Last updated: April 22, 2025
In January, Calgary experiences a varied climate, with temperatures ranging from a brisk -36°C (-32°F) at night to a mild 11°C (52°F) during the day. The average temperature hovers around a chilly -7°C (20°F), encapsulating the essence of a true Canadian winter. This month sees minimal precipitation, totaling just 8 mm (0.3 in) over two days, contributing to the city's characteristic dry air with humidity levels soaring to 91%. Those venturing into Calgary in January should be prepared for dramatic temperature swings and enjoy the stunning winter landscapes that define this season.
January in Calgary is marked by its chilling embrace, showcasing a stark range of temperatures that can leave even the hardiest of residents bundled up indoors. The month kicks off with a bone-numbing minimum of -36°C (-32°F), but the average temperature hovers around a more manageable -7°C (20°F). As the sun eventually rises higher, daytime highs can reach up to 11°C (52°F), offering brief moments of warmth amid the deep freeze. This pattern of extreme cold gives way to slightly milder conditions in February, setting the stage for an eventual thaw as spring approaches. Overall, January serves as a defining reminder of Calgary’s dynamic climate, where winter's chill can swiftly shift into fleeting warmth, embodying the city's unique character.
In January, Calgary experiences its driest month, with precipitation totaling just 8 mm (0.3 in) over only two days. This limited rainfall marks a notable contrast to the following month, February, which sees a significant increase to 29 mm (1.2 in) across eight days. As winter transitions towards spring, the city typically faces a gradual rise in precipitation, culminating in a peak in June, where monthly totals reach 85 mm (3.3 in). This upward trend not only highlights Calgary’s variable climate but also underscores the shift from the dry, crisp start of the year to the wet, vibrant conditions of summer, making January a stark yet fascinating beginning to the yearly precipitation cycle.
In January, Calgary experiences a significant humidity level of 91%, setting the stage for a moist winter atmosphere. As the colder months transition into February, this figure edges up slightly to 93%, marking the peak of winter humidity. Following this peak, March sees a drop to 88%, hinting at the gradual shift toward drier conditions. As spring approaches, humidity continues to decline, reaching 84% in April and dipping further to 80% by May. The trend continues through the summer months, with July and August showing stable humidity levels around 80% and 77%, respectively. As the year progresses into the fall, humidity increases again, reaching 86% in November and dropping only slightly to 92% in December. This cyclical pattern reflects Calgary's unique climatic rhythm, with winter boasting high humidity levels and a gradual decline as spring advances.
In January, Calgary experiences a relatively low UV Index of 2, indicating minimal exposure risk with a burn time of approximately 45 minutes for fair-skinned individuals. This trend of low UV exposure continues into November, reinforcing the need for protection only during the sunniest days of winter. However, as February approaches, the UV Index rises to 3, marking a shift towards a moderate exposure category, with a burn time decreasing to 30 minutes. As spring unfolds, the UV Index steadily climbs, hitting 4 in March and reaching 6 in April, which calls for more diligent sun protection as outdoor activities increase. By the time summer arrives, particularly in July, Calgary’s UV Index peaks at 9, prompting a very high exposure rating and significantly reducing the safe burn time to just 15 minutes. This pattern clearly illustrates the importance of adjusting sun safety measures as the seasons change. For a detailed look at UV levels throughout the year, visit the Calgary UV Index.
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In January, Calgary experiences a modest 140 hours of sunshine, which gradually brightens as the year progresses. By February, the sunshine increases to 180 hours, heralding the impending warmth of spring. The arrival of March brings a significant leap to 256 hours, hinting at the vibrant days ahead. As winter gives way to April, sunshine peaks at 287 hours, laying the groundwork for a blossoming May, which boasts 318 hours of radiant light. The sunniest month, July, dazzles with 382 hours, making it a perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors. However, the sunny trend begins to wane as summer transitions to fall, with August still energetic at 331 hours but steadily decreasing through September with 255 hours, and further into the cooler months, where October, November, and December see a drop to 223, 166, and 163 hours respectively. This annual cycle of sunshine not only showcases Calgary's seasonal charm but also serves as a reminder of the city’s radiant summers contrasted by its brisk winter days.
In January, Calgary experiences a 43% chance of sunny weather, which offers a promising start to the year. While this percentage is lower than the sunniest months of July and June, it outshines February's modest 28%, indicating a slow transition from winter’s gloom toward brighter days. The likelihood of sunshine begins to climb in March, reaching 46%, and continues to trend upward through the spring months, peaking in June. This pattern suggests that while January may not be the sunniest of months, it holds the potential for cheerful days, setting the stage for the sunnier skies that follow in the coming weeks.
In Calgary, Canada, the journey through the year is marked by striking variations in daylight duration, particularly noticeable in January when residents bask in a modest 8 hours of sunlight. As winter fades into spring, daylight begins to extend rapidly, reaching 10 hours by February and climbing further to 11 hours in March. This gradual increase culminates in the vibrant months of April and May, where daylight soars to 13 and 15 hours respectively, inviting outdoor gatherings and activities. Peaking in June at a generous 16 hours, the summer solstice offers the longest days, which then gracefully taper off through the latter summer months. By August, daylight reduces to 14 hours, settling at 12 hours by September. The descent continues into fall, reflecting back to 10 hours in October, before winter cloaks the city once again, reverting to 8 hours in November and a mere 7 hours by December. This rhythmic ebb and flow of sunlight not only shapes daily life in Calgary but also paints a vivid seasonal tapestry for its residents.
January in Calgary sees an average wind speed of 3.2 m/s (7 mph), tying it with March for one of the breeziest months of the year. As winter fades into spring, the wind speeds remain relatively consistent, with fluctuations ranging between 2.4 m/s (5 mph) in the peak of summer and 3.2 m/s (7 mph) during the transitional months of January and March. Interestingly, February and June appear to experience the calmest winds at 2.8 m/s (6 mph), highlighting a gentle shift as the seasons change. Overall, the wind in Calgary exhibits a blend of briskness in winter and early spring, offering a refreshing touch that invigorates the city even in the colder months.
The weather in Calgary changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of January's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Calgary and find detailed weather information for every month.
January and February present a stark contrast in weather patterns, despite their close proximity in the calendar year. In January, temperatures range from a chilling minimum of -36°C (-32°F) to a relatively mild maximum of 11°C (52°F), with an average temperature of -7°C (20°F). The month sees limited precipitation, accumulating only 8 mm (0.3 in) over just 2 days, and maintains a high humidity level of 91%.
Conversely, February experiences slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of -35°C (-31°F) and a maximum reaching 13°C (56°F), resulting in a lower average of -10°C (14°F). However, this month is significantly wetter, featuring 29 mm (1.2 in) of precipitation spread over 8 days, and a slight increase in humidity at 93%. For more details on the weather conditions in February, you can visit Calgary weather in February.
In comparing the weather of January and March, it is evident that March experiences a notable warming trend. While January sees average temperatures lingering around -7°C (20°F) with a maximum of only 11°C (52°F), March raises the average to a milder -3°C (27°F) and allows for maximum temperatures to reach 18°C (64°F). Additionally, March is characterized by increased precipitation, measuring 27 mm (1.1 in) over more days (6 days) compared to January's 8 mm (0.3 in) over just 2 days. Humidity levels remain relatively high in both months, with January at 91% and March slightly lower at 88%. For a deeper dive into what to expect, check out this link: Calgary weather in March.
January and April exhibit striking differences in weather conditions. In January, temperatures plummet with a minimum of -36°C (-32°F) and an average around -7°C (20°F), reaching a maximum of only 11°C (52°F). The month sees limited precipitation, averaging just 8 mm (0.3 in) over 2 days, coupled with a high humidity level of 91%. In contrast, April brings a significant warming trend, where the minimum temperature rises to -17°C (1°F) and averages about 3°C (37°F), with the maximum soaring up to 26°C (80°F). Precipitation also increases to an average of 38 mm (1.5 in) across 9 days, while humidity slightly declines to 84%. Overall, the transition from January to April is marked by a substantial increase in temperature and precipitation, highlighting the onset of spring. For more details on weather specifics, check out Calgary weather in April.
In January, the weather is harshly cold, with temperatures ranging from a frigid minimum of -36°C (-32°F) to a somewhat milder maximum of 11°C (52°F), and an average temperature of -7°C (20°F). The month sees very little precipitation, with only 8 mm (0.3 in) recorded over just 2 days, while the humidity remains high at 91%. In stark contrast, May brings a significant warming trend, with temperatures ranging from a low of -6°C (22°F) to a high of 29°C (85°F), resulting in an average temperature of 10°C (51°F). The increase in precipitation is notable, with 62 mm (2.4 in) falling over 10 days, and humidity levels dropping to 80%. For a more detailed look at the weather during this vibrant month, check out Calgary weather in May.
January in Calgary brings frigid temperatures, with lows plummeting to -36°C (-32°F) and an average temperature of -7°C (20°F). The month experiences minimal precipitation, with only about 8 mm (0.3 in) over just 2 days and a high humidity level of 91%. In contrast, June sees a dramatic shift in climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 1°C (35°F) to a maximum of 37°C (99°F) and an average of 15°C (59°F). The month is significantly wetter, receiving around 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain over 12 days, while humidity levels drop to 79%. For more detailed information, check out Calgary weather in June.
January and July present a stark contrast in weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plummet as low as -36°C (-32°F), with an average of -7°C (20°F) and only reaching a maximum of 11°C (52°F). The month sees limited precipitation, with only 8 mm (0.3 in) over just 2 days, and a high humidity level of 91%. In sharp contrast, July experiences significantly warmer temperatures, with minimums around 5°C (41°F), averages of 17°C (63°F), and highs soaring up to 36°C (98°F). Precipitation is more frequent during this summer month, totaling 69 mm (2.7 in) across 11 days, coupled with a slightly lower humidity of 80%. For more detailed information, you can check Calgary weather in July.
January and August present stark contrasts in weather patterns. In January, temperatures plummet to a minimum of -36°C (-32°F), with an average high of just 11°C (52°F), enveloping the city in a frigid atmosphere with high humidity levels of 91%. Precipitation is minimal, occurring only two days throughout the month. Conversely, August offers a much warmer climate, with temperatures ranging from a cool 3°C (37°F) to a scorching 38°C (100°F) and a comfortable average of 16°C (62°F). Rainfall is more frequent in August, with about 43 mm (1.7 in) of precipitation over seven days, and humidity levels are lower at 77%. For more details, check out this link: Calgary weather in August.
In January, Calgary experiences frigid temperatures, with minimums plummeting to -36°C (-32°F) and an average high of only 11°C (52°F). The month is characterized by low precipitation levels, receiving just 8 mm (0.3 in) over 2 days, but high humidity at 91%. In contrast, September brings a significant warming trend, with temperatures ranging from a chilly -3°C (27°F) to a scorching maximum of 33°C (92°F). This month sees a considerable increase in precipitation, totaling 43 mm (1.7 in) across 9 days, while humidity drops to a more comfortable 74%. For more information, check out Calgary weather in September.
January and October present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plummet as low as -36°C (-32°F), with an average of -7°C (20°F) and only infrequent precipitation of 8 mm over 2 days, while the humidity remains high at 91%. In contrast, October sees milder temperatures, ranging from a minimum of -22°C (-8°F) to a comfortable average of 4°C (39°F) and highs reaching 24°C (75°F). The month brings more rainfall, totaling 31 mm over 5 days, and a slightly lower humidity of 80%. For more detailed insights, check out Calgary weather in October.
The weather in January presents a stark contrast to that of November. In January, temperatures plummet, with lows reaching -36°C (-32°F) and an average of -7°C (20°F), while November offers milder conditions with a minimum of -23°C (-9°F) and an average of -2°C (29°F). Precipitation is notably lower in January, totaling only 8 mm (0.3 in) over 2 days, compared to November's more substantial 26 mm (1.0 in) spread over 7 days. Moreover, January's humidity is slightly higher at 91%, while November maintains a comfortable 86%. These differences make November a more pleasant month in terms of weather conditions. For more details, you can check out Calgary weather in November.
In comparing the weather of January and December, both months experience similar average temperatures, with January having a minimum of -36°C (-32°F) and December slightly warmer at -35°C (-31°F). However, December typically sees a higher maximum temperature of 14°C (58°F), compared to January's max of 11°C (52°F). January also has significantly less precipitation with only 8 mm (0.3 in) over 2 days, while December has 24 mm (0.9 in) over 5 days, indicating that December is generally a wetter month. Humidity levels are comparable, with January at 91% and December slightly higher at 92%. For a more detailed look at the conditions during December, you can visit Calgary weather in December.
January in Calgary presents a unique blend of winter's chill and occasional warmth, distinguishing it from other months. With an average temperature hovering significantly below freezing, residents experience the full brunt of winter’s reach, contrasted by an occasional peak at a mild 11°C. Despite being one of the driest months with minimal precipitation, the high humidity levels create a crispness in the air that can feel biting. Unlike the milder months that follow, January brings a stark beauty to the landscape, wrapping Calgary in a winter wonderland. For more details on Calgary's changing seasons, check out Calgary Climate.