Nova Scotia Weather in January

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in Nova Scotia, Canada in January.

Thinking about venturing to Nova Scotia, Canada this January and curious about the weather conditions to expect? This page holds all the key information you seek, responding to your question:

What to Expect in Nova Scotia in January

Nova Scotia, Canada is a region in Canada. January in Nova Scotia generally has temperatures that range from very cold to cold, with precipitation levels ranging from moderate to high. January falls during the winter season.

Temperatures

During the day temperatures vary from very cold in Amherst at -1°C (30°F) to cold in Yarmouth at 3°C (37°F). At night it cools down to -4°C (25°F) in Yarmouth and -12°C (10°F) in Amherst. Typically, it's the chilliest month of the year. Making it a great time for staying indoors and enjoying the warmth. Make sure you're prepared by packing the right winter outfits.

To explore the conditions in Nova Scotia, Canada in more detail, check the map below.

Precipitation

In January, precipitation varies across different areas. From moderate snowfall in Amherst with an average of 98 mm (3.9 in) to high snowfall in Baddeck with 149 mm (5.9 in).

Average sunshine

Sunshine is moderately available across various locations. In Halifax, you can expect around 108 hours of sunlight in January, which gives a pleasant combination of sun and shade. For those who want maximum sunshine, our weather planner can point you toward the sunniest places on Earth.

Explore Nova Scotia by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Nova Scotia — and find the best time to visit. (based on Halifax)

Best Places to Visit in Nova Scotia in January

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across Nova Scotia.

perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

Popular Destinations in Nova Scotia

What is the weather like in January for some of the most popular destinations in Nova Scotia, Canada?

Temperature range in Nova Scotia (January)

Precipitation variation in Nova Scotia (January)

Halifax

In January Halifax generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 1°C (34°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -8°C (18°F) and high monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
5°C (41°F)
1°C (34°F)
1°C (34°F)
Min temperature
-3°C (27°F)
-8°C (18°F)
-8°C (18°F)
Monthly sun hours
108 hours
108 hours
129 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
144 mm (5.7 in)
120 mm (4.7 in)
120 mm (4.7 in)
Monthly rainy days
15 days
14 days
12 days
Weather conditions

Lunenburg

In January Lunenburg generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 2°C (36°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -7°C (19°F) and high monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
5°C (41°F)
2°C (36°F)
2°C (36°F)
Min temperature
-2°C (28°F)
-7°C (19°F)
-6°C (21°F)
Monthly sun hours
108 hours
108 hours
129 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
152 mm (6 in)
127 mm (5 in)
126 mm (5 in)
Monthly rainy days
15 days
14 days
11 days
Weather conditions

Baddeck

In January Baddeck generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -1°C (30°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -9°C (16°F) and high monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
3°C (37°F)
-1°C (30°F)
-1°C (30°F)
Min temperature
-4°C (25°F)
-9°C (16°F)
-10°C (14°F)
Monthly snowfall
174 mm (6.9 in)
149 mm (5.9 in)
147 mm (5.8 in)
Monthly rainy days
17 days
17 days
12 days
Weather conditions

Pictou

In January Pictou generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -1°C (30°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -10°C (14°F) and high monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
3°C (37°F)
-1°C (30°F)
0°C (32°F)
Min temperature
-5°C (23°F)
-10°C (14°F)
-10°C (14°F)
Monthly sun hours
77 hours
109 hours
110 hours
Monthly snowfall
129 mm (5.1 in)
106 mm (4.2 in)
106 mm (4.2 in)
Monthly rainy days
17 days
15 days
12 days
Weather conditions

Digby

In January Digby generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 2°C (36°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -6°C (21°F) and high monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
5°C (41°F)
2°C (36°F)
2°C (36°F)
Min temperature
-2°C (28°F)
-6°C (21°F)
-6°C (21°F)
Monthly snow/rainfall
152 mm (6 in)
123 mm (4.8 in)
116 mm (4.6 in)
Monthly rainy days
15 days
14 days
10 days
Weather conditions

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in Nova Scotia, in Canada.

Popular cities in January

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in Nova Scotia in January.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Halifax 1°C (34°F) -8°C (18°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Lunenburg 2°C (36°F) -7°C (19°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Baddeck -1°C (30°F) -9°C (16°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
Pictou -1°C (30°F) -10°C (14°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Digby 2°C (36°F) -6°C (21°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
Truro 0°C (32°F) -11°C (12°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)

Nova Scotia weather in January: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in Nova Scotia, Canada in January?

January in Nova Scotia, Canada brings poor weather. In Halifax, daytime temperatures are typically around 1°C (34°F) and nighttime lows hover near -8°C (18°F).

What is the average temperature in Nova Scotia, Canada in January?

Daytime temperatures in Halifax peak at roughly 1°C (34°F) in January, dropping to about -8°C (18°F) overnight.

Does Nova Scotia, Canada get a lot of snow/rain in January?

Halifax typically receives notable snow/rainfall in January, about 120 mm (4.7 in) on average across Nova Scotia, Canada.

Is January a Good Time to Visit Nova Scotia, Canada?

Given the typically poor weather conditions in Halifax, January may not be the ideal time to visit Nova Scotia, Canada.

Generally speaking, July and August provide perfect weather in Halifax. On the other hand, the months of January, February, March, April, November and December tend to have poor weather conditions.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in Nova Scotia.

Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to Canada? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in Canada.

Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

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Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.