Fresno in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in Fresno

15°C (59°F) High Temp

3°C (37°F) Low Temp

45 mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather in Sierra Nevada foothills - cool 10-15°C (50-59°F) temps ideal for trails without summer's 40°C+ (104°F+) heat
Citrus season peak - local oranges, mandarins, and pomegranates at farmers markets, U-pick orchards operating weekends
Minimal crowds at Yosemite (90 minutes away) - winter closure of high country means intimate valley experiences
Tule fog creates dramatic photography opportunities in Central Valley - best visibility mornings after 10am

Considerations

Valley fog can disrupt flights at FAT airport and limit mountain visibility for 3-5 days weekly
Many outdoor concerts and festivals on hiatus - Fresno's busy summer music scene dormant
Swimming pools and water activities impractical - hotel pools often closed or unheated

Best Activities in January

Sequoia National Park Winter Tours

January offers snow-dusted giant sequoias without summer crowds. General Grant Tree and Big Stump Trail accessible year-round. Cool 5-10°C (41-50°F) temps perfect for moderate hiking. Chains required on some roads - rental companies provide winter packages.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through park-licensed tour operators. Full-day tours typically ฿3,200-4,500 including transport. Check road conditions day-of - weather can change access routes.

Central Valley Agricultural Tours

Peak citrus harvest season means active orchards and packing houses. January is prime time for agricultural tourism - almond trees beginning to bloom, citrus picking experiences. Cool morning temps 5-8°C (41-46°F) ideal for farm work participation.

Booking Tip: Book through certified agritourism operators 5-7 days ahead. Half-day experiences typically ฿1,800-2,800. Many farms offer weekend-only tours in winter. See current farm tour options in booking section below.

Historic Downtown and Arts District Walking Tours

Cool 12-17°C (54-63°F) afternoon temps perfect for exploring Fulton Street revival, mural districts, and restored theaters. January's crisp air makes 2-3 hour walking tours comfortable. Local art galleries host winter exhibitions.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours possible year-round, but guided cultural tours typically ฿800-1,500. Book weekend tours 3-5 days ahead - limited winter schedules. Indoor venues provide fog-day backup options.

Millerton Lake Winter Recreation

Cool-weather fishing for rainbow trout and bass. January water temps 8-12°C (46-54°F) create excellent fishing conditions. Lake 32 km (20 miles) northeast offers hiking trails, bird watching. Morning fog clears by 11am typically.

Booking Tip: Boat rentals and guide services available through marina operators. Guided fishing typically ฿2,500-3,800 full day. No advance booking required for shore fishing. Check current recreation options in booking section.

Wine Tasting in Sierra Foothills

Madera Wine Trail 45 minutes east features winter tasting rooms with fireplaces. Cool 10-15°C (50-59°F) weather perfect for indoor tastings and vineyard walks. January sees new wine releases and smaller crowds at family wineries.

Booking Tip: Designated driver tours typically ฿2,200-3,500 including transport and 3-4 wineries. Book weekend tours 7-14 days ahead. Many tasting rooms offer winter specials. Individual winery visits require no advance booking.

Forestiere Underground Gardens Winter Tours

Unique underground citrus gardens maintain 15-18°C (59-64°F) year-round. January showcases winter citrus varieties in subterranean grottos. Cool surface weather makes underground exploration more comfortable than summer visits.

Booking Tip: Historic site tours typically ฿600-1,200 per person. Limited winter schedule - call ahead or book online 2-3 days prior. Tours run weather-permitting during fog-free periods.

January Events & Festivals

Mid to Late January

Rogue Festival

Fresno's annual fringe theater festival featuring local and touring performances in unconventional venues. Mix of comedy, drama, experimental works in galleries, cafes, and historic buildings throughout downtown.

Late January

Citrus Fair Agricultural Exhibits

Regional agricultural showcase highlighting Central Valley farming heritage. Includes citrus competitions, farm equipment displays, and local food vendors. Celebrates peak harvest season.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - mornings start at 3°C (37°F), afternoons reach 15°C (59°F)

Light waterproof jacket for occasional 10-15 minute drizzles, not heavy rain

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - morning dew and fog create slick surfaces

Sunglasses for afternoon sun - UV index 3 but bright when fog clears

Light scarf or sweater for evening dining - temperatures drop quickly after sunset

Compact umbrella for unexpected showers during 10 rainy days monthly

Camera with fog/low-light settings - dramatic morning fog photography opportunities

Casual dress clothes - many restaurants and wineries maintain business-casual standards

Reusable water bottle - low humidity means dehydration risk during outdoor activities

Hand moisturizer - indoor heating and low humidity can cause dry skin

Insider Knowledge

Fog typically lifts by 10-11am - schedule outdoor activities and driving for late morning to avoid morning visibility issues

Local citrus stands along Highway 99 offer better prices and fresher fruit than grocery stores - peak season means abundant roadside vendors

Many restaurants source ingredients from local farms in January - ask servers about seasonal specials featuring winter citrus and root vegetables

Free parking downtown after 6pm and weekends - expensive meters during business hours make evening dining more economical

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating morning fog delays - allow extra 30-45 minutes for airport and mountain drives during foggy periods

Packing only for mild weather - January mornings can drop to near-freezing, requiring warm layers despite afternoon warmth

Expecting summer agricultural activities - many farms limit tours in winter, focusing on citrus harvest rather than general farm experiences