Last updated: February 24, 2025
January in Big Sky, United States is characterized by chilly temperatures, with a maximum reaching just 3°C (37°F) and an average of -9°C (16°F). The cold bites deeper at night, plunging to a minimum of -28°C (-19°F). Despite the frigid conditions, the month sees 42 mm (1.6 in) of precipitation over 11 days, contributing to the region's captivating winter landscape. With humidity levels at a high 93%, January offers a unique blend of invigorating cold and picturesque snowfall, making it a month rich in seasonal charm and outdoor adventure.
In Big Sky, United States, January beckons with a crisp chill that typifies winter's hold, showcasing minimum temperatures plunging to a frigid -28°C (-19°F). The month averages around -9°C (16°F), but even at its warmest, temperatures barely graze 3°C (37°F). As winter wanes into February, a startling dip occurs with temperatures hitting a bone-chilling -33°C (-27°F), yet the average remains unchanged at -9°C (15°F). March begins to hint at spring with a gradual rise, as temperatures even flirt with positive numbers, peaking at 12°C (53°F). Transitioning into April, the thaw continues, nudging the average closer to -1°C (30°F). This steady ascent illustrates a clear trend: after the harshest winter depths, Big Sky's climate leans toward a refreshing warmth by summer, offering a dynamic range from icy beginnings to comfortable highs as the year progresses.
January in Big Sky, United States, welcomes winter with a precipitation total of 42 mm (1.6 in) over an average of 11 days. This sets the stage for the month, marking the onset of snow and moisture that contribute to the region's picturesque landscape and ensure thriving ecosystems. As the season progresses into February, precipitation nearly doubles to 82 mm (3.2 in), accompanied by an increase in wet days, indicating a trend of more significant snowfall. This surge often creates a ski enthusiast's paradise, paving the way for a vibrant winter season. With the arrival of spring in March, precipitation remains substantial at 65 mm (2.6 in) over 13 days, showcasing a gradual transition but still maintaining a steady flow of moisture that supports the melting snow and invigorates the surroundings.
In January, Big Sky, United States, experiences a high humidity level of 93%, setting the tone for a winter season rife with moisture. This trend continues into February with a slight dip to 92%, before gradually decreasing over the following months. By April, the humidity drops to 83%, and the transition into summer is marked by even lower levels, reaching 76% in June and falling to 74% in July. The prairies feel drier as August brings the lowest humidity of the year at 69%. However, as autumn approaches, humidity levels begin to rise again, culminating in a chilly 94% in December. This annual cycle showcases a clear seasonal pattern: winter envelops Big Sky in a moist embrace, summer offers drier air, and fall brings a return to the dampness that characterizes the region's climate.
In January, Big Sky experiences a moderate UV Index of 3, requiring about 30 minutes of sun exposure before burn risk sets in. This level of UV intensity remains consistent into February, maintaining the same index and burn time. However, as spring approaches, the UV Index begins to climb sharply. By March, it rises to 7, characterized as high, with a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. The trend continues into April and May, where the index reaches 9 and 11, respectively, creating a very high and then extreme exposure scenario. The summer months see peak values, with June and July retaining an extreme UV Index of 12 and 11—each demanding only 10 minutes of exposure before burns can occur. As summer wanes, the UV Index gradually decreases, returning to 9 in September and then further down to 6 by October. This decline continues into winter, where November holds a moderate index of 4, finally dropping to a low of 2 in December, allowing for longer exposure times. For a detailed look at this trend and how to prepare, visit Big Sky UV Index.
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January in Big Sky, United States, begins the year with 139 hours of sunshine, setting the stage for gradual improvement as winter gives way to spring. As February rolls in, the sun shines a bit brighter with 170 hours, hinting at the longer days to come. This upward trend continues dramatically through the spring months, culminating in 275 hours in April and an impressive 322 hours in May, where outdoor enthusiasts can truly revel in the increasing daylight. The summer peaks in July, boasting a remarkable 392 hours of sunshine, making it the sunniest month of the year. While August sees a slight decline to 349 hours, the sunny vibes linger into the fall months. September remains generous with 284 hours, but as the days shorten, this number gently drops back to 177 hours by December. This pattern of increasing sunshine as the year progresses, peaking in mid-summer, paints a portrait of Big Sky as a destination that balances winter's quiet charm with the bright, vibrant energy of its sun-drenched seasons.
In Big Sky, United States, January boasts a 32% chance of sunny weather, making it one of the gloomier months of the year. This trend of limited sunshine continues into February, with only a 27% likelihood, before gradually improving as spring approaches. By March, the chance of sun rises significantly to 48%, hinting at more favorable conditions ahead. As the season progresses, April and May follow suit with 45% and 39% respectively, presenting a promising transition into sunnier days. In contrast, the peak months for sunshine arrive in the summer, with a striking 73% chance in June and consistently high percentages well into fall. This clear progression shows that while January may feel dark and dreary, brighter days are just around the corner as winter yields to spring and summer warmth.
In January, Big Sky experiences approximately 9 hours of daylight, marking the start of a gradual increase in sunshine as winter transitions toward spring. This upward trend becomes evident in February with 10 hours of daylight, and continues to gain momentum through March and April, where daylight stretches to 11 and 13 hours, respectively. As May arrives, residents delight in 14 hours of sunlight, peaking at 15 hours during the summer months of June and July. Following this zenith, daylight begins to wane, with August seeing a gentle decline to 13 hours. By September, daylight reaches 12 hours, and the descent continues into the shorter days of fall, concluding the year with 9 hours in November and 8 hours by December. This cyclical pattern showcases the natural rhythm of light in Big Sky, emphasizing the contrast between the long, bright days of summer and the cozy, shortened daylight hours of winter.
In Big Sky, United States, January ushers in a pleasant average wind speed of 2.5 m/s (6 mph), setting the tone for the winter months. Interestingly, as the year progresses, February and March see a slight decrease to 2.4 m/s (5 mph) and 2.3 m/s (5 mph), respectively, creating a calm ambiance. Spring emerges with April and May maintaining a similar gentle breeze at 2.4 m/s (5 mph) and dipping slightly to 2.1 m/s (5 mph). As summer rolls in, June regains a hint of vigor with another 2.5 m/s (5 mph), but July cools down to the lowest point of the year at 1.9 m/s (4 mph). However, the winds pick up again in the fall, with November and December featuring the strongest gusts recorded at 2.8 m/s (6 mph) and 3.1 m/s (7 mph), indicating a seasonal crescendo. This cyclical pattern showcases a gradual transition from winter's briskness to summer's tranquility, culminating in a robust end-of-year flourish.
The weather in Big Sky 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 Big Sky and find detailed weather information for every month.
January and February display notable differences in weather patterns, despite having similar average temperatures. January features a minimum temperature of -28°C (-19°F) and a maximum of 3°C (37°F), with total precipitation of 42 mm (1.6 in) over 11 days. In contrast, February experiences even colder minimums at -33°C (-27°F), while pushing the maximum to 5°C (42°F), accompanied by increased precipitation of 82 mm (3.2 in) spread across 17 days. Humidity remains relatively high in both months, with January at 93% and February slightly lower at 92%. For more details about the weather specifics in February, you can check Big Sky weather in February.
In comparing January and March weather, January is characterized by frigid temperatures with an average of -9°C (16°F) and a maximum of just 3°C (37°F), whereas March sees a noticeable increase with an average of -4°C (26°F) and a maximum of 12°C (53°F). Despite January's severe cold, it has slightly lower precipitation levels at 42 mm (1.6 in) over 11 days, compared to March's wetter conditions with 65 mm (2.6 in) falling over 13 days. Humidity levels are quite similar, with January at 93% and March at 89%, reflecting the lingering chill of winter as it transitions into spring. For a more detailed understanding of March weather, you can visit Big Sky weather in March.
In January, the weather is characterized by frigid temperatures, with minimums dropping to -28°C (-19°F) and average temperatures hovering around -9°C (16°F). The month experiences around 42 mm (1.6 in) of precipitation over 11 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 93%. In contrast, April brings a moderate increase in temperature, with lows of -20°C (-4°F) and an average of -1°C (30°F), culminating in a maximum of 15°C (59°F). Precipitation is nearly double that of January, totaling 90 mm (3.6 in) over 16 days, and humidity drops to 83%. This transition showcases a significant shift towards milder temperatures and increased precipitation. For more detailed information, check Big Sky weather in April.
January and May showcase a stark contrast in weather conditions. In January, temperatures plunge to a minimum of -28°C (-19°F) and struggle to reach a maximum of just 3°C (37°F), with an average of -9°C (16°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 93% and a modest 42 mm (1.6 in) of precipitation over 11 days. In contrast, May brings milder temperatures with a minimum of -11°C (13°F), an average of 3°C (38°F), and a maximum soaring to 21°C (70°F). This month experiences increased precipitation at 89 mm (3.5 in) over 19 days, while humidity drops to 79%. Overall, May offers a more temperate and varied climate. For more details, visit Big Sky weather in May.
January and June present starkly contrasting weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plummet as low as -28°C (-19°F), with an average temperature around -9°C (16°F) and a maximum of only 3°C (37°F). The month sees considerable precipitation, totaling 42 mm (1.6 in) over approximately 11 days, coupled with a high humidity level of 93%. In contrast, June offers a much milder climate, with minimum temperatures around -8°C (17°F), an average of 10°C (51°F), and maximums reaching 27°C (81°F). Precipitation is higher in June, at 102 mm (4.0 in) over 16 days, but humidity drops to a more comfortable 76%. For a detailed look at what to expect, check out Big Sky weather in June.
In January, the weather is frigid, with temperatures ranging from a chilling -28°C (-19°F) to a max of 3°C (37°F), and an average of -9°C (16°F). The high humidity at 93% contributes to the cold, damp conditions, with precipitation occurring on 11 days, accumulating 42 mm (1.6 in). In stark contrast, July brings a much milder climate, with temperatures varying from a minimum of -2°C (29°F) to a warm maximum of 29°C (85°F), averaging around 15°C (60°F). While precipitation remains similar at 44 mm (1.7 in), it occurs over 12 days, and the humidity drops to a more comfortable 74%. For more details on July weather, you can explore Big Sky weather in July.
January and August present stark contrasts in weather patterns. In January, temperatures plunge with a minimum of -28°C (-19°F) and an average temperature of -9°C (16°F), while the maximum barely reaches 3°C (37°F). The month experiences high humidity at 93% and receives about 42 mm (1.6 in) of precipitation across 11 days. In comparison, August offers a much milder climate with minimum temperatures at -2°C (29°F) and an average of 14°C (58°F), peaking at a pleasant 29°C (85°F). This month sees slightly more precipitation at 56 mm (2.2 in) but with the humidity dropping to a comfortable 69%. For a detailed look into the weather during this vibrant summer month, check out Big Sky weather in August.
January and September exhibit stark contrasts in weather conditions. In January, temperatures plummet to a minimum of -28°C (-19°F), with an average sitting at a chilly -9°C (16°F) and a maximum reaching just 3°C (37°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 93% and relatively low precipitation, with 42 mm (1.6 in) falling over 11 days. In contrast, September experiences much milder temperatures, with a minimum of -9°C (16°F), an average of 9°C (48°F), and a maximum that can soar to 28°C (83°F). The precipitation increases slightly to 59 mm (2.3 in) but occurs over fewer days, just 8, with lower humidity at 67%. For a deeper look into September weather patterns, visit Big Sky weather in September.
January and October present stark contrasts in weather conditions. January experiences a harsh winter chill, with temperatures dropping as low as -28°C (-19°F) and an average of -9°C (16°F), while precipitation is relatively low with 42 mm (1.6 in) over 11 days and a high humidity of 93%. In contrast, October showcases a more moderate climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -30°C (-22°F) to a comfortable maximum of 20°C (68°F), making it far warmer on average at -1°C (31°F). Additionally, October sees increased precipitation at 77 mm (3.0 in) over 14 days, coupled with lower humidity at 72%. For more details, check out Big Sky weather in October.
January and November present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plummet to a chilling minimum of -28°C (-19°F), with an average of -9°C (16°F) and a maximum reaching just 3°C (37°F). The month sees around 42 mm (1.6 in) of precipitation over 11 days, while humidity is notably high at 93%. In contrast, November experiences milder temperatures, with a minimum of -22°C (-7°F), an average of -5°C (23°F), and a maximum that can climb to 12°C (54°F). Precipitation increases slightly to 61 mm (2.4 in) over 13 days, accompanied by a lower humidity level of 89%. For more detailed insights into November weather, you can visit Big Sky weather in November.
January and December present similar chilly conditions, but with slight variations in their weather parameters. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of -27°C (-15°F) to a maximum of 7°C (44°F), while January sees a more restricted range with a minimum of -28°C (-19°F) and a maximum of 3°C (37°F). Precipitation is slightly higher in December, totaling 49 mm (1.9 in) over 13 days, compared to 42 mm (1.6 in) over 11 days in January. Humidity levels are also comparable, with December at 94% and January at 93%. For a more in-depth look at the winter conditions, you can explore Big Sky weather in December.
January in Big Sky offers a stark contrast to other months, embracing the chill of winter with frigid temperatures and frequent snow showers. With average lows plunging to -9°C (16°F) and even colder nights hitting -28°C (-19°F), this month brings a biting cold that sets it apart from the milder seasons. The high humidity of 93% adds to the wintry feel, making the air crisp and invigorating. While precipitation is relatively moderate at 42 mm (1.6 in) spread over 11 days, the blanket of snow enhances the area’s stunning landscapes, inviting outdoor enthusiasts to revel in winter sports. For those curious about the overall climate patterns of this beautiful region, visit Big Sky Climate for deeper insights.