Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area in January
January at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area averages a daytime high near 70°F and an overnight low around 43°F, with about 3.7" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.9× the park's average month, which makes January an average month here.
- Average low
- 43°F
- Average high
- 70°F
Range across the year: 42°F to 97°F
- Precipitation
- 3.7 in
- Daylight
- 10.0 hours
Roughly 8% of the park's yearly visitors come in January: about 61,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1982 to 2025.
That makes January the 10th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the May peak (1.3×) and the December low (0.8×).
On our Best Time to Visit score January rates 60/100 ("Good"). Our recommended month is December: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 56°F is a comfortable range for hiking and being outdoors all day. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 12.6 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 26% 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 10 hours of daylight in January to explore — between the 9.7-hour midwinter low and the 14.3-hour summer high.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 722,626 recreation visits, up 13% from 639,745 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has eased about 10.3%, 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 | 69°F / 42°F | 0.8× Quiet | 70 Good |
| January | 70°F / 43°F | 0.9× Average | 60 Good |
| February | 70°F / 44°F | 0.9× Average | 59 Fair |
All twelve months at Santa Monica Mountains, with the best time to visit.
Seasonal closures in January 2027
The National Park Service lists these Santa Monica Mountains facilities as closed during January 2027. The dates are the park's own, read on October 11, 2026. A facility that is not listed here may still be closed, so confirm on the park's site before you go.
- Circle X Ranch Campground - CLOSED (campground): closed until January 1, 2027
Things to do at Santa Monica Mountains in January
The National Park Service tags 3 Santa Monica Mountains activities for winter. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Mishe Mokwa Trail to Split Rock · 1-3 hours
- Satwiwa Loop Trail · 1-2 hours
- Solstice Canyon Trail · 2-3 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
January averages a daytime high near 70°F and an overnight low around 43°F at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, with about 3.7 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 12.6 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
January is average at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (about 0.9× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Good" at 60/100. Our recommended month is December.
The busiest month is May and the quietest is December. January sits at about 0.9× the park's average, or 8% of annual visitation.
A typical January sees about 61,000 recreation visits at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1982–2025.
Where to stay near Santa Monica Mountains in January
Booking a January trip to Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live January availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Santa Monica Mountains
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 (1982–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.