January Weather in Lake Placid, United States

Last updated: February 24, 2025

January in Lake Placid, United States, is characterized by crisp, cold temperatures that see a maximum of 11°C (52°F) and an average of -9°C (16°F). However, the lows can plummet to a chilling -30°C (-22°F), making it essential for visitors and residents alike to bundle up. During this month, precipitation amounts reach 90 mm (3.5 in) over about 13 days, contributing to the region's winter wonderland atmosphere. With humidity levels soaring at 93%, the air is often filled with a cool mist that adds a magical touch to the snow-covered landscapes, making January an enchanting yet brisk experience in Lake Placid.

January Temperature in Lake Placid

In January, Lake Placid experiences some of its coldest temperatures, with nighttime lows plunging to a brisk -30°C (-22°F), while average temperatures hover around -9°C (16°F) during the day. Despite the chill, daytime highs can surprisingly reach up to 11°C (52°F), offering brief respite from the biting cold. This stark contrast sets the stage for a winter wonderland, where snow blanketing the landscape creates a picturesque and serene environment. As the month transitions into February, the temperatures remain frigid, with minimums around -25°C (-13°F), maintaining the arctic feel. However, this trend starts to shift as spring approaches, with March hinting at warmer days ahead, where average temperatures rise to -3°C (26°F), foreshadowing the gradual thaw that follows.

January Weather in Lake Placid: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates January temperature patterns in Lake Placid, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec161926395261676557463121
Data source: Temperature data for Lake Placid 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 Lake Placid

January in Lake Placid experiences a notable 90 mm (3.5 in) of precipitation over approximately 13 days, setting the tone for a wintery month. This amount is slightly less than February's 92 mm (3.6 in) and remains consistent with the surrounding months, demonstrating a trend of steady precipitation throughout the winter season. As the year progresses, precipitation peaks in the warmer months of July and October, both exceeding 130 mm, while much of the late spring and early fall sees milder rainfall. This seasonal variation highlights Lake Placid's dynamic climate, where winter's frostiness gives way to summer's lushness, marked by a rhythm of rainy days that shape the region’s stunning landscapes.

January Precipitation Trends in Lake Placid

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Lake Placid, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec9092851241101051311047315111290
Data source: Precipitation data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Choose your preferred precipitation unit

January Humidity in Lake Placid

In January, Lake Placid experiences a notably high humidity level of 93%, setting the tone for a damp winter landscape. This trend of elevated humidity carries through February at 92%, before gradually declining in the subsequent months. By March, humidity decreases to 86%, followed by a slight dip to 85% in April. As spring unfolds, May brings a further reduction to 80%, allowing for a fresher atmosphere. The summer months of June and July see a minor increase to 74% and 76%, respectively, while August stabilizes at 75%. This slight rise in humidity signals the transition into autumn, where humidity ascends again, reaching 86% in October. As the year winds down, the trend of higher humidity resumes with November at 88% and December at 89%, highlighting Lake Placid's consistent moisture throughout its cold months.

January Average Humidity in Lake Placid

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Lake Placid, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec93%92%86%85%80%74%76%75%78%86%89%89%
Data source: Humidity data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

January UV Index in Lake Placid

In January, Lake Placid experiences a low UV Index of 2, which indicates a relatively safe environment for outdoor activities with a burn time of up to 45 minutes. As winter transitions into spring, you’ll notice the UV Index creeping up — by February, it rises to 4, signaling a moderate exposure risk with a reduced burn time of 30 minutes. March marks a more significant shift as the Index escalates to 6, entering a high exposure category where skin protection becomes essential after just 25 minutes. This trend continues into April, peaking at 8 and leading to very high exposure levels in May and June, where the burn time is cut down dramatically to just 15 minutes. The summer months maintain this high UV Index, gradually softening in September, October, and November. By December, the cycle returns to a low Index of 2, culminating the year much like it began. To stay informed about UV levels throughout the year, check out Lake Placid UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Lake Placid for January

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Lake Placid 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2468910997532
Data source: Lake Placid 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 Lake Placid

In Lake Placid, January greets residents and visitors with approximately 100 hours of sunshine, setting a serene winter scene. While the month may be chilly and crisp, the promise of brighter days looms ahead. As February rolls in, the sunshine increases to 138 hours, heralding the slow approach of spring. By March, the sun dazzles with 219 hours, invigorating the landscape as snow begins to melt and hinting at the vibrant blooms to come. The trend of increasing sunlight continues into April and May, showcasing 214 and 266 hours, respectively, as the region transitions into lush greenery and warmer weather. The peak of summer brilliance arrives in July, with 335 hours of sunshine, offering abundant outdoor experiences and picturesque views. As the months move into autumn, sunlight begins to taper off, but September still boasts a generous 287 hours. By the end of the year, the winter months return with twinkling lights and crisp air, bringing 140 hours in November and 125 hours in December. Overall, the sunshine in Lake Placid paints a beautiful picture of seasonal transition, from the quiet glow of winter to the vibrant warmth of summer.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Lake Placid: January Highlighted

The January sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Lake Placid 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec100h138h219h214h266h320h335h330h287h192h140h125h
Data source: Lake Placid January Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Lake Placid During January

In Lake Placid, United States, the prospect of sunny weather in January stands at a modest 21%, making it one of the less bright months of the year. As winter tightens its grip, the chances of clear skies are slightly better than they are in December, which also sits at 21%. However, as we transition into spring, there’s a noticeable uptick in sunshine, with March enjoying an encouraging 42% chance of sunny days, followed by a robust 35% in April. This trend highlights the promise of brighter days ahead, as the snowfall gives way to blossoming flowers and clearer skies, making the long winter months well worth the wait for sunnier seasons.

Percentage of Sunny Days in January in Lake Placid

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Lake Placid 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 Lake Placid experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec21%20%42%35%36%35%27%35%33%27%38%21%
Data source: Lake Placid January chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Lake Placid in January

In Lake Placid, United States, January ushers in a modest 9 hours of daylight, reflecting the depths of winter. As the month transitions into February, daylight begins to gradually lengthen with an extra hour, reaching 10 hours. By March, the days stretch further to 11 hours, heralding the approach of spring. This trend continues into April and May, where daylight peaks at 13 and 14 hours respectively, offering more time for outdoor activities. By June and July, the longest days shine brightly with 15 hours of daylight, before a subtle decline begins in August. As summer fades, daylight decreases steadily, allowing just 12 hours in September and further contracting to 9 hours by November, eventually reaching the low of 8 hours in December. This pattern of increasing daylight through spring and summer, followed by a gradual retreat in autumn and winter, highlights the natural rhythm of seasons in this picturesque region.

Average Daylight Hours in Lake Placid for January

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Lake Placid throughout the year, with January highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec9h 17m10h 28m11h 57m13h 29m14h 47m15h 26m15h 5m13h 55m12h 27m10h 55m9h 35m8h 54m
Data source: Lake Placid daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

January Winds in Lake Placid

In Lake Placid, January brings a gentle breeze with an average wind speed of 2.5 m/s (6 mph), setting a serene tone for the winter season. As the months progress, the wind tends to pick up slightly, with February seeing a rise to 2.9 m/s. March marks a notable increase, reaching an average of 3.7 m/s (8 mph), hinting at the transition toward spring. April and May experience a slight decrease, settling back around 2.7 to 2.8 m/s, while the summer months bring a dip, particularly in July and August, where the winds are at their calmest, averaging 2.2 to 2.3 m/s (5 mph). Interestingly, the wind picks up again in the fall and winter months, with November and December recording 2.9 m/s and 3.4 m/s, respectively. Overall, Lake Placid's wind patterns reflect a dynamic interplay between seasons, with the winter essence felt most acutely in January and December.

Average January Wind Speed in Lake Placid

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Lake Placid, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2.5 m/s2.93.72.82.73.02.32.22.82.52.93.4
Data source: Lake Placid January wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How January Weather in Lake Placid Compares to Other Months

The weather in Lake Placid 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 Lake Placid and find detailed weather information for every month.

January and February both feature frigid temperatures, but February tends to be slightly warmer overall. In January, the average temperature hovers around -9°C (16°F), while February sees a marginal increase to -7°C (20°F). The minimum temperatures in January can plunge to -30°C (-22°F), compared to -25°C (-13°F) in February. Precipitation levels are quite similar, with January receiving 90 mm (3.5 in) over 13 days and February recording 92 mm (3.6 in) across 14 days. Humidity levels remain high in both months, with January at 93% and February at 92%. For more detailed information on February weather patterns, check out Lake Placid weather in February.

In January, the weather is significantly colder, with average temperatures hovering around -9°C (16°F) and a minimum of -30°C (-22°F), while March sees a rise in temperatures to an average of -3°C (26°F) with a maximum reaching 18°C (64°F). Both months experience comparable levels of precipitation, with January receiving 90 mm (3.5 in) over 13 days and March slightly less at 85 mm (3.3 in) over 14 days. The humidity is also higher in January at 93%, compared to March's 86%, making January feel particularly chilly. For a detailed look at weather conditions, check out Lake Placid weather in March.

January and April present contrasting weather patterns, highlighting the transition from winter to spring. January experiences frigid temperatures, with a minimum of -30°C (-22°F) and an average of -9°C (16°F), while April offers a much milder climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -15°C (5°F) to a maximum of 23°C (74°F). Precipitation is slightly higher in April at 124 mm (4.9 in) over 15 days, compared to January's 90 mm (3.5 in) over 13 days, indicating the onset of spring showers. Additionally, while January's humidity is notably high at 93%, April's humidity decreases to a more comfortable 85%. For more details on this change in climate, you can check Lake Placid weather in April.

January and May exhibit stark contrasts in weather conditions. In January, temperatures plunge with a minimum of -30°C (-22°F) and an average of -9°C (16°F), reaching a maximum of 11°C (52°F). The month experiences high humidity at 93%, along with 90 mm (3.5 in) of precipitation spread over 13 days. In contrast, May brings a milder climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -4°C (25°F) to an average of 11°C (53°F) and peaking at a warm 30°C (86°F). Although May sees slightly more precipitation at 110 mm (4.3 in) across 15 days, the humidity decreases to 80%. For those interested in specific weather details, Lake Placid weather in May provides more insights.

January and June present starkly contrasting weather conditions. In January, temperatures plunge to a minimum of -30°C (-22°F), with an average temperature around -9°C (16°F) and a maximum reaching only 11°C (52°F). The month is quite humid, with a humidity level of 93% and experiencing precipitation on 13 days, totaling 90 mm (3.5 in). Conversely, June brings a remarkable shift in climate, presenting a minimum temperature of 1°C (34°F) and soaring to an average of 16°C (61°F), with maximum temperatures reaching 29°C (85°F). Despite slightly higher precipitation of 105 mm (4.1 in) over 14 days, the humidity drops to 74%, creating a much more comfortable atmosphere. For a detailed look at the climate during this vibrant summer month, visit Lake Placid weather in June.

In January, the weather is characterized by frigid temperatures, with lows plunging to -30°C (-22°F) and an average temperature of -9°C (16°F). Precipitation is moderate, falling over 13 days, and the high humidity of 93% adds to the chill. In stark contrast, July brings a much milder climate, where temperatures range from a minimum of 8°C (46°F) to a maximum of 33°C (91°F) and an average of 19°C (67°F). Although July experiences slightly more precipitation, totaling 131 mm (5.2 in) over 16 days, the humidity drops to a comfortable 76%. For more details about the summer weather, check Lake Placid weather in July.

January and August present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plummet to a chilling minimum of -30°C (-22°F), with an average hovering around -9°C (16°F) and reaching a maximum of 11°C (52°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 93% and relatively moderate precipitation of 90 mm (3.5 in) over 13 days. In contrast, August offers a much milder climate, with minimum temperatures of 4°C (40°F), an average of 18°C (65°F), and highs that soar to 30°C (86°F). This summer month sees a slightly higher precipitation of 104 mm (4.1 in) over 14 days, but the humidity drops significantly to 75%. For more details on August conditions, check Lake Placid weather in August.

January and September exhibit strikingly different weather patterns. In January, temperatures can plummet as low as -30°C (-22°F) with an average of -9°C (16°F), while the maximum temperature reaches only 11°C (52°F). In contrast, September showcases a much milder climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -2°C (28°F) to a comfortable average of 14°C (58°F), peaking at a warm 30°C (86°F). Precipitation in January is more frequent, occurring over 13 days and totaling 90 mm (3.5 in), compared to 73 mm (2.9 in) over 10 days in September. Additionally, January's humidity reaches a high of 93%, while September has a more moderate 78%. For a closer look at what to expect during September, you can check the details here: Lake Placid weather in September.

January and October present a striking contrast in weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plunge to a minimum of -30°C (-22°F), with an average of -9°C (16°F) and a maximum reaching 11°C (52°F). The month is characterized by significant humidity at 93% and around 90 mm (3.5 in) of precipitation over about 13 days. In comparison, October offers much milder temperatures, with a minimum of -7°C (19°F), an average of 8°C (46°F), and a maximum soaring to 24°C (76°F). Rainfall in October is somewhat higher, totaling 151 mm (6.0 in) over 15 days, though humidity is slightly less at 86%. For more detailed insights into October weather, you can check Lake Placid weather in October.

In comparing the weather of January and November, we find that January typically experiences colder temperatures, with a minimum of -30°C (-22°F) and an average of -9°C (16°F), while November sees a milder minimum of -25°C (-13°F) and an average of -1°C (31°F). Interestingly, November can reach a maximum temperature of 21°C (70°F), significantly warmer than January's maximum of 11°C (52°F). Precipitation is more frequent in November, occurring on 16 days and totaling 112 mm (4.4 in), compared to January's 90 mm (3.5 in) over 13 days. Additionally, humidity levels are slightly higher in January at 93% versus November's 88%. For more details, check out Lake Placid weather in November.

In comparing the weather between January and December, we observe that both months experience frigid temperatures typical of winter. January has a slightly milder average temperature of -9°C (16°F) compared to December's -6°C (22°F), yet January's minimum temperature reaches a low of -30°C (-22°F), just a degree warmer than December's minimum of -31°C (-23°F). Precipitation levels remain consistent for both months, with 90 mm (3.5 in) falling over 13 days in January and 14 days in December. Humidity is marginally higher in January at 93% compared to December's 89%. For more detailed information on December weather patterns, you can visit Lake Placid weather in December.

Compare Lake Placid's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From January Weather in Lake Placid

January in Lake Placid stands out as a month of contrasts, with its sharp temperature fluctuations and high humidity creating a uniquely brisk atmosphere. While the average chill can plunge to a biting -9°C, the highs offer a brief respite at 11°C, making it a time where layers are essential for outdoor adventures. With around 90 mm of precipitation over 13 days, snow becomes a frequent visitor, imbuing the landscape with a stunning winter wonderland. This combination of conditions not only differentiates January from other months but also highlights the charm and challenges of winter in the region. For a deeper look at the climate patterns that shape this picturesque destination, explore the Lake Placid Climate page.