LivingTravelJanuary in Toronto Weather, what to pack and what...

January in Toronto Weather, what to pack and what to see

January in Toronto can be cold, but with lots of post-holiday sales and few crowds, it can be a great time to visit this Canadian city. Some people really enjoy the cold and snow, so for them, Toronto and its metropolitan area offer a lot to do to make the most of the winter season.

Plus, all of Toronto’s top sites and attractions stay open during January, so visitors still have access to the best the city has to offer. And if you like to ski or snowboard, there are plenty of places to hit the slopes around Toronto, depending on how long you have during your stay.

Toronto weather in January

Toronto has cold, snowy winters. Visitors to Canada in January should be prepared for rain or snow, which is likely. Freezing temperatures feel colder due to the chill factor of the wind. However, if you are prepared, you can comfortably enjoy the Toronto winter.

  • Average January temperature: -2 degrees C (28 degrees F)
  • January average high: -1 degrees C (31 degrees F)
  • January Average Low: -7 degrees C (20 degrees F)

You can also expect an average of 15 inches of snow for the entire month of January and around three inches of rain. Wind, especially in the city center, can also hit frequently during January making the low temperatures feel colder. All the more reason to pack accordingly for maximum warmth and comfort.

What to pack for Toronto in January

Be sure to bring clothing that can be layered. Although it’s cold outside, the indoor stores, theaters, and restaurants can be quite warm. This is what you should include in your suitcase.

  • Long-sleeved shirts such as sweaters and sweatshirts.
  • A heavy winter jacket, a lighter jacket, or a winter vest
  • Hat, scarf, and gloves or mittens.
  • Waterproof and closed shoes and boots.
  • Umbrella

January events and festivals

New Years Day : January 1 is a legal holiday, so many businesses, services, and government offices are expected to be closed.

Next Stage Theater Festival: Produced by the Toronto Fringe, this is the city’s premier winter theater event where you’ll see new works by established fringe artists. For 2019, the event will run from January 9 to 20.

Winterlicious – This culinary event series and popular prix fixe promotion takes place in more than 220 Toronto restaurants. It is celebrated at the end of January until the beginning of February.

Harbourfront Center – Located in the heart of Toronto’s waterfront, you’ll always find special arts and cultural events at the Harbourfront Center. Also at the Harbourfront Center you’ll find the Natrel skating rink, the largest artificially frozen outdoor rink in Canada. Located on the shoreline of Lake Ontario, this scenic trail is free and runs November through March.

Canada’s Top Ten Film Festival – This festival offers the best of Canadian and international cinema along with lectures, discussions and workshops.

The Distillery Historic District: Check out tours and other special events in this town with unique shops, galleries, restaurants, theaters, cafes and shops surrounded by Victorian industrial architecture. Specifically, the Toronto Light Festival is worth a visit, where light becomes an artistic medium culminating in a unique display of installations by local and international artists. For 2019, the festival will run from January 18 to March 3.

Ontario Place: Until March 17, 2019, there are all kinds of things going on at Ontario Place. Check out more light-based art installations in the Winter Light exhibition. You can also rent some skates and go gliding on the synthetic rink located off the shore of Lake Ontario. When you’re cold, warm up in the fire pit area, just steps from the skating rink.

January Travel Tips

  • Toronto is a great shopping city at any time of the year, but with January comes exceptional sales as stores try to unload all their Christmas wares.
  • With fewer tourists, it will be easier to get good tickets for the shows.
  • You may be able to get cheaper accommodation and flights to Toronto in January as it is the off-season for tourism in the city.

For more information on whether you want to visit Toronto in winter, check out our guide to the best time to visit the city.

Updated by Jessica Padykula

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