Black Canyon of the Gunnison in January: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Shoulder · VisitWhen score 57/100 · #11 of 12 months
January is a solid shoulder-season month to visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: crowds run 19% of the June peak (9,395 average visits), days average 37°F with 9.8 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
Crowds in January
Black Canyon of the Gunnison averages 9,395 recreation visits in January — 19% of what June, the peak month, draws. That crowd level sets the tone for parking, permits and lodging — this is genuine quiet-season territory.
Weather & daylight
It is properly cold (highs average 37°F), and nights are frigid (lows average 13°F). It is typically dry (1.7″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 9.8 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON, CO US (2 mi from park coordinates, 8,151 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of January.
What to pack for Black Canyon of the Gunnison in January
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Insulated parka + thermal base layers — average lows of 13°F
- Headlamp — only 9.8 hours of daylight in mid-January
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
Want quieter or kinder conditions? The computed best months for Black Canyon of the Gunnison are March and April.
Common questions
Is Black Canyon of the Gunnison crowded in January?
No — January is one of the quieter months: 19% of the June peak, averaging 9,395 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in Black Canyon of the Gunnison in January?
Average highs of 37°F, lows of 13°F, 1.7″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON, CO US station).
What should I pack for Black Canyon of the Gunnison in January?
Insulated parka + thermal base layers; Headlamp; Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — the full weather-computed list is on this page.
See also: the best national parks to visit in January · Last verified 2026-07-16