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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Bring for Redwood in January
- Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy)See it on AmazonWhy: mornings average 39°F.
- Rain shell + pack coverSee it on AmazonWhy: 13.4″ of precipitation is normal this month.
- HeadlampSee it on AmazonWhy: only 9.5 hours of daylight in mid-January.
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Redwood in January: what the park service says
January at Redwood is wet-season planning. The park service keeps dispersed camping along Redwood Creek closed from October 15 to April 1 because of high water, and Davison Road's two stream crossings to Fern Canyon and Gold Bluffs Beach are harder after rain (high clearance recommended). The Tall Trees Trail is reservation-only all year. Check the conditions page before you go; it was last updated October 22, 2026.
Source: NPS, checked 2026-11-05.
Crowds in January
Redwood averages 24,578 recreation visits in January — 26% of what June, the peak month, draws — this is 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 precipitation 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
Is Redwood crowded in January?
No — January is one of the quieter months: 26% of the June peak, averaging 24,578 visits (NPS, 2021–2025). See every month at Redwood.
What is the weather like in Redwood in January?
Average highs of 55°F, lows of 39°F, 13.4″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, KLAMATH, CA US station). Compare it with other national parks in January.
What should I pack for Redwood in January?
Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy); Rain shell + pack cover; Headlamp — the full weather-computed list is on this page. Going in February instead? Redwood in February has its own list.
See also: the best national parks to visit in January · Last verified 2026-09-24