Last updated: April 22, 2025
Whistler, Canada, in January offers a captivating winter experience characterized by temperatures ranging from a brisk -26°C (-14°F) to a maximum of 4°C (39°F). The average temperature hovers around -5°C (23°F), providing a chilling backdrop for snow sports and outdoor adventures. Visitors can expect significant precipitation of 351 mm (13.8 in) over the course of 17 days, contributing to the area’s picturesque snow-covered landscapes. With humidity levels reaching 86%, the air is crisp and invigorating, making it an ideal time for those seeking winter thrills in this stunning mountain destination.
In January, Whistler, Canada experiences its coldest temperatures, with a biting minimum of -26°C (-14°F) and an average temperature hovering around -5°C (23°F). While daytime highs can reach 4°C (39°F), the air remains crisp, perfect for skiing or snowboarding on the resort's famous slopes. This month marks the peak of the winter chill, transitioning into slightly milder February. As the season progresses toward spring, temperatures gradually rise, indicating a broader trend of warming, where March sees minimums of -19°C (-2°F) and average highs eventually reaching 13°C (56°F). The cold of January may deter some, but for those seeking winter adventures, Whistler's frosty allure is undeniably captivating.
In January, Whistler, Canada, welcomes a notable 351 mm (13.8 in) of precipitation, making it one of the wettest months of the year. This abundant rainfall, spread across 17 days, sets the stage for the picturesque winter landscape that draws visitors seeking adventure. The precipitation is significantly higher than February's 192 mm (7.6 in), indicating a strong start to the year that often fuels the snowpack essential for skiing. As winter progresses into February and March, precipitation amounts gradually decline, yet the overall trend highlights a dynamic climate where January reigns supreme for moisture, showcasing Whistler’s striking transformation under its winter veil.
In January, Whistler, Canada experiences a notable humidity level of 86%, setting a pattern for the winter months. This high humidity persists through March and April, maintaining the same level, which contributes to the region's characteristic winter chill and snow conditions. As the seasons transition into May and June, humidity dips slightly to 81% and 83%, respectively, signaling the approach of warmer weather. However, the summer months bring only a modest decline, with July and August recording humidity levels of 84% and 77%. As autumn returns, humidity starts to rise again, peaking at 88% in October, and remaining high through December with 87%. This cyclical trend reflects Whistler’s unique climate, where moisture plays a significant role in shaping both the winter sports season and the lush landscapes of summer.
In January, Whistler experiences a UV Index of 2, characterized by low exposure, allowing for up to 45 minutes of sun before risking a burn. As the months progress towards spring, UV levels gradually increase, peaking at 7 in April before soaring to 9 in May through July, marking a very high exposure period where the burn time drastically shortens to just 15 minutes. This trend highlights the importance of sun protection as winter gives way to warmer months, with UV exposure becoming significantly more intense. By October, the index dips to 5 as the weather cools, suggesting a return to a more moderate exposure level. For further insights into UV trends throughout the year, check out Whistler UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
January in Whistler, Canada, offers a cumulative total of 67 hours of sunshine, setting the stage for a winter wonderland experience. While the days remain short, the month serves as a prelude to the gradual increase in brightness that follows. As winter gives way to spring, February sees sunshine hours nearly double, reaching 127, hinting at the emerging vibrancy of the landscape. This upward trend continues with March basking in 181 hours, and by April, the sun shines for a remarkable 222 hours, igniting a palpable energy among locals and visitors alike. As the days warm further into summer, Whistler dazzles under the sun, peaking in July with a staggering 358 hours of radiant light. The sunshine hours begin to gracefully taper off in August, yet remain impressive, ensuring a delightful transition into the fall months. This dynamic interplay of light throughout the year makes Whistler not just a winter destination but a year-round haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
In Whistler, Canada, January presents a modest 11% chance of sunny weather, making it one of the least likely months for sunshine throughout the year. This trend gradually shifts as we move into February, where the likelihood of clear skies doubles to 22%. The sunny spells continue to improve into March with a 19% chance, hinting at the approaching spring. As the months progress, you’ll notice a significant rise in sunlit days, reaching 47% in April and peaking in July with a promising 55%. Thus, while January may offer a challenging forecast for sun-seekers, brighter days are just around the corner in Whistler’s seasonal landscape.
In Whistler, Canada, January marks the beginning of a gradual transition from the deep winter days, where daylight lasts for only 8 hours, to the vibrant longer days of spring and summer. As February rolls in, daylight increases to 10 hours, hinting at the approaching warmth and longer outdoor adventures. The steady climb continues through March with 11 hours of daylight, reaching 13 hours by April, as the landscape awakens with budding life. May brings 15 hours of sunshine, while June peaks at 16 hours, offering ideal conditions for exploration and recreation. The days start to shorten slightly in July and August, with 15 and 14 hours respectively, before dipping back to 12 hours in September. Autumn begins, cycling back towards 10 hours by October, and finally settling into the shorter winter days of 8 hours in November and December. This rhythmic ebb and flow of daylight not only marks the changing seasons but also enriches the experience of life in Whistler, making each month unique in its beauty and opportunities for adventure.
In Whistler, Canada, the January winds whisper gently through the snow-covered peaks, with an average speed of just 1.3 m/s (3 mph). This calmness is emblematic of the winter months, where wind speeds remain relatively stable throughout. As the year progresses into February and March, there's a slight uptick, with winds hitting 1.4 m/s (3 mph) in February before returning to the tranquil 1.3 m/s in March and April. The summer months show a consistent pattern, maintaining that soft breeze at 1.3 m/s, while descending into slightly lower speeds of 1.2 m/s in May and September. Interestingly, as autumn unfolds, wind speeds rebound to 1.4 m/s in November and December, hinting at a seasonal shift that brings a refreshing chill to the air. Overall, the wind in Whistler remains a supportive companion to its picturesque landscape, fostering serene experiences all year round.
The weather in Whistler 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 Whistler and find detailed weather information for every month.
January and February showcase a similar cold climate, but notable differences in temperature and precipitation exist. January experiences a slightly colder average temperature, with a minimum of -26°C (-14°F) and an average of -5°C (23°F), while February sees a milder average of -7°C (20°F). Precipitation is more abundant in January, totaling 351 mm (13.8 in) over 17 days, compared to February's 192 mm (7.6 in) over 18 days. Humidity levels remain relatively consistent, with January at 86% and February slightly lower at 85%. For more detailed weather insights, check out Whistler weather in February.
January and March present contrasting weather conditions, although both months share high humidity levels of 86%. In January, temperatures plunge with a minimum of -26°C (-14°F) and an average of -5°C (23°F), peaking at just 4°C (39°F). This deep winter chill is accompanied by significant precipitation of 351 mm (13.8 in) over 17 days. In contrast, March offers a milder climate with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -19°C (-2°F) to an average of -2°C (28°F) and reaching a maximum of 13°C (56°F). Additionally, March sees a reduction in precipitation to 225 mm (8.9 in) over 18 days. For more detailed insights about March weather in Whistler, you can visit Whistler weather in March.
January and April present markedly different weather conditions, with January being much colder and more severe. In January, temperatures can plunge as low as -26°C (-14°F), averaging around -5°C (23°F) and peaking at just 4°C (39°F). The month is also characterized by significant precipitation, totaling 351 mm (13.8 in) over 17 days, all while maintaining a high humidity level of 86%.
In contrast, April shows a noticeable thaw, with minimum temperatures around -12°C (11°F) and an average of 1°C (33°F), reaching a maximum of 16°C (61°F). Precipitation drops to 177 mm (7.0 in) occurring over 16 days, but the humidity remains consistent at 86%. This shift marks a transition towards milder spring weather, making Whistler weather in April a significant departure from the depths of winter.
January and May present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In January, temperatures plummet with a minimum of -26°C (-14°F) and an average of -5°C (23°F), making it one of the coldest months of the year. January sees considerable precipitation, totaling 351 mm (13.8 in) over 17 wet days, accompanied by high humidity at 86%. In contrast, May ushers in a shift in climate, with milder temperatures ranging from a minimum of -5°C (24°F) to a pleasant max of 22°C (71°F) and an average of 6°C (42°F). Rainfall decreases significantly to 109 mm (4.3 in) over 13 days, and humidity lowers slightly to 81%. This transformation in weather from January to May shapes a more vibrant and inviting landscape in Whistler. For more detailed insights, you can refer to Whistler weather in May.
January and June in Whistler showcase stark contrasts in weather. In January, temperatures plunge, with lows around -26°C (-14°F) and highs averaging just 4°C (39°F). This frigid month also sees considerable precipitation—351 mm (13.8 in) across 17 days—coupled with high humidity at 86%. In contrast, June brings a milder atmosphere, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -1°C (30°F) to a maximum of 33°C (92°F). Despite the warmer temperatures, precipitation decreases to 131 mm (5.1 in) over the same number of days, while humidity remains relatively stable at 83%. For more detailed insights into June weather, you can visit Whistler weather in June.
In January, the weather is characterized by frigid temperatures, with a minimum of -26°C (-14°F) and an average around -5°C (23°F), reaching a maximum of 4°C (39°F). This cold month also experiences significant precipitation, totaling 351 mm (13.8 in) over 17 days, accompanied by a high humidity level of 86%. In stark contrast, July offers a much milder climate, featuring temperatures ranging from a minimum of 2°C (36°F) to a comfortable maximum of 28°C (83°F), with an average of 13°C (56°F). Precipitation is notably lower in July at 74 mm (2.9 in) over 11 days, and humidity remains relatively high at 84%. For more detailed insights into the warm summer conditions, visit Whistler weather in July.
In comparing the weather of January and August, we see a stark contrast in temperatures and conditions. January experiences frigid temperatures, with a minimum of -26°C (-14°F) and an average of -5°C (23°F), while August boasts a much milder climate, where temperatures range from a minimum of 2°C (36°F) to a maximum of 29°C (84°F). Precipitation also varies significantly; January is marked by 351 mm (13.8 in) of precipitation over 17 days, whereas August has a considerably lighter 75 mm (3.0 in) over only 9 days. Furthermore, humidity levels are higher in January at 86%, compared to 77% in August. For a deeper look into the August climate, you can check out Whistler weather in August.
January and September present strikingly different weather patterns. In January, temperatures can plunge to a chilling minimum of -26°C (-14°F), with an average of -5°C (23°F) and a maximum reaching only 4°C (39°F). The month is characterized by heavy precipitation, totaling 351 mm (13.8 in) over 17 days, and high humidity levels at 86%. In contrast, September offers a much milder climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -3°C (28°F) to an average of 9°C (48°F) and reaching up to 26°C (79°F). The month sees considerably less precipitation, at 201 mm (7.9 in) over 15 days, and a lower humidity level of 76%. For those interested in more details about September weather, you can visit Whistler weather in September.
January and October in Whistler present quite distinct weather experiences. In January, temperatures plunge significantly, with a minimum of -26°C (-14°F) and an average around -5°C (23°F), resulting in colder weather overall. Precipitation is high at 351 mm (13.8 in), often falling as snow, and the humidity levels are elevated at 86%. In contrast, October enjoys a milder temperature range, with lows of -17°C (1°F) and highs reaching 19°C (66°F), offering a much more comfortable climate. While October still sees substantial precipitation at 288 mm (11.3 in), the conditions feel less harsh, though humidity remains slightly higher at 88%. For details on October weather, you can check Whistler weather in October.
In comparison to January, November presents a slightly milder climate, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of -17°C (2°F) to a maximum of 8°C (47°F), compared to January’s colder averages of -26°C (-14°F) to 4°C (39°F). November receives more precipitation, totaling 425 mm (16.7 in) over 20 days, while January has 351 mm (13.8 in) over 17 days. Both months exhibit high humidity levels, with January at 86% and November slightly higher at 87%. For more detailed information, you can check Whistler weather in November.
In December, temperatures typically range from a minimum of -28°C (-18°F) to a maximum of 3°C (38°F), with an average temperature of -6°C (21°F). The month experiences around 336 mm (13.2 in) of precipitation over approximately 20 days, and the humidity hovers at 87%.
In contrast, January sees slightly milder temperatures, with a minimum of -26°C (-14°F) and a maximum of 4°C (39°F), averaging -5°C (23°F). Precipitation increases to 351 mm (13.8 in) over 17 days, while humidity remains relatively high at 86%.
Overall, while both months are frigid and precipitative, January offers a touch more warmth compared to December. For further details, you can explore Whistler weather in December.
January in Whistler presents a unique winter wonderland, characterized by cold temperatures and significant precipitation that sets it apart from the milder months. With an average low dipping to a frosty -5°C, the cold can feel particularly biting, especially when compared to the more temperate spring and fall months. Snow blankets the landscape more consistently during this time, making it a prime month for winter sports enthusiasts. The high humidity of 86% adds to the chill, often resulting in frosty mornings and a dreamy, snowy ambiance perfect for skiing. While other months may lure visitors with warmer experiences, January’s rugged beauty and thrilling winter conditions create an unparalleled atmosphere for adventure-seekers. For more detailed insights, check out our overview of the Whistler Climate.