Greensboro in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in Greensboro

48.9°C (120°F) High Temp

30°C (86°F) Low Temp

2.5 mm (0.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Peak basketball season - catch UNC Greensboro Spartans home games at Greensboro Coliseum Complex with tickets starting at $15 and intense conference play atmosphere
Indoor attractions are perfectly comfortable - Greensboro Science Center, International Civil Rights Center & Museum, and Weatherspoon Yaounde offer climate-controlled exploration during the coldest month
Hotel rates drop 30-40% after New Year - book downtown Marriott or Hampton Inn properties for $89-120/night compared to $140-180 in spring/summer
Conference season begins - Greensboro Convention Center hosts major business events, creating networking opportunities and bringing quality temporary restaurants to downtown

Considerations

Outdoor festivals and farmers markets are limited - most outdoor events don't resume until March, restricting weekend activity options
Daylight hours are shortest at 9.5 hours - darkness by 5:30 PM limits evening outdoor photography and walking tours
Some attractions have reduced winter hours - Guilford Courthouse National Military Park closes visitor center on Mondays and Tuesdays

Best Activities in January

Downtown Historic Walking Tours

January's cooler temperatures make 1.6 km (1-mile) self-guided walks through downtown perfectly comfortable. The Civil Rights trail and architectural tours avoid summer's humidity and winter's minimal crowds mean better photo opportunities at landmarks.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours are free through Visit Greensboro app. Guided group tours typically cost $12-18 per person and run weekends only in January. Book 3-5 days ahead through certified local guides.

Indoor Arts and Culture Experiences

Weatherspoon Yaounde and Greensboro Historical Museum offer perfect climate-controlled exploration. January features rotating exhibitions and smaller crowds. The Greensboro Science Center's indoor exhibits and IMAX theater provide 3-4 hours of comfortable entertainment.

Booking Tip: Museum admission ranges $8-15 for adults. Science Center costs $16-22 depending on add-ons. Purchase online for $2-3 discounts and skip entry lines on weekend afternoons.

Greensboro Coliseum Events and Sports

January is peak season for UNCG Spartans basketball, WWE events, and major concerts. The 23,000-seat venue hosts 15-20 events monthly. Indoor comfort and parking availability make this ideal for winter entertainment.

Booking Tip: Basketball tickets start at $15, concerts typically $45-120 depending on performer. Book through official Greensboro Coliseum box office 2-4 weeks ahead for better seat selection and avoid service fees.

Guilford Courthouse National Military Park

Cool January temperatures are perfect for the 3.2 km (2-mile) driving tour and walking trails. Revolutionary War battleground offers uncrowded exploration with clear winter air improving distant views across the battlefield.

Booking Tip: Park entry is free, visitor center charges $5 for film presentations. Self-driving tours take 90 minutes including stops. Arrive before 4 PM as visitor center closes early in winter months.

Triad Brewery and Distillery Tours

January's indoor focus makes craft brewery tours ideal. Greensboro's 8-10 craft breweries offer tasting rooms with January-only seasonal beers. Red Oak Brewery and Natty Greene's provide 45-minute tours with tastings.

Booking Tip: Tours cost $12-18 including tastings, self-guided brewery hopping ranges $8-12 per location. Book weekend tours 1-2 weeks ahead, weekday visits typically accommodate walk-ins.

Shopping at Friendly Center and Four Seasons Town Centre

Indoor shopping centers provide climate-controlled retail therapy during January's variable weather. Four Seasons offers 150+ stores while Friendly Center features local boutiques alongside major retailers. Perfect for rainy day alternatives.

Booking Tip: No booking required for shopping centers. Budget $15-25 for mall parking at peak weekend times. Many stores offer January clearance sales with 40-60% discounts on previous season merchandise.

January Events & Festivals

Throughout January

UNCG Spartans Basketball Conference Games

Southern Conference play intensifies in January with 6-8 home games at Greensboro Coliseum. Student sections create energetic atmosphere and ticket prices remain accessible for quality Division I basketball.

Mid to Late January

Greensboro Winter Restaurant Week

Local restaurants offer prix-fixe menus at $25-35 for three-course dinners, showcasing Greensboro's developing food scene. Typically 25-30 participating restaurants from barbecue to farm-to-table establishments.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - mornings start at 30°C (86°F) but feel-like temperatures with 70% humidity require breathable base layers

Light rain jacket or umbrella - 10 rainy days means 32% chance of precipitation, usually brief afternoon showers

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - sidewalks can be wet from morning dew and occasional rain

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 requires protection even during winter months, especially for outdoor historical sites

Portable phone charger - shorter daylight hours mean more indoor photography and navigation usage

Light sweater for over-air-conditioned museums and restaurants - indoor spaces often set to 22°C (72°F)

Casual dressy clothes for basketball games and evening events - Greensboro Coliseum events attract locals who dress up slightly

Insect repellent with DEET - 70% humidity still supports mosquito activity in evening outdoor areas

Reusable water bottle - staying hydrated important with humidity levels and indoor heating systems

Insider Knowledge

Downtown parking meters are free after 6 PM and all day Sunday - save $8-12 daily by timing museum and restaurant visits accordingly

Local barbecue restaurants serve Eastern North Carolina vinegar-based sauce in January - try Stamey's or Hursey's for authentic regional flavors not found in guidebooks

UNCG students return mid-January creating temporary crowds at coffee shops and casual restaurants near campus - avoid Tate Street area 11 AM-2 PM weekdays

Greensboro-High Point Airport offers easier connections than Charlotte for East Coast travelers - often $50-100 cheaper with shorter security lines

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating indoor air conditioning - visitors pack only for warm weather then freeze in over-cooled museums, restaurants, and shopping centers

Not checking attraction winter hours - several historical sites close early or have limited days, causing missed opportunities

Assuming outdoor attractions are closed - Guilford Courthouse and downtown walking areas remain fully accessible and more comfortable in January weather