Kelowna in January | Things to Do, Events & Weather

In January, Kelowna's crisp winter air, pristine valley views blanketed in snow, and calm energy invite you to slow down, explore mindfully, and discover the best of the season. Read on to learn more about what you can discover and what to expect in and around Kelowna when visiting this time of year.

Discover Local Flavours

Plate of Food at The Lookout Restaurant at Gray Monk Winery
^{The Lookout Restaurant at Gray Monk Winery. Photo by: Shawn Talbot Photography}

As Canada's first and only UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, Kelowna serves up indulgence on its tables all year long, though January brings some unique opportunities to discover the best local eats and sips.

The annual Taste Around festival sees restaurants in and around Kelowna offering three-course menus at fixed prices. The festival runs from January 21 to February 8, 2026, providing plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy your favourite restaurants or discover new favourites. Stay tuned to the Taste Around website for menus from participating restaurants and Dine and Stay packages from local accommodations.

In addition to Taste Around, January marks the 5th annual Okanagan Hot Chocolate Festival. The flavour map is still in the works, so mark your calendars for January 17 to February 15, 2026, and watch the event website or social media for all the delicious details!

If you prefer to get more hands-on with your culinary adventures, why not take a cooking class? In January, Lakehouse Kitchens Cooking School offers hands-on courses where you can discover West Coast seafood, learn to make Beef Bourguignonne, or learn quickfire skills that'll up your culinary game. If hands-on isn't your thing, there are also many demonstration classes throughout the month.

The Okanagan Table will also offer various demonstration classes throughout the year—stay tuned to their website for more information as classes are announced.

Adventure in the Snow

Tobogganing at Knox Mountain
^{Knox Mountain Park. Photo by: Darren Hull Studios}

The winter fun and outdoor adventures continue in January as more snow accumulates in the mountains surrounding Kelowna.

Snowshoeing and Nordic skiing are fantastic options for those who prefer less adrenaline with their outdoor adventures. Telemark Nordic Club in West Kelowna and Kelowna Nordic, about 30 and 60 minutes from downtown Kelowna, respectively, offer groomed trails that will take you through the peaceful, treed landscape. By January, there is typically lots of snow on the trails, with generally mild temperatures making for a fun day out in nature. Telemark has on-site equipment snowshoe rentals for adults and youth, while Play It Again Sports in Kelowna also offers rentals.

Both Big White Ski Resort and SilverStar Mountain Resort also offer Nordic and snowshoe trails, as well as numerous other outdoor activities if Alpine skiing or boarding is not your thing. If you or someone in your group needs adaptive equipment, check out the Powderhounds Program at Big White.

Find more info about outdoor activities (or indoor attractions if snow isn’t your thing) here.

Sip Kelowna

Couple Dining at Home Block Restaurant ^{Home Block at CedarCreek Estate Winery. Photo by: Darren Hull Studios}

With more than 40 wineries in and around Kelowna, many of which are open year-round, winter wine touring is one activity you can add to your list for a January visit. You’ll witness the beauty of the snow-covered vineyards and have a better chance of meeting the winemaker. Ice Wine grapes are also harvested once the temperature drops, so you may get to see that firsthand—if not, you can always find Ice Wine in the tasting room.

If you prefer beer, spirits, or cider, the Central Okanagan has you covered. Beer lovers can discover the 20 breweries in and around Kelowna, half of which are located downtown and in the North End brewery district. There are also several distilleries and cideries, should you wish to branch out beyond wine and beer.

Book a guided wine tour to leave the driving to the professionals and learn more about the region as you travel between locations.

Local Events

Kelowna Rockets Games from Stands
^{Photo by: Marshall Lu}

Kick off the new year by plunging into icy Okanagan Lake at the Kelowna Polar Bear Dip, which takes place at Tugboat Bay Beach on January 1, 2026, or head to Peachland for its New Year’s Day Polar Bear Dip.
Fireside Festival returns January 31–February 1, 2026, with a new two-day, multi-stage format hosted entirely at BNA Brewing Co. in downtown Kelowna. This year focuses on an intentional winter weekend that brings together touring acts from across the country and local favourites.
Hockey action is in full swing throughout the month, so you’ll have plenty of opportunity to cheer on the Kelowna Rockets on home ice. They will take on the Kamloops Blazers in the year's first home game on January 2, 2026.
The Living Things International Arts Festival returns in January, bringing an extraordinary lineup of shows, performances and experiences to Kelowna's Cultural District. Stay tuned to the festival website and social media for announcements on the 2026 festival line up.

For more events in and around Kelowna, visit our online Calendar of Events.

Weather

December and January are typically the coldest months of the year in Kelowna, with average temperatures for both months at 1°C / 34°F on the high end and -6°C / 21°F on the low end. When the weather sticks to these mild averages, most of the snow right in the city will melt quickly. If you’re going to be adventuring outdoors, be sure to pack appropriately and keep in mind that it will be cooler near the lake and at higher elevations. January is usually the most overcast, cloudy month of the year. You can monitor current conditions through the live webcam at the Kelowna Visitor Centre.