Things to do in Glacier National Park in January

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Overview

January is a good time to visit Glacier National Park. The weather is usually freezing cold with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 10—23°F (-12—-5°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Glacier National Park during this time. Some of our top recommendations: take a guided winter photography tour of the park's stunning landscapes, take a scenic drive along the park's snow-covered roads, attend a ranger-led snowshoe hike to learn about the park's winter ecology, and more!

Glacier 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 Glacier 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 Glacier 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 Glacier National Park in January

Top experiences in January
Take a guided winter photography tour of the park's stunning landscapes
Glacier National Park is a photographer's paradise in January, with its snow-covered mountains, frozen lakes, and pristine wilderness providing endless opportunities for stunning winter photography. The park offers guided photography tours led by experienced professionals, allowing visitors to capture the park's winter beauty in all its glory. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced photographer, a guided tour is a fantastic way to learn new techniques and capture the park's winter landscapes in a whole new light.
Take a scenic drive along the park's snow-covered roads
Glacier National Park's Going-to-the-Sun Road is a must-see in January, as the snow-covered road offers breathtaking views of the park's winter landscapes. Whether you're driving your own vehicle or taking a guided tour, the road provides access to some of the park's most iconic sights, including towering mountains, frozen waterfalls, and pristine alpine lakes. The quiet beauty of the park in winter is truly a sight to behold, and a scenic drive along Going-to-the-Sun Road is a fantastic way to experience it.
Attend a ranger-led snowshoe hike to learn about the park's winter ecology
Glacier National Park offers ranger-led snowshoe hikes in January, providing a unique opportunity to learn about the park's winter ecology while exploring its snowy landscapes. Led by knowledgeable park rangers, these guided hikes offer insights into the park's wildlife, geology, and natural history, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the park's winter environment. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or simply curious about the park's winter ecology, a ranger-led snowshoe hike is a fantastic
Go winter camping in the park's backcountry
Glacier National Park offers a unique opportunity for winter camping in January, allowing visitors to experience the park's pristine wilderness in a whole new way. With its snow-covered landscapes and peaceful atmosphere, the park is a magical place to camp in the winter, and there's nothing quite like waking up to a blanket of snow outside your tent. Whether you're an experienced winter camper or a first-timer, the park's backcountry camping options provide a truly unforgettable experience.
Go wildlife watching in the park's snowy wilderness
January is a great time to spot wildlife in Glacier National Park, as the park's animals are more active in the winter months. From bighorn sheep to elk to mountain goats, the park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, and the snowy landscapes provide a stunning backdrop for wildlife watching. Whether you're exploring the park on foot, snowshoes, or skis, keep your eyes peeled for signs of wildlife and enjoy the thrill of spotting these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
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Go ice climbing in the park's frozen waterfalls
January is prime time for ice climbing in Glacier National Park, as the park's waterfalls freeze over, creating a playground for ice climbers. Whether you're a seasoned climber or a beginner looking to try something new, the park offers a range of ice climbing routes suitable for all skill levels. The thrill of scaling a frozen waterfall surrounded by the park's stunning winter scenery is an experience like no other.
Try cross-country skiing in the park's backcountry
Glacier National Park is a paradise for cross-country skiers in January, with its vast network of groomed trails and pristine backcountry terrain. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skier, the park has something for everyone, from gentle rolling hills to steep, challenging slopes. The quiet beauty of the park in winter is truly a sight to behold, and cross-country skiing is a fantastic way to experience it.
Go snow tubing at the park's designated snow play areas
Glacier National Park offers designated snow play areas in January, where visitors can enjoy the thrill of snow tubing in a safe and family-friendly environment. Whether you're a kid or a kid at heart, snow tubing is a fun and exhilarating way to experience the park's winter wonderland. With its gentle slopes and stunning views, the park's snow play areas provide the perfect setting for a day of snowy fun.
Go snowshoeing on the park's trails
January is the perfect time to explore Glacier National Park on snowshoes, as the trails are covered in a blanket of snow, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere. The park offers a variety of snowshoeing trails, ranging from easy to challenging, allowing visitors to experience the park's stunning winter landscapes while getting some exercise.
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Holidays in Glacier National Park in January
January
  • New Year's Day (January 1)
Other notable holidays

Weather in Glacier National Park in January

Temperatures on an average day in Glacier National Park in January

The average temperature in Glacier National Park in January for a typical day ranges from a high of 23°F (-5°C) to a low of 10°F (-12°C). Some would describe it as freezing cold with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Glacier National Park, August, has days with highs of 74°F (23°C) and lows of 48°F (9°C). The coldest month, February has days with highs of 23°F (-5°C) and lows of 7°F (-14°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Glacier National Park in January based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in January
23°F
highs
10°F
lows

General weather summary

Freezing cold with a gentle breeze
Feels like
32%
Chance of rain
0.145 in
Amount
12.3 mph
Wind speed
100%
Humidity
8.8 hrs
Daylight length
8:20 AM
Sunrise
5:07 PM
Sunset
22%
Cloud cover
Thick winter coat with gloves
What to wear
What to wear in January
With an average high of 23°F (-5°C) and a low of 10°F (-12°C), it generally feels freezing cold with a gentle breeze. 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 Glacier National Park in January

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Glacier National Park has to offer for travelers in January, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Glacier 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 Glacier National Park for January.
Going-to-the-Sun Rd
1. Going-to-the-Sun Rd
Sights & Landmarks
Scenic Drives
Open seasonally due to snow, this road offers scenic alpine views with waterfalls & mountain goats.
Logan Pass
2. Logan Pass
4.8
(177)
Mountain pass
Nature & Parks
6,646-ft.-elevation pass on the Continental Divide, with dramatic mountain views & a visitor center.
Lake McDonald
3. Lake McDonald
4.8
(335)
Lake
Nature & Parks
This scenic alpine lake, the largest lake in Glacier National Park, offers kayaking & canoeing.
Avalanche Lake
4. Avalanche Lake
4.9
(243)
Lake
Nature & Parks
Dense woods & mountains surround this scenic lake known for its hiking trails & abundant wildlife.
Grinnell Glacier
5. Grinnell Glacier
4.9
(73)
Ice
Nature & Parks
A challenging hike leads to this famous & often photographed glacier in Glacier National Park.
Iceberg Lake
6. Iceberg Lake
4.8
(72)
Lake
Nature & Parks
Lake inside Glacier National Park offering views of Iceberg Peak & Mount Wilbur.
Swiftcurrent Lake
7. Swiftcurrent Lake
4.9
(32)
Lake
Nature & Parks
Large picturesque lake in Glacier National Park offering boating & a hotel on its shore.
Two Medicine Lake
8. Two Medicine Lake
4.9
(157)
Lake
Nature & Parks
Remote lake mirroring mountains with trails, a campground & boats, plus a 1914 chalet-turned-store.
Saint Mary Falls
9. Saint Mary Falls
4.9
(349)
Nature & Parks
Waterfalls
Scenic 35-ft. waterfall in Glacier National Park, accessible via a moderate hiking trail.
Running Eagle Falls
10. Running Eagle Falls
4.9
(25)
Waterfall
Nature & Parks
Locale for scenic hikes on a beginner-friendly trail with a stream crossing, waterfall & rocky pool.
Bowman Lake
11. Bowman Lake
4.8
(68)
Lake
Nature & Parks
Remote lake for kayaking in Glacier National Park with a small campground & dramatic mountain views.
Apgar Visitor Center
12. Apgar Visitor Center
4.6
(1638)
Visitor center
Hiking area
West Glacier visitor center with park maps, books, ranger programs & flora & fauna displays.
Fishercap Lake
13. Fishercap Lake
4.7
(21)
Lake
Nature & Parks
Redrock Falls
14. Redrock Falls
4.8
(39)
Waterfall
Nature & Parks
Iceberg Lake
15. Iceberg Lake
4.8
(72)
Lake
Nature & Parks
Lake inside Glacier National Park offering views of Iceberg Peak & Mount Wilbur.
McDonald Creek
16. McDonald Creek
4.9
(8)
River
Nature & Parks

Top searches in Glacier National Park

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Glacier National Park?

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

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