Blue Ridge Parkway in January
In January, Blue Ridge Parkway averages a high of 45°F and a low of 22°F, with 4.5 inches of precipitation (rain plus melted snow) and 5.3 inches of snowfall. About 476,000 people visit, the quietest month. Days are 9 hours 55 minutes long.
- Quiet
- Moderate
- Busy
- Very busy
- Few or no visits (may be closed)
- Best months
- High / low
- 45° / 22°F
- Precipitation
- 4.5in
- Snow
- 5.3in
- Daylight
- 9h 55m
- Visitors
- 476,000
- Crowds
- Quiet
Best months for weather and crowds instead: June (very busy) and October (very busy).
Higher or lower in the park, expect a different picture: Elkin, NC at 910 ft averages a January high of 49°F and a low of 23°F.
Weather 1991–2020 averages at Sparta 3.5 SSW, NC, 4.8 miles from the park's center, 3,011 ft. Second station lower down: Elkin, NC, 910 ft, 17 miles. Visitors National Park Service recreation visits, average of 2023–2025. Updated .
Other parks in January
| Park | High / low °F | Crowds | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | 41° / 23° | Quiet | Cool |
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | 47° / 27° | Quiet | Cool |
| Congaree National Park | 58° / 35° | Moderate | Mild, wet |
| Shenandoah National Park | 43° / 23° | Quiet | Cool |
| Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area | 52° / 33° | Moderate | Cool |
Closures, reservations and alerts: Blue Ridge Parkway on nps.gov
All twelve months at Blue Ridge Parkway · National parks to visit in January