January Weather in Telluride, United States

Last updated: February 24, 2025

In January, Telluride, United States, experiences a chilly winter climate characterized by a maximum temperature of 7°C (45°F) and an average of -8°C (18°F), dipping to a minimum of -23°C (-10°F). This month brings 52 mm (2.1 in) of precipitation over approximately 10 days, contributing to a humid atmosphere with humidity levels reaching 85%. Visitors to Telluride should be prepared for a blend of cold temperatures and occasional snowfall, creating a picturesque winter wonderland perfect for outdoor activities and scenic views.

January Temperature in Telluride

In January, Telluride experiences a chilly embrace with temperatures ranging from a piercing -23°C (-10°F) at night to a modest 7°C (45°F) during the day. The month settles at an average of -8°C (18°F), perfectly reflecting a deep winter landscape. This deep freeze is part of a trend where the coldest temperatures typically occur in January and February, with nightly lows dipping further, sometimes reaching -25°C (-12°F) in February. As the season progresses into March, a gradual warming trend emerges, hinting at the eventual arrival of spring with average highs climbing to 11°C (53°F). Interestingly, even in the coldest months, daytime warmth can evoke a sense of comfort, with sunny days making the frigid nights a small price to pay for breathtaking winter vistas.

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

The chart illustrates January temperature patterns in Telluride, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec182027323952575650362518
Data source: Temperature data for Telluride 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 Telluride

In January, Telluride experiences an average precipitation of 52 mm (2.1 in) over approximately 10 days, signaling the heart of winter. This sets the stage for the ski season, as snow blankets the charming resort town. As winter progresses into February, precipitation increases to 73 mm (2.9 in) over 13 days, further enhancing the snowpack. The trend continues through March, where the transition into spring brings even more moisture with 82 mm (3.2 in), making it the wettest month so far. Interestingly, as spring unfolds, precipitation levels begin to stabilize, peaking in July at 113 mm (4.5 in), before tapering off into the drier summer months. The overall pattern reveals a robust winter followed by a gradual shift, showing that Telluride is not only a winter sports haven but also a destination rich in seasonal variety.

January Precipitation Trends in Telluride

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Telluride, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec5273826056301145450524360
Data source: Precipitation data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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January Humidity in Telluride

In January, Telluride experiences a notable humidity level of 85%, setting the tone for the winter months. As we transition into February, humidity inches up slightly to 86%, maintaining a chilly and moist atmosphere. However, as spring approaches, March sees a significant drop to 76%, and this trend continues into April, where humidity levels decline to 69%. By May, the air feels much drier at 53%, with humidity peaking again in the colder months of October and November at 74% and 83% respectively. The cycle of humidity in Telluride clearly illustrates a seasonal shift, from the high moisture levels of winter through the refreshing dryness of summer, culminating in a return to dampness as the year closes.

January Average Humidity in Telluride

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Telluride, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec85%86%76%69%53%40%36%44%59%74%83%86%
Data source: Humidity data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

January UV Index in Telluride

In January, Telluride experiences a moderate UV Index of 4, allowing for up to 30 minutes of sun exposure before risking skin damage. As the months progress, the UV Index dramatically rises, reaching high levels by February and peaking at an extreme index of 14 in June. This upward trend highlights the increasing intensity of sunlight, with burn times diminishing to just 10 minutes during the summer months. By October, the index gradually decreases to 8, indicating a return to very high exposure conditions, before reverting back to the moderate levels seen at the beginning of the year. To make the most of your time outdoors while staying protected, keep an eye on the Telluride UV Index as the seasons change.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Telluride for January

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Telluride 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec4710131314131211864
Data source: Telluride 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 Telluride

In January, Telluride basks in 173 hours of sunshine, setting a serene stage for winter adventures. As the month unfolds into February, the sunshine increases to 217 hours, hinting at brighter days ahead. This upward trend continues through March and April, reaching 289 and 324 hours respectively, inviting outdoor enthusiasts to revel in the majestic slopes. Come May, the town enjoys a peak at 365 hours, perfectly timed for summer activities. The sunny streak persists through June and July, with 381 and 379 hours, making it the ideal summer retreat. However, as August transitions to autumn, sunshine begins to wane at 358 hours, followed by a gentle decline through the fall months, with 315 hours in September, and down to 248 hours by November. This rhythm of sunlight in Telluride offers a unique charm, allowing residents and visitors alike to embrace the changing seasons, each with its own distinct character.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Telluride: January Highlighted

The January sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Telluride 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec173h217h289h324h365h381h379h358h315h284h248h221h
Data source: Telluride January Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Telluride During January

In Telluride, January boasts a 57% likelihood of sunny weather, ranking it as one of the more promising months for sunshine in the frigid winter season. While the chance of clear skies dips slightly in February to 46%, it begins to recover in March, reaching 51%. As the year progresses, the trend shows an upward trajectory with April enjoying 61% sunshine, and sunny days peak in the sultry summer months, hitting 68% in August and 70% in both September and November. Overall, while January might not have the highest probability of sunshine compared to later months, it still provides a decent chance for clear, bright days, making it a delightful time to experience the winter beauty of Telluride.

Percentage of Sunny Days in January in Telluride

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Telluride 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 Telluride experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec57%46%51%61%57%64%51%68%70%56%70%49%
Data source: Telluride January chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Telluride in January

In January, Telluride experiences about 9 hours of daylight, marking the tail end of winter's grip. As the month progresses into February, daylight increases to 10 hours, heralding the slow but steady return of spring. By March, the sunshine extends further to 11 hours, offering residents and visitors more opportunities to enjoy the stunning mountain landscape. April sees a noticeable jump to 13 hours, while May and the early summer months of June and July bring a consistent 14 hours of daylight—perfect for outdoor activities and adventures. As summer wanes into August, daylight begins to taper off slightly to 13 hours, a precursor to the gradual reduction in September and October, which witness 12 and 11 hours, respectively. By November, daylight dips back to 10 hours, shortly returning to 9 hours in December, wrapping up the year in a familiar cycle. This pattern reflects not only the changing seasons but also the vibrant outdoor lifestyle that Telluride is known for.

Average Daylight Hours in Telluride for January

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Telluride throughout the year, with January highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec9h 51m10h 47m11h 59m13h 12m14h 14m14h 44m14h 28m13h 32m12h 22m11h 9m10h 5m9h 33m
Data source: Telluride daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

January Winds in Telluride

In Telluride, January ushers in a gentle breeze with an average wind speed of 1.8 m/s (4 mph), which sets the stage for a chilly yet serene winter atmosphere. As the months progress, February and March see a subtle uptick in wind speeds, reaching 2.1 m/s and 2.2 m/s, respectively, hinting at the stirring of spring just around the corner. Interestingly, April marks the peak of the early year with a slight increase to 2.4 m/s, before gradually tapering off in the warmer months of July and August, where it dips back down to 1.7 m/s. This pattern of mild winds continues through the fall, with wind speeds stabilizing around 2.0 m/s in October before returning to 1.8 m/s in November. Overall, January’s soft winds are a prelude to the gentle fluctuations that characterize Telluride’s winter into spring, culminating in a refreshing change as the season shifts.

Average January Wind Speed in Telluride

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Telluride, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec1.8 m/s2.12.22.42.32.01.72.01.92.11.82.3
Data source: Telluride January wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How January Weather in Telluride Compares to Other Months

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

January and February present a chilly continuation of winter, but with some notable differences in their weather patterns. January boasts a minimum temperature of -23°C (-10°F) and an average of -8°C (18°F), while February dips slightly lower with a minimum of -25°C (-12°F) but has a higher average temperature of -7°C (20°F). Precipitation also increases in February, with 73 mm (2.9 in) over 13 days, compared to January's 52 mm (2.1 in) over 10 days. Humidity remains fairly consistent, with January at 85% and February at 86%. For more detailed insights on February weather, you can visit Telluride weather in February.

In comparing the weather from January to March, we notice a gradual warming trend. January's average temperature lingers around -8°C (18°F), with a maximum reaching 7°C (45°F), while March sees a noticeable increase, with an average temperature of -3°C (27°F) and a maximum of 11°C (53°F). Although January has slightly lower humidity at 85% compared to March's 76%, the latter records more precipitation, totaling 82 mm (3.2 in) over 13 days, compared to January's 52 mm (2.1 in) over 10 days. For more details on the conditions in March, you can check out this link: Telluride weather in March.

In comparing the weather between January and April, January experiences significantly colder temperatures, with an average of -8°C (18°F) compared to April's 0°C (32°F). The maximum temperature in January reaches just 7°C (45°F), while in April, it can go up to 12°C (55°F). Precipitation is slightly higher in April, totaling 60 mm (2.4 in) over 10 days, compared to January's 52 mm (2.1 in) during the same number of days. Additionally, January has higher humidity at 85%, whereas April's humidity drops to 69%. For more details on the weather during this spring month, you can check Telluride weather in April.

In January, the weather in Telluride is characterized by an average temperature of -8°C (18°F), with minimums dropping as low as -23°C (-10°F). The month sees about 52 mm (2.1 in) of precipitation over ten days, accompanied by high humidity levels averaging 85%. In stark contrast, May experiences a significant warming trend, with average temperatures rising to 4°C (40°F) and maximums reaching 20°C (68°F). Precipitation remains comparable at 56 mm (2.2 in), also occurring over ten days, but humidity drops to a more comfortable 53%. For those looking to learn more about the climate in May, check out Telluride weather in May.

The comparison between January and June weather reveals significant contrasts. In January, temperatures can plummet as low as -23°C (-10°F), with an average of -8°C (18°F) and a maximum of 7°C (45°F), making it a much colder time of year. The month also sees higher precipitation at 52 mm (2.1 in) across about 10 days, accompanied by a high humidity level of 85%. In contrast, June offers a mild climate with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -7°C (20°F) to a pleasant maximum of 26°C (78°F), averaging around 11°C (52°F). Precipitation decreases in June to 30 mm (1.2 in) over only 6 days, with a significantly lower humidity of 40%. For a more detailed look at the weather patterns during this month, check out Telluride weather in June.

When comparing the weather between January and July, a striking contrast becomes evident. January is characterized by frigid temperatures, with averages hovering around -8°C (18°F) and minimums dipping as low as -23°C (-10°F). In contrast, July brings a much milder climate, with average temperatures reaching 14°C (58°F) and maximums soaring to 26°C (79°F). Precipitation also varies, with January experiencing 52 mm (2.1 in) over 10 days, while July sees an increase to 113 mm (4.5 in) over 15 days. Additionally, January’s humidity is notably high at 85%, making the cold feel even more biting, whereas July enjoys a much drier atmosphere with humidity levels dropping to 36%. For more on the specifics of summertime conditions, check out Telluride weather in July.

When comparing the weather in January and August, a stark contrast emerges in both temperature and humidity levels. January experiences frigid conditions, with minimum temperatures plummeting to -23°C (-10°F) and an average hovering around -8°C (18°F). In contrast, August presents a much milder climate, where temperatures range from a minimum of 1°C (35°F) to a pleasant maximum of 24°C (76°F), averaging 13°C (56°F).

Both months see similar levels of precipitation, around 54 mm (2.1 in) over about 10 days; however, January's higher humidity at 85% compared to August's 44% contributes to a noticeably heavier and colder feeling in the winter. For a deeper dive into August's weather specifics, check out Telluride weather in August.

In January, the weather is characterized by bitterly cold temperatures, with average lows around -8°C (18°F) and extremes that can dip as low as -23°C (-10°F). The month sees significant humidity at 85%, along with 52 mm (2.1 in) of precipitation spread over 10 days. In contrast, September offers a much milder climate, featuring average temperatures of 10°C (50°F) and highs reaching up to 24°C (76°F). The precipitation remains relatively similar at 50 mm (2.0 in) but occurs over fewer days, with an average humidity of 59%. These distinct differences highlight the transition from a frigid winter month to a pleasantly warm autumn period. For more insights on September weather, you can visit Telluride weather in September.

January and October exhibit stark contrasts in weather patterns. January typically experiences colder temperatures, with a minimum of -23°C (-10°F) and an average of -8°C (18°F), while October sees a milder range, with a minimum of -27°C (-17°F) and an average of 2°C (36°F). Despite both months receiving roughly the same precipitation of 52 mm (2.1 in), January's higher humidity at 85% makes it feel colder compared to October's lower humidity at 74%. For a deeper dive into October's weather specifics, check out Telluride weather in October.

When comparing the weather in January and November, January tends to be colder overall, with an average temperature of -8°C (18°F) compared to November's milder average of -4°C (26°F). January experiences a maximum temperature of 7°C (45°F), while November can reach up to 14°C (57°F). Precipitation levels are slightly higher in January at 52 mm (2.1 in) over 10 days compared to November's 43 mm (1.7 in) over 8 days. Humidity is relatively similar, with January at 85% and November at 83%. For more details on November's conditions, you can check Telluride weather in November.

In comparing the weather between January and December, both months showcase similar average temperatures, lingering around -8°C (18°F). However, January typically sees slightly milder conditions with maximum temperatures reaching up to 7°C (45°F), compared to December's peak of 9°C (49°F). Precipitation is slightly lower in January at 52 mm (2.1 in) over about 10 days, while December experiences 60 mm (2.4 in) across 11 days. Humidity remains consistent at 85% for both months, contributing to the chilly atmosphere. For a more detailed view of December's weather, you can check Telluride weather in December.

Compare Telluride's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From January Weather in Telluride

January in Telluride brings a stark contrast to the milder months, enveloping the town in a chilly embrace with temperatures that plunge significantly. The winter weather tends to be more severe, characterized by higher humidity levels and frequent precipitation that can transform the landscape into a stunning winter wonderland. While the average temperature hovers well below freezing, the snow-laden days create perfect conditions for winter sports enthusiasts. As the town thrives under its frosty spell, visitors can experience a cozy, charming atmosphere that sets January apart from the warmer, sunnier seasons. For a deeper understanding of weather patterns throughout the year, explore Telluride Climate.