Alberta weather in January
January is one of the least pleasant months in Alberta: highs of -3°C (27°F) and about 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain on average. Nights average -11°C (11°F) and cloud cover 70% (NASA POWER, 2001–2025 averages). It is the driest month of the year and the 2nd coolest. Compared with December, it is warmer and drier; February brings highs of -2°C (29°F) and 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain.
Figures are long-term averages for Calgary, the largest city in Alberta. See below for other places.
Is January a good time to visit Alberta?
least pleasant month Weather score 43/100.
January is one of the least pleasant months for weather in Alberta. For better conditions, consider Jul–Sep.
Does it rain a lot in Alberta in January?
No, it is usually dry: about 17 mm (0.7 in) falls in an average January. It is the driest month of the year.
How warm is Alberta in January?
Days average -3°C (27°F) and nights -11°C (11°F).
Alberta weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Cloud | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -3°C (27°F) | -11°C (11°F) | 17 mm | 70% | least pleasant |
| February | -2°C (29°F) | -12°C (10°F) | 21 mm | 69% | least pleasant |
| March | 3°C (37°F) | -8°C (17°F) | 26 mm | 72% | least pleasant |
| April | 9°C (47°F) | -3°C (26°F) | 46 mm | 72% | least pleasant |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 2°C (36°F) | 73 mm | 70% | fair |
| June | 19°C (66°F) | 7°C (44°F) | 115 mm | 70% | fair |
| July | 24°C (74°F) | 10°C (50°F) | 58 mm | 56% | best |
| August | 22°C (72°F) | 9°C (47°F) | 61 mm | 56% | best |
| September | 17°C (62°F) | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm | 62% | best |
| October | 9°C (48°F) | -2°C (28°F) | 32 mm | 68% | least pleasant |
| November | 1°C (34°F) | -7°C (19°F) | 23 mm | 71% | least pleasant |
| December | -4°C (26°F) | -12°C (11°F) | 21 mm | 68% | least pleasant |
Sources: 2001–2025 monthly averages from NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis). Page updated . How we rate months
Weather across Alberta in January
Weather can differ a lot within Alberta: coasts, hills and mountains each have their own climate.
| Place | High | Low | Rain | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calgary | -3°C (27°F) | -11°C (11°F) | 17 mm | least pleasant |
| Banff | -9°C (17°F) | -17°C (1°F) | 45 mm | least pleasant |
| Edmonton | -6°C (21°F) | -14°C (6°F) | 22 mm | least pleasant |
| Lethbridge | -2°C (29°F) | -10°C (13°F) | 27 mm | least pleasant |
| Red Deer | -5°C (24°F) | -13°C (8°F) | 20 mm | least pleasant |
| Airdrie | -3°C (26°F) | -12°C (10°F) | 17 mm | least pleasant |
| Sherwood Park | -7°C (20°F) | -15°C (5°F) | 21 mm | least pleasant |
| Grande Prairie | -6°C (21°F) | -14°C (7°F) | 42 mm | least pleasant |
| Fort McMurray | -13°C (9°F) | -21°C (-6°F) | 29 mm | least pleasant |
| Medicine Hat | -2°C (28°F) | -11°C (12°F) | 20 mm | least pleasant |
| St. Albert | -6°C (21°F) | -14°C (6°F) | 22 mm | least pleasant |
| Centre City | -3°C (27°F) | -11°C (11°F) | 17 mm | least pleasant |