Last updated: February 24, 2025
January in Mount Crested Butte presents a striking winter landscape characterized by a maximum temperature of 5°C (42°F) and an average of -9°C (17°F), dipping to a frigid -24°C (-11°F) at times. With 60 mm (2.4 in) of precipitation occurring over 11 days, the region experiences a moist winter month, contributing to the snowpack that attracts winter sports enthusiasts. The high humidity of 88% enhances the chilly atmosphere, making it essential for visitors to bundle up while exploring the breathtaking natural beauty of this mountain town.
In January, Mount Crested Butte experiences a wintry chill, with temperatures ranging from a brisk -24°C (-11°F) at night to a daytime high of 5°C (42°F). The average temperature hovers around -9°C (17°F), setting the scene for a true winter wonderland. This month stands out as one of the coldest of the year, but a slight warming trend can be observed as February rolls in, with a minimal drop in the nightly lows to -25°C (-12°F) and average daily temperatures rising slightly to -7°C (19°F). By all accounts, January offers a frosty embrace that contrasts sharply with the milder temperatures that follow in March, signaling the gradual transition into spring. The consistent snowfall and biting cold create an ideal environment for winter sports enthusiasts, making Mount Crested Butte a premier destination during this chilly time of year.
In January, Mount Crested Butte receives an average precipitation of 60 mm (2.4 in) over approximately 11 days, setting the stage for winter's embrace. This amount is noticeably lower than the subsequent month, February, which sees a jump to 79 mm (3.1 in) and a slightly higher frequency of rainy days at 14. The trend continues into March and April, maintaining a consistent range around 77 mm (3.0 in) and 64 mm (2.5 in), respectively. This pattern of winter moisture gradually shifts toward dryer months as spring approaches, with May dropping to 58 mm (2.3 in) and only 10 days of precipitation. Overall, January serves as a pivotal time, marking the transition from robust winter snowfall to the lighter, sporadic rains of late spring.
In January, Mount Crested Butte experiences a notable humidity level of 88%, making it one of the dampest months of the year. This high humidity is part of a gradual decline seen throughout the winter months, as February follows closely with 87%. As spring approaches, the humidity drops significantly, reaching 81% in March and continuing to decrease, hitting 76% in April. By the time May arrives, the climate feels more refreshing at 66%, with summer ushering in even drier air, peaking at 52% in July. However, as autumn descends, humidity starts to rise again, ultimately culminating in 89% by December, thus reinforcing the area's characteristic moisture cycle throughout the year.
In January, Mount Crested Butte experiences a moderate UV Index of 4, allowing for about 30 minutes of safe sun exposure before the risk of burning increases. As the month progresses into February, the UV Index rises to 6, marking a notable shift to a high exposure category, where the burn time decreases to 25 minutes. This upward trend continues dramatically into March, reaching a very high index of 9 and a reduced burn time of just 15 minutes. The pattern escalates into April and May, where extreme UV levels peak at 12 and 13, respectively, further shortening burn times to a mere 10 minutes. This severe UV environment persists through the summer months, peaking at 14 in June, before tapering off in the fall and winter months, marked by a return to moderate levels in November and December. Overall, the data clearly illustrates a seasonal shift from moderate to extreme UV exposure, emphasizing the importance of sun protection during these peak months. For more detailed information, check out the Mount Crested Butte UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In January, Mount Crested Butte bathes in 169 hours of sunshine, a modest start to the year that sets the stage for a remarkable trend towards brighter days. As winter yields to spring, the sunshine gradually increases; February enjoys 222 hours, and by March, the days grow longer with a delightful 285 hours. The real transformation occurs in April, with a leap to 320 hours, heralding the arrival of warmer weather. The sunshine peaks in July with an impressive 387 hours, marking the height of summer bliss. Subsequently, we see a gentle decline through the late summer and fall months, yet September still boasts a generous 318 hours of sunlight before tapering off into the cooler months. This rhythmic ebb and flow of sunshine throughout the year paints a picture of a vibrant outdoor paradise, inviting visitors to experience its charm in every season.
In January, Mount Crested Butte experiences about 46% chance of sunny weather, positioning it equally with March and just ahead of February, which sees a lower 38%. This trend suggests a relatively stable likelihood of sunshine during the winter months, but it remains below the seasonal peak encountered in late spring and summer, particularly in June and August, where sun chances soar to 61% and 68%, respectively. As winter gives way to spring, the likelihood of clear skies gradually increases, hinting at a brighter outlook ahead. Overall, while January may not boast the sunniest days, it still offers a respectable chance for clear weather against the backdrop of the snowy mountains.
In Mount Crested Butte, the transition from winter to spring is beautifully marked by the gradual increase in daylight. In January, residents and visitors can expect about 9 hours of daylight, which gently extends to 10 hours by February. As the days grow longer, March welcomes 11 hours of sunlight, heralding the approach of spring and encouraging outdoor activities. By April, the daylight reaches 13 hours, and this trend continues into May and June, with a peak of 14 hours. The summer months embrace extended sunlight, but as August rolls in, daylight starts to recede, gradually returning to 13 hours. This reduction continues through September and October, and by the time winter reclaims its hold in December, the daylight duration completes the circle back to 9 hours. This rhythmic ebb and flow of daylight not only defines the seasons but also enriches the mountain community's experience year-round.
In January, Mount Crested Butte experiences an average wind speed of 1.9 m/s (4 mph), marking the start of the year with relatively gentle breezes. This calmness continues with similar averages through the winter months, as December and subsequent months hover around 2.1 m/s and 2.2 m/s respectively. Interestingly, the wind speed sees a slight uptick in February through April, peaking at 2.2 m/s, suggesting a possible winter transition towards spring. However, as summer approaches, the wind speed dips to its lowest in July at 1.6 m/s (4 mph), before gradually returning to a steady 1.9 m/s by October. Overall, the wind dynamics reveal a gentle rhythm, with subtle variations that enhance the serene, powder-coated charm of this mountain town.
The weather in Mount Crested Butte 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 Mount Crested Butte and find detailed weather information for every month.
In comparing January and February weather, January typically exhibits colder temperatures with an average of -9°C (17°F) and a maximum of 5°C (42°F), while February sees a slight increase in average temperature to -7°C (19°F) and a maximum of 10°C (51°F). Precipitation is more prevalent in February, with 79 mm (3.1 in) over 14 days compared to January's 60 mm (2.4 in) over 11 days. Additionally, humidity remains quite high in both months, with January at 88% and February slightly lower at 87%. For a more detailed look at February's weather, visit Mount Crested Butte weather in February.
In January, temperatures can be quite frigid, with a minimum of -24°C (-11°F) and an average of -9°C (17°F), reaching a maximum of just 5°C (42°F). The month typically experiences about 60 mm (2.4 in) of precipitation over 11 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 88%. In contrast, March shows a slight warming trend, with minimum temperatures around -21°C (-6°F) and an average of -3°C (27°F). The high reaches up to 11°C (52°F), and precipitation increases to 77 mm (3.0 in) over 14 days, while humidity decreases to 81%. For a detailed look at the weather conditions in March, visit Mount Crested Butte weather in March.
In January, the weather is characterized by frigid temperatures, with a minimum of -24°C (-11°F) and an average of -9°C (17°F), giving way to a maximum of just 5°C (42°F). The month experiences significant precipitation with about 60 mm (2.4 in) spread across 11 days, coupled with high humidity levels averaging 88%. Conversely, April brings a noticeable shift in conditions, as temperatures rise, featuring a minimum of -18°C (0°F) and an average of 0°C (32°F), reaching up to 12°C (54°F). Precipitation in April slightly increases to 64 mm (2.5 in) over 13 days, but humidity decreases to 76%. This transition from the harsh winter chill of January to the milder spring conditions of April marks a significant change in the climate. For more details, check out Mount Crested Butte weather in April.
In January, Mount Crested Butte experiences frigid temperatures with a minimum of -24°C (-11°F) and an average of -9°C (17°F), reaching a maximum of just 5°C (42°F). The month sees about 60 mm (2.4 in) of precipitation over 11 days, accompanied by high humidity at 88%. In contrast, May brings a significant warming trend, with minimum temperatures rising to -11°C (13°F) and average temperatures climbing to 4°C (39°F), while the maximum can reach a pleasant 20°C (69°F). Precipitation slightly decreases to 58 mm (2.3 in) over 10 days, and humidity drops to a more comfortable 66%. For a detailed look at weather patterns during this month, check out Mount Crested Butte weather in May.
January and June present starkly contrasting weather conditions. In January, temperatures plummet with a minimum of -24°C (-11°F) and an average of -9°C (17°F), making it one of the coldest months, while precipitation is relatively high at 60 mm (2.4 in) over 11 days, accompanied by high humidity at 88%. In contrast, June brings a milder climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -6°C (21°F) to a pleasant maximum of 26°C (79°F) and an average of 11°C (51°F). Precipitation decreases significantly to 27 mm (1.1 in) over just 6 days, and humidity drops to a more comfortable 58%. For a detailed look at what to expect, check out Mount Crested Butte weather in June.
January and July present a stark contrast in weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plummet as low as -24°C (-11°F) with an average of -9°C (17°F), while July offers a much more pleasant climate with a minimum of 0°C (33°F) and an average of 14°C (58°F). Both months receive similar precipitation, around 60 mm (2.4 in), but January's cold and humid conditions, with 88% humidity, sharply differ from July's drier atmosphere at 52% humidity. Whether you're enjoying winter activities or summer adventures, the weather in Mount Crested Butte provides unique experiences year-round. For more details, visit Mount Crested Butte weather in July.
The weather in January is drastically colder than in August, with January experiencing minimum temperatures plummeting to -24°C and an average of -9°C, while August boasts milder conditions with a minimum of 2°C and an average of 14°C. Precipitation in January is higher, with 60 mm over 11 days compared to August's 30 mm over just 7 days, indicating a more frequent, though lighter, summer rainfall. Furthermore, humidity levels in January sit at a chilly 88%, significantly higher than the more comfortable 56% seen in August. For more insights into the warmth and conditions you can expect, check out Mount Crested Butte weather in August.
January and September reflect stark contrasts in weather patterns. In January, temperatures plummet with a minimum of -24°C (-11°F) and an average of -9°C (17°F), making it one of the coldest months of the year. Conversely, September experiences a more moderate climate, featuring a minimum temperature of -7°C (20°F) and an average of 10°C (50°F), reaching a maximum of 25°C (77°F). Precipitation is also different, with January witnessing 60 mm (2.4 in) over 11 days, while September sees less rainfall at 33 mm (1.3 in) across just 7 days. Additionally, January's humidity is notably high at 88%, compared to September's more comfortable level of 65%. For more detailed information, you can check the Mount Crested Butte weather in September.
In January, the weather is notably cold, with average temperatures around -9°C (17°F) and maximum highs only reaching 5°C (42°F). The month experiences about 60 mm of precipitation over 11 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 88%, making it feel even chillier. In contrast, October brings a milder climate, with average temperatures rising to 2°C (35°F) and maximums reaching a more comfortable 19°C (67°F). The precipitation in October is slightly lower at 58 mm over 10 days, and humidity drops to 76%, contributing to a less oppressive feel. For more detailed weather information, check out Mount Crested Butte weather in October.
When comparing the weather in January and November, January tends to be slightly warmer, with average temperatures hovering around -9°C (17°F), compared to November's average of -5°C (23°F). However, November experiences lower minimum temperatures, dipping to around -28°C (-19°F), whereas January's minimum is -24°C (-11°F). Precipitation in January is a bit higher, totaling 60 mm (2.4 in) over 11 days, while November sees 49 mm (1.9 in) over 8 days. The humidity levels are also similar, with January at 88% and November slightly lower at 82%. For more details on the weather in November specifically, you can refer to Mount Crested Butte weather in November.
In comparing the weather of January and December, both months experience cold temperatures, with January showing a slight improvement in minimum temperatures, averaging -24°C (-11°F) compared to December's colder minimum of -30°C (-22°F). The average temperatures remain consistent, hovering around -9°C (17°F) for both months. However, January records slightly less precipitation at 60 mm (2.4 in) over 11 days, while December has a bit more at 67 mm (2.6 in) during the same number of days. Humidity is also similar, with January at 88% and December at 89%. For those interested in more specific details about December weather, you can check Mount Crested Butte weather in December.
As January settles over Mount Crested Butte, winter asserts its dominance with colder temperatures and increased humidity, making this month distinctly chillier compared to the milder months that precede it. With an average low often nearing -9°C, outdoor enthusiasts can expect a true winter wonderland characterized by frosty mornings and stunning snowy landscapes. However, the month isn't just about the cold; it also brings along a fair share of precipitation, creating perfect conditions for skiing and snowboarding adventures. This blend of cool air and regular snowfall sets January apart, further enhancing its reputation as a magnet for winter sports lovers. For more insights into what to expect throughout the year, check out Mount Crested Butte Climate.