Things to Do in St. Johns in January
January weather, activities, events & insider tips
January Weather in St. Johns
Is January Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect walking weather with temperatures averaging 23°C (73°F) - ideal for exploring the Historic Downtown and Signal Hill without overheating
- Minimal tourist crowds mean shorter lines at major attractions like Cape Spear Lighthouse and better photo opportunities without people in the background
- January is prime iceberg season - massive bergs drift south from Greenland, creating spectacular viewing opportunities from Signal Hill and Cape Spear
- Hotel rates drop 40-60% from summer peaks, with downtown properties averaging CAD $120-180 versus CAD $300+ in July
Considerations
- Limited daylight hours with sunrise around 8:00am and sunset by 5:30pm, restricting outdoor activity time to roughly 9.5 hours
- Weather can change rapidly - morning sunshine can turn to freezing rain or snow within hours, requiring flexible itinerary planning
- Many seasonal attractions like boat tours to Witless Bay Ecological Reserve are completely closed until May
Best Activities in January
Signal Hill Historic Site Winter Exploration
January offers crystal-clear visibility for spotting icebergs from Cabot Tower, with snow-covered landscapes creating dramatic photo opportunities. The 1.6km (1-mile) trail to the summit is well-maintained year-round, and indoor exhibits provide warm respite. Crowds are minimal, allowing peaceful contemplation of the harbor views.
Downtown St. John's Historic Walking Routes
January's mild temperatures and lack of summer tour groups make this ideal for exploring Water Street (North America's oldest commercial street) and the colorful Jellybean Row houses. Fresh snow often dusts the Victorian architecture, creating postcard-perfect scenes.
Cape Spear Lighthouse Winter Photography
As North America's easternmost point, Cape Spear offers unobstructed iceberg viewing in January. The historic lighthouse (1836) stands dramatically against winter skies, and you'll often have the entire site to yourself. The 30-minute drive from downtown rewards with spectacular Atlantic vistas.
The Rooms Museum Winter Collections
When weather turns harsh, The Rooms provides world-class indoor exploration. Their January special exhibitions often focus on Newfoundland's maritime history and Inuit art collections. The building itself offers panoramic harbor views from climate-controlled comfort.
George House Winter Cuisine Tours
January is peak season for traditional Newfoundland comfort foods - jiggs dinner, fish and brewis, and toutons. Local restaurants feature hearty winter menus using preserved and root vegetables. Food tours focus on indoor venues, perfect for cold days.
Quidi Vidi Village Winter Photography
This 15th-century fishing village becomes magical under January snow, with traditional wooden stages and colorful fishing boats creating authentic Maritime scenes. The brewery offers warm indoor tastings, and crowds are virtually non-existent.
January Events & Festivals
New Year's Day Polar Bear Dip
Brave locals plunge into the frigid harbor waters at Bowring Park, followed by hot chocolate and community celebration. A uniquely Newfoundland tradition that embodies the province's hardy spirit.
Iceberg Season Peak Viewing
While not an organized event, January marks when massive icebergs from Greenland's glaciers drift past Newfoundland's coast. Signal Hill and Cape Spear offer the best viewing points, with bergs sometimes visible for weeks.