WinterOff season ~24°F highs

Things to do in Rochester in January

January is off season (quieter, and often cheaper) to visit Rochester, with average highs around 24°F. Museums and indoor sights come into their own, with fewer crowds outside.

Plan a January weekend Where else in January

Best picks for January

What's famous here, weighted toward what shines in January.

1Indoor escape

SPAM Museum

museum in Minnesota, United States

2Indoor escape

Minnesota Marine Art Museum

art museum in Winona, Minnesota

3Indoor escape

Rushford Depoy Museum

Holidays in January 2027

New Year's Day · Fri, Jan 1
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day · Mon, Jan 18

Expect busier roads and pricier stays around these dates. See long weekends.

Rochester in January: quick answers

Is January a good time to visit Rochester?

January is off season (quieter, and often cheaper) to visit Rochester, with average highs around 24°F. Museums and indoor sights come into their own, with fewer crowds outside.

What is the weather like in Rochester in January?

Average daytime highs are around 24°F, compared with 81°F in the warmest month. Check the forecast a week out; our planner favors indoor stops on rainy days.

What are the best things to do in Rochester in January?

Top picks for January: SPAM Museum, Minnesota Marine Art Museum, Rushford Depoy Museum, Mayo Civic Center, Frontenac State Park.