Toronto

Ontario Weather in January

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

Considering a trip to Ontario, Canada this January and wondering about the expected weather conditions? Find all the crucial information you need right here, addressing your question:

What to Expect in Ontario in January

Ontario, Canada is a region in Canada. The weather in Ontario in January can be quite varied, with very cold temperatures and precipitation levels ranging from low to high. January falls during the winter season.

Temperatures

The average maximum temperatures are very cold and range from -12°C (10°F) in Red Lake to 1°C (34°F) in Saint Catharines. Nighttime temperatures generally drop to -6°C (21°F) in Saint Catharines and -21°C (-6°F) in Red Lake. 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.

For a closer look at conditions across Ontario, Canada, refer to the map below.

Precipitation

In January, precipitation varies across different areas. From low snowfall in Kenora with an average of 27 mm (1.1 in) to high snowfall in Kincardine with 103 mm (4.1 in).

Average sunshine

Many places experience limited sunshine during this period. Toronto receives around 85 hours of sunlight. If you prefer more sunny conditions, our weather planner can help you explore other destinations.

Explore Ontario by month

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

Best Places to Visit in Ontario in January

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

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 Ontario

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

Temperature range in Ontario (January)

Precipitation variation in Ontario (January)

Toronto

In January Toronto generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 1°C (34°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -7°C (19°F) and moderate monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
4°C (39°F)
1°C (34°F)
1°C (34°F)
Min temperature
-3°C (27°F)
-7°C (19°F)
-7°C (19°F)
Monthly sun hours
78 hours
85 hours
111 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
83 mm (3.3 in)
84 mm (3.3 in)
68 mm (2.7 in)
Monthly rainy days
13 days
12 days
10 days
Weather conditions

Ottawa

In January Ottawa generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -4°C (25°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -15°C (5°F) and moderate monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
0°C (32°F)
-4°C (25°F)
-2°C (28°F)
Min temperature
-9°C (16°F)
-15°C (5°F)
-14°C (7°F)
Monthly sun hours
83 hours
98 hours
132 hours
Monthly snowfall
85 mm (3.3 in)
79 mm (3.1 in)
69 mm (2.7 in)
Monthly rainy days
16 days
14 days
12 days
Weather conditions

Niagara Falls

In January Niagara Falls generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 0°C (32°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -7°C (19°F) and moderate monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
4°C (39°F)
0°C (32°F)
-1°C (30°F)
Min temperature
-3°C (27°F)
-7°C (19°F)
-8°C (18°F)
Monthly sun hours
68 hours
93 hours
109 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
93 mm (3.7 in)
68 mm (2.7 in)
67 mm (2.6 in)
Monthly rainy days
16 days
19 days
16 days
Weather conditions

Mississauga

In January Mississauga generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 0°C (32°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -8°C (18°F) and moderate monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
3°C (37°F)
0°C (32°F)
1°C (34°F)
Min temperature
-3°C (27°F)
-8°C (18°F)
-8°C (18°F)
Monthly sun hours
88 hours
78 hours
113 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
76 mm (3 in)
77 mm (3 in)
66 mm (2.6 in)
Monthly rainy days
12 days
11 days
9 days
Weather conditions

Niagara on the Lake

In January Niagara on the Lake generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 1°C (34°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -5°C (23°F) and moderate monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
3°C (37°F)
1°C (34°F)
0°C (32°F)
Min temperature
-2°C (28°F)
-5°C (23°F)
-5°C (23°F)
Monthly sun hours
68 hours
93 hours
109 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
57 mm (2.2 in)
42 mm (1.7 in)
48 mm (1.9 in)
Monthly rainy days
10 days
13 days
11 days
Weather conditions

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

Popular cities in January

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

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Toronto 1°C (34°F) -7°C (19°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Ottawa -4°C (25°F) -15°C (5°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Niagara Falls 0°C (32°F) -7°C (19°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mississauga 0°C (32°F) -8°C (18°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Niagara on the Lake 1°C (34°F) -5°C (23°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Kingston -1°C (30°F) -10°C (14°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)

Ontario weather in January: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in Ontario, Canada in January?

January in Ontario, Canada brings poor weather. In Toronto, daytime temperatures are typically around 1°C (34°F) and nighttime lows hover near -7°C (19°F).

What is the average temperature in Ontario, Canada in January?

Toronto averages a daytime maximum of 1°C (34°F) in January, with overnight lows close to -7°C (19°F).

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

Rain is generally moderate to light in Ontario, Canada during January, with Toronto averaging close to 84 mm (3.3 in).

Is January a Good Time to Visit Ontario, Canada?

In our view, January might not be the best time to travel to Ontario, Canada with often poor weather in Toronto.

On average, the best time to visit Ontario, Canada is in June, July, August and September with generally perfect weather in Toronto. 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 Ontario.

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.