The month in detail
What to expect in January
Off-season for skiing Vail — lifts are closed. Consider hiking, mountain biking or summer activities at altitude.
January ranks 9 out of 12 months in Vail.
This month's conditions
What it's like in January
UV index
3 · moderate
protect during midday hours
Feels like
dry air
-15°
Daylight
9.5h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 35
Compare
Is January the right month?
The best month in Vail is July (7.9/10), 7.0 pts higher than January.
Context
Our verdict
Vail is the largest single-mountain ski resort in the United States: 2400 hectares, 7 back bowls (world-class off-piste valleys). Faux-Tyrolean village built in the 60s.
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 · Vail
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
See ↓
Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →
🎟️ Activities & tours · Vail
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 ⓘ+-1.16°C/decade
🔥Hottest monthJuly · 24°C
❄️Coolest monthJanuary · -1°C
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘFebruary · 52%
🏔️ Mountain stay
⛰️Village altitude2476 m
🎿Ski area2476 → 3527 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
BreckenridgeUnited StatesAspenUnited StatesYellowstoneUSATellurideUnited States
Mont-TremblantCanada
Location
Where is Vail ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
United StatesAlpine mountain climate climate with a 7.9 → 0.8 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
39.64°N · 106.37°W
Questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Vail?
It depends on the activity. For skiing: March (ski score 8.6/10). For hiking/summer: March (8.6/10, 4.0°C).
Can you ski in Vail in winter?
Yes, it's peak ski season. Average ski score December–February: 8.1/10. Cold temperatures (-1°C max in January) and frequent snowfall.
Is it warm in Vail in summer?
In March, temperatures average 4.0°C. Best period for hiking and outdoor activities.
What is the wettest month in Vail?
April is the wettest month with April has the lowest climate score of the year.
Do you need sun protection in Vail in January?
The average UV index reaches 3 in January in Vail (moderate), with about 9.5h of daylight. Protect during midday hours.