Congaree National Park in January
January at Congaree National Park averages a daytime high near 58°F and an overnight low around 35°F, with about 3.8" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.6× the park's average month, which makes January a quiet month here.
- Average low
- 35°F
- Average high
- 58°F
Range across the year: 35°F to 91°F
- Precipitation
- 3.8 in
- Daylight
- 10.0 hours
Roughly 5% of the park's yearly visitors come in January: about 10,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1985 to 2025.
It is the quietest month of the year at Congaree; by contrast May, the busiest, runs about 1.5× the average — so January is the easiest time to have the place largely to yourself.
On our Best Time to Visit score January rates 59/100 ("Fair"). Our recommended month is September: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 47°F is cool, so layers and a shorter daylight window matter. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 15.1 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 22% 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 10 hours of daylight in January to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 287,833 recreation visits, up 18.9% from 242,049 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 72.3%, 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 | 61°F / 37°F | 0.8× Quiet | 53 Fair |
| January | 58°F / 35°F | 0.6× Quiet | 59 Fair |
| February | 62°F / 38°F | 0.8× Quiet | 57 Fair |
All twelve months at Congaree, with the best time to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
January averages a daytime high near 58°F and an overnight low around 35°F at Congaree National Park, with about 3.8 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 15.1 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
January is quiet at Congaree National Park (about 0.6× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Fair" at 59/100. Our recommended month is September.
The busiest month is May and the quietest is January. January sits at about 0.6× the park's average, or 5% of annual visitation.
A typical January sees about 10,000 recreation visits at Congaree National Park, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1985–2025.
Where to stay near Congaree in January
Booking a January trip to Congaree National Park? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live January availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Congaree
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See the full ranking of the best national parks to visit in January.
Source: National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics (1985–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.