Cumberland Gap National Historical Park in January
January at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park averages a daytime high near 44°F and an overnight low around 23°F, with about 4.7" of precipitation and roughly 3" of snow. Visitation runs about 0.5× the park's average month, which makes January a very quiet month here.
- Average low
- 23°F
- Average high
- 44°F
Range across the year: 23°F to 85°F
- Precipitation
- 4.7 in
- Snowfall
- 3 in
- Daylight
- 9.8 hours
Roughly 4% of the park's yearly visitors come in January: about 29,000 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 Cumberland Gap; by contrast October, the busiest, runs about 1.4× 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 September: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 33°F is cold, with winter conditions likely on higher ground. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 11.4 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 32% 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 765,010 recreation visits, up 4.9% from 729,249 in 2024.
How January compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | 47°F / 26°F | 0.6× Quiet | 38 Poor |
| January | 44°F / 23°F | 0.5× Very quiet | 43 Poor |
| February | 48°F / 26°F | 0.6× Quiet | 38 Poor |
All twelve months at Cumberland Gap, with the best time to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
January averages a daytime high near 44°F and an overnight low around 23°F at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, with about 4.7 inches of precipitation and roughly 3 inches of snow. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 11.4 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
January is very quiet at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park (about 0.5× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 43/100. Our recommended month is September.
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 29,000 recreation visits at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Cumberland Gap in January
Booking a January trip to Cumberland Gap National Historical Park? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live January availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Cumberland Gap
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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.