Things to do in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park in January

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Overview

January is a less popular time to visit Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. The weather is usually cold, comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 28—48°F (-2—9°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park during this time. Some of our top recommendations: go winter camping in the park, go on a scenic drive through the snow-covered landscape, go on a ranger-led snowshoe walk, and more!

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park 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 Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. 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 Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park 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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Best events and things to do in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park in January

Top experiences in January
Go winter camping in the park
Winter camping in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park offers a one-of-a-kind experience for outdoor enthusiasts. With fewer crowds and the opportunity to see the park's stunning landscapes covered in snow, winter camping allows you to connect with nature in a whole new way. Whether you're pitching a tent or staying in a rustic cabin, the park's winter camping options provide a unique and memorable adventure.
Go on a scenic drive through the snow-covered landscape
Taking a scenic drive through Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park in January offers a unique perspective on the park's winter beauty. The snow-covered landscape, towering sequoias, and stunning vistas create a picturesque backdrop for a leisurely drive. Whether you're exploring the park's main roads or venturing off the beaten path, a winter drive through the park provides a peaceful and scenic experience.
Go on a ranger-led snowshoe walk
Joining a ranger-led snowshoe walk in the park is a great way to learn about the unique winter ecology of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. Led by knowledgeable park rangers, these guided walks provide insight into the park's natural history and wildlife, while also offering a chance to explore the snow-covered landscape. It's a great way to gain a deeper appreciation for the park's winter beauty.
Go cross-country skiing in Grant Grove
Cross-country skiing in Grant Grove offers a unique way to explore the park's winter landscape. The groomed trails wind through the snow-covered forest, providing a peaceful and scenic adventure. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skier, the park's trails offer something for everyone, making it a great way to experience the beauty of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park in January.
Go stargazing in the winter night sky
The clear winter nights in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park provide the perfect opportunity for stargazing. With minimal light pollution, the park offers stunning views of the night sky, including the Milky Way and countless stars. Whether you're an amateur astronomer or simply enjoy marveling at the beauty of the cosmos, stargazing in the park is a truly magical experience.
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Go on a winter photography tour
January in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park offers stunning opportunities for winter photography. The snow-covered landscapes, towering sequoias, and dramatic vistas provide endless inspiration for photographers. Whether you're a professional or amateur photographer, the park's winter scenery offers a unique and captivating subject for your camera lens.
Go ice skating at the outdoor rink in the park
The outdoor ice rink in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park offers a fun and unique winter activity for visitors of all ages. Surrounded by snow-covered trees and stunning scenery, the rink provides a picturesque setting for skating. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned skater, the outdoor rink is a great way to enjoy the winter wonderland of the park.
Go on a winter hike to see frozen waterfalls
January is a great time to witness the park's stunning frozen waterfalls. The winter months transform the park's waterfalls into breathtaking ice sculptures, creating a truly magical sight. Hiking to see these frozen wonders allows you to experience the park's natural beauty in a whole new way, making for a memorable and unique winter adventure.
Go wildlife watching in the snow-covered meadows
January is a great time to spot wildlife in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. The snow-covered meadows provide a beautiful backdrop for observing animals such as deer, foxes, and even the occasional bear. The park's diverse ecosystems offer a variety of habitats for wildlife, making it an ideal destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
Go snowshoeing in the Giant Forest
January is the perfect time to experience the stunning beauty of the Giant Forest covered in a blanket of snow. Snowshoeing allows you to explore the park's winter wonderland while enjoying the peaceful serenity of the snow-covered landscape. The towering sequoias and majestic scenery make for a truly unforgettable experience.
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Holidays in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park in January
January
  • New Year's Day (January 1)
Other notable holidays

Weather in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park in January

Temperatures on an average day in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park in January

The average temperature in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park in January for a typical day ranges from a high of 48°F (9°C) to a low of 28°F (-2°C). Some would describe it as cold, comfortable.

For comparison, the hottest month in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, July, has days with highs of 85°F (29°C) and lows of 58°F (14°C). The coldest month, December has days with highs of 47°F (8°C) and lows of 28°F (-2°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park in January based on historical data.

Visiting Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park? See our Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park Trip Planner.

Historical temperature average in January
48°F
highs
28°F
lows

General weather summary

Cold, comfortable
Feels like
20%
Chance of rain
0.183 in
Amount
8.3 mph
Wind speed
55%
Humidity
10.0 hrs
Daylight length
7:04 AM
Sunrise
5:02 PM
Sunset
47%
Cloud cover
Jacket
What to wear
What to wear in January
With an average high of 48°F (9°C) and a low of 28°F (-2°C), it generally feels cold, comfortable. With that in mind, most people would dress in something warm like a jacket
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Best attractions for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park in January

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park has to offer for travelers in January, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park 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 Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park for January.
General Sherman Tree
1. General Sherman Tree
4.8
(9001)
Sights & Landmarks
Landmark
Just under 275-ft tall, this landmark in Sequoia National Park is among the world’s largest trees.
Giant Forest
2. Giant Forest
4.9
(60)
Woods
Nature & Parks
Vast, scenic forest known for its towering sequoia & redwood groves, campgrounds & hiking trails.
Moro Rock Trail
3. Moro Rock Trail
4.9
(2773)
Hiking area
Nature & Parks
Isolated, dome-shaped granite formation with a rock-cut stairway to the panoramic summit.
Kings Canyon National Park
4. Kings Canyon National Park
4.8
(6099)
National park
Nature & Parks
National park offers a varied landscape for hiking & other outdoor diversions among huge trees.
General Grant Tree
5. General Grant Tree
4.9
(4362)
Nature & Parks
Hiking Trails
A short trail in Kings Canyon National Park leads to this huge, well-known sequoia in Grants Grove.
Generals Hwy
6. Generals Hwy
Sights & Landmarks
Scenic Drives
Narrow route dotted with 1930s stone bridges & winding through picturesque giant sequoia forests.
Crystal Cave (Sequoia National Park)
7. Crystal Cave (Sequoia National Park)
4.4
(187)
Nature & Parks
Caverns & Caves
Tours of this remote natural formation are offered mid-May through November, with tickets required.
Giant Forest Museum
8. Giant Forest Museum
4.7
(1898)
Museum
Visitor center
Museum for the history & ecology of the giant sequoia forest, with exhibits & interpretive trails.
General Grant Grove
9. General Grant Grove
4.8
(77)
Woods
Sights & Landmarks
Scenic signature grove known for its towering sequoia trees, campgrounds & hiking trails.
Kings Canyon National Park Scenic Byway
10. Kings Canyon National Park Scenic Byway
5.0
(3)
Sights & Landmarks
Scenic Drives
The Congress Trail
11. The Congress Trail
4.8
(99)
Hiking area
Nature & Parks
This short, paved, looped hiking trail passes groves of gigantic sequoias in Sequoia National Park.
Crescent Meadow Rd
12. Crescent Meadow Rd
Nature & Parks
Hiking Trails
Ringed by towering sequoias, this tranquil meadow offers scenic views & nearby hiking trails.
Sequoia National Park's Tunnel Log
13. Sequoia National Park's Tunnel Log
4.7
(1137)
Scenic spot
Sights & Landmarks
Car tunnel carved in 1938 out of the trunk of a sequoia that fell over the road in 1937.
Hume Lake
14. Hume Lake
4.8
(339)
Lake
Nature & Parks
87-acre reservoir with a Christian camp facility, open to the public for hiking, swimming & fishing.
Kings Canyon Visitor Center
15. Kings Canyon Visitor Center
4.7
(2015)
Visitor center
Cabinlike information center with a cafe & guidance from rangers on the surrounding forested canyon.
Pear Lake
16. Pear Lake
4.8
(24)
Lake
Nature & Parks

Popular road trips from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

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All road trips from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park?

Get inspired for your trip to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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