Manzanar National Historic Site in January
January at Manzanar National Historic Site averages a daytime high near 58°F and an overnight low around 30°F, with about 1.4" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.5× the park's average month, which makes January a quiet month here.
- Average low
- 30°F
- Average high
- 58°F
Range across the year: 29°F to 102°F
- Precipitation
- 1.4 in
- Daylight
- 9.7 hours
Roughly 4% of the park's yearly visitors come in January: roughly 4,400 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 2000 to 2025.
It is the quietest month of the year at Manzanar; by contrast July, 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 59/100 ("Fair"). Our recommended month is March: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 44°F is cool, so layers and a shorter daylight window matter. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 5.7 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 9.7 hours of daylight in January to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 95,764 recreation visits, up 2% from 93,854 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 8.7%, 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 | 57°F / 29°F | 0.6× Quiet | 56 Fair |
| January | 58°F / 30°F | 0.5× Quiet | 59 Fair |
| February | 61°F / 33°F | 0.6× Quiet | 60 Good |
All twelve months at Manzanar, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Manzanar in January
The National Park Service tags 3 Manzanar activities for winter. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Become a Manzanar Junior Ranger · 1-2 hours
- Driving, Biking, and Walking at Manzanar · 1-2 hours
- Explore Manzanar Block 14 Exhibits · 1-2 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
January averages a daytime high near 58°F and an overnight low around 30°F at Manzanar National Historic Site, with about 1.4 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 5.7 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
January is quiet at Manzanar National Historic Site (about 0.5× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Fair" at 59/100. Our recommended month is March.
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 4,000 recreation visits at Manzanar National Historic Site, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 2000–2025.
Where to stay near Manzanar in January
Booking a January trip to Manzanar National Historic Site? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live January availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Manzanar
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
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Visiting Manzanar in January?
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See the full ranking of the best national parks to visit in January.
Source: National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics (2000–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.