Salt Lake City in January
January weather, activities, events & insider tips
January Weather in Salt Lake City
Is January Right for You?
Advantages
- World-class powder skiing and snowboarding at Snowbird, Alta, and other resorts within 32 km (20 miles) - January receives an average of 89 cm (35 inches) of fresh snow
- Dramatically lower hotel rates - 40-60% cheaper than peak summer months, with downtown rooms averaging $80-120 versus $180-250 in July
- Crystal-clear mountain views on sunny days - winter air pollution inversions clear out 2-3 times per week, revealing impressive Wasatch Range vistas at 3,200 m (10,500 ft)
- Authentic local winter culture - ice skating at Gallivan Center, cross-country skiing in Mill Creek Canyon, and cozy coffee shop scenes without tourist crowds
Considerations
- Severe air quality inversions trap pollution for 3-5 days at a time, creating unhealthy air conditions that limit outdoor activities and visibility
- Extreme temperature swings require layered packing - mornings can be -12°C (10°F) while afternoons warm to 4°C (40°F)
- Limited daylight hours (9 hours) with sunset at 5:20 PM, restricting outdoor exploration time especially for east coast visitors dealing with jet lag
Best Activities in January
Wasatch Mountain Ski Resort Tours
January delivers the Wasatch's legendary powder snow with average base depths of 122 cm (48 inches). Morning temperatures of -7°C (19°F) keep snow conditions perfect, while afternoon warming to 1°C (34°F) makes skiing comfortable. Avoid weekends when locals crowd the slopes - Tuesday through Thursday offer the best powder and shortest lift lines.
Downtown Salt Lake Winter Walking Tours
Cold January weather makes indoor-outdoor combination tours ideal. Temple Square's Christmas lights stay up through early January, and the 32°C (90°F) indoor temperature difference creates a unique experience. Best visited 11 AM-2 PM when temperatures peak around 1°C (34°F) and before inversion layers worsen air quality.
Antelope Island Winter Wildlife Tours
January offers unique wildlife viewing as bison grow thick winter coats and congregate in lower elevations. The 32 km (20 mile) causeway drive provides heated vehicle comfort between stops. Clear winter air eliminates summer haze, offering spectacular views of the lake and surrounding peaks at 1,280 m (4,200 ft) elevation.
Natural Hot Springs Day Trips
Contrast between -7°C (19°F) air and 40°C (104°F) spring water creates an unforgettable January experience. Snow often falls while soaking, and surrounding mountain views are spectacular. Springs stay open year-round but require 1-3 hour drives from downtown through mountain passes.
Bonneville Salt Flats Winter Photography
January transforms the salt flats into an otherworldly winter landscape with occasional snow cover creating mirror-like reflections. Subzero morning temperatures of -12°C (10°F) create unique frost formations. The 190 km (118 mile) drive from Salt Lake provides dramatic scenery through winter desert.
Indoor Cultural Complex Tours
January's harsh weather makes multi-venue indoor experiences essential. The Natural History Museum, Clark Planetarium, and Discovery Gateway create perfect storm-day alternatives. Heated skybridge connections downtown allow cultural exploration without outdoor exposure during inversion days.
January Events & Festivals
Sundance Film Festival
World-renowned independent film festival transforms Park City and Salt Lake City with screenings, celebrity sightings, and industry events. Many screenings occur in Salt Lake venues, making it accessible without staying in expensive Park City. Street buzz and outdoor installations continue despite cold weather.