NORTH CAROLINA, U.S. – January is often regarded as the most dismal month of the year—indeed, almost the entire country has experienced Arctic conditions to ring in the new year. While some North Carolinians may have started January on an optimistic note, viewing the year ahead as one full of promise, the novelty of Christmas gifts has worn off, and New Year’s resolutions have quietly been dropped—a bleaker outlook may emerge…But just how gloomy can it get? Using 30 years’ worth of publicly available historical weather data from Weather Spark, Deye set out to quantify the (statistically) dreariest day of the year in each state. By analyzing key factors—temperature, and cloud cover – they were able to determine which single day in 2025 is most likely to be the ‘gloomiest’ for North Carolinians. And the good news is that day has now passed! Thursday, January 16th, 2025, was statistically set to be the gloomiest day of the year in North Carolina. How Was the Gloomiest Day Calculated? Rather than simply choosing the coldest day of the year or the darkest, the methodology took a more comprehensive approach. Here’s how the gloomiest day was determined: Coldest Day: A day when temperatures are statistically at their lowest, typically marked by bitter cold and increased reliance on heating. Historically, North Carolina’s coldest day in January falls around January 29th, with an average low of 52°F. Cloudiest Day: Days with the highest percentage of cloud cover, reducing natural sunlight and making outdoor conditions feel even more dreary. According to past data, January 4th historically ranks as the cloudiest day in North Carolina. Overall Gloom: The team combined the lowest temperatures and cloudiest conditions, averaging these dates to determine when North Carolinians are most likely to experience peak seasonal gloom. What Does This Mean for North Carolina? While winter enthusiasts may embrace the season, January 16th was likely to be the day where most North Carolinians would have rather stayed indoors. With a historical track record of icy temperatures, thick cloud cover, and the general sluggishness of midwinter, it’s the perfect storm for seasonal blues. Embracing the Gloom or Escaping It? So, what can North Carolinians do to combat the continuing cold and dark days of winter? Some may choose to lean into the coziness—embracing the Scandinavian concept of “hygge” with warm blankets, hot drinks, and candlelit evenings. Others might opt for a midwinter getaway, trading the snowdrifts for a tropical escape. Regardless of how you handled it, now you know: January 16th, 2025, was set to be the gloomiest day in North Carolina, and is now in the rear view mirror. Whether you spend it bundled up indoors or planning your next vacation, at least you can prepare for the most dreary day of the year ahead of time.