2027 Climate Averages

Weather: Vancouver — January

It's a rainy period, but great for indoor activities, museums, and lower prices.

Climate Overview

January is a wet time to visit Vancouver. Expect cold weather with temperatures around 7°C during the day. This is one of the wettest months—waterproof gear is essential. With only around 9 hours of daylight, plan outdoor activities earlier in the day. Being off-peak, you'll find better deals and fewer crowds. At 7°C, the sea is too cold for most swimmers.

5.3
GoTripzi Score Fair

Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options

Avg High

7°C

Avg Low

3°C

Rainy days

21days

Daylight

8.6h

Feels like 4°C / 0°C — wind chill makes it feel cooler

Rainfall

337mm

Sunshine

3.5h/day

Humidity

88%

Very Humid
Sun Strength

1.3

Low
Wind

13 km/h (gusts 32)

Sea Temp

7°C ❄️ Cold

Is January a good time to visit Vancouver?

It's a rainy period, but great for indoor activities, museums, and lower prices.

Now

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Feels like --
Wind --
Humidity --
UV Index --
Local time

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Very Quiet
  • Travel Costs Value Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

08:04

Sunset

16:41

8.6h daylight

Visiting Vancouver in January: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Fewer crowds and better hotel deals

Cons

  • Frequent rain may disrupt outdoor activities
  • Limited sunshine — expect overcast skies
  • Sea too cold for comfortable swimming
  • Short days limit outdoor time — plan accordingly

Things to Do in January

Events & Festivals

🍽️
Dine Out Vancouver
January/February Food & Drink

Recommended for This Weather

🏛️ Museums & galleries
🍳 Cooking classes & food tours
Cozy cafes & local food scene
🏛️ Indoor attractions & shopping
🎭 Cultural tours & local experiences

Vancouver Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan Current 7°C 3°C 21d (337mm) 3.5h
88% Very Humid
1.3 Low
Wet
Feb 7°C 2°C 17d (179mm) 5.2h
82% Very Humid
2.4 Moderate
Wet
Mar 10°C 4°C 18d (202mm) 7.2h
80% Very Humid
4.2 Moderate
Wet
Apr 13°C 6°C 14d (146mm) 9.6h
74% Humid
6.5 High
Wet
May 17°C 9°C 14d (124mm) 10.9h
74% Humid
7.7 Very High
Excellent
Jun 20°C 12°C 13d (100mm) 11.9h
75% Humid
8.5 Very High
Excellent
Jul 24°C 15°C 4d (27mm) 13.3h
72% Humid
9.4 Very High
Excellent
Aug 23°C 15°C 6d (64mm) 11.7h
76% Humid
7.7 Very High
Excellent
Sep 20°C 13°C 9d (135mm) 9.4h
81% Very Humid
5.4 High
Excellent
Oct 14°C 9°C 17d (272mm) 6.2h
86% Very Humid
3 Moderate
Wet
Nov 9°C 5°C 20d (349mm) 4h
88% Very Humid
1.5 Low
Wet
Dec 7°C 3°C 22d (348mm) 3h
89% Very Humid
1 Low
Wet

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5
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Your Best MonthAprScore: 6.6

Where to Stay

See hotels, apartments & rentals around Vancouver – live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more

Vancouver

Pacific city, including mountains, Stanley Park Seawall and Granville Island, seawalls and a stellar food scene.

View Full Destination Guide

What to Pack for January

Bundle up with a warm coat, scarf, and closed-toe shoes. Thermal layers underneath give flexibility as you move between indoors and outdoors. A waterproof jacket and shoes are non-negotiable — showers are frequent.

Moderate Very Quiet

🎒Personalized Packing List

Tell us about your trip and we'll create a custom packing list based on the weather.

Your Packing List

📋Essentials
👕Clothing
👟Footwear
🎒Accessories
🧴Toiletries & Health

Planning a trip to Vancouver?

💰 Off-peak — great deals available now

Frequently Asked Questions

Is January a good time to visit Vancouver?
January is typically wet for visiting Vancouver, with average highs of 7°C and around 21 rainy days. Plan your activities accordingly—outdoor sightseeing is best on dry days, while rainy days are perfect for museums and indoor attractions.
Does it get cold at night in Vancouver in January?
Yes, nights in Vancouver during January are cold, averaging 3°C. Pack warm layers, a coat, and consider thermal underwear for extended outdoor evenings. Restaurants and cafés have indoor seating, and many museums stay open late.
What should I pack for Vancouver in January?
With highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C in January, we recommend: Warm winter coat, Compact umbrella, Waterproof jacket/shell, Water-resistant shoes. Layering is key as temperatures can vary between air-conditioned interiors and outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets.
Does it rain a lot in Vancouver in January?
Vancouver typically sees around 21 rainy days in January. Rain is usually in the form of brief showers rather than all-day downpours, so a compact umbrella is sufficient. Mornings tend to be drier, making them ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
Can you swim in Vancouver in January?
Swimming in Vancouver during January is possible but quite cold, with air temperatures around 7°C. Only brave swimmers venture in without a wetsuit. Consider indoor pools or thermal baths as an alternative if your hotel offers them.
How many hours of daylight are there in Vancouver in January?
In January, Vancouver gets approximately 8.6 hours of daylight per day. This affects how much sightseeing you can fit in—longer days mean more time for outdoor activities, while shorter days are perfect for cozy museum visits and early dinners.
Is January peak season in Vancouver?
No, January is not peak season in Vancouver. Expect better value on accommodation, shorter queues at attractions, and fewer tourists at popular spots. This is an excellent time to experience the city like a local and enjoy a more authentic atmosphere.

Weather Data: Based on 2020–2025 historical climate data from Open-Meteo

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: America/Vancouver)

Last Updated: February 2026