WinterOff season ~45°F highs

Things to do in Raleigh in January

January is off season (quieter, and often cheaper) to visit Raleigh, with average highs around 45°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

North Carolina Museum of Art

state art museum in Raleigh, North Carolina

2Indoor escape

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

North Carolina’s state museum for science and nature, located in Raleigh

3Indoor escape

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.

Raleigh in January: quick answers

Is January a good time to visit Raleigh?

January is off season (quieter, and often cheaper) to visit Raleigh, with average highs around 45°F. Museums and indoor sights come into their own, with fewer crowds outside.

What is the weather like in Raleigh in January?

Average daytime highs are around 45°F, compared with 91°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 Raleigh in January?

Top picks for January: North Carolina Museum of Art, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Ackland Art Museum, Nasher Museum of Art, Morehead Planetarium.