Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area in January
January at Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area averages a daytime high near 44°F and an overnight low around 24°F. Visitation runs about 0.5× the park's average month, which makes January a quiet month here.
- Average low
- 24°F
- Average high
- 44°F
Range across the year: 24°F to 83°F
- Daylight
- 9.8 hours
Roughly 4% of the park's yearly visitors come in January: about 32,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1988 to 2025.
It is the quietest month of the year at Big South Fork; 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 50/100 ("Fair"). Our recommended month is April: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 34°F is cold, with winter conditions likely on higher ground. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 7.4 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 — between the 9.5-hour midwinter low and the 14.5-hour summer high.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 774,353 recreation visits, down 0.7% from 779,602 in 2024.
How January compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | 48°F / 27°F | 0.7× Quiet | 43 Poor |
| January | 44°F / 24°F | 0.5× Quiet | 50 Fair |
| February | 48°F / 27°F | 0.6× Quiet | 50 Fair |
All twelve months at Big South Fork, with the best time to visit.
Seasonal closures in January 2027
The National Park Service lists these Big South Fork facilities as closed during January 2027. The dates are the park's own, read on October 11, 2026. A facility that is not listed here may still be closed, so confirm on the park's site before you go.
- Blue Heron Interpretive Center (visitor center): closed all month (November 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027)
Frequently Asked Questions
January averages a daytime high near 44°F and an overnight low around 24°F at Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 7.4 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
January is quiet at Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area (about 0.5× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Fair" at 50/100. Our recommended month is April.
The busiest month is October and the quietest is January. January sits at about 0.5× the park's average, or 4% of annual visitation.
A typical January sees about 32,000 recreation visits at Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1988–2025.
Where to stay near Big South Fork in January
Booking a January trip to Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live January availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Big South Fork
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
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See the full ranking of the best national parks to visit in January.
Source: National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics (1988–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.