Independence National Historical Park in January
January at Independence National Historical Park averages a daytime high near 42°F and an overnight low around 28°F, with about 3.6" of precipitation and roughly 6" of snow. Visitation runs about 0.5× the park's average month, which makes January a very quiet month here.
- Average low
- 28°F
- Average high
- 42°F
Range across the year: 28°F to 89°F
- Precipitation
- 3.6 in
- Snowfall
- 6 in
- Daylight
- 9.5 hours
Roughly 4% of the park's yearly visitors come in January: about 122,000 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 Independence; by contrast July, the busiest, runs about 1.6× 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 October: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 35°F is cold, with winter conditions likely on higher ground. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 1.5 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 35% 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 9.5 hours of daylight in January to explore — between the 9.2-hour midwinter low and the 14.8-hour summer high.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 1,926,580 recreation visits, down 31.2% from 2,798,651 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has eased about 39.9%, so January may feel a touch quieter than it once did.
How January compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | 47°F / 33°F | 0.6× Quiet | 37 Poor |
| January | 42°F / 28°F | 0.5× Very quiet | 43 Poor |
| February | 45°F / 30°F | 0.5× Quiet | 42 Poor |
All twelve months at Independence, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Independence in January
The National Park Service tags 9 Independence activities for winter. Here are 8 of them. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Become an Independence Junior Ranger · 5-120 minutes
- Find the Perfect Souvenir · 5-20 minutes
- Get the B. Free Franklin Cancellation · 5-15 minutes
- Listen for the Sound of Sticky Ink · 10-20 minutes
- Play the Virtual Glass Armonica · 30-60 minutes
- Stand in Abraham Lincoln's Place · 15-20 minutes
- Take a "Bell-fie" · 15-55 minutes
- Tour Independence Hall · 20-35 minutes · reservation required
Frequently Asked Questions
January averages a daytime high near 42°F and an overnight low around 28°F at Independence National Historical Park, with about 3.6 inches of precipitation and roughly 6 inches of snow. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 1.5 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
January is very quiet at Independence National Historical Park (about 0.5× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 43/100. Our recommended month is October.
The busiest month is July 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 122,000 recreation visits at Independence National Historical Park, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Independence in January
Booking a January trip to Independence National Historical Park? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live January availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Independence
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Visiting Independence in January?
Get crowd forecasts and lodging deals for Independence by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
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.