The month in detail
What to expect in January
Off-season for skiing Sun Valley — lifts are closed. Consider hiking, mountain biking or summer activities at altitude.
January ranks 10 out of 12 months in Sun Valley.
This month's conditions
What it's like in January
UV index
2 · low
no protection needed
Feels like
dry air
-10°
Daylight
9.1h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 34
Compare
Is January the right month?
The best month in Sun Valley is July (9.3/10), 8.3 pts higher than January.
Context
Our verdict
Sun Valley, Idaho, is the oldest ski resort in North America (1936), created by Averell Harriman for his Union Pacific railway. Historic resort that invented the chairlift.
Book
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
Stay
Hotels & rentals · Sun Valley
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
See ↓
Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →
🎟️ Activities & tours · Sun Valley
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
Practical info
What you need to know before you go
Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a mountain stay.
Country · United States
🗣️LanguageEnglish
💶CurrencyUS Dollar ($)
🚗DrivingRight-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living ⓘExpensive · 4/5
🌡️ Climate
🌍Climate typeAlpine mountain climate
📈Climate trend ⓘStable
🔥Hottest monthJuly · 28°C
❄️Coolest monthJanuary · 0°C
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘMay · 38%
🏔️ Mountain stay
⛰️Village altitude1753 m
🎿Ski area1753 → 2789 m
⛷️Ski seasonDec → May
🥾Hiking seasonJun → Sep
🧗High mountains ⓘGuide recommended
Explore
Other destinations in January
If January doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.
Similar climate
Park CityUnited StatesSteamboat SpringsUnited StatesJackson HoleUnited StatesAspenUnited States
BanskoBulgaria
Location
Where is Sun Valley ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
United StatesAlpine mountain climate climate with a 9.3 → 1.0 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
43.70°N · 114.35°W
Questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Sun Valley?
It depends on the activity. For skiing: March (ski score 8.4/10). For hiking/summer: June (8.6/10, 21.0°C).
Can you ski in Sun Valley in winter?
Yes, it's peak ski season. Average ski score December–February: 8.0/10. Cold temperatures (0°C max in January) and frequent snowfall.
Is it warm in Sun Valley in summer?
In June, temperatures average 21.0°C. Best period for hiking and outdoor activities.
What is the wettest month in Sun Valley?
April is the wettest month with April has the lowest climate score of the year.
Do you need sun protection in Sun Valley in January?
The average UV index reaches 2 in January in Sun Valley (low), with about 9.1h of daylight. No protection needed.