January Weather in Sault Ste. Marie, United States

Last updated: February 24, 2025

January in Sault Ste. Marie, United States is characterized by bitterly cold temperatures, with an average low of -9°C (17°F) and occasional drops to a chilling -34°C (-28°F). The month sees a peak temperature reaching only 5°C (41°F), making it one of the coldest months of the year. Alongside the frigid conditions, the area experiences 46 mm (1.8 in) of precipitation over approximately 10 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 95%. This combination of icy air and moisture often results in a winter wonderland, infused with the beauty of snow-covered landscapes.

January Temperature in Sault Ste. Marie

January in Sault Ste. Marie, United States, is a month where winter reigns supreme, characterized by stark temperatures that reflect the chill of the season. With minimums plunging to an icy -34°C (-28°F), average daily highs barely cresting 5°C (41°F), and a biting average of -9°C (17°F), it is a time when layers are essential. This month sets the stage for February, which is similarly frigid but gradually begins a slight thaw, unveiling a gentle upward trend as the year progresses. As spring approaches in March, temperatures start to rise more noticeably, highlighting a consistent pattern of increasing warmth that sweeps through the coming months, contrasting the bitter cold of January. Thus, while January is indeed the coldest month, it paves the way for the impending warmth, signaling the slow but steady transition towards milder days ahead.

January Weather in Sault Ste. Marie: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates January temperature patterns in Sault Ste. Marie, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec161725365061676558473223
Data source: Temperature data for Sault Ste. Marie generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

January Precipitation in Sault Ste. Marie

In January, Sault Ste. Marie experiences an average precipitation of 46 mm (1.8 in) over 10 days, marking the beginning of the year with a moderate amount of moisture. As winter progresses into February, precipitation increases to 63 mm (2.5 in) across 12 days, demonstrating a notable rise. This trend continues into March and April, peaking at 88 mm (3.5 in), suggesting that as temperatures gradually warm, the frequency and volume of precipitation tend to escalate. Throughout the year, the region witnesses its wettest months in late spring and early fall—particularly June and October, with 113 mm (4.4 in) and 134 mm (5.3 in) respectively—indicating a clear seasonal pattern where warmer months are characterized by higher rainfall. This rhythmic cycle of precipitation not only shapes the landscape but also influences the local climate and economy throughout the year.

January Precipitation Trends in Sault Ste. Marie

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Sault Ste. Marie, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec4663548875113741131141347867
Data source: Precipitation data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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January Humidity in Sault Ste. Marie

In January, Sault Ste. Marie experiences a significant humidity level of 95%, marking it as one of the most damp periods of the year. This high humidity begins a gradual decline, as February follows closely with 94%, leading into a steady decrease throughout the spring months. By March and April, humidity drops to 89% and 87%, respectively, signaling a transition as the chill of winter gives way to the mildness of spring. As temperatures warm in May and June, humidity levels further decline to 74% and 72%. This trend continues into summer, with July showing the lowest humidity at 69%. Post-summer, humidity begins to creep back up, highlighting the region's seasonal fluctuation with August at 72% and a gradual increase through the fall, culminating in December's return to a chilly 92%. The cyclical pattern of humidity in Sault Ste. Marie captures the essence of its changing seasons, creating a dynamic climate that influences both the landscape and lifestyle.

January Average Humidity in Sault Ste. Marie

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Sault Ste. Marie, 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%94%89%87%74%72%69%72%77%85%88%93%
Data source: Humidity data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

January UV Index in Sault Ste. Marie

In January, Sault Ste. Marie experiences a low UV Index of 2, meaning that sun exposure poses minimal risk with a burn time of 45 minutes. This trend of lower UV levels continues through the colder months, with December also reflecting a UV Index of 2. As winter transitions into spring, a gradual increase is noted, culminating in moderate levels by March (UV Index 5), and then shifting into high exposure during April (UV Index 7). The summer months bring pronounced UV intensity, peaking at 9 in June and July, signifying very high risk where burn time drops significantly to just 15 minutes. As the year progresses, conditions ease again towards the end of summer and into fall, with the index falling to moderate levels in September and back to a low index by the year’s end. For more detailed information on UV exposure throughout the year, check out Sault Ste. Marie UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Sault Ste. Marie for January

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Sault Ste. Marie 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec245789987532
Data source: Sault Ste. Marie 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 Sault Ste. Marie

In Sault Ste. Marie, January ushers in a modest 101 hours of sunshine, a stark contrast to the vibrant days ahead. As winter gives way to spring, the sunlight gradually increases, revealing a trend of resurgence that peaks in the summer months. February sees a notable rise with 148 hours, paving the way for a remarkable leap in March to 232 hours and further to 239 hours in April. Sunshine thrives as the temperatures warm, culminating in a dazzling 347 hours during the sun-kissed days of July. This sun-soaked pattern persists into August but begins to decline as autumn approaches, yet remains generous with 258 hours in September. As the year progresses, the daylight hours dwindle, but the serene beauty of this northern locale remains an inviting charm, enhancing the allure of each season.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Sault Ste. Marie: January Highlighted

The January sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Sault Ste. Marie 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec101h148h232h239h305h326h347h320h258h185h123h104h
Data source: Sault Ste. Marie January Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Sault Ste. Marie During January

In Sault Ste. Marie, January is one of the least sunny months of the year, boasting a mere 18% chance of sunny weather. As we move into February, this slight chance improves to 22%, indicating a gradual shift towards brighter days. However, it isn't until March that we see a significant jump, with the likelihood of sunshine soaring to 41%. This upward trend continues into April, where the chance sits at 32%, demonstrating that spring is just around the corner. While January's weather is predominantly overcast, the gradual increase in sunshine as winter progresses offers hope for brighter days ahead.

Percentage of Sunny Days in January in Sault Ste. Marie

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Sault Ste. Marie 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 Sault Ste. Marie experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec18%22%41%32%51%41%57%49%46%31%28%16%
Data source: Sault Ste. Marie January chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Sault Ste. Marie in January

In Sault Ste. Marie, January serves as a reminder of winter's grip, with just 9 hours of daylight illuminating the chilly days. As the months progress, a notable trend emerges: a steady increase in daylight hours, peaking at 15 hours between May and July, when summer fully embraces the region. By August, daylight begins to wane slightly, descending to 14 hours, before continuing its decline into the cooler months. This seasonal cycle culminates in December with only 8 hours of daylight, echoing the winter's return. The evolution of daylight duration not only marks the passing of time but also highlights the enchanting rhythm of nature experienced in this picturesque locale.

Average Daylight Hours in Sault Ste. Marie for January

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Sault Ste. Marie throughout the year, with January highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec9h 2m10h 19m11h 57m13h 36m15h 1m15h 44m15h 21m14h 5m12h 29m10h 50m9h 22m8h 37m
Data source: Sault Ste. Marie daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

January Winds in Sault Ste. Marie

In January, Sault Ste. Marie experiences an average wind speed of 2.9 m/s (6 mph), marking one of the quieter months in terms of breeziness. Interestingly, this calmness is a precursor to a gradual uptick in winds as winter gives way to spring. February sees a slight increase to 3.5 m/s (8 mph), leading into a more blustery March with winds reaching 4.1 m/s (9 mph). As the seasons progress, there’s a fluctuation in wind speeds, with notable peaks in December at 4.2 m/s (9 mph) and March before dipping again in the summer months. Overall, the trend reveals a dynamic interplay between the colder and warmer months, providing residents and visitors a unique experience of the region's ever-changing atmosphere.

Average January Wind Speed in Sault Ste. Marie

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Sault Ste. Marie, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2.9 m/s3.54.13.93.33.12.63.03.42.93.44.2
Data source: Sault Ste. Marie January wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How January Weather in Sault Ste. Marie Compares to Other Months

The weather in Sault Ste. Marie 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 Sault Ste. Marie and find detailed weather information for every month.

In comparing the weather between January and February, January experiences colder temperatures with a minimum of -34°C (-28°F) and an average temperature of -9°C (17°F). In contrast, February is slightly milder, with the minimum temperature rising to -27°C (-16°F) and an average of -8°C (17°F). Precipitation is also more frequent in February, accumulating to 63 mm (2.5 in) over 12 days, compared to January's 46 mm (1.8 in) over 10 days. Despite the small difference, February maintains a similar humidity level at 94%, only slightly less than January's 95%. For more detailed information, you can check Sault Ste. Marie weather in February.

January and March present markedly different weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plunge to a minimum of -34°C (-28°F), with an average of -9°C (17°F) and a maximum of 5°C (41°F). The month sees about 46 mm (1.8 in) of precipitation over approximately 10 days, coupled with a high humidity level of 95%. In contrast, March brings milder conditions, with minimum temperatures of -22°C (-8°F), an average of -4°C (26°F), and a maximum reaching 12°C (53°F). Precipitation increases slightly to 54 mm (2.1 in) over the same span of 10 days, and humidity decreases to 89%. For more detailed insights, you can check Sault Ste. Marie weather in March.

In January, Sault Ste. Marie experiences harsh winter conditions, with temperatures ranging from a frigid minimum of -34°C (-28°F) to a maximum of 5°C (41°F), accompanied by high humidity at 95%. Precipitation is moderate at 46 mm (1.8 in) over about 10 days, adding to the wintry atmosphere. In contrast, April brings a noticeable shift in weather, with temperatures rising from a minimum of -13°C (10°F) to a more pleasant maximum of 17°C (64°F), and the average temperature reaching 2°C (37°F). Despite increased precipitation at 88 mm (3.5 in) over 14 days, the humidity drops to 87%, signaling the arrival of spring. For more details, visit Sault Ste. Marie weather in April.

In January, Sault Ste. Marie experiences much harsher weather conditions, with temperatures plummeting to a chilling minimum of -34°C (-28°F) and averaging around -9°C (17°F). The month sees significant precipitation of 46 mm (1.8 in) over about 10 days, accompanied by a high humidity level of 95%. In stark contrast, May brings a dramatic transformation, featuring milder temperatures that range from a minimum of -3°C (27°F) to a maximum of 26°C (79°F) and an average of 10°C (50°F). While precipitation increases to 75 mm (2.9 in) over 9 days, the humidity drops to a more comfortable 74%. For more detailed information, check out Sault Ste. Marie weather in May.

In January, Sault Ste. Marie experiences frigid temperatures, with averages around -9°C (17°F) and highs barely reaching 5°C (41°F). The humidity is notably high at 95%, contributing to the biting cold, while precipitation occurs over 10 days, totaling 46 mm (1.8 in). In stark contrast, June brings a significant warming trend, with average temperatures soaring to 16°C (61°F) and maximums reaching 29°C (85°F). Although June sees more precipitation, totaling 113 mm (4.4 in), the humidity drops to 72%, providing a much more comfortable atmosphere. For more details on the June weather conditions, visit Sault Ste. Marie weather in June.

January and July present a stark contrast in weather. In January, temperatures plummet to a minimum of -34°C (-28°F), with an average hovering around -9°C (17°F) and a max reaching only 5°C (41°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 95% and regular precipitation, occurring on 10 days, totaling 46 mm (1.8 in). In stark contrast, July boasts milder temperatures, with a minimum of 9°C (49°F), an average of 19°C (67°F), and maximum highs of 30°C (87°F). Precipitation is slightly higher at 74 mm (2.9 in) but occurs over just 7 days, and humidity drops to a more comfortable 69%. For a closer look at the July climate, you can explore Sault Ste. Marie weather in July.

January and August present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In January, temperatures plummet to a chilling minimum of -34°C (-28°F), with an average of -9°C (17°F) and a maximum reaching only 5°C (41°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 95% and relatively low precipitation, totaling 46 mm (1.8 in) over approximately 10 days. In contrast, August brings a much warmer climate, with minimum temperatures of 6°C (44°F) and an average of 19°C (66°F), peaking at 28°C (83°F). The month experiences more rainfall, accumulating 112 mm (4.4 in) over about 11 days, but with a significantly lower humidity level of 72%. For a detailed look at what to expect, visit Sault Ste. Marie weather in August.

In January, temperatures can plummet as low as -34°C (-28°F), with an average of -9°C (17°F), creating a frigid atmosphere characterized by 95% humidity and 46 mm (1.8 in) of precipitation over approximately 10 days. In stark contrast, September brings milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 2°C (36°F) to a maximum of 29°C (85°F) and an average of 14°C (58°F). While September sees an increase in precipitation to 114 mm (4.5 in) across 13 days, the humidity drops to a more comfortable 77%. For more information on Sault Ste. Marie's weather in September, you can visit Sault Ste. Marie weather in September.

In January, temperatures can plummet to a chilling minimum of -34°C (-28°F), with an average of -9°C (17°F) and a maximum of only 5°C (41°F). The month also sees substantial precipitation at 46 mm (1.8 in) over approximately 10 days, coupled with high humidity levels at 95%. In stark contrast, October brings milder weather, with minimum temperatures around -8°C (19°F), an average of 8°C (47°F), and a maximum reaching 23°C (73°F). Rainfall is more frequent, accumulating to 134 mm (5.3 in) across 16 days, but humidity is slightly lower at 85%. For more information, check out Sault Ste. Marie weather in October.

In January, Sault Ste. Marie experiences chilling temperatures with an average low of -9°C (17°F) and occasional drops reaching as low as -34°C (-28°F). The month sees about 46 mm (1.8 in) of precipitation over 10 days, coupled with a high humidity level of 95%, creating a bitterly cold atmosphere. In contrast, November offers a milder climate with an average temperature around 0°C (32°F), where highs can reach 20°C (69°F). Precipitation is higher at 78 mm (3.1 in) spread over 15 days, and humidity is relatively lower at 88%, contributing to a more comfortable environment. For more details on November's weather, you can check Sault Ste. Marie weather in November.

In December, the weather in Sault Ste. Marie is characterized by milder temperatures compared to January, with an average of -5°C (23°F) and maximums reaching up to 12°C (53°F). The minimum temperature is also notably higher at -29°C (-20°F), making it feel less frigid than the following month. However, December experiences slightly more precipitation, accumulating 67 mm (2.7 in) over 14 days. In contrast, January sees colder conditions with an average temperature of -9°C (17°F) and a maximum of just 5°C (41°F). Despite having lesser precipitation at 46 mm (1.8 in) over 10 days, January's high humidity at 95% contributes to a biting chill that can make the cold feel more severe. For a closer look at what to expect during December, check out Sault Ste. Marie weather in December.

Compare Sault Ste. Marie's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From January Weather in Sault Ste. Marie

January in Sault Ste. Marie is a stark departure from the milder conditions of other months, characterized by chilling temperatures that can plunge to extreme lows. The biting cold, with an average temperature hovering around -9°C, envelops the city, while the humidity lingers at a high 95%, intensifying the wintery feel. Unlike the wetter summer months, January experiences about 46 mm of precipitation over just ten days, often falling as snow, which blankets the landscape in a serene yet frosty layer. This month truly exemplifies the essence of winter in Sault Ste. Marie, setting a stark contrast to the warmer periods of the year. For a deeper understanding of the seasonal nuances, check out Sault Ste. Marie Climate.