Columbus in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in Columbus

1.7°C (35°F) High Temp

-4.4°C (24°F) Low Temp

89 mm (3.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect season for winter sports at Mad River Mountain (45 minutes south) - 12 trails open with fresh powder and minimal lift lines compared to peak holiday crowds
Franklin Park Conservatory transforms into a tropical escape with 88°F (31°C) indoor gardens while it's freezing outside - admission drops to $18 after January 15th
Blue Jackets hockey season hits prime time with 8 home games - tickets as low as $25 for upper bowl seats, best atmosphere of the year
Restaurant Week happens late January with 3-course meals at top restaurants for $35-45, including German Village establishments normally $60+ per person

Considerations

Outdoor festivals and farmers markets shut down completely - North Market indoor vendors only option for local food sampling
Scioto Mile and riverfront activities become unpleasant with wind chill often reaching -12°C (10°F) - most outdoor sculptures inaccessible
Daylight limited to 9 hours (sunrise 7:45am, sunset 5:45pm) restricting sightseeing time and making evening activities feel rushed

Best Activities in January

Indoor Cultural District Exploration

January is ideal for Columbus's museum and gallery scene. COSI Science Museum, Columbus Museum Of Art, and Wexner Center for the Arts offer warm refuges with special winter exhibitions. The heating systems make these spaces comfortable while outdoor temperatures drop below freezing. Most venues offer January discounts and extended weekend hours to combat seasonal blues.

Booking Tip: Purchase museum passes online 2-3 days ahead for 15% discounts. Combination tickets for multiple venues typically cost $45-65 for adults. Many offer free parking in January unlike summer months. Check current exhibitions and passes in booking section below.

Brewery District Winter Tours

Columbus's craft beer scene peaks in January with limited winter releases and cozy taproom atmospheres. The Brewery District and Short North offer indoor brewery hopping with heated shuttles. Cold weather makes the warm, malty flavors more appealing, and breweries run special January promotions to drive off-season traffic.

Booking Tip: Book guided brewery tours 7-10 days ahead, typically $65-85 per person including 4-5 tastings and transportation. Private group tours available for $450-650. Most tours run Friday-Sunday only in January. See current brewery tour options in booking section below.

German Village Walking Tours

The historic brick homes and cobblestone streets look spectacular with snow cover, creating postcard-perfect winter scenes. Indoor portions include warm cafes, bookstores, and the famous Schmidt's Sausage Haus. January offers the most real feel without summer crowds blocking narrow sidewalks.

Booking Tip: Join guided walking tours that include indoor stops every 20-30 minutes to warm up. Tours typically cost $25-35 per person and last 2 hours with heated van options available. Book 5-7 days ahead through licensed local guides. Current winter tour schedules available in booking section below.

Arena District Entertainment

January brings peak hockey and basketball season with Blue Jackets and minor league teams. The indoor Arena District connects via covered walkways to restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. Pre and post-game activities provide warm indoor socializing opportunities that define Columbus winter culture.

Booking Tip: Game tickets range from $25-125 depending on opponent and seating. Book dinner reservations 2 weeks ahead for game nights. Parking costs $15-25, but some packages include parking and concessions for $75-95 total. Check current sports and entertainment packages in booking section below.

Short North Arts District Gallery Crawls

The first Saturday of January features Gallery Hop with 40+ galleries, studios, and shops staying open late with wine and appetizers. Indoor venues provide warmth while the district's covered walkways and heated bus stops make moving between locations comfortable even in 24°F (-4°C) weather.

Booking Tip: Gallery Hop is free but guided art tours cost $30-45 per person including refreshments. Book cultural walking tours 3-5 days ahead. Many galleries offer January sales with 20-30% off local artwork. Current art tour options available in booking section below.

Indoor Sports and Recreation Complex Tours

The Greater Columbus Convention Center and nearby facilities host major indoor events in January including home and garden shows, fitness expos, and trade shows. These climate-controlled environments showcase Columbus's event hosting capabilities while providing entertainment during the coldest month.

Booking Tip: Event tickets typically range from $12-35 for general admission to specialty shows. Purchase online 1-2 weeks ahead for parking bundle deals at $20-30 total. Weekend shows get crowded but offer better vendor selection. Check current event schedules in booking section below.

January Events & Festivals

Mid to Late January

Arnold Sports Festival Preparation Events

Leading up to the March festival, January features qualifier competitions and fitness expos at various venues throughout Columbus. These smaller events showcase the city's fitness culture with bodybuilding, powerlifting, and martial arts demonstrations in heated indoor venues.

Throughout January

Blue Jackets Hockey Season Peak

January typically features 8-10 home games including weekend matchups against division rivals. The atmosphere reaches season highs as playoff positioning becomes crucial. Nationwide Arena creates a warm community gathering space during the coldest month.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Heavy winter coat rated for -12°C (10°F) wind chill - Columbus wind tunnels between downtown buildings make it feel 5-10 degrees colder

Waterproof boots with good tread - sidewalks get icy and snowy with minimal salt treatment on side streets

Warm layers including thermal underwear - you'll transition frequently between 21°C (70°F) indoor spaces and sub-freezing outdoors

Waterproof gloves and warm hat - essential for any outdoor walking, even short distances between venues

Lip balm and moisturizer - indoor heating systems run constantly, creating very dry air that affects skin

Compact umbrella - January snow often melts into slush and refreezes, creating messy conditions

Hand warmers - useful for outdoor activities like Blue Jackets tailgating or evening walks

Sunglasses - snow glare can be intense on sunny January days, especially around riverfront areas

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains phone batteries faster, important for navigation and ride-sharing apps

Insider Knowledge

Local grocery chain Kroger runs major post-holiday clearance sales through January 15th - perfect for stocking up on snacks at 50-70% off regular prices

The Scioto Mile riverside path gets completely cleared of snow by 10am most days thanks to downtown business district maintenance, making it walkable when other trails remain impassable

Most Columbus residents escape to indoor malls (Polaris Fashion Place, Easton Town Center) on weekends - these become social hubs with extended hours and special January promotions

COTA bus system offers heated bus stops at major downtown locations, making public transportation more comfortable than ride-sharing for short trips in extreme cold

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how cold Columbus actually gets - visitors from warmer climates often pack insufficient winter gear and end up buying expensive items locally

Planning too many outdoor activities - most outdoor attractions, parks, and walking tours become unpleasant or close completely in January weather

Not checking Blue Jackets game schedules - downtown parking and restaurant availability completely changes on game nights, requiring different planning