January · Canada
Best time to visit Nanaimo in January Weather, crowds & prices
Weather in Nanaimo in January
Average temperature 4°C, 115 mm of rain, about 0 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 92% humidity — based on the five most recent complete years of ERA5 data (2021–2025).
January score
3.3/10
Ranked #11 of 12 months
- Avg temp
- 4°C
- Rainfall
- 115 mm
- Humidity
- 92%
- Days with 6h+ sun
- 0
- Crowd Density
- Quiet / Uncrowded
- Average Expenses
- $ · Budget Friendly ($)
January in Nanaimo scores 3.3/10 for sightseeing and cultural travel - ranked #11 of 12. Expect around 4°C, 115 mm of rain, and roughly 0 days with 6+ hours of sunshine this month.
Nanaimo is Vancouver Island's harbour city, with a lively waterfront, island ferries, and forested hikes minutes from downtown.
January in Nanaimo: expect compromises
January averages 4°C (39°F), cold enough that sightseeing works in bursts rather than in one long day on foot.
At 115 mm this is a genuinely wet month: almost no days with 6+ hours of sunshine in total, and outdoor plans need an indoor fallback.
It scores 3.3/10 here, 11th of 12 months, against 9.8/10 in the destination's best month.
Pack insulated layers, a windproof shell, gloves and boots with grip, a proper rain shell rather than an umbrella.
Plan for low-season pricing, with crowds are light for this destination.
Flexible dates? July scores 6.5 points higher here — enough to change the trip.
Frequently asked
- What is the weather like in Nanaimo in January?
- In January, Nanaimo averages 4°C, 115 mm of rain, and about 0 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Its climate-comfort score is 3.3/10.
- Is January a good time to visit Nanaimo?
- January earns a 3.3/10 climate-comfort score. Use the year-round chart to weigh the weather against your budget and crowd preferences.
- How much does it rain in Nanaimo in January?
- Expect about 115 mm of rain in January. Average humidity is 92% and there are about 0 days with 6+ hours of sunshine.
Curated in Nanaimo
Tickets & experiences
Things to do in Nanaimo
Nanaimo, Canada. Live activities and tours from GetYourGuide, matched to this destination.