Avg High
Washington in January
Verdict
In Washington, January has a distinct winter feel. As the season moves along, the air is cooling down. You can usually expect a cold month that feels variable day to day. Breezes can be part of the character, especially in exposed spots.
It suits travellers who want straightforward weather for sightseeing and day trips. Lookouts and coastal walks can feel sharper when the wind is up.
Avg Low
Rain
Daylight
10h
What to expect
- Daytime feel - Cold days with a noticeable cool-down after sunset. It often feels a touch cooler in the shade.
- Wet weather - Rainy conditions. Expect damp surfaces and slick paths. Wet breaks can interrupt outdoor plans.
- Midday sun - Sun is noticeable. You'll feel fine, but it's still easy to get caught out. This is a 'don't forget the hat' month.
- Exposure - Refreshing breezes, and expect sharp gusts that can change plans in exposed areas. On the water or higher ground it feels stronger.
January in context
How it compares to the rest of the year in Washington.
Hottest (avg)
#12 / 12
Wettest (avg)
#10 / 12
Daylight Hours
#11 / 12
Windiest (avg)
#2 / 12
Highest UV
#11 / 12
Most Humid
#9 / 12
Temperature
- Daytime high
-
- Nighttime low
-
- Feels like (avg)
-
Sunshine
- Daylight
- 9.8 hours
- UV index (max)
- 4
- Typical sun hours
- 07:23 – 17:11
Rain & Snow
- Total
-
- Rainy days
- 11
- Cloud cover
- 58%
- Snowfall
-
Humidity & Wind
- Humidity (avg)
- 67%
- Wind (avg)
-
- Wind (max gusts)
-
Frequently asked questions
Is January a good time to visit Washington?
Typical January days in Washington reach highs of 6°C (43°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 6°C (43°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 81 mm (3.2 in) across roughly 11 days. Overall it is a quite rainy 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 10 hours of daylight in January. Sunrise is typically around 07:23 and sunset near 17:11. Days are on the shorter side, so plan activities around limited daylight.
How strong is the sun in January?
UV levels are moderate (around 4); sunscreen and sunglasses are still a good idea.
Is it windy in January?
In January, average wind speeds are around 12 km/h (7 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.