Guadalupe Mountains in January: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Shoulder · VisitWhen score 73/100 · #6 of 12 months
January is a solid shoulder-season month to visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park: crowds run 34% of the March peak (12,020 average visits). Weather: highs average 54°F and lows 32°F, with 0.6″ of precipitation and 10.3 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
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Bring for Guadalupe Mountains in January
- Insulated jacket, beanie and glovesSee it on AmazonWhy: nights average 32°F, below freezing.
- HeadlampSee it on AmazonWhy: only 10.3 hours of daylight in mid-January.
- Sturdy, broken-in hiking bootsSee it on AmazonWhy: every park, every month.
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Guadalupe Mountains in January: what the park service says
January is one of Guadalupe Mountains' two coldest months: the park service says snow and freezing fog are common in December and January, and snow and ice linger at high elevations all season. It is also deep in the windy season (November through March), when winds over 30 mph are frequent and gusts can hit 50 to 80 mph on exposed ridges. Pack layers for anything from below freezing to warm, a wind shell and traction for icy upper trails, and plan the Guadalupe Peak climb around the forecast.
Source: NPS, checked 2026-11-05.
Crowds in January
Guadalupe Mountains averages 12,020 recreation visits in January — 34% of what March, the peak month, draws — this is the second-quietest month of the year. Plan lodging and entries with that in mind.
Weather & daylight
Expect cool days (highs average 54°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 32°F). It is typically dry (0.6″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 10.3 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station PINE SPRINGS, TX US (4 mi from park coordinates, 5,591 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of January.
What to pack for Guadalupe Mountains in January
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 32°F, below freezing
- Headlamp — only 10.3 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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Looking for a better window? The computed best months for Guadalupe Mountains are May and August.
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 Guadalupe Mountains crowded in January?
No — January is one of the quieter months: 34% of the March peak, averaging 12,020 visits (NPS, 2021–2025). See every month at Guadalupe Mountains.
What is the weather like in Guadalupe Mountains in January?
Average highs of 54°F, lows of 32°F, 0.6″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, PINE SPRINGS, TX US station). Compare it with other national parks in January.
What should I pack for Guadalupe Mountains in January?
Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves; 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? Guadalupe Mountains in February has its own list.
See also: the best national parks to visit in January · Last verified 2026-09-24