Hottest (avg)
#11 / 12
Seattle in January
January weather, climate averages, and packing tips.
Avg High
Avg Low
Rain
Daylight 9h
What to expect
As winter continues, January brings, where the weather is warming up. Daytime highs average 7°C / 45°F, dropping to 2°C / 35°F at night.
Skies are often overcast, and you should be prepared for regular rainfall (approx. 20 wet days). With only around 8.9 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 Seattle.
Wettest (avg)
#3 / 12
Daylight Hours
#11 / 12
Windiest (avg)
#3 / 12
Highest UV
#11 / 12
Most Humid
#1 / 12
Temperature
- Daytime high
-
- Nighttime low
-
- Feels like (avg)
-
Sunshine
- Daylight
- 8.9 hours
- UV index (max)
- 2
- Typical sun hours
- 07:49 – 16:46
Rain & Snow
- Total
-
- Rainy days
- 20
- Cloud cover
- 79%
- Snowfall
-
Humidity & Wind
- Humidity (avg)
- 85%
- Wind (avg)
-
- Wind (max gusts)
-
Frequently asked questions
Is January a good time to visit Seattle?
Typical January days in Seattle reach highs of 7°C (45°F) with nights around 2°C (36°F). It usually feels chilly by day and very cold after dark. It is among the wetter months, so it is wise to have some indoor backup plans or flexible activities.
What are temperatures like in January?
Daytime temperatures in January typically peak near 7°C (45°F), while nights drop to around 2°C (36°F). Expect chilly afternoons and very cold evenings.
How much does it rain in January?
Rainfall in January averages 178 mm (7.0 in) across roughly 20 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 07:49 and sunset near 16:46. 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 11 km/h (7 mph), with gusts on the windiest days reaching about 61 km/h (38 mph). On the ground, it is it is a notably windy place, and strong gusts are fairly common.