WinterOff season ~22°F highs

Things to do in Bismarck in January

January is off season (quieter, and often cheaper) to visit Bismarck, with average highs around 22°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.

Dakota Zoo

zoo in Bismarck, North Dakota

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park

North Dakota state park

Camp Hancock State Historic Site

North Dakota

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.

Bismarck in January: quick answers

Is January a good time to visit Bismarck?

January is off season (quieter, and often cheaper) to visit Bismarck, with average highs around 22°F. Museums and indoor sights come into their own, with fewer crowds outside.

What is the weather like in Bismarck in January?

Average daytime highs are around 22°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 Bismarck in January?

Top picks for January: Dakota Zoo, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, Camp Hancock State Historic Site, Cedar River National Grassland, Fort Clark Historic Site.