January Weather in Toronto, Canada

Last updated: April 28, 2025

In January, Toronto, Canada experiences a chilly climate characterized by an average temperature of -4°C (25°F), with maximum highs reaching 12°C (53°F) and chilling lows plummeting to -25°C (-12°F). The city also faces 62 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation spread across 8 days, contributing to a damp atmosphere with humidity levels soaring at 91%. This winter month showcases a blend of cold and occasional moisture, making it a quintessential representation of Toronto's winter weather.

January Temperature in Toronto

In January, Toronto experiences some of its coldest temperatures of the year, with a minimum plunge to a biting -25°C (-12°F), while the average hovers around -4°C (25°F) and peaks at a milder 12°C (53°F). This month serves as a bridge into the deep winter, where the chill begins to ease slightly into February, transitioning to just a bit warmer temperatures. Moreover, a clear trend emerges as the winter months progress toward spring: even though January is notably frigid, February shows only a slight uptick in both minimum and maximum temperatures, culminating in a sharp rise by March, when averages approach a refreshing 0°C (33°F). With each passing month, the city gradually shakes off the frost, setting the stage for the lush warmth of spring and summer.

January Weather in Toronto: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates January temperature patterns in Toronto, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec252633435566727063523830
Data source: Temperature data for Toronto generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Choose your preferred temperature unit
The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

January Precipitation in Toronto

In January, Toronto experiences an average precipitation of 62 mm (2.5 in) over approximately 8 days, marking the beginning of the year with a subtle yet consistent wetness. This modest rainfall sets the tone for the winter season, falling slightly short of the following month, February, which sees a rise to 65 mm (2.6 in) over a more active 12 days. As winter progresses, precipitation tends to align with increasing days of rain or snow, peaking in the spring months. With March dropping to 58 mm (2.3 in) over 9 days, there's a noticeable fluctuation, hinting at the transition into a wetter April. Overall, January's data illustrates a relatively calm start to the year, a gentle prelude to Toronto's more dynamic weather ahead.

January Precipitation Trends in Toronto

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Toronto, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec636558989079787858957270
Data source: Precipitation data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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January Humidity in Toronto

In January, Toronto experiences a notable humidity level of 91%, which remains consistent into February. As winter transitions to spring, humidity begins to decrease slightly, dropping to 88% in March and April. This trend continues into the late spring and summer months, with humidity levels falling to 82% in May and peaking at a comfortable 77% in July. As summer wanes into fall, humidity levels see a gradual uptick, reaching 83% in October before declining again in November and December. Overall, January is part of a more humid winter season, contrasting with the drier summer months, illustrating Toronto's dynamic climate throughout the year.

January Average Humidity in Toronto

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Toronto, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec91%91%88%88%82%80%77%72%76%83%88%87%
Data source: Humidity data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

January UV Index in Toronto

In January, Toronto experiences a low UV Index of 2, with a burn time of about 45 minutes. This typically indicates that sun exposure poses minimal risk, making it a safer month for outdoor activities. As winter deepens into February, the UV Index rises to 4, transitioning to a moderate exposure category where residents should remain mindful of prolonged sun exposure, especially during midday. By March, the UV Index climbs to 5, maintaining the moderate status but further emphasizing the need for caution. As spring approaches, the UV Index begins to spike in April, reaching 8—a signal for very high exposure, where just 15 minutes of unprotected sun can lead to burns. This trend continues through the summer months, with July and August peaking at a UV Index of 9. As we move back into fall, the index drops to 7 in September, then settles at 5 in October. The year wraps up with December returning to a low index of 2. Overall, this yearly progression underscores the importance of monitoring UV levels for safe outdoor enjoyment, particularly during the sunnier months. For more detailed information, visit Toronto UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Toronto for January

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Toronto 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec245899997532
Data source: Toronto 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 Toronto

In Toronto, January brings a modest 112 hours of sunshine, signaling the start of a gradual transition into brighter months. As winter loosens its grip, February exhibits a notable uptick with 156 hours, hinting at the early whispers of spring. March continues this positive trend, boasting 231 hours, while April follows suit with 239 hours, as the city blossoms into life. May marks a significant leap to 294 hours, a clear indication that summer is just around the corner. By June, residents can bask in an impressive 339 hours of sunshine, peaking in July at 351 hours. As the heat continues, August sees a slight dip to 344 hours, yet September still delights with 306 hours. The sun begins its slow retreat in October, offering 204 hours, before dwindling further in November and December with 154 hours and 119 hours, respectively. This seasonal dance of sunlight showcases Toronto's vibrant progression from winter's chill to the warmth of summer's embrace, inviting Torontonians to savor each sun-filled moment along the way.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Toronto: January Highlighted

The January sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Toronto 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec112h156h231h239h294h339h351h344h306h204h154h119h
Data source: Toronto January Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Toronto During January

In January, Toronto experiences its lowest likelihood of sunny weather, with only an 18% chance of sunshine gracing the city. As the months progress, a noticeable upward trend emerges: February sees an increase to 30%, and by March, the likelihood of sunny days nearly doubles to 47%. This shift continues into spring, as April offers a 39% chance, while May and June welcome 46% and 42% respectively, laying the groundwork for a brighter summer ahead. The longest days of joy arrive in August, where the sun shines nearly half the time, reflecting a steady climb in sunshine probabilities that characterizes Toronto's seasonal transitions. With this trend, it's clear that the new year starts off gray but hints at the brightness that is just around the corner.

Percentage of Sunny Days in January in Toronto

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Toronto 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 Toronto experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec18%30%47%39%46%42%43%49%46%28%41%24%
Data source: Toronto January chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Toronto in January

In January, Toronto experiences approximately 9 hours of daylight, a stark contrast to the longer sunlit days that follow. As winter gives way to spring, daylight steadily increases, reaching 10 hours in February and 11 hours in March. This gradual ascent continues through the spring and into summer, peaking at 15 hours in both June and July, when the city basks in the warmth of extended daylight. However, as August rolls in, daylight begins its slow descent, slipping to 13 hours, and continuing to dwindle through the fall months, culminating in just 8 hours by December. This cyclical pattern not only highlights the transition of seasons but also the significant impact that the changing daylight has on Toronto's vibrant urban life.

Average Daylight Hours in Toronto for January

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Toronto throughout the year, with January highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec9h 19m10h 29m11h 57m13h 28m14h 45m15h 23m15h 2m13h 53m12h 27m10h 56m9h 37m8h 57m
Data source: Toronto daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

January Winds in Toronto

In Toronto, January ushers in a gentle breeze with an average wind speed of 3.6 m/s (8 mph), creating a crisp, invigorating atmosphere that complements the cold winter months. Interestingly, as the city transitions into February, the winds pick up slightly to 4.3 m/s (10 mph), mirroring the seasonal shift as winter begins to loosen its grip. This pattern continues into March, where the wind remains steady at the same speed, providing a hint of spring's arrival. The trend then dips in April, where the average speed falls back to 3.7 m/s (8 mph), signaling a calm before the warmer months. As spring blossoms, May sees a decrease to 3.3 m/s (7 mph), reflecting the stillness that often accompanies the transition into summer. However, the winds begin to subtly rise again in June and October, suggesting a refreshing airflow as temperatures fluctuate. By December, just before the onset of a new year, gusts pick up again to a robust 4.4 m/s (10 mph), encapsulating the dynamic nature of Toronto's winds throughout the year.

Average January Wind Speed in Toronto

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Toronto, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec3.6 m/s4.34.33.73.33.83.12.93.73.73.84.4
Data source: Toronto January wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How January Weather in Toronto Compares to Other Months

The weather in Toronto 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 Toronto and find detailed weather information for every month.

In January, temperatures in Toronto can plunge to a minimum of -25°C (-12°F), with an average of -4°C (25°F) and a maximum reaching 12°C (53°F). The month sees around 62 mm of precipitation over approximately 8 days, accompanied by high humidity levels of 91%. In contrast, February offers slightly milder conditions, with a minimum temperature of -23°C (-9°F) and an average of -3°C (26°F), while the maximum can rise to a pleasant 16°C (62°F). Precipitation increases to 65 mm over 12 days, but humidity remains consistent at 91%. For more details, you can check Toronto weather in February.

In January, the weather is characterized by frigid temperatures, with a minimum of -25°C (-12°F) and an average of -4°C (25°F), whereas March shows a noticeable improvement with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -20°C (-4°F) to an average of 0°C (33°F). While January sees 62 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation over 8 days, March has slightly less precipitation, totaling 58 mm (2.3 in) but spread over 9 days. Additionally, January has a higher humidity level at 91%, compared to March's 88%, reflecting the transition toward milder spring conditions. For more details on the weather trends, check out Toronto weather in March.

January weather is characterized by frigid temperatures, with an average low of -25°C (-12°F) and a maximum of only 12°C (53°F). This cold month sees an average of 62 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation over 8 days, and the high humidity of 91% adds to the chilly atmosphere. In contrast, April marks a significant warming trend with average temperatures ranging from a low of -6°C (22°F) to a pleasant high of 22°C (72°F). Precipitation also increases, with 98 mm (3.9 in) spread over 13 days, while humidity remains relatively high at 88%. For more detailed information, you can check Toronto weather in April.

In January, Toronto experiences frigid temperatures with a minimum of -25°C (-12°F) and an average of -4°C (25°F), while the maximum reaches only 12°C (53°F). The month sees a total precipitation of 62 mm (2.5 in) spread over 8 days, accompanied by high humidity levels of 91%. In contrast, May offers a much milder climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -3°C (28°F) to a maximum of 30°C (86°F) and an average of 13°C (55°F). Precipitation also increases slightly, totaling 90 mm (3.6 in) across 11 days, but the humidity decreases to a more comfortable 82%. For more detailed insights into Toronto weather during May, you can visit Toronto weather in May.

In January, the weather is characterized by freezing temperatures, with averages around -4°C (25°F) and nighttime lows plummeting to -25°C (-12°F). The month sees a significant amount of humidity at 91%, with approximately 62 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation spread over 8 days. In stark contrast, June welcomes warmer temperatures, averaging 19°C (66°F) and peaking at 31°C (89°F), accompanied by much lower humidity at 79%. This month also experiences slightly more precipitation at 79 mm (3.1 in) over about 10 days. The transition from the frigid cold of January to the summer warmth of June highlights the significant seasonal changes in Toronto's weather. For more details on June weather, visit Toronto weather in June.

January and July present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plunge to a minimum of -25°C (-12°F), with an average temperature of -4°C (25°F) and a maximum of just 12°C (53°F). The month sees about 62 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation over 8 days, accompanied by high humidity at 91%. In contrast, July offers a much more temperate climate, with minimum temperatures around 11°C (52°F) and an average of 22°C (72°F), peaking at a warm 34°C (93°F). Although July experiences slightly more precipitation at 78 mm (3.1 in) over 11 days, the humidity is lower, at 77%. For more detailed insights on July weather, visit Toronto weather in July.

In January, the weather in Toronto is characterized by frigid temperatures, with lows plunging to -25°C (-12°F) and an average of -4°C (25°F), while the maximum temperature reaches only 12°C (53°F). Despite experiencing a significant 62 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation over 8 days, the high humidity at 91% contributes to a biting cold that dominates the winter atmosphere.

In contrast, August brings much warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a pleasant maximum of 33°C (92°F), averaging around 21°C (71°F). Although August sees slightly more precipitation at 78 mm (3.1 in) over 12 days, the humidity drops to 72%, creating a more comfortable environment perfect for outdoor activities. For more details about the warmth and characteristics of the month, you can check the Toronto weather in August.

January and September present stark contrasts in weather. In January, temperatures can plummet to a chilling minimum of -25°C (-12°F), with an average of -4°C (25°F) and maximums reaching apenas 12°C (53°F). The month is also characterized by high humidity at 91% and about 62 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation over eight days. Conversely, September features a much milder climate, with minimum temperatures around 3°C (38°F), an average high of 17°C (64°F), and maximums soaring to 33°C (91°F). This month experiences slightly less precipitation at 58 mm (2.3 in) over the same number of rainy days, alongside a more comfortable humidity level of 76%. For more details, check out Toronto weather in September.

January and October exhibit stark contrasts in weather patterns. In January, temperatures plummet with a minimum of -25°C (-12°F) and an average of -4°C (25°F), while precipitation occurs over 8 days, leading to a chilly and humid environment with 91% humidity. In comparison, October presents a milder climate, featuring a minimum of -2°C (29°F) and an average of 11°C (52°F), with maximum temperatures reaching as high as 30°C (86°F). Precipitation increases to 95 mm (3.7 in) over 13 days, but humidity is slightly lower at 83%. For more details, check out Toronto weather in October.

January's weather presents a stark contrast to November's milder conditions. The average temperature in January hovers around -4°C (25°F), with minimum lows plummeting to -25°C (-12°F), while November enjoys a more moderate average of 3°C (38°F) and maximum highs reaching 22°C (72°F). Additionally, January experiences higher humidity at 91% compared to November's 88%, despite both months having similar precipitation levels—62 mm (2.5 in) in January and 72 mm (2.8 in) in November. Overall, January is significantly colder and more humid, while November offers a reprieve with warmer temperatures. For more specific insights, you can check out Toronto weather in November.

January and December exhibit quite similar weather patterns, with both months experiencing frigid temperatures. In January, temperatures range from a minimum of -25°C (-12°F) to a maximum of 12°C (53°F), with an average of -4°C (25°F). In contrast, December has slightly milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from -24°C (-11°F) to 16°C (61°F) and an average of -1°C (31°F). Precipitation is also prevalent in both months, with January receiving 62 mm (2.5 in) over eight days and December slightly higher at 70 mm (2.8 in) over twelve days. Humidity levels are quite high in both months, with January averaging 91% compared to December's 87%. For more details, you can check Toronto weather in December.

Compare Toronto's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From January Weather in Toronto

January in Toronto presents a stark contrast to the milder months, marked by its biting cold and prolonged chill. With average temperatures hovering around -4°C (25°F), this month stands out for its penetrating frost, often plunging to a brisk -25°C (-12°F). Precipitation also takes on a different character, with 62 mm (2.5 in) falling over eight days, creating a mix of snow and slush. Combined with the high humidity of 91%, January's weather can feel particularly harsh. For a deeper understanding of the variations throughout the year, explore Toronto Climate.