Vancouver in January: Weather, Events and Things to Do

January in Vancouver is quiet, green and wet in the city and snowy in the mountains. It is one of the cheapest months to visit, the ski hills on the North Shore are open, and the city fills its calendar with food, theatre and winter festivals.

January in Vancouver at a glance

Average high / low: 7°C / 1°C
Precipitation: about 174 mm, on about 20 days, including about 12 cm of snow in an average year
Daylight: about 8.5 hours a day
Sunshine: about 60 hours over the month
What it feels like: the coldest and darkest stretch of the year, but mild by Canadian standards

Weather in Vancouver in January

Expect cool, damp days around 7°C and nights near freezing. Rain falls on about two days in three, usually as steady drizzle rather than downpours. Snow in the city is occasional and rarely lasts more than a few days, while the North Shore mountains, a 30-minute drive from downtown, usually have a deep snowpack. Daylight runs from about 8 am to 4:30 pm.

Averages are for Vancouver International Airport, 1991 to 2020, from Environment and Climate Change Canada (sunshine 1981 to 2010). The North Shore and the mountains are cooler and wetter than the city.

What to pack for Vancouver in January

A waterproof jacket with a hood (locals rarely carry umbrellas in wind)
Warm layers: a fleece or sweater and a light down jacket
Waterproof shoes or boots
Hat and gloves for the mountains, where it is several degrees colder
Ski or snowshoe gear if you plan to go up the mountains (rentals are available)

Events and festivals in January

Polar Bear Swim at English Bay on New Year’s Day, one of the oldest polar dips in Canada
Dine Out Vancouver Festival, with set menus at hundreds of restaurants, usually from mid-January into early February
PuSh International Performing Arts Festival, contemporary theatre, dance and music, usually late January into February
Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival, with creative hot chocolate flavours at cafes across the city
Lunar New Year celebrations begin in late January in some years, with events in Chinatown and Richmond
Robbie Burns Day suppers and ceilidhs around January 25

Dates change every year. See the January events calendar for this year’s dates, or check things to do in Vancouver today and this weekend.

Things to do in Vancouver in January

Ski, snowboard or snowshoe at Grouse Mountain, Cypress Mountain or Mount Seymour, all within 30 to 45 minutes of downtown
Spend a wet afternoon at the Vancouver Aquarium, Science World or the Museum of Anthropology at UBC
Warm up in the tropical dome of the Bloedel Conservatory
Graze the food stalls at Granville Island Public Market, which is mostly under cover
Walk the Seawall or the forest trails of Stanley Park between showers
Catch a Canucks game at Rogers Arena
Take a winter day trip to Whistler for the snow and the village

Tips for visiting Vancouver in January

Hotel rates are among the lowest of the year after New Year’s, apart from big event weekends.
Check road conditions before driving to the mountains or Whistler; winter tires or chains are required on the Sea-to-Sky Highway from October to April.
New Year’s Day is a statutory holiday, so some shops and services keep holiday hours.
Book Dine Out Vancouver tables early; popular restaurants fill quickly.

Plan your trip

Build a day out with our free trip planner, follow one of our Vancouver itineraries or browse all upcoming events in Vancouver. On wet days, our rainy day guide has plenty of indoor ideas.

Frequently asked questions

Does it snow in Vancouver in January?

Sometimes. The city gets an average of about 12 cm of snow in January, usually in one or two events that melt within days. The North Shore mountains get much more and are open for skiing.

Is January a good time to visit Vancouver?

It is a good time for low hotel prices, skiing close to the city, Dine Out Vancouver and indoor attractions. It is not the month for beach days or long hours of daylight.