Bandelier National Monument in January
January at Bandelier National Monument averages a daytime high near 40°F and an overnight low around 21°F, with about 0.9" of precipitation and roughly 10" of snow. Visitation runs about 0.3× the park's average month, which makes January a very quiet month here.
- Average low
- 21°F
- Average high
- 40°F
Range across the year: 21°F to 83°F
- Precipitation
- 0.9 in
- Snowfall
- 10 in
- Daylight
- 9.8 hours
Roughly 3% of the park's yearly visitors come in January: roughly 5,800 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
It is the quietest month of the year at Bandelier; by contrast October, the busiest, runs about 1.3× the average — so January is the easiest time to have the place largely to yourself.
On our Best Time to Visit score January rates 43/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is August: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 30°F is cold, with winter conditions likely on higher ground. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 5.9 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 30% of annual visitors, choosing January instead steps outside that summer crush — the single biggest lever on how crowded the park feels.
You'll have about 9.8 hours of daylight in January to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 247,642 recreation visits, up 15.9% from 213,595 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 26.7%, so a January visit is likely to feel busier than it did a few years ago.
How January compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | 40°F / 21°F | 0.7× Quiet | 30 Poor |
| January | 40°F / 21°F | 0.3× Very quiet | 43 Poor |
| February | 45°F / 24°F | 0.4× Very quiet | 41 Poor |
All twelve months at Bandelier, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Bandelier in January
The National Park Service tags 17 Bandelier activities for winter. Here are 8 of them. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Cross-Country Ski the Blue & Orange Trails · 1-6 hours
- Alcove House
- Become a Bandelier Junior Ranger · 1-4 hours
- Cerro Grande Trail · 2-5 hours
- Hike the Frey Trail · 1-4 hours
- Hike the Tsankawi Loop Trail · 1-3 hours
- Hiking in Bandelier · 1-8 hours
- Picnicking at Bandelier · 1-3 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
January averages a daytime high near 40°F and an overnight low around 21°F at Bandelier National Monument, with about 0.9 inches of precipitation and roughly 10 inches of snow. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 5.9 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
January is very quiet at Bandelier National Monument (about 0.3× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 43/100. Our recommended month is August.
The busiest month is October and the quietest is January. January sits at about 0.3× the park's average, or 3% of annual visitation.
A typical January sees about 6,000 recreation visits at Bandelier National Monument, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Bandelier in January
Booking a January trip to Bandelier National Monument? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live January availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Bandelier
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Visiting Bandelier in January?
Get crowd forecasts and lodging deals for Bandelier by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
See the full ranking of the best national parks to visit in January.
Source: National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics (1979–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.