January Weather in Girdwood, United States

Last updated: February 24, 2025

Girdwood, United States, experiences a chilly January, with an average temperature hovering around -9°C (16°F). Daily maximums reach a modest 2°C (36°F), while plunging to a brisk minimum of -27°C (-17°F). This winter month is characterized by high humidity levels at 94%, creating a damp atmosphere. Girdwood sees about 165 mm (6.5 in) of precipitation over 13 days, often manifesting as snow, contributing to its picturesque winter landscape. Visitors should prepare for a quintessential Alaskan experience, where the beauty of winter prevails amid frosty conditions.

January Temperature in Girdwood

January in Girdwood, United States, reveals a deep chill that sets the tone for winter, with temperatures reaching as low as -27°C (-17°F). The average temperature hovers around -9°C (16°F), while daytime highs struggle to break above freezing at 2°C (36°F). This month typically features some of the coldest weather of the year, often accompanied by an Arctic breeze. As winter progresses into February, temperatures show little variation, maintaining a similarly brisk range. March begins to hint at spring, with the mercury edging slightly higher, peaking at 5°C (42°F), but the overall trend is still firmly in winter's grasp. Essentially, January serves as a stark reminder of Girdwood’s frosty climate, where snow-laden landscapes thrive in the biting cold, only gradually giving way to milder conditions as the year unfolds.

January Weather in Girdwood: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates January temperature patterns in Girdwood, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec161618303747535042311921
Data source: Temperature data for Girdwood generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Choose your preferred temperature unit
The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

January Precipitation in Girdwood

In January, Girdwood experiences a notable shift in its weather patterns, with precipitation totaling 165 mm (6.5 in) over approximately 13 days. This marks the beginning of a wet season, where precipitation levels start off strong compared to the following month, February, which sees a significant drop to 115 mm (4.5 in). However, the trend of increasing precipitation resumes with March and thereafter, peaking in October at an impressive 281 mm (11.1 in). Checking back to January, it contributes to a winter soiree in the Alaskan landscape, setting the stage for the wetter months ahead. The consistent frequency of precipitation days throughout the winter hints at a persistent, moisture-laden atmosphere, shaping Girdwood’s stunning but challenging winter conditions.

January Precipitation Trends in Girdwood

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Girdwood, with values for each month alongside January's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the amount of precipitation, providing insights into how January's conditions compare to those of other months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec165115131115142107109156192281224268
Data source: Precipitation data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Choose your preferred precipitation unit

January Humidity in Girdwood

In January, Girdwood, United States, experiences a high average humidity of 94%, setting the tone for a winter characterized by moisture-rich air. This level of humidity gradually decreases through March, reaching 91%, before experiencing a slight decline into April at 85%. As spring unfolds, humidity levels stabilize, peaking again in the summer months, notably June at 95% and July at an extraordinary 102%. This summer spike highlights Girdwood's unique climate, where regions can experience intense moisture. Leading into fall, humidity remains consistently high, with notable levels around 96% in September and November. Overall, Girdwood's humidity patterns reflect an intriguing fluctuation, with significant peaks in both winter and summer, a testament to its verdant, temperate landscape.

January Average Humidity in Girdwood

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Girdwood, with January's data highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the fluctuation in humidity throughout the year, allowing you to see how January's humidity levels compare to other months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec94%93%91%85%88%95%102%100%96%91%95%96%
Data source: Humidity data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

January UV Index in Girdwood

In January, Girdwood experiences a low UV Index of 1, which means sun exposure is minimal, allowing for a safe burn time of 45 minutes. This trend of low UV levels continues into February, maintaining the same index and burn time. As spring approaches, the UV Index rises to 3 in March and 5 in April, indicating a shift to moderate levels of sun exposure, where caution is advised for a reduced burn time of 30 minutes. The UV Index peaks during the summer months, reaching as high as 7 in May and July, requiring vigilance for those spending time outdoors with a reduced burn time of just 25 minutes. As the year winds down, the sun’s intensity diminishes once again, bringing the UV Index back to a low of 1 from November to January. For a comprehensive overview of UV levels throughout the year, check out the Girdwood UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Girdwood for January

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Girdwood in January, representing the highest UV radiation level. The UVI measures the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, indicating the potential risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec123576764211
Data source: Girdwood January UVI data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

January Sunshine in Girdwood

In Girdwood, United States, January marks the beginning of a gradual increase in sunshine that continues through the spring and summer months. With only 53 hours of daylight, the new year starts off dimly, but February quickly sees an uplifting jump to 124 hours. As winter transitions to spring, March bathes the area in 203 hours of sunlight, paving the way for April's impressive 263 hours. The brilliance peaks in June with 311 hours, a shining testament to the long Alaskan days. However, as summer wanes, the sunlight begins to retreat; July still enjoys a robust 292 hours, but by September, hours dip to 184. This gradual decline continues into the winter months, where December brings just 39 hours of sun, closing out the year on a soft, wintry note. Girdwood's sunshine trends paint a vivid portrait of the changing seasons, highlighting the vibrant summers that Alaskans eagerly anticipate.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Girdwood: January Highlighted

The January sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Girdwood experiences direct sunlight during the month of January, excluding cloudy or obstructed periods. This chart compares the sunshine duration of January with the other months of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec53h124h203h263h277h311h292h257h184h123h91h39h
Data source: Girdwood January Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Girdwood During January

In Girdwood, the likelihood of sunny weather in January is a modest 12%, making it one of the cloudier months of the year. As winter progresses, the prospects for sunshine gradually improve, with February seeing a notable increase to 25%. This upward trend continues into March and April, where the chances rise to 33% and 42%, respectively, before peaking in the warmer months. Interestingly, May experiences a slight dip back to 20%, indicating a fluctuating weather pattern as the seasons transition. Overall, while January may offer limited sunny days, the increasing likelihood of sunshine in the following months suggests a promising shift toward brighter skies as spring approaches.

Percentage of Sunny Days in January in Girdwood

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Girdwood throughout the year, with January highlighted. It highlights the variation in sunshine across each month and provides an overview of the typical frequency of sunny days, offering insights into how often Girdwood experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec12%25%33%42%20%16%15%25%15%6%10%15%
Data source: Girdwood January chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Girdwood in January

In Girdwood, United States, the journey through January showcases a modest daylight duration of 6 hours as winter's grip still holds. However, as the month gives way to February, an increase to 9 hours heralds the gradual return of the sun's warmth. By March, daylight expands to 11 hours, paving the way for spring's embrace. The trend continues upward, reaching 14 hours in April, and skyrocketing to an impressive 19 hours by June, making it the sunniest month of the year. As summer wanes in July, daylight slightly decreases to 18 hours, yet remains abundant. Transitioning into the fall, daylight diminishes steadily—first to 15 hours in August and down to 12 hours by September. As the year draws to a close, Girdwood once again experiences shorter days, with November providing just 7 hours and December culminating in only 5 hours of sunlight. This yearly rhythm reveals the stark contrasts in daylight, mirroring the shift from the long, bright summer days to the shorter, darker winter ones.

Average Daylight Hours in Girdwood for January

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Girdwood throughout the year, with January highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec6h 35m9h 4m11h 53m14h 46m17h 29m19h 3m18h 8m15h 36m12h 46m9h 56m7h 14m5h 41m
Data source: Girdwood daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

January Winds in Girdwood

In Girdwood during January, the average wind speed is a gentle 1.6 m/s (3 mph), setting a tranquil tone for the winter landscape. This mild breeze is part of a broader trend throughout the winter months, where wind speeds gradually decline, reaching their lowest in November with just 1.1 m/s (2 mph). As the year progresses into the spring and summer, wind speeds begin to pick up slightly, peaking at 1.9 m/s (4 mph) in June. The notable consistency in wind speeds—from 1.3 m/s to 1.7 m/s across the warmer months—suggests a stable atmosphere that enhances Girdwood's enchanting outdoor experiences. Overall, January's calm winds mirror the serene beauty of the Alaskan winter, inviting adventurers to embrace both the landscape and the gentle weather that accompanies it.

Average January Wind Speed in Girdwood

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Girdwood, with values for each month shown alongside January's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It illustrates the average wind speed, offering insights into how January's wind conditions compare to the rest of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec1.6 m/s1.31.31.41.71.91.71.71.71.31.11.3
Data source: Girdwood January wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How January Weather in Girdwood Compares to Other Months

The weather in Girdwood 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 Girdwood and find detailed weather information for every month.

In comparing the weather of January and February, we see very similar temperature ranges, with January having a minimum of -27°C (-17°F) and February a slightly warmer minimum of -25°C (-13°F). Both months share the same average temperature of around -9°C (16°F to 17°F) and a maximum of 2°C (36°F for January and 35°F for February). However, January experiences more precipitation, totaling 165 mm (6.5 in) over 13 days, compared to February's 115 mm (4.5 in) over 14 days. Humidity remains high in both months, with January at 94% and February slightly lower at 93%. For more details on the weather specifics in February, please visit Girdwood weather in February.

January weather in Girdwood is characterized by more extreme low temperatures, with a minimum of -27°C (-17°F) and an average of -9°C (16°F), while March sees slightly milder conditions, featuring a minimum of -25°C (-12°F) and an average of -8°C (19°F). Although both months experience substantial precipitation, January averages higher at 165 mm (6.5 in) over 13 days compared to March's 131 mm (5.2 in) over 12 days. Humidity is also slightly higher in January, at 94%, compared to 91% in March. For more detailed insights into March weather in Girdwood, you can check this link: Girdwood weather in March.

In January, temperatures can plunge to a minimum of -27°C (-17°F), with an average temperature hovering around -9°C (16°F) and a maximum of just 2°C (36°F). The month also sees significant precipitation of 165 mm (6.5 in) over approximately 13 days, accompanied by high humidity levels of 94%. In contrast, April tends to be milder, with minimum temperatures around -19°C (-2°F) and an average of -1°C (30°F), peaking at 11°C (53°F). While precipitation decreases to 115 mm (4.5 in) across 14 days, the humidity drops to 85%. For a more detailed look at weather trends during this time, visit Girdwood weather in April.

The weather in Girdwood during January is starkly different from that in May. In January, temperatures plummet to an average of -9°C (16°F), with minimum readings dropping as low as -27°C (-17°F). The month sees considerable precipitation, totaling 165 mm (6.5 in) over 13 days, coupled with high humidity at 94%. In contrast, May offers a more temperate climate, with an average temperature of 3°C (37°F) and maximums reaching 16°C (60°F). Although precipitation is slightly lower at 142 mm (5.6 in), it occurs over more days, specifically 19. Humidity also drops to 88% in May, making the transition to spring feel more refreshing. For more details on the weather in May, check out Girdwood weather in May.

In January, the weather is frigid with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -27°C (-17°F) to a maximum of just 2°C (36°F), while the average hovers around -9°C (16°F). This month experiences significant precipitation of 165 mm (6.5 in) over 13 days, and the humidity remains high at 94%, contributing to a biting cold atmosphere. In contrast, June brings a stark transformation; temperatures rise dramatically, with minimums around -2°C (29°F) and maximums reaching up to 24°C (75°F), resulting in a pleasant average of 8°C (47°F). Although June has slightly less precipitation—107 mm (4.2 in) over 21 days—the humidity remains comparable at 95%. For more details, you can visit Girdwood weather in June.

In January, the weather is characterized by frigid temperatures, with a chilling minimum of -27°C (-17°F) and an average of -9°C (16°F), peaking at just 2°C (36°F). This month experiences significant moisture, with high precipitation levels of 165 mm (6.5 in) spread over 13 days and a humidity of 94%. In stark contrast, July brings a much milder climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C (37°F) to a maximum of 26°C (79°F), averaging 11°C (53°F). While July sees less precipitation at 109 mm (4.3 in) over 17 days, the humidity also remains high at 102%. For more details about the weather in July, you can check Girdwood weather in July.

January and August present stark contrasts in weather, reflective of their positions in the year. January is characterized by frigid temperatures, with an average low of -9°C (16°F) and maximums only reaching 2°C (36°F). The month sees significant precipitation of 165 mm (6.5 in), spread over approximately 13 days, all under a high humidity of 94%. In contrast, August experiences milder temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 0°C (33°F) to an average of 10°C (50°F), peaking at 21°C (71°F). Although it has slightly less precipitation at 156 mm (6.1 in), it occurs over more days—20 in total—accompanied by a humidity level of 100%. For more detailed information, check out the Girdwood weather in August.

January and September in Girdwood present a striking contrast in weather conditions. January is characterized by frigid temperatures, with a minimum of -27°C (-17°F) and an average of -9°C (16°F), while September offers a milder experience, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -12°C (11°F) to a maximum of 16°C (61°F). Precipitation is relatively high in both months, with January receiving 165 mm (6.5 in) over 13 days and September seeing slightly more at 192 mm (7.5 in) over 19 days. Humidity levels remain high in both months, peaking at 94% in January and reaching 96% in September. For more details, you can check the Girdwood weather in September.

When comparing the weather in January and October, significant differences emerge. January is characterized by freezing temperatures, with averages around -9°C (16°F) and a chilling minimum of -27°C (-17°F), creating a bitterly cold environment. In contrast, October offers a more moderate climate, with average temperatures hovering around 0°C (32°F) and a milder maximum of 13°C (56°F). Precipitation is another notable difference; January experiences 165 mm (6.5 in) over 13 days, whereas October sees a substantial increase in rainfall, totaling 281 mm (11.1 in) across 21 days. Humidity levels are also slightly higher in January at 94%, compared to October's 91%. For more details on this temperate variation, visit Girdwood weather in October.

In January, the weather continues to be frigid, with average temperatures hovering around -9°C (16°F) and highs reaching just 2°C (36°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 165 mm (6.5 in) over approximately 13 days, coupled with a high humidity level of 94%. In contrast, November sees slightly milder temperatures, with an average of -7°C (19°F) and maximums of 3°C (38°F). However, it is characterized by even greater precipitation—224 mm (8.8 in) over 16 days—and a humidity level of 95%. For more details, check out Girdwood weather in November.

In Girdwood, the weather in January is characterized by slightly colder temperatures compared to December, with minimums dipping to -27°C (-17°F) and averages around -9°C (16°F). In contrast, December experiences milder conditions, with temperatures typically ranging from a minimum of -24°C (-10°F) to an average of -6°C (21°F). Precipitation is significantly higher in December, with a total of 268 mm (10.6 in) over 23 days, versus January’s 165 mm (6.5 in) over just 13 days. Additionally, January maintains a relative humidity of 94%, slightly lower than December's 96%, making the air feel crisp and dry as winter deepens. For more detailed weather insights, you can visit Girdwood weather in December.

Compare Girdwood's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From January Weather in Girdwood

January in Girdwood presents a stark contrast to other months, characterized by its bitingly cold temperatures and frequent, heavy precipitation. With an average of -9°C, the frigid air often dips to even lower extremes, though the landscape's stunning beauty remains undeterred by the chill. This month is marked by high humidity levels, creating a unique atmosphere that envelops the snow-covered surroundings. As one of the wettest months, with about 13 days of rain or snow, January exemplifies the harsh, yet enchanting Alaskan winter. For more insights into the varied climate throughout the year, explore Girdwood Climate.