Denali · January · Alaska

Denali National Park in January

January is a fair month for Denali National Park, with some limitations. It is one of the quietest times to go. Highs average 7°F and lows -2°F, with about 0.62 inches of rain.

January is rated fair at Denali. Consider Jun–Aug instead.

Full park guideAll parks in January
RatingFair
CrowdsQuiet
Avg high / low7°F / -2°F
Rain0.62 in

What to expect

Honest take: January is not the month for Denali. Dark, very cold and quiet, with northern lights and sled-dog kennel visits near the entrance.

Local tip

Private cars can only drive the first 15 miles of the park road. The buses are the way in.

Good to know

  • Best months overall: Jun–Aug.
  • Closest airport: Anchorage (ANC), about 4 hours; Fairbanks (FAI), about 2 hours.
  • Before you go: A 2021 landslide at Pretty Rocks closed the park road around mile 43; check current bus destinations and reopening status. Check current conditions on nps.gov.

2-day Denali itinerary · Packing list

Questions

Is January a good time to visit Denali National Park?

January is a fair month for Denali National Park, with some limitations. It is one of the quietest times to go. Highs average 7°F and lows -2°F, with about 0.62 inches of rain.

What is the weather like in Denali National Park in January?

Highs average 7°F and lows -2°F, with about 0.62 inches of rain. Conditions are fair this month, so check the month-by-month ratings before you commit.

How crowded is Denali National Park in January?

January is one of the quietest months at Denali National Park.