January Weather in St. John's, Canada

Last updated: April 22, 2025

January in St. John's, Canada, is characterized by a chilly, yet dynamic climate. With temperatures fluctuating between a maximum of 12°C (54°F) and a minimum of -14°C (7°F), the average hovers around -2°C (29°F), creating brisk conditions ideal for those who appreciate winter's charm. This month features 113 mm (4.5 in) of precipitation over 13 days, contributing to the city’s cozy ambiance as snow and rain intermingle. Humidity levels remain relatively high at 83%, wrapping the landscape in a wintry embrace, making January a quintessential month for experiencing St. John's unique weather patterns.

January Temperature in St. John's

In St. John's, Canada, January brings a dynamic range of temperatures, with minimums dipping as low as -14°C (7°F) and maxing out at a brisk 12°C (54°F). The average temperature hovers around -2°C (29°F), reflecting the chilly embrace of winter that is characteristic of this coastal city. This month serves as a transitional period, as temperatures gradually start to trend upward heading into February, where lows can reach -16°C (3°F). However, January's charm lies in its varied temperature profile, allowing residents and visitors to experience a refreshing blend of winter's chill and the occasional warmer day, setting the stage for the milder conditions of spring to come.

January Weather in St. John's: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates January temperature patterns in St. John's, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec282629364150586256474033
Data source: Temperature data for St. John's generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

January Precipitation in St. John's

In January, St. John's, Canada experiences a notable precipitation total of 113 mm (4.5 in), making it one of the wetter months of the year with rainfall occurring on 13 days. This sets the tone for a wintery season, where precipitation remains significant even as temperatures drop. February and March follow closely with lower totals of 102 mm (4.0 in) and 100 mm (3.9 in), respectively, maintaining a steady pattern of dampness. As the season shifts toward spring, April's precipitation slightly rebounds to 103 mm (4.0 in), demonstrating a consistent trend of moisture throughout the early months. Interestingly, the precipitation days show a slight decrease as warmer months approach, indicating that while total rainfall remains significant, fewer days of rain may lead to more intense bursts of precipitation as the year progresses. Overall, January stands out as a crucial month in St. John's climatological calendar, characterized by its substantial and persistent winter moisture.

January Precipitation Trends in St. John's

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in St. John's, with values for each month alongside January's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the amount of precipitation, providing insights into how January's conditions compare to those of other months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec11310210010380861006910797108134
Data source: Precipitation data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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January Humidity in St. John's

In January, St. John's, Canada experiences a notable humidity level of 83%, setting the stage for a month characterized by cool, damp air. This initial humidity gently increases over the following months, reaching 84% in February and gradually climbing to 85% in March. As spring approaches, humidity continues to rise, peaking at 88% in April and escalating to a summer high of 94% in July. Following July’s peak, a slight drop occurs in August, maintaining a substantial 93%, before gradually decreasing throughout the fall months. By December, humidity returns to 83%, closing the year with a consistent cycle that highlights St. John's steady maritime climate. The trend reflects a gradual buildup from winter through summer, showcasing the region's unique atmospheric patterns.

January Average Humidity in St. John's

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in St. John's, with January's data highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the fluctuation in humidity throughout the year, allowing you to see how January's humidity levels compare to other months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec83%84%85%88%91%91%94%93%90%87%84%83%
Data source: Humidity data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

January UV Index in St. John's

In January, St. John's experiences a low UV Index of 2, with a safe exposure time of 45 minutes before sunburn becomes a concern. As winter transitions into February, the index rises to 3, indicating a moderate exposure category with a reduced burn time of 30 minutes. This upward trend continues into March, where the UV Index reaches 5, still categorized as moderate. By April, however, the sun's intensity noticeably increases, peaking at a high index of 7, which shortens burn time to 25 minutes. As spring blooms into summer, the UV Index escalates dramatically, soaring to 10 in June, signaling very high exposure and only 15 minutes before risk increases. The summer months remain intense, with July and August also reflecting very high levels. This gradual ebb and flow culminates in a final drop by year-end, with November and December returning to lower levels of 2 and 1 respectively. For detailed insights on UV levels throughout the year, visit St. John's UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in St. John's for January

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for St. John's in January, representing the highest UV radiation level. The UVI measures the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, indicating the potential risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2357810987421
Data source: St. John's January UVI data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

January Sunshine in St. John's

January in St. John's, Canada, often surprises with its quiet charm, offering 88 hours of sunshine amid the winter chill. As the calendar flips to February, daylight begins to stretch, welcoming an increase to 127 hours. This upward trend continues briskly into spring, with March and April basking in 207 and 208 hours of sunlight, respectively. As temperatures rise, May shines brightly with 280 hours, marking the beginning of a glorious summer. The sunny days peak in August with a generous 306 hours, a time for outdoor adventures and soaking in the vibrant scenery. As autumn sets in, though sunlight dips to 251 hours in September, the appeal of golden foliage remains captivating. By the time winter returns in December with just 103 hours of sunshine, the incredible transformation of St. John's throughout the year is beautifully evident, reminding us of the cyclical dance between light and season.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in St. John's: January Highlighted

The January sunshine duration represents the total number of hours St. John's experiences direct sunlight during the month of January, excluding cloudy or obstructed periods. This chart compares the sunshine duration of January with the other months of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec88h127h207h208h280h270h286h306h251h175h138h103h
Data source: St. John's January Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in St. John's During January

In St. John's, Canada, January boasts a modest 17% chance of sunny weather, making it one of the cloudier months of the year. This trend continues into February, where the likelihood barely improves to 18%. However, as winter transitions to spring, there is a noticeable uplift in sunshine; March sees a significant jump to 36%, hinting at more frequent clear days. Interestingly, the warmth of April brings a slight dip, but overall, the chances of sun steadily increase as the year progresses, with September peaking at 38%. Thus, while January might be characterized by its limited sunshine, it serves as a prelude to brighter days ahead as spring blossoms.

Percentage of Sunny Days in January in St. John's

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in St. John's throughout the year, with January highlighted. It highlights the variation in sunshine across each month and provides an overview of the typical frequency of sunny days, offering insights into how often St. John's experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec17%18%36%19%32%33%25%29%38%20%30%26%
Data source: St. John's January chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in St. John's in January

In St. John's, Canada, January heralds the return of longer days, providing around 8 hours of daylight that gradually increases through winter's chill. This subtle shift foreshadows the spring awakening, as February sees an uptick to 10 hours, and March follows with 11 hours, bringing more sunlight to the frosty landscape. The transformation blossoms in April, where daylight expands to 13 hours, leading into the vibrant months of May and June, both boasting a generous 15 hours of sunlight. As summer wanes, daylight begins to taper off, dropping to 14 hours in August, followed by 12 hours in September. The descent continues as October offers 10 hours and November dwindles to 9 hours, before returning to 8 hours in December. This cyclical rhythm of daylight not only marks the changing seasons but also paints a vivid picture of life in St. John's, where each hour of sunlight adds warmth and vitality to the community as it transitions through the year.

Average Daylight Hours in St. John's for January

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in St. John's throughout the year, with January highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec8h 55m10h 16m11h 56m13h 39m15h 7m15h 52m15h 28m14h 9m12h 30m10h 48m9h 17m8h 30m
Data source: St. John's daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

January Winds in St. John's

In January, St. John's, Canada is greeted by an average wind speed of 5.8 m/s (13 mph), setting the tone for the month with a brisk, invigorating breeze. As winter progresses into February, residents experience a slight uptick in gustiness, with winds increasing to 6.7 m/s (15 mph), often adding a crisp bite to outdoor activities. This trend continues into March, where winds average 6.2 m/s (14 mph), keeping the chill in the air. However, as spring approaches, April and May see a gradual decline in wind speeds, dropping to 5.6 m/s (13 mph) and 5.4 m/s (12 mph), respectively, hinting at a gentler atmosphere. The summer months bring even calmer conditions, with June down to 5.0 m/s (11 mph) and July at a mere 4.7 m/s (11 mph), providing a perfect backdrop for leisurely strolls along the waterfront. The winds pick up again in August and September, stabilizing around 5.2 m/s (12 mph) and 5.1 m/s (12 mph), before making a noticeable jump to 5.9 m/s (13 mph) in October. As the year draws to a close, November sees winds at 6.0 m/s (14 mph), but December kicks winter back into high gear with an average of 7.2 m/s (16 mph), leaving residents to brace for the blustery season ahead. Overall, the wind patterns reveal a dynamic rhythm, with a consistent increase in speeds through late autumn and a gentle lull during the summer months, painting a vivid picture of St. John's ever-changing climate.

Average January Wind Speed in St. John's

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in St. John's, with values for each month shown alongside January's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It illustrates the average wind speed, offering insights into how January's wind conditions compare to the rest of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec5.8 m/s6.76.25.65.45.04.75.25.15.96.07.2
Data source: St. John's January wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How January Weather in St. John's Compares to Other Months

The weather in St. John's 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 St. John's and find detailed weather information for every month.

January and February exhibit similar cold conditions in St. John's, but there are some notable differences. In January, temperatures range from a minimum of -14°C (7°F) to a maximum of 12°C (54°F), with an average of -2°C (29°F). In comparison, February experiences slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -16°C (3°F) and a maximum of 10°C (50°F), leading to an average of -3°C (26°F). Precipitation levels are also fairly close, with January receiving 113 mm (4.5 in) over 13 days and February slightly lower at 102 mm (4.0 in) across 12 days. Humidity remains high in both months, with January at 83% and February just a touch higher at 84%. For more detailed information, you can visit St. John's weather in February.

In St. John's, January and March exhibit relatively similar weather patterns, with both months featuring average temperatures around -2°C (29°F). January's temperature range is slightly broader, with a minimum of -14°C (7°F) and a maximum of 12°C (54°F), while March sees a maximum of 13°C (55°F). Precipitation levels are comparable, with January receiving 113 mm (4.5 in) and March slightly less at 100 mm (3.9 in), both occurring over 13 days. Humidity also remains high in both months, with January at 83% and March slightly more humid at 85%. For a detailed view of what to expect, check out St. John's weather in March.

In January, the weather is much colder with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -14°C (7°F) to a maximum of 12°C (54°F), averaging around -2°C (29°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 113 mm (4.5 in) over about 13 days, alongside high humidity levels at 83%. In contrast, April brings a noticeable warming trend, with temperatures fluctuating between -6°C (22°F) and 15°C (60°F), resulting in an average temperature of 2°C (36°F). While precipitation decreases slightly to 103 mm (4.0 in) and occurs over 14 days, humidity remains relatively high at 88%. For more details on what to expect, check out St. John's weather in April.

In January, St. John's experiences much colder temperatures, with averages around -2°C (29°F) and a significant minimum of -14°C (7°F), making it the heart of winter. The month sees considerable precipitation, totaling 113 mm (4.5 in) over approximately 13 days, coupled with high humidity at 83%. In contrast, May offers a milder climate, with an average temperature of 5°C (41°F) and a maximum that can reach up to 20°C (68°F). Precipitation during this month is lower at 80 mm (3.1 in) over about 12 days, and humidity rises slightly to 90%. For more detailed insights into May's weather patterns, you can visit St. John's weather in May.

January and June showcase contrasting weather patterns in St. John's. In January, temperatures range from a biting minimum of -14°C (7°F) to a maximum of 12°C (54°F), with an average of -2°C (29°F) and a high humidity of 83%. The month witnesses substantial precipitation, totaling 113 mm (4.5 in) over 13 days. In contrast, June brings a significant warmth, with temperatures varying from a minimum of 0°C (33°F) to a pleasant maximum of 24°C (75°F) and an average of 10°C (51°F). Precipitation is lower than in January at 86 mm (3.4 in) over 12 days, while humidity rises slightly to 91%. For more information on the June weather, you can visit St. John's weather in June.

January and July present strikingly different weather patterns in St. John's. In January, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -14°C (7°F), with an average of -2°C (29°F) and a maximum of 12°C (54°F). The month sees significant precipitation of 113 mm (4.5 in) over 13 days, accompanied by a high humidity level of 83%. In contrast, July welcomes warmer conditions with a minimum temperature of 6°C (43°F) and an average of 15°C (58°F), peaking at a comfortable 25°C (76°F). Though the total precipitation is slightly lower at 100 mm (3.9 in) over 10 days, the humidity rises to 94%. For a closer look at the summer climate, check out St. John's weather in July.

January and August present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plummet as low as -14°C (7°F), with an average of -2°C (29°F) and a maximum reaching 12°C (54°F). The month is characterized by significant precipitation of 113 mm (4.5 in) over approximately 13 days, and the humidity sits at a chilly 83%. In contrast, August offers a much milder climate, with minimum temperatures of 8°C (46°F), an average of 17°C (62°F), and maximums climbing to 27°C (80°F). Precipitation decreases to 69 mm (2.7 in) over about 10 days, while humidity rises slightly to 93%, creating a warm and humid atmosphere. For more details on weather conditions during this summer month, you can check St. John's weather in August.

In January, the weather in St. John's is characterized by harsh cold, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -14°C (7°F) to a maximum of 12°C (54°F) and an average of -2°C (29°F). The month also experiences significant precipitation, totaling 113 mm (4.5 in) over 13 days, along with high humidity at 83%. In contrast, September brings milder conditions, where temperatures range from a minimum of 4°C (39°F) to a maximum of 24°C (75°F), averaging 13°C (56°F). Precipitation slightly decreases to 107 mm (4.2 in) over 11 days, although humidity rises to 90%. This stark contrast highlights the transition from the depths of winter to the more temperate early fall, making September a more inviting month for outdoor activities. For more details, check out St. John's weather in September.

January and October exhibit striking differences in weather conditions. In January, temperatures can dip as low as -14°C (7°F), with an average of -2°C (29°F) and a peak reaching 12°C (54°F). This month sees substantial precipitation of 113 mm (4.5 in) over 13 days, coupled with a high humidity level of 83%. In contrast, October offers a milder climate, starting at a minimum of 0°C (32°F) and averaging at 8°C (48°F), with maximum temperatures soaring up to 22°C (72°F). Precipitation is slightly less in October, totaling 97 mm (3.8 in) over 12 days, and humidity levels rise to 87%. For more detailed insights, you can explore St. John's weather in October.

In comparing the weather of January and November, January tends to be colder with average temperatures around -2°C (29°F), while November experiences a milder average of 4°C (40°F). The minimum temperature in January drops significantly to -14°C (7°F), in contrast to November's minimum of -6°C (22°F). Precipitation levels are quite similar between the two months, with January receiving 113 mm (4.5 in) and November slightly less at 108 mm (4.3 in), both spread over approximately 13 days. Despite these similarities in precipitation, the humidity levels remain high, with January at 83% and November just slightly higher at 84%. For more detailed comparisons, you can check out St. John's weather in November.

When comparing the weather in January to that of December, we notice some key differences. January experiences lower temperatures, with a minimum of -14°C (7°F) and an average of -2°C (29°F), while December has slightly milder conditions, ranging from a minimum of -10°C (15°F) to an average of 0°C (33°F). Precipitation levels are also notable, with January receiving 113 mm (4.5 in) over 13 days compared to December's 133 mm (5.3 in) over 16 days. Despite the chilly conditions, both months maintain similar humidity levels at 83%. For more detailed information, you can refer to St. John's weather in December.

Compare St. John's's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From January Weather in St. John's

January in St. John's presents a unique winter experience, characterized by its notably colder temperatures compared to the milder months that precede and follow it. With chilly averages dropping well below freezing, residents and visitors alike must prepare for the crisp air and the likelihood of encountering snow and rain, as this month sees a higher number of precipitation days than many others. The humidity level remains relatively high, adding a bite to the frosty conditions. While January may pose challenges, it also offers the charm of a winter wonderland, making it a distinctive month in the city's climate calendar. To explore more about St. John's weather patterns throughout the year, visit St. John's Climate.