January Weather in Kenai, United States

Last updated: February 24, 2025

January in Kenai, United States offers a chilly tableau characterized by average temperatures hovering around -5°C (24°F), punctuated by maximum highs reaching 7°C (45°F) and stark lows dipping to -20°C (-4°F). This month sees approximately 50 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation spread over 9 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 95%, which enhances the frigid atmosphere. Visitors and residents alike can expect a blend of cold air and occasional snow, making it a quintessential winter month for this picturesque Alaskan locale.

January Temperature in Kenai

In Kenai, United States, January brings a brisk chill, with temperatures ranging from a bone-numbing -20°C (-4°F) at their lowest to a relatively mild 7°C (45°F) as a maximum. This month serves as a deep freeze before temperatures gradually begin to trend upward through February and March, where average highs hover around the -3°C to -2°C (26°F to 29°F) mark. As winter wanes into spring, the region slowly warms up, culminating in April’s average of 3°C (39°F), hinting at the eventual arrival of milder days. The pattern clearly shows a steady march towards comfort, promising a vibrant transition as the season shifts. The cold temperatures in January highlight Kenai's wintry charm, making way for the eventual thaw and blossoming landscapes of spring.

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

The chart illustrates January temperature patterns in Kenai, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec232629384854585852433129
Data source: Temperature data for Kenai 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 Kenai

In January, Kenai experiences an average precipitation of 50 mm (2.0 in) over 9 days, setting the stage for a wet winter. This month marks a transition into the wetter season, with precipitation gradually increasing as the year progresses. February sees a slight uptick to 54 mm (2.1 in), while March and April remain relatively dry, each recording 37 mm (1.5 in) and 37 mm (1.4 in) respectively. The trend then shifts in the months approaching summer, where May’s precipitation swells to 65 mm (2.5 in), and by August, Kenai reaches its peak with 82 mm (3.2 in), showcasing a distinct seasonal cycle. Interestingly, September and October bring the heaviest rainfall, with an impressive 118 mm (4.6 in) and 132 mm (5.2 in), culminating in a wetter fall as the region transitions back towards winter conditions. Overall, the data paints a vivid picture of Kenai's climatic rhythm, oscillating between mild wetness in early winter and rich precipitation in late summer and fall.

January Precipitation Trends in Kenai

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Kenai, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec505438376543678211813294106
Data source: Precipitation data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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January Humidity in Kenai

In Kenai, United States, January greets residents with a gripping humidity level of 95%, a trend that continues seamlessly into February. This high moisture persists throughout the early months of the year, with humidity gradually mellowing to 90% in March before dipping further to 82% by April. However, as spring transitions into summer, humidity levels rebound, peaking dramatically at 100% in July, maintaining a moist atmosphere into the late summer months, evidenced by 99% in August. As the year progresses, humidity remains consistently high, hovering around 97% in September and November, before slightly easing as winter approaches again, with December closing the year at 98%. Overall, Kenai's winter months see a remarkable consistency in high humidity, making it a notably damp locale throughout the year.

January Average Humidity in Kenai

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Kenai, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec95%95%90%82%85%95%100%99%97%93%97%98%
Data source: Humidity data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

January UV Index in Kenai

In January, Kenai experiences a low UV Index of 1, indicating minimal exposure risk with a burn time of approximately 45 minutes. As the months progress, the UV Index gradually increases, reaching 2 in February and peaking at 7 in July, which signifies a transition from low to high exposure categories. The moderate UV conditions in March and April suggest a heightened awareness for sun protection as we move towards summer. This trend continues through the warmer months, where both May and June exhibit a high UV Index of 6, requiring a burn time of just 25 minutes. August sees a slight decline but remains classified as high, before tapering off in September and further decreasing in October through December, returning to a low index of 1. For a comprehensive overview of the yearly UV fluctuations and safety guidelines, visit Kenai UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Kenai for January

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Kenai 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec123466764211
Data source: Kenai 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 Kenai

In Kenai, United States, January is a month where sunshine is limited, offering only 58 hours of daylight. As the winter progresses into February, the light begins to increase significantly, doubling to 121 hours. The days continue to brighten leading up to March, with 218 hours of precious sunlight, and by April the spring is well underway, delivering 255 hours. This upward trend peaks in June with an impressive 333 hours, making it the sunniest month of the year. However, as summer wanes, the hours start to decline again; July sees 307 hours, followed by 292 hours in August, and then a notable drop in September to 200 hours. The descent continues through the fall, culminating in December with just 37 hours, leaving the residents of Kenai eagerly awaiting the return of longer days. This cyclical pattern beautifully illustrates the rhythm of the seasons, with each month offering a growing or diminishing slice of daylight.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Kenai: January Highlighted

The January sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Kenai 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec58h121h218h255h272h333h307h292h200h130h94h37h
Data source: Kenai January Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Kenai During January

In Kenai, United States, January brings a modest 26% chance of sunny weather, mirroring the sunlit prospects of February. As the winter months progress into spring, the likelihood of sunshine begins to increase, with March seeing a notable rise to 40%. This upward trend continues through April, when the chances reach 48%, highlighting the gradual transition towards milder conditions. Interestingly, while May experiences a slight dip to 33%, the summer months reveal a more consistent pattern with fluctuating chances, peaking at 44% in August. This data underscores the seasonal shift in weather, as Kenai emerges from the darker winter months, gradually welcoming more sunlight as the year unfolds.

Percentage of Sunny Days in January in Kenai

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Kenai 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 Kenai experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec26%26%40%48%33%32%27%44%33%20%33%25%
Data source: Kenai January chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Kenai in January

In Kenai, United States, daylight duration experiences a remarkable transformation as the year progresses. Beginning with a modest 6 hours of daylight in January, the days rapidly lengthen as winter gives way to spring. By February, daylight extends to 9 hours, and by March, it reaches 11 hours, signaling the arrival of brighter days. The peak of daylight comes in June, where residents enjoy an impressive 18 hours of sunlight. Following this summer zenith, a gradual decline begins, with daylight receding to 17 hours in July and 15 hours in August. As autumn sets in, hours continue to dwindle; by December, Kenai sees only 5 hours of daylight, highlighting the stark seasonal contrasts that define this Alaskan region.

Average Daylight Hours in Kenai for January

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Kenai throughout the year, with January highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec6h 43m9h 8m11h 54m14h 43m17h 20m18h 51m17h 58m15h 31m12h 45m9h 58m7h 21m5h 51m
Data source: Kenai daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

January Winds in Kenai

In January, Kenai experiences a notable peak in wind speed, averaging 4.7 m/s (11 mph), which marks it as the windiest month of the year. This brisk airflow gradually tapers off into February, where the average dips to 3.9 m/s (9 mph), and continues to decline through the ensuing months. By the time spring arrives in March, the winds settle at 3.3 m/s (7 mph), maintaining a gentle breeze throughout much of the summer and fall. Interestingly, the wind speeds show minimal fluctuation, hovering around 3.2 to 3.7 m/s (7 to 8 mph) from June to December. This consistent trend suggests that while January's winds invigorate the cold winter air, the remainder of the year offers a more tranquil maritime atmosphere, inviting outdoor enthusiasts to embrace the scenic beauty of Kenai's coastal landscapes.

Average January Wind Speed in Kenai

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Kenai, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec4.7 m/s3.93.33.53.33.23.43.43.53.73.53.7
Data source: Kenai January wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How January Weather in Kenai Compares to Other Months

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

In January, the weather is typically quite cold, with average temperatures hovering around -5°C (24°F) and reaching a maximum of 7°C (45°F). The month sees around 50 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation over approximately 9 days, accompanied by high humidity at 95%. In contrast, February offers slightly milder conditions with an average temperature of -3°C (26°F) and a maximum of 6°C (43°F). The precipitation increases slightly to 54 mm (2.1 in) over about 11 days, sustaining the same high humidity level of 95%. For more detailed insights into February’s weather patterns, check out Kenai weather in February.

January and March exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. In January, the temperatures plummet to a minimum of -20°C (-4°F), with an average temperature of -5°C (24°F) and a maximum of 7°C (45°F), while the humidity lingers at a high 95%. The month also sees about 50 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation over 9 days. In contrast, March experiences slightly milder temperatures, with minimums around -15°C (5°F) and an average of -2°C (29°F), reaching a maximum of 10°C (50°F). Precipitation decreases to 37 mm (1.5 in), also spread over 9 days, and humidity drops to 90%. For more detailed insights into March weather in Kenai, you can visit Kenai weather in March.

In January, the weather is significantly colder, with temperatures ranging from a chilling minimum of -20°C (-4°F) to a maximum of 7°C (45°F) and an average of -5°C (24°F). The month sees considerable humidity at 95% and experiences precipitation on 9 days, accumulating to about 50 mm (2.0 in). In contrast, April offers a noticeable shift with milder conditions; temperatures increase, ranging from a minimum of -11°C (13°F) to a maximum of 13°C (55°F), with an average temperature of 3°C (39°F). While precipitation remains similar, totaling 37 mm (1.4 in) over 9 days, the humidity drops to 82%. For more details about the conditions in April, you can visit Kenai weather in April.

In January, the weather is characterized by frigid temperatures, with lows reaching -20°C (-4°F) and an average of -5°C (24°F). The highest temperatures only climb to around 7°C (45°F), and the month typically sees about 50 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation over approximately 9 days, coupled with high humidity levels of 95%. Conversely, May brings a significant warm-up, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 1°C (34°F) to an average of 9°C (48°F), peaking at 20°C (68°F). During this month, precipitation increases slightly to 65 mm (2.5 in) but occurs over more days—approximately 14—with humidity dropping to 85%. For more details on the weather specifics in May, visit Kenai weather in May.

In January, temperatures are significantly colder, with lows reaching as low as -20°C (-4°F) and an average of -5°C (24°F). The weather is characterized by frequent precipitation, totaling 50 mm (2.0 in) over about nine days, accompanied by high humidity at 95%. In contrast, June experiences a much milder climate, with minimum temperatures around 6°C (43°F) and an average of 12°C (54°F), peaking at 22°C (73°F). Although precipitation is slightly lower at 43 mm (1.7 in) also over nine days, the humidity remains high at 95%. For a closer look at the June weather in Kenai, you can visit Kenai weather in June.

In January, the weather is characterized by frigid temperatures, with lows plunging to -20°C (-4°F) and an average of -5°C (24°F). The month sees some precipitation, totaling 50 mm (2.0 in) over 9 days, and the humidity is high at 95%, creating a consistently cold and damp environment. In contrast, July brings much milder weather, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a maximum of 27°C (81°F) and an overall average of 15°C (59°F). Precipitation increases slightly to 67 mm (2.7 in) over 10 days, and humidity reaches 100%, making it feel warm and humid. For more detailed climate information, visit Kenai weather in July.

January and August present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plunge to a minimum of -20°C (-4°F), with an average temperature around -5°C (24°F) and a maximum of 7°C (45°F). This cold month also experiences high humidity levels at 95%, alongside 50 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation over about 9 days. In contrast, August brings milder temperatures, with minimums around 8°C (47°F) and maximums reaching up to 24°C (75°F), resulting in a more comfortable average of 15°C (58°F). Despite slightly higher precipitation at 82 mm (3.2 in) over 12 days, the humidity level remains elevated at a remarkable 99%. For a more detailed view of what to expect, check out Kenai weather in August.

In January, the weather is characterized by frigid temperatures, with a minimum of -20°C (-4°F) and an average of -5°C (24°F), making it one of the coldest months of the year. In contrast, September brings a significant warming trend, featuring a minimum temperature of 1°C (35°F) and an average of 11°C (53°F). While January seeps with low humidity at 95% and only experiences about 50 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation over 9 days, September is far wetter, with precipitation reaching 118 mm (4.6 in) across 16 days and humidity rising slightly to 97%. For more information on what to expect, check out Kenai weather in September.

January and October present contrasting weather conditions in terms of temperature and precipitation. In January, minimum temperatures delve into a frigid -20°C (-4°F), with an average of -5°C (24°F) and max temperatures reaching only 7°C (45°F). The month typically sees about 50 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation over 9 days, accompanied by high humidity at 95%. In contrast, October offers milder weather, with minimum temperatures around -4°C (24°F) and an average of 6°C (44°F), peaking at 15°C (59°F). This month is notably wetter, featuring approximately 132 mm (5.2 in) of precipitation over 17 days, along with slightly lower humidity at 93%. For a more detailed look at October weather, check out Kenai weather in October.

January and November weather exhibit notable similarities and differences. In January, temperatures range from a minimum of -20°C (-4°F) to a maximum of 7°C (45°F), with an average of -5°C (24°F). The month sees around 50 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation over approximately 9 days, accompanied by a high humidity level of 95%. In contrast, November has slightly milder temperatures, ranging from -19°C (-2°F) to 9°C (48°F), with an average temperature of 0°C (31°F). Precipitation is heavier in November at 94 mm (3.7 in) over 13 days, and humidity is a touch higher at 97%. For more detailed information, you can visit Kenai weather in November.

January and December present chilly conditions, but with some notable differences. In January, temperatures range from a minimum of -20°C (-4°F) to a maximum of 7°C (45°F), with an average of -5°C (24°F). The month sees approximately 50 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation over 9 days and maintains a high humidity level of 95%. In contrast, December experiences slightly milder temperatures, with a minimum of -16°C (4°F) and an average of -2°C (29°F), also peaking at 7°C (45°F). However, it has considerably more precipitation, at 106 mm (4.2 in) over 17 days, and higher humidity at 98%. For a more detailed look at December weather, you can visit Kenai weather in December.

Compare Kenai's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From January Weather in Kenai

January in Kenai presents a striking contrast to the milder months of spring and summer. With temperatures dipping significantly and frequently plunging into sub-zero territory, this winter month embraces a frigid chill that is often complemented by high humidity levels near 95%. While precipitation is relatively moderate, it frequently manifests in the form of snow, covering the landscape in a serene white blanket. The combination of cold temperatures and damp conditions creates a unique winter experience, making January one of the most distinct months in the Kenai climate calendar. To explore more about the overall climate trends, check out Kenai Climate.