Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park in January
January at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park averages a daytime high near 37°F and an overnight low around 13°F, with about 1.7" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.3× the park's average month, which makes January a very quiet month here.
- Average low
- 13°F
- Average high
- 37°F
Range across the year: 13°F to 82°F
- Precipitation
- 1.7 in
- Daylight
- 9.6 hours
Roughly 3% of the park's yearly visitors come in January: roughly 8,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
That makes January the 9th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the July peak (1.8×) and the December low (0.2×).
On our Best Time to Visit score January rates 41/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is June: the lightest crowds of the park's good-weather months.
The daily average of about 25°F is cold, with winter conditions likely on higher ground. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 2.6 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 45% 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 9.6 hours of daylight in January to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 250,086 recreation visits, down 25.5% from 335,862 in 2024.
How January compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | 36°F / 13°F | 0.2× Very quiet | 42 Poor |
| January | 37°F / 13°F | 0.3× Very quiet | 41 Poor |
| February | 40°F / 16°F | 0.2× Very quiet | 45 Fair |
All twelve months at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison, with the best time to visit.
Seasonal closures in January 2027
The National Park Service lists these Black Canyon Of The Gunnison 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.
- East Portal Campground (campground): closed all month (November 10, 2026 to April 11, 2027)
- North Rim Campground (campground): closed all month (November 15, 2026 to April 30, 2027)
- North Rim Ranger Station (visitor center): closed all month (November 15, 2026 to May 2, 2027)
Things to do at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison in January
The National Park Service tags 5 Black Canyon Of The Gunnison activities for winter. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Cross-country Skiing at Black Canyon
- Snowshoeing at Black Canyon · reservation required
- Join a Ranger Program · 20-60 minutes
- Stargazing at Black Canyon
- Tour the South Rim Visitor Center
Frequently Asked Questions
January averages a daytime high near 37°F and an overnight low around 13°F at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park, with about 1.7 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 2.6 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
January is very quiet at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park (about 0.3× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 41/100. Our recommended month is June.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is December. January sits at about 0.3× the park's average, or 3% of annual visitation.
A typical January sees about 8,000 recreation visits at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Black Canyon Of The Gunnison in January
Booking a January trip to Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live January availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Black Canyon Of The Gunnison
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 (1979–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.