Things to do in Durham in January

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Overview

January is a good time to visit Durham. The weather is usually freezing cold and slightly windy, with temperatures ranging from 14—26°F (-10—-3°C).

Durham has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your January trip to Durham. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to January. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Durham in January. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout January, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

Visiting Durham? See our Durham Trip Planner.
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Best events and things to do in Durham in January

Top experiences in January
We couldn't find any experiences in January
Holidays in Durham in January
January
  • New Year's Day (January 1)
  • Epiphany (January 6)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Durham in January

Temperatures on an average day in Durham in January

The average temperature in Durham in January for a typical day ranges from a high of 26°F (-3°C) to a low of 14°F (-10°C). Some would describe the temperature to be freezing cold. The general area may also feel slightly windy.

For comparison, the hottest month in Durham, July, has days with highs of 80°F (26°C) and lows of 61°F (16°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 26°F (-3°C) and lows of 14°F (-10°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Durham in January based on historical data.

Visiting Durham? See our Durham Trip Planner.

Historical temperature average in January
26°F
highs
14°F
lows

General weather summary

Freezing cold, slightly windy
Feels like
24%
Chance of rain
0.116 in
Amount
19.7 mph
Wind speed
97%
Humidity
9.3 hrs
Daylight length
7:53 AM
Sunrise
5:10 PM
Sunset
24%
Cloud cover
Thick winter coat with gloves
What to wear
What to wear in January
With an average high of 26°F (-3°C) and a low of 14°F (-10°C), it generally feels freezing cold and slightly windy. With that in mind, most people would dress in something toasty like a thick winter coat with gloves
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Best attractions for Durham in January

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Durham has to offer for travelers in January, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Durham that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Durham for January.
McGowan Falls
1. McGowan Falls
4.6
(490)
Scenic spot
Nature & Parks
Slide 1 of 8
The parking lot easily accommodated a 28 ft RV, but I had to call to be able to pay the $5.00 day use fee. Unlike my recent Elora visit, this falls area is nearly unspoiled. Both formal and informal trails allow enjoyment of nature. Numerous picnic areas, a roped off swimming area, plentiful playground equipment, rustic washrooms and the falls themselves ensure that there is plenty to do here for all ages. In addition to walkers and cyclists, I encountered a few enjoying their cannabis on the bank, but park vehicles were seen several times so no one should think that this area is unsafe.
Penny S — Google review
Plenty parking and lots of history behind this beautiful place!!! Trail is kids and dog friendly! One doesn’t need to wonder far from the parking lot in order to see great views of the Falls!!
Angelo G — Google review
McGowan Falls is located in Durham, Ontario and is easy to find. The Falls are really pretty with a dam. There is free parking and a bridge to walk on to give you a nice view of the Saugeen River. We had a picnic there and it was a very beautiful sunny day.
Desanges D — Google review
Lived by it for so long, decided to go and see. It's really nice. You could have a picnic at the tables there. You cannot swim from the side we were on. But you can enter the Conservation Park to get to the swimming area but you pay by person to get in.
Anne N — Google review
Can be roaring and beautiful at certain times of the year. Our toddler refuses to cross the bridge here so we don't go down often so can't say much about the swimming beach or picnic lodge. This has changed so much since I was a teenager and we'd go climbing behind the falls. Obviously wasn't that safe but the nature and water just seemed so much bigger and better. The river is very still these days. The middle dam is the best for cooling off with the fam on these heat advisory days.
Lawna M — Google review
We had a quick stop here on the way. The dam is nice and there’s a little trail which is calm.
Nivi V — Google review
Beautiful falls, super peaceful. Definitely stop over a few minutes to check out this area during your road trip.
Hafiz S — Google review
We had lots of fun... Water was beautiful and clear!
Chickklette Z — Google review
Durham Conservation Area
2. Durham Conservation Area
4.6
(433)
Campground
Nature & Parks
Slide 1 of 8
Great service for a winter camp. Bathrooms clean. Park attendant lent us an extension cord for a 30 Amp plug
Jeff G — Google review
this was our second time camping here and our group absolutely loved the campground. staff were very friendly and helpful, and communal areas were kept clean & enjoyable to use. the sites are a great size and can accommodate a big group of people. will definitely be back!
Jaimee B — Google review
Free parking, swimming, washrooms open in when I visited in May. I entered from the entrance near Knox United Church. Water looks really nice to swim in. Above dam.
Ashley S — Google review
We had so much fun here over the weekend. As a child I went camping here. It was so fun to bring the kids for their first camping trip together here as well..it was super quiet which made the experience even more fun. The other fellow campers spread far out from us were super polite, and everyone was so respected when it came to quiet hour. It truly is a family oriented camping ground. The park staff even invited us to a dance at the main gate
Starlyn H — Google review
Includes McGowan falls. I dunno if I got confused or whatever; it seemed like it was just dam that was a few metres tall. Has a few picnic tables, a river with rocks that you can throw into, a washroom with soap and paper, swings, a slide, and inoffensive scenery. If you add a few filters and the right time of day, I’m sure you could scrounge up something Instagram worthy. Well, it’s nice, too, to have a place that isn’t too popular. Good enough for a few minutes’ stroll, or a casual afternoon lunch.
Teamleaderleo — Google review
Campsites are either tree enclosed or no trees anywhere. Sites with power and water are nice. You have to buy their wood for $10.00/bag only lasted one night! Staff are friendly, lots for teens and young ones to do, ie. Basketball, volleyball, horseshoes, swimming but beach is a car drive away.
Anne N — Google review
We took the kids here camping, the conversation was clean and peaceful. the kids enjoyed fishing and swimming in the waterfall.
Katie O — Google review
Was our first time camping here and we had a decent time. Campsite was a bit small and deceiving when we arrived versus the description and location that was on the map when we booked. The trails in the park are pretty nice and family friendly as they are not very difficult. The McGowan falls where the dam is located is a must see.
RANDY B — Google review
Durham Art Gallery
3. Durham Art Gallery
4.8
(29)
Art gallery
Museums
Slide 1 of 8
People are very friendly at the front desk, have great workshops that are varied! Also has regular exhibits. I’m new to town and happy I stopped by many times.
Cheyenne S — Google review
Loved the Clothesline exhibit by Heather Murray. So glad we stopped by for our first visit to this gallery. Looking forward to returning at our next opportunity.
R S — Google review
We had a great time at the Durham Gallery! Thanks for everything!
Emilio P — Google review
Small but well curated, very friendly staff and a great showcase for local artists. Very interesting pieces and styles of work. The Art Gallery serves as a focal point for the vibrant community of artists in Durham and is definitely worth a visit of art enthusiasts
Lara D — Google review
The recent exhibit at the Durham Art Gallery was a of my favourite art exhibits ever! So looking forward to future exhibits. Small gallery but beautifully curated!
Jessie M — Google review
Great contemporary art gallery! Free admission! I've been coming here for a long time and the shows are always really good. Well worth a visit.
Nicole H — Google review
The curator, staff and volunteers are dedicated and passionate. The exhibits reach a broader scale and aren't limited to topics solely of a rural art gallery. The programming, events and educational activities are relevant and provoke discussion.
Lindsey M — Google review
The exhibits are well done and unique. Everyone should check out the gallery and support this great establishment.
Wesley H — Google review
Wilmer Trout Ponds
4. Wilmer Trout Ponds
4.0
(19)
Permanently Closed
Fishing pond
Outdoor Activities
Slide 1 of 8
Amazing experience at Wilmer Trout Ponds. We were amateurs but the owner Yvonne Wilmer taught us everything how to set up the fishing rod and how to catch the fish. Such a lovely lady! We caught 6 big fish and they were so tasty! Thank you Yvonne for running such an amazing farm. Definitely we will go there again and we will bring friends! Ina and Vaska :)
Ina X — Google review
Wilmer trout farm is a great place to relax, while casting in to the ponds. Yvonne is a dedicated woman to her pond and a knowledgeable business owner. Help keep local business thriving by supporting a fun day out with family or Solo
Brice S — Google review
Not very well taken care off. Benches and tables are rotted out and unusable . lots of fish in the some ponds, bring every thing you need they supply nothing but worms
Peter N — Google review
A nice and relaxing place to fish. Prices are a little high, but had an awesome time there
Steve C — Google review
Owner is very helpful. Great spot for a family outing.
Jason E — Google review
been several times enjoyed everyone
Jessie D — Google review
Fish are awesome size and very healthy
Grant P — Google review
not open on opening day. Very disappointed
Amber R — Google review
The Bookstore
5. The Bookstore
4.6
(18)
Used book store
Shopping
Slide 1 of 8
Such a cute bookstore with a wide range of books. The prices are really good and the lady who runs it is extremely nice and friendly.
Miriam W — Google review
I order online great experience. I love the selection. I like it canadian used book store online
Rocking S — Google review
Like shopping The Bookstore! Lots of selection, CDs, and video too. Worth the stop. 😊
Barry P — Google review
Fast shipping, arrived in great condition, would shop again in the future.
Darren S — Google review
Very disappointed drove 3 hours to get there and found a sign on the door, stating closed till further notice. A phone call made last week and no mention of being closed and also checked website.
Kelly H — Google review
Such an amazing and cute space. Found everything I went for, and some lovely hidden gems. I could get lost in here forever and highly recommend it to everyone.
Snobble — Google review
So many books and not enough time! Was a lovely bookstore crammed full of so many different stories that you could spend hours! Will definitely be back!!
Danielle L — Google review
Stopped in here a couple months ago while passing through. The selection and prices are great! Friendly staff as well.
Megan C — Google review

What's the weather like in Durham?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Durham for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

Explore nearby places

All related maps of Durham

Durham throughout the year

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