Black Canyon of the Gunnison in January: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Shoulder · VisitWhen score 57/100 · #11 of 12 months
January is a quiet month with trade-offs at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: crowds run 19% of the June peak (9,395 average visits). Weather: highs average 37°F and lows 13°F, with 1.7″ of precipitation and 9.8 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
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Bring for Black Canyon of the Gunnison in January
- Insulated parka + thermal base layersSee it on AmazonWhy: average lows of 13°F.
- HeadlampSee it on AmazonWhy: only 9.8 hours of daylight in mid-January.
- Sturdy, broken-in hiking bootsSee it on AmazonWhy: every park, every month.
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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 — crowds are thin by this park's standards.
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 (compare other options)
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
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Want quieter or kinder conditions? The computed best months for Black Canyon of the Gunnison are March and April.
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
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). See every month at Black Canyon of the Gunnison.
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). Compare it with other national parks in January.
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. Going in February instead? Black Canyon of the Gunnison in February has its own list.
See also: the best national parks to visit in January · Last verified 2026-09-24