January Weather in Banner Elk, United States

Last updated: February 24, 2025

In January, Banner Elk, North Carolina, experiences a chilly winter climate with average temperatures hovering around 1°C (35°F), while maximums can reach a crisp 20°C (69°F). The region can also see some of its coldest nights, dipping to a frigid -17°C (1°F). With precipitation totaling 97 mm (3.8 in) over 11 days, snow may blanket the landscape, creating a picturesque winter wonderland. Additionally, the humidity levels remain high at 87%, adding to the wintry atmosphere and influencing how the cold is felt. Whether you're hitting the slopes or cozying up by the fire, January in Banner Elk offers a unique blend of winter beauty and challenge.

January Temperature in Banner Elk

In January, Banner Elk, United States, experiences a distinct range of temperatures that set the tone for a winter wonderland. The month begins with chilly minimums plunging to -17°C (1°F), making those cozy evenings by the fire a necessity. However, as the days progress, the average temperature hovers around a mild 1°C (35°F), allowing for occasional outdoor adventures, while maximums can reach a surprising 20°C (69°F), offering brief respites from the cold. This blend of frigid lows and relatively warm highs hints at a transitional season, as the area gradually moves into February, where temperatures start to rise, indicating the slow approach of spring and the promise of milder days ahead.

January Weather in Banner Elk: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates January temperature patterns in Banner Elk, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec344044526166706864564238
Data source: Temperature data for Banner Elk 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 Banner Elk

In January, Banner Elk experiences an average precipitation of 97 mm (3.8 in) over approximately 11 days, making it one of the wetter months of the year. This comparatively lower amount sets the stage for a gradual increase in precipitation as winter transitions to spring. February sees a significant uptick, reaching 138 mm (5.4 in) across 15 days, indicating a pattern of increasing moisture as temperatures begin to rise. The trend continues through the spring months, with April peaking at 155 mm (6.1 in), before tapering off in the warmer summer months. Interestingly, the precipitation frequency remains relatively consistent, suggesting that while January delivers a moderate amount of rain and snow, the overall wetness of the subsequent months creates a lush, vibrant landscape in the area.

January Precipitation Trends in Banner Elk

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Banner Elk, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec9713812115514814512414713414682117
Data source: Precipitation data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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January Humidity in Banner Elk

In January, Banner Elk experiences a notably high humidity level of 87%, which remains consistent into February. This high moisture content in the winter months creates a chillier atmosphere, often accompanied by scenic, misty landscapes. As spring approaches in March and April, humidity begins to decrease slightly to 86% and 84% respectively, signaling a transition toward milder weather. However, it maintains a level of 83% during late spring and early summer months of May and June. By July, the humidity dips to its lowest point at 79%, offering a refreshing break from the earlier dampness. This trend continues through August and September, where humidity levels drop further to 66% and 68% respectively, providing a more comfortable climate. However, as autumn sets in, humidity surges again in November to 89%, marking the return of the colder months before stabilizing at 86% in December. This cyclical pattern showcases how humidity in Banner Elk evolves throughout the year, contributing significantly to its distinct seasonal character.

January Average Humidity in Banner Elk

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Banner Elk, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec87%87%86%84%83%83%79%66%68%78%89%86%
Data source: Humidity data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

January UV Index in Banner Elk

In January, Banner Elk experiences a moderate UV Index of 4, indicating that while the sun's rays are manageable, it's still wise to take precautions, especially if you're spending extended time outdoors. With a burn time of approximately 30 minutes, UV exposure is higher than in December, which sees a UV Index of 3. As the months progress toward spring, the UV Index sharply rises, hitting 8 in March and skyrocketing to 11 by April, marking the beginning of an extreme exposure category. This trend signifies an urgent need for sun protection as the risk of skin damage significantly increases. The UV levels remain consistently high throughout the summer, peaking in July and August, before tapering down again in the fall. For more details on UV trends and sun safety, check out Banner Elk UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Banner Elk for January

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Banner Elk 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec468111111111110863
Data source: Banner Elk 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 Banner Elk

In January, Banner Elk sees about 152 hours of sunshine, setting the stage for a winter wonderland filled with snow and festive cheer. As the days lengthen into February with 182 hours of sunshine, the promise of spring begins to shimmer on the horizon. The sun shines even brighter in March, delivering 245 hours, perfect for embracing outdoor activities as winter yields to early blooms. By April, sunshine soars to 264 hours, inviting residents and visitors alike to immerse themselves in the natural beauty that envelops the area. May and June bring even more warmth, with 303 and 319 hours of sunshine respectively, as summer fun truly begins. The peak of the sun's glory occurs in July, with an impressive 355 hours, making it the sunniest month of the year. Although sunshine slightly tapers off in August with 318 hours, the vibrant outdoor experiences continue into the late summer and early fall. September offers 282 hours, transitioning into the colorful foliage of autumn as the weather cools. As the year winds down, October and November provide a cozy ambiance with 264 and 231 hours of sunshine, respectively, while December sees a reflective lull with 187 hours, a gentle prelude to the festivities that January will bring again. Overall, the trend clearly illustrates the rhythmic dance of seasons in Banner Elk, promising a delightful mix of sunshine across the year.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Banner Elk: January Highlighted

The January sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Banner Elk 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec152h182h245h264h303h319h355h318h282h264h231h187h
Data source: Banner Elk January Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Banner Elk During January

In January, Banner Elk enjoys a 38% chance of sunny weather, marking the beginning of the year with relatively modest sunlight compared to other months. As winter progresses, the likelihood of sunshine gradually increases, peaking at 54% in November just before the onset of winter again. The trend reveals that late spring to early fall months, particularly April and September, offer significantly brighter days, with chances soaring to 53% and 49%, respectively. This rhythm suggests that while January may be chilly and overcast at times, the days ahead promise a gradual warming and an upswing in sunshine, inviting outdoor activities and exploration as the year unfolds.

Percentage of Sunny Days in January in Banner Elk

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Banner Elk 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 Banner Elk experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec38%33%40%53%32%33%45%40%49%36%54%41%
Data source: Banner Elk January chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Banner Elk in January

In Banner Elk, United States, January ushers in about 9 hours of daylight, setting the stage for a transition from the deep winter months. As the year progresses, the days gradually lengthen, reaching a delightful 10 hours in February and climbing to 11 hours in March. By April, residents relish a substantial increase with 13 hours of sunlight, heralding the arrival of spring and longer days. The momentum continues, peaking at 14 hours in both May and June, creating ample opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration. However, as summer wanes, a gentle decline begins; August offers 13 hours of daylight, followed by a reduction to 12 hours in September. This trend continues into the fall and winter months, with daylight dipping back to 10 hours in November and returning to 9 hours in December, closing the cycle. Overall, the daylight duration in Banner Elk showcases a rhythmic pattern, beautifully illustrating the changing seasons and their influence on daily life.

Average Daylight Hours in Banner Elk for January

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Banner Elk throughout the year, with January highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec9h 59m10h 52m11h 59m13h 8m14h 5m14h 34m14h 18m13h 27m12h 21m11h 13m10h 13m9h 43m
Data source: Banner Elk daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

January Winds in Banner Elk

In Banner Elk, January ushers in a gentle average wind speed of 3.0 m/s (7 mph), setting the tone for a brisk winter atmosphere. This consistent breeze is mirrored in both March and April, where wind speeds maintain a similar rhythm, while February experiences a slight uptick at 3.2 m/s (7 mph), hinting at a potential pre-spring transition. As the months progress into the warmer season, the winds gradually soften, reaching their lowest point during the summer months of July and August, with speeds dropping to 1.9 m/s (4 mph) and 1.7 m/s (4 mph), respectively. These calmer winds of late summer contrast sharply with the more energetic start of the year, giving way to a delightful and soothing atmosphere as fall returns, culminating in November and December with a small resurgence to 2.7 m/s (6 mph) and 2.6 m/s (6 mph). Overall, the wind in Banner Elk embodies the seasonal changes, transitioning from crisp chill to warm calm, and back again.

Average January Wind Speed in Banner Elk

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Banner Elk, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec3.0 m/s3.23.03.22.32.11.91.72.12.52.72.6
Data source: Banner Elk January wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How January Weather in Banner Elk Compares to Other Months

The weather in Banner Elk 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 Banner Elk and find detailed weather information for every month.

January and February display noticeable differences in weather patterns. January experiences a minimum temperature of -17°C (1°F) and an average of 1°C (35°F), while February shows slightly milder conditions with a minimum of -13°C (8°F) and an average of 4°C (40°F). February also tends to be wetter, with precipitation reaching 138 mm (5.4 in) over 15 days compared to January's 97 mm (3.8 in) over 11 days. Both months maintain a consistent humidity level of 87%. For more detailed insights on February conditions, check out Banner Elk weather in February.

January and March exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. January typically sees colder temperatures, ranging from a minimum of -17°C (1°F) to an average of 1°C (35°F), with the possibility of mild peaks up to 20°C (69°F). In contrast, March brings slightly milder conditions, with a minimum temperature of -12°C (11°F) and an average of 7°C (45°F), reaching maxima of 28°C (83°F). Precipitation is also higher in March, with total rainfall at 121 mm (4.7 in) over 14 days compared to January's 97 mm (3.8 in) over 11 days, though humidity remains fairly constant at around 86-87%. For more details on March weather, you can check Banner Elk weather in March.

January and April present notably different weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plummet as low as -17°C (1°F) with an average of just 1°C (35°F) and a maximum reaching 20°C (69°F). The month sees about 97 mm (3.8 in) of precipitation over 11 days, coupled with high humidity at 87%. In contrast, April experiences milder temperatures with a minimum of -6°C (21°F), an average of 11°C (52°F), and a maximum of 26°C (79°F). This month is wetter, recording around 155 mm (6.1 in) of precipitation over 13 days, while humidity slightly decreases to 84%. For a more detailed look at the weather in April, visit Banner Elk weather in April.

In January, temperatures can plummet to a chilling minimum of -17°C (1°F), with an average of just 1°C (35°F) and a maximum of 20°C (69°F). The month sees around 97 mm (3.8 in) of precipitation across approximately 11 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 87%. In contrast, May experiences a much milder climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -2°C (30°F) to a comfortable average of 16°C (61°F), peaking at 27°C (81°F). However, May brings slightly more rainfall, totaling 148 mm (5.8 in) over about 16 days, while humidity remains relatively high at 83%. For more insights into the pleasant weather of this spring month, check out Banner Elk weather in May.

In January, temperatures in Banner Elk can dip as low as -17°C (1°F), with an average around 1°C (35°F) and peaking at 20°C (69°F). The month sees significant precipitation, averaging 97 mm (3.8 in) over 11 days, accompanied by high humidity levels of 87%. In contrast, June experiences milder temperatures, with a minimum of 6°C (43°F), an average of 19°C (66°F), and a maximum of 28°C (84°F). Although June has higher total precipitation at 144 mm (5.7 in) spread across 17 days, the humidity is slightly lower at 83%. For more details on the June weather, check out Banner Elk weather in June.

January and July present starkly contrasting weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plunge as low as -17°C (1°F), with an average of around 1°C (35°F) and a maximum of 20°C (69°F). This month also experiences considerable precipitation, reaching 97 mm (3.8 in) over approximately 11 days, coupled with high humidity levels of 87%. In contrast, July boasts a milder climate, with minimum temperatures around 11°C (51°F) and an average of 21°C (70°F), peaking at 30°C (85°F). Although July is wetter, with 124 mm (4.9 in) of precipitation over 17 days, the humidity is slightly lower at 79%. For those interested in exploring the pleasant summer weather, check out Banner Elk weather in July.

January and August present a stark contrast in weather patterns. In January, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -17°C (1°F), with an average temperature of around 1°C (35°F) and a maximum that reaches only 20°C (69°F). This month also sees significant precipitation, totaling 97 mm (3.8 in) across an average of 11 days, with humidity levels lingering high at 87%. Conversely, August enjoys milder temperatures, with a minimum of 10°C (51°F) and an average of 20°C (69°F), peaking at 29°C (84°F). Precipitation increases slightly to 147 mm (5.8 in), occurring on about 17 days, while humidity drops to a more comfortable 66%. For more details, see Banner Elk weather in August.

In comparing the weather between January and September, January experiences much colder temperatures with a minimum of -17°C (1°F) and an average around 1°C (35°F), while September sees milder conditions with a minimum of 3°C (38°F) and an average of 18°C (65°F). While January is marked by higher humidity at 87%, September's humidity drops to a more comfortable 68%. Additionally, precipitation is more pronounced in September, with 134 mm (5.3 in) over 13 days, compared to January's 97 mm (3.8 in) over 11 days. For a closer look at what to expect, check out Banner Elk weather in September.

In January, the weather is quite frigid, with temperatures ranging from a chilly -17°C (1°F) to an average of 1°C (35°F) and occasionally peaking at a relatively warm 20°C (69°F). This month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 97 mm (3.8 in) over approximately 11 days, accompanied by high humidity levels of 87%.

In contrast, October offers a much milder climate, with temperatures varying from a minimum of -4°C (25°F) to an average of 13°C (56°F), reaching a comfortable maximum of 29°C (84°F). Precipitation increases to 146 mm (5.7 in) across the same 11 days, but humidity decreases to 78%. Overall, October presents a notable shift towards warmer and more pleasant conditions compared to the harshness of January. For specifics on weather during this transitional month, you can explore Banner Elk weather in October.

January weather typically experiences colder temperatures compared to November. In January, the minimum temperature can drop as low as -17°C (1°F), while in November, it ranges from -10°C (14°F) to a maximum of 22°C (72°F). The average temperature in January is around 1°C (35°F), whereas November sees a milder average of 6°C (43°F). Additionally, January tends to be slightly wetter with 97 mm (3.8 in) of precipitation over 11 days, compared to November’s 82 mm (3.2 in) over 9 days. Both months have high humidity levels, with January at 87% and November at 89%, making the air feel quite chilly during this time. For more specifics on November weather, you can visit Banner Elk weather in November.

In comparison to December, January experiences slightly colder temperatures, with a minimum of -17°C (1°F) versus December's -14°C (7°F). The average temperature in January is 1°C (35°F), while December averages a bit warmer at 4°C (39°F). Both months can reach a maximum temperature of 20°C (69°F), but January has a bit less precipitation, recording 97 mm (3.8 in) compared to December's 117 mm (4.6 in) over the same number of rainy days—11. Humidity levels are almost identical, with January at 87% and December at 86%. For more specific details on December's weather, visit Banner Elk weather in December.

Compare Banner Elk's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From January Weather in Banner Elk

January in Banner Elk brings a distinct chill compared to other months, with temperatures that often plunge to highs that feel brisk and lows that can reach bone-chilling degrees. As the winter season takes hold, precipitation is common, manifesting primarily in the form of snow, resulting in white, picturesque landscapes. The dampness of winter is further emphasized by elevated humidity levels that keep the air feeling crisp and cold. This month stands in contrast to the warmer and drier months that follow, making it a unique time for those who enjoy the beauty of winter. For more insights on the yearly weather patterns, check out Banner Elk Climate.