Ice Age National Scenic Trail in January
January at Ice Age National Scenic Trail averages a daytime high near 25°F and an overnight low around 7°F, with about 1.1" of precipitation and roughly 13" of snow. Visitation runs about 0.7× the park's average month, which makes January a quiet month here.
- Average low
- 7°F
- Average high
- 25°F
Range across the year: 7°F to 82°F
- Precipitation
- 1.1 in
- Snowfall
- 13 in
- Daylight
- 9.1 hours
Roughly 6% of the park's yearly visitors come in January: roughly 1,700 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 2024 to 2025.
That makes January the 10th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the July peak (1.8×) and the February low (0.6×).
On our Best Time to Visit score January rates 39/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is September: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 16°F is cold, with winter conditions likely on higher ground. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 9 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 33% 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 9.1 hours of daylight in January to explore — between the 8.7-hour midwinter low and the 15.3-hour summer high.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 29,125 recreation visits, down 2% from 29,711 in 2024.
How January compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | 30°F / 14°F | 0.8× Quiet | 33 Poor |
| January | 25°F / 7°F | 0.7× Quiet | 39 Poor |
| February | 30°F / 10°F | 0.6× Quiet | 44 Poor |
All twelve months at Ice Age, with the best time to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
January averages a daytime high near 25°F and an overnight low around 7°F at Ice Age National Scenic Trail, with about 1.1 inches of precipitation and roughly 13 inches of snow. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 9 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
January is quiet at Ice Age National Scenic Trail (about 0.7× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 39/100. Our recommended month is September.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is February. January sits at about 0.7× the park's average, or 6% of annual visitation.
A typical January sees about 2,000 recreation visits at Ice Age National Scenic Trail, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 2024–2025.
Where to stay near Ice Age in January
Booking a January trip to Ice Age National Scenic Trail? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live January availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Ice Age
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 (2024–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.