days. Interestingly, late spring months like April and May maintain a sunny disposition with chances of 47% and 35% respectively, highlighting a trend where the likelihood of sunshine steadily increases as the year progresses. Overall, while January may not guarantee a bright horizon, it's a promising start to a year that ultimately shines brighter in the months to come.
In Banff, Canada, January ushers in the year with 8 hours of daylight, marking the start of a gradual transition towards longer days. As February arrives, daylight increases to 10 hours, hinting at the impending warmth of spring. This trend continues through March, with daylight extending to 11 hours, and by April, the sun graces the landscape for 13 hours a day. As May blooms, residents and visitors alike enjoy a generous 15 hours of sunshine, paving the way for the peak of summer in June, when daylight reaches its zenith at 16 hours. However, as the year progresses, there's a gentle decline; July offers 15 hours, followed by August with 14 hours, signifying a shift toward autumn. September brings a soothing 12 hours of daylight, while October and November witness more reductions, returning to 10 hours and 8 hours respectively. Finally, December closes the year with only 7 hours of daylight, encapsulating the cyclical rhythm of Banff's stunning seasons.
In January, Banff, Canada experiences an average wind speed of 2.4 m/s (5 mph), setting the pace for a month wrapped in winter's embrace. As the season unfolds, wind speeds show a slight dip in February, dropping to 2.0 m/s (4 mph), before picking up again in March at 2.3 m/s (5 mph). This gentle ebb and flow continues through the spring, with April maintaining the modest pace of 2.0 m/s (4 mph), while May and June see a further decrease to 1.8 m/s (4 mph) and 1.9 m/s (4 mph), respectively. The trend of lighter breezes persists into the summer months, culminating in the calmest winds of the year in July at 1.7 m/s (4 mph). However, come September, the winds refresh with a return to 2.4 m/s (5 mph), signaling the transition towards autumn, which then brings increasing gusts through November at 2.6 m/s (6 mph), and settling back to 2.1 m/s (5 mph) by December. This rhythmic pattern of wind speeds reflects the dynamic weather of Banff, inviting both adventure seekers and tranquil nature lovers alike to embrace each seasonal change.
The weather in Banff changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of January's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Banff and find detailed weather information for every month.
In comparison to January, February experiences slightly colder temperatures, with average lows of -15°C (5°F) compared to January's -13°C (8°F). However, February sees a slight increase in maximum temperatures, reaching up to 4°C (40°F), compared to January's maximum of 2°C (36°F). Precipitation also rises significantly in February, with 42 mm (1.6 in) occurring over 11 days, contrasted with January's 19 mm (0.8 in) over just 5 days. Despite the minimal difference in humidity levels, February is typically a wetter month. For more detailed insights, you can check Banff weather in February.
In January, the weather is characterized by extreme cold, with average temperatures hovering around -13°C (8°F) and a maximum of only 2°C (36°F). The month experiences minimal precipitation, totaling just 19 mm (0.8 in) over about 5 days, and high humidity levels at 95%. In contrast, March brings a significant warming trend, with average temperatures rising to -8°C (18°F) and maximums reaching up to 11°C (51°F). March is notably wetter than January, with precipitation increasing to 52 mm (2.1 in) spread over 12 days, and humidity remains slightly lower at 92%. For more detailed information on what to expect, visit Banff weather in March.
In January, the weather is characterized by extreme cold, with temperatures plunging as low as -38°C (-36°F) and averaging around -13°C (8°F). This month sees minimal precipitation, totaling just 19 mm (0.8 in) over 5 days, with high humidity levels at 95%.
In contrast, April brings a notable warming trend, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -23°C (-9°F) to a pleasant maximum of 14°C (57°F), and an average of -4°C (25°F). Precipitation increases significantly in April to 69 mm (2.7 in) across 13 days, while humidity drops slightly to 89%. For more details on the specific conditions you can expect in this month, visit Banff weather in April.
January and May present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -38°C (-36°F) and average around -13°C (8°F), with a maximum of only 2°C (36°F). The month sees light precipitation of about 19 mm (0.8 in) over just five days, accompanied by a high humidity level of 95%. In comparison, May brings a significant warming trend, with minimum temperatures around -15°C (5°F) and an average of 3°C (37°F) that can peak at 19°C (67°F). However, May is wetter, featuring 75 mm (3.0 in) of rainfall spread over 14 days, and slightly lower humidity at 86%. For more specifics on the weather in May, you can explore Banff weather in May.
January and June in Banff present sharply contrasting weather patterns. In January, temperatures are frigid, with averages around -13°C (8°F) and a chilling minimum of -38°C (-36°F), making it a month for winter enthusiasts. Precipitation is relatively low at 19 mm, falling over just five days, but the high humidity at 95% can make the cold feel even more biting. In stark contrast, June sees a significant rise in temperature, with an average of 8°C (47°F) and a maximum reaching up to 31°C (88°F). This month experiences much more rainfall, totaling 115 mm across 17 days, but the humidity levels drop to a more comfortable 84%. For more details about the weather in June, visit Banff weather in June.
In January, the weather is characterized by extreme cold, with temperatures plunging to a minimum of -38°C (-36°F) and averaging around -13°C (8°F). The atmosphere is also quite humid, with levels reaching 95%, and precipitation occurring on about 5 days, totaling 19 mm (0.8 in). In stark contrast, July brings a much milder climate, where temperatures can reach a maximum of 32°C (89°F) and average around 12°C (53°F). Precipitation is more frequent, with rainfall on approximately 15 days and totals reaching 85 mm (3.4 in), while humidity levels are lower at 84%. For more details on the summer weather, you can check Banff weather in July.
January and August exhibit stark contrasts in weather conditions. In January, temperatures plummet to a chilling minimum of -38°C (-36°F), with an average of -13°C (8°F) and a maximum of only 2°C (36°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 95% and limited precipitation, averaging 19 mm over 5 days. In contrast, August showcases a much milder climate, with minimum temperatures around -4°C (25°F), an average of 11°C (52°F), and highs reaching up to 28°C (82°F). Precipitation significantly increases to 76 mm over 12 days, and humidity decreases to 80%. To delve deeper into August weather specifics, check out Banff weather in August.
In January, Banff experiences frigid temperatures, with a minimum of -38°C (-36°F) and an average of -13°C (8°F), while maxing out at just 2°C (36°F). The month sees low precipitation at 19 mm (0.8 in) over five days, coupled with a high humidity level of 95%, creating an icy atmosphere. In contrast, September brings much milder weather, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -10°C (15°F) to a maximum of 26°C (79°F) and an average of 5°C (42°F). Precipitation increases to 66 mm (2.6 in) over 11 days, and humidity decreases to 79%, contributing to a more comfortable climate. For more details, you can check out Banff weather in September.
In January, temperatures plunge considerably, with averages around -13°C (8°F) and maximums barely reaching 2°C (36°F), making it one of the coldest months of the year. The high humidity at 95% coupled with the 19 mm of precipitation over 5 days adds to the chill of winter. In contrast, October experiences relatively milder conditions, with average temperatures around -3°C (27°F) and maximums soaring to 18°C (65°F). The month also sees a significant increase in precipitation, totaling 54 mm (2.1 in) over 10 days, albeit with a lower humidity level at 88%. For more details, you can check Banff weather in October.
In comparing January and November weather, January experiences harsher conditions with a minimum temperature dipping to -38°C (-36°F) and an average of -13°C (8°F), while November is relatively milder, with a minimum of -30°C (-22°F) and an average of -9°C (17°F). Precipitation in November is also significantly higher, totaling 49 mm (1.9 in) over 11 days, compared to January’s 19 mm (0.8 in) across only 5 days. Humidity levels are similar, at 95% in January and 94% in November, but the overall experience of November can be more damp due to the increased precipitation. For more information, check out Banff weather in November.
January and December exhibit striking similarities in their frigid temperatures, with January averaging -13°C (8°F) compared to December's slightly colder average of -14°C (7°F). Both months experience intense cold, as January sees minimum temperatures dipping to -38°C (-36°F) and December reaching just a degree higher at -37°C (-34°F). However, December is notably wetter, with 46 mm (1.8 in) of precipitation over 9 days, while January has significantly less, totaling only 19 mm (0.8 in) across 5 days. Additionally, humidity levels are slightly elevated in December at 97%, compared to January's 95%. For more details, you can visit Banff weather in December.
In January, Banff experiences a stark contrast to the milder months that precede and follow it. This winter month brings an average temperature that can plunge well below freezing, creating a snowy wonderland perfect for winter sports enthusiasts. While precipitation occurs on only a handful of days, the high humidity levels ensure that the air feels particularly crisp and chilly. For those seeking tranquility and breathtaking snowy vistas, January offers a unique charm that sets it apart from the rest of the year. To learn more about Banff's weather patterns throughout the seasons, check out Banff Climate.