Things to do in Kingston in January

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Overview

January is a less popular time to visit Kingston. The weather is usually freezing cold and breezy, with temperatures ranging from 15—29°F (-9—-2°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Kingston during this time. Some of our top recommendations: take a guided tour of Kingston's historic sites in the snow, visit the Kingston Winter Market, take a winter hike in Lemoine Point Conservation Area, and more!

Kingston has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your January trip to Kingston. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to January. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Kingston in January. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout January, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Don't take our word for it
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Best events and things to do in Kingston in January

Top experiences in January
Take a guided tour of Kingston's historic sites in the snow
In January, Kingston's historic sites take on a special charm when blanketed in snow. Join a guided tour to explore the city's rich history, from its colonial roots to its role in Canadian Confederation. Whether you're visiting Fort Henry, the Kingston Penitentiary, or the city's historic downtown, a guided tour offers fascinating insights and stories about Kingston's past. With the added beauty of winter scenery, a guided tour of Kingston's historic sites in January is a captivating and educational experience.
Visit the Kingston Winter Market
The Kingston Winter Market is a bustling hub of activity in January, offering a wide variety of locally produced goods and artisanal products. From fresh produce to handmade crafts, the market showcases the best of Kingston's creative and culinary talent. It's a great place to support local businesses and find unique gifts and treats to take home. Whether you're a foodie, a craft enthusiast, or just looking for a lively atmosphere, the Kingston Winter Market is a must-visit destination in January.
Take a winter hike in Lemoine Point Conservation Area
January is the perfect time to explore the natural beauty of Lemoine Point Conservation Area. The park's trails offer a peaceful escape from the city, winding through forests and along the waterfront. In the winter, the landscape is transformed by snow and ice, creating a serene and tranquil setting for a winter hike. Whether you're an avid hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll, Lemoine Point Conservation Area is a great place to connect with nature in January.
Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through downtown Kingston
In January, downtown Kingston offers a charming and romantic experience with horse-drawn carriage rides. Snuggle up under a warm blanket and enjoy a leisurely tour of the historic streets, taking in the sights and sounds of the city in a unique and nostalgic way. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a memorable experience, a horse-drawn carriage ride through downtown Kingston is a delightful way to embrace the winter season.
Go ice skating at Springer Market Square
In January, Springer Market Square transforms into a picturesque outdoor skating rink, offering a quintessential Canadian winter experience. The rink is surrounded by historic buildings and twinkling lights, creating a magical atmosphere for skating. Whether you're a seasoned skater or a beginner, gliding across the ice in the heart of Kingston is a must-do activity in January.
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Holidays in Kingston in January
January
  • New Year's Day (January 1)
  • Epiphany (January 6)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Kingston in January

Temperatures on an average day in Kingston in January

The average temperature in Kingston in January for a typical day ranges from a high of 29°F (-2°C) to a low of 15°F (-9°C). Some would describe it as freezing cold and breezy.

For comparison, the hottest month in Kingston, July, has days with highs of 80°F (27°C) and lows of 65°F (18°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 29°F (-2°C) and lows of 15°F (-9°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Kingston in January based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in January
29°F
highs
15°F
lows

General weather summary

Freezing cold and breezy
Feels like
28%
Chance of rain
0.124 in
Amount
15.2 mph
Wind speed
91%
Humidity
9.3 hrs
Daylight length
7:36 AM
Sunrise
4:53 PM
Sunset
32%
Cloud cover
Thick winter coat with gloves
What to wear
What to wear in January
With an average high of 29°F (-2°C) and a low of 15°F (-9°C), it generally feels freezing cold and breezy. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something toasty like a thick winter coat with gloves
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Best attractions for Kingston in January

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Kingston has to offer for travelers in January, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Kingston that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Kingston for January.
Fort Henry National Historic Site
1. Fort Henry National Historic Site
4.6
(3783)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Restored 19th-century British military fort/museum with guided tours, re-enactors & seasonal events.
Holiday Inn Kingston-Waterfront, an IHG Hotel
2. Holiday Inn Kingston-Waterfront, an IHG Hotel
3.8
(1365)
Hotel
Nature & Parks
Modern lodging with a restaurant for Canadian cuisine, plus an indoor pool & seasonal outdoor pool.
Canada's Penitentiary Museum (Correctional Service of Canada Museum)
3. Canada's Penitentiary Museum (Correctional Service of Canada Museum)
4.6
(255)
Museum
Specialty Museums
Martello Alley
4. Martello Alley
4.6
(281)
Art gallery
Shopping
Bellevue House National Historic Site
5. Bellevue House National Historic Site
4.3
(367)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Tours by guides in period costumes of John A. Macdonald's restored Italianate-style villa & gardens.
Kingston City Hall
6. Kingston City Hall
4.5
(219)
City Hall
Sights & Landmarks
Weekend tours of a grand 19th-century government building with stained glass & a domed clock tower.
Wolfe Island
7. Wolfe Island
4.5
(150)
Island
Transportation
Accessible by ferry, the largest of the Thousand Islands offers hotels, restaurants & biking trails.
Lemoine Point Conservation Area
8. Lemoine Point Conservation Area
4.8
(1329)
Nature preserve
Nature & Parks
Made up of field, forest & marsh, this lakeside nature area offers trails & picnic spots.
Queen's University
9. Queen's University
4.3
(599)
University
Sights & Landmarks
Dating to 1841, this public research school is known for its engineering & business programs.
Engine 1095
10. Engine 1095
4.7
(83)
Museum
Specialty Museums
Murney Tower Museum National Historic Site of Canada
11. Murney Tower Museum National Historic Site of Canada
4.4
(165)
Museum
Historical landmark
19th-century defense tower featuring a canon & military barracks, plus various exhibits.
Slush Puppie Place
12. Slush Puppie Place
4.3
(1664)
Stadium
Fun & Games
Great Lakes Museum
13. Great Lakes Museum
4.3
(97)
Local history museum
Museums
Modest museum featuring exhibits on local maritime history at the Portsmouth Olympic Harbour.
Lake Ontario Park
14. Lake Ontario Park
4.7
(2587)
Park
Nature & Parks
Urban waterfront park with a boat launch & beach volleyball court, plus kids' play areas & pathways.
St. Mary's Cathedral
15. St. Mary's Cathedral
4.8
(352)
Catholic cathedral
Sights & Landmarks
Rideau Canal, Locks 46 - 49 - Kingston Mills
16. Rideau Canal, Locks 46 - 49 - Kingston Mills
4.6
(930)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks

Top searches in Kingston

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