Forecasts for January in the Washington, D.C., area indicate that the month is likely to be colder than historical norms, continuing a trend of below-average temperatures that began in late 2025. Meteorologists project that average temperatures will run roughly one to three degrees Fahrenheit below the typical January mean of about 37.5°F, a pattern driven by persistent Arctic air masses and winter weather systems settling into the region.

Despite the colder outlook, snowfall for the month is expected to be close to the region’s historical average.

Snowfall projections currently range from about three to six inches, near the long-term January average of roughly five inches.

Experts note that actual accumulations will depend on the timing of storm systems intersecting with episodes of sufficiently cold air.

Precipitation overall is forecast to remain lower than normal in January, potentially extending a dry pattern observed late in the previous year.

While isolated flurries or light snow events are possible throughout the month, the most significant snowfall will hinge on the arrival of organized winter systems.

Early-month conditions are expected to be distinctly wintry, with periodic cold snaps moderating briefly mid-month before a return to chillier trends later in January.