Niobrara National Scenic River in January
January at Niobrara National Scenic River averages a daytime high near 34°F and an overnight low around 9°F. Visitation runs about 0.1× the park's average month, which makes January a very quiet month here.
- Average low
- 9°F
- Average high
- 34°F
Range across the year: 9°F to 88°F
- Daylight
- 9.2 hours
Roughly 1% of the park's yearly visitors come in January: about 750 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 2004 to 2025.
That makes January the 9th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the July peak (4×) and the December low (0.1×).
On our Best Time to Visit score January rates 2/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is May: the lightest crowds of the park's good-weather months.
The daily average of about 22°F is cold, with winter conditions likely on higher ground. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 7.8 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 75% 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 9.2 hours of daylight in January to explore — near the year-round minimum.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 77,476 recreation visits, up 4.2% from 74,387 in 2024.
How January compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | 36°F / 12°F | 0.1× Very quiet | 2 Poor |
| January | 34°F / 9°F | 0.1× Very quiet | 2 Poor |
| February | 37°F / 12°F | 0.1× Very quiet | 4 Poor |
All twelve months at Niobrara, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Niobrara in January
The National Park Service tags 3 Niobrara activities for winter. Each links to the park's own page for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
January averages a daytime high near 34°F and an overnight low around 9°F at Niobrara National Scenic River. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 7.8 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
January is very quiet at Niobrara National Scenic River (about 0.1× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 2/100. Our recommended month is May. January draws about 12% of the visits Niobrara sees in an average month. Numbers that low usually mean limited access: closed roads, closed facilities or deep-winter conditions. The count alone does not say which, so check the park's current conditions before planning around January.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is December. January sits at about 0.1× the park's average, or 1% of annual visitation.
A typical January sees about 1,000 recreation visits at Niobrara National Scenic River, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 2004–2025.
Where to stay near Niobrara in January
Booking a January trip to Niobrara National Scenic River? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live January availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Niobrara
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 (2004–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.