Redwood in January: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Shoulder · VisitWhen score 59/100 · #11 of 12 months

January is a solid shoulder-season month to visit Redwood National Park: crowds run 26% of the June peak (24,578 average visits). Weather: highs average 55°F and lows 39°F, with 13.4″ of precipitation and 9.5 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

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Crowds in January

Redwood averages 24,578 recreation visits in January — 26% of what June, the peak month, draws — the third-quietest month of the year. Plan lodging and entries with that in mind.

Weather & daylight

Expect cool days (highs average 55°F), and mornings are chilly (lows average 39°F). This is one of the wetter months (13.4″ of precipitation on average). Mid-month daylight runs 9.5 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station KLAMATH, CA US (4 mi from park coordinates, 28 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of January.

What to pack for Redwood in January

Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.

• Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy) — mornings average 39°F
• Rain shell + pack cover — 13.4″ of precipitation is normal this month
• Headlamp — only 9.5 hours of daylight in mid-January (compare other options)
• Waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — 13.4″ of rain is normal this month

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Looking for a better window? The computed best months for Redwood are April and May.

Also at their best in January

Other parks whose computed January verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:

• Channel Islands in January — 35% of peak crowds, highs 66°F, score 76/100
• Zion in January — 23% of peak crowds, highs 54°F, score 76/100
• Carlsbad Caverns in January — 38% of peak crowds, highs 56°F, score 73/100
• Big Bend in January — 50% of peak crowds, highs 69°F, score 71/100

Common questions

See also: the best national parks to visit in January · Last verified 2026-09-24