January weather forecast
Alaska, USA

January stands as one of the coldest months in Alaska. The extreme north, in proximity to the Arctic Circle, experiences particularly harsh conditions, with temperatures frequently remaining below freezing even during daytime. It's during this month that the state sees average low temperatures dropping to -3°F (-19.4°C). Areas like Fort Yukon, positioned in the state's interior, can record even lower temperatures, making it a notable city in terms of extreme cold during January.

Compared to December, January continues the trend of severe cold but sees slightly longer daylight hours as Alaska begins its slow transition towards spring. Nevertheless, the increase in daylight is minimal and not very noticeable. In contrast, February, while still being cold, will occasionally witness slightly milder temperatures and a more noticeable increase in sunlight.

The state receives a significant portion of its annual snowfall during this month. While the average statewide snowfall is around 270" (6858mm) annually, specific regions like the North Slope can receive up to 30" (762mm) in January alone. This snow tends to remain on the ground due to the persistently low temperatures, creating a thick blanket that covers the region.

Precipitation, in the form of snow, is more substantial than in the upcoming February, especially in the interior and northern parts. However, areas like the southeastern panhandle might experience slightly less snowfall than the northern regions, but the temperatures are cold enough to ensure the snow stays intact. The daylight during January is limited, especially in the northern parts, with some areas experiencing polar nights, where the sun doesn't rise above the horizon for several days.

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• Anchorage - January »
  In Anchorage during January, the rain falls for 7.8 days and regularly aggregates up to 0.63" (16mm) of precipitation. In Anchorage, Alaska, in January, it is raining for 7.8 days, with typically 0.63" (16mm) of accumulated precipitation.
• Juneau - January »
  In Juneau, Alaska, during January, the rain falls for 9.3 days and regularly aggregates up to 9.76" (248mm) of precipitation. January, April, October through December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index in Juneau, Alaska.
• Fairbanks - January »
  The month with the least rainfall in Fairbanks is January, when the rain falls for 3 days and typically collects 0.31" (8mm) of precipitation. In Fairbanks, Alaska, in January, during 9.4 snowfall days, 2.09" (53mm) of snow is typically accumulated.
• Wasilla - January »
  In Wasilla, Alaska, during January, snow falls for 7.8 days and regularly aggregates up to 1.85" (47mm) of snow. In Wasilla, in January, during 7.8 snowfall days, 1.85" (47mm) of snow is typically accumulated.
• Sitka - January »
  In Sitka, Alaska, in January, snow falls for 8.4 days, with typically accumulated 11.89" (302mm) of snow. In Sitka during January, snow falls for 8.4 days and regularly aggregates up to 11.89" (302mm) of snow.
• Ketchikan - January »
  In Ketchikan, during January, the rain falls for 19.2 days and regularly aggregates up to 9.69" (246mm) of precipitation. In Ketchikan, during January, snow falls for 7.3 days and regularly aggregates up to 10.31" (262mm) of snow.
• Kenai - January »
  In Kenai, Alaska, in January, during 11 snowfall days, 4.17" (106mm) of snow is typically accumulated. In Kenai, Alaska, during January, the rain falls for 8.7 days and regularly aggregates up to 1.26" (32mm) of precipitation.
• Kodiak - January »
  In Kodiak, Alaska, in January, during 6.6 snowfall days, 2.52" (64mm) of snow is typically accumulated. January, known for its average high temperature of 35.4°F (1.9°C) and an average low temperature of 30.7°F (-0.7°C), is the coldest month in Kodiak, Alaska.
• Bethel - January »
  In Bethel during January, the rain falls for 5.5 days and regularly aggregates up to 0.91" (23mm) of precipitation. In Bethel during January, snow falls for 11.1 days and regularly aggregates up to 3.66" (93mm) of snow.
• Palmer - January »
  The month with the least rainfall in Palmer is January, when the rain falls for 11.7 days and typically collects 0.91" (23mm) of precipitation. In Palmer, in January, snow falls for 11.9 days, with typically accumulated 5" (127mm) of snow.
• Homer - January »
  In Homer in January, during 13 snowfall days, 7.6" (193mm) of snow is typically accumulated. In Homer in January, snow falls for 13 days, with typically accumulated 7.6" (193mm) of snow.
• Unalaska - January »
  The month with the most snowfall in Unalaska is January, when snow falls for 14.2 days and typically aggregates up to 6.97" (177mm) of snow. Kicking off the year, Unalaska, Alaska experiences a surge in snowfall with an impressive 6.97" (177mm) falling on average, making January a peak month for snow enthusiasts.