Hottest (avg)
#12 / 12
Zurich in January
January weather, climate averages, and packing tips.
Avg High
Avg Low
Rain
Daylight 9h
What to expect
January lands in the heart of winter in Zurich, where the air is cooling down. Thermometers typically reach 4°C / 40°F, with evenings cooling to -2°C / 29°F.
Skies are often overcast, and you should be prepared for regular rainfall (approx. 15 wet days). With only around 9 hours of daylight, the sun sets early, so plan outdoor activities for the morning or midday.
January in context
How it compares to the rest of the year in Zurich.
Wettest (avg)
#3 / 12
Daylight Hours
#11 / 12
Windiest (avg)
#3 / 12
Highest UV
#11 / 12
Most Humid
#4 / 12
Temperature
- Daytime high
-
- Nighttime low
-
- Feels like (avg)
-
Sunshine
- Daylight
- 9.0 hours
- UV index (max)
- 2
- Typical sun hours
- 08:05 – 17:03
Rain & Snow
- Total
-
- Rainy days
- 15
- Cloud cover
- 71%
- Snowfall
-
Humidity & Wind
- Humidity (avg)
- 82%
- Wind (avg)
-
- Wind (max gusts)
-
Frequently asked questions
Is January a good time to visit Zurich?
Typical January days in Zurich reach highs of 4°C (39°F) with nights around -2°C (28°F). It usually feels chilly by day and very cold after dark. It is one of the drier months, which suits outdoor exploring and sightseeing.
What are temperatures like in January?
In January, you can usually expect highs of 4°C (39°F) and lows near -2°C (28°F). That means chilly days and very cold nights, so pack layers you can add or remove.
How much does it rain in January?
Rainfall in January averages 82 mm (3.2 in) across roughly 15 days. Overall it is a very wet time of year, so a light rain jacket and waterproof shoes are very handy.
How many hours of daylight are there in January?
You can expect about 9 hours of daylight in January. Sunrise is typically around 08:05 and sunset near 17:03. Daylight is quite limited, and it can feel like a short-day season.
How strong is the sun in January?
UV levels are usually low (around 2), so standard sun protection is enough.
Is it windy in January?
In January, average wind speeds are around 7 km/h (4 mph), with gusts on the windiest days reaching about 58 km/h (36 mph). On the ground, it is it can feel quite windy at times, particularly when weather systems move through.