Last updated: April 22, 2025
In January, Quebec, Canada experiences a dynamic winter climate marked by a wide temperature range, with maximums reaching up to 10°C (50°F) and plunging to a brisk minimum of -31°C (-23°F). The average temperature hovers around -10°C (15°F), creating a chilly atmosphere. Precipitation during this month totals 91 mm (3.6 in), spread across 12 days, contributing to the province's snow-covered landscape. With humidity levels at a high 95%, residents and visitors should be prepared for a quintessentially crisp and often damp Canadian winter, making it an unforgettable time to explore the beauty of Quebec's snowy vistas.
In January, Quebec experiences a chilling embrace, with temperatures plunging to a bone-rattling minimum of -31°C (-23°F), making it one of the coldest months of the year. The average temperature hovers around a frigid -10°C (15°F), while daytime highs can reach up to 10°C (50°F), offering a brief respite from the intense cold. Interestingly, as the year progresses into February and March, the extreme lows start to moderate, yet they still remain well below freezing, indicating the lingering grip of winter. Despite these harsh conditions, the gradual rise in average and maximum temperatures hints at the impending warmth of spring, with April showcasing a dramatic transition as temperatures begin to climb above freezing, signalling brighter days ahead. The stark contrasts between the biting cold of January and the milder temperatures that follow highlight Quebec's diverse climate and the resilience required to thrive in such conditions.
January in Quebec typically sees an average precipitation of 91 mm (3.6 in) over approximately 12 days, setting the stage for a winter wonderland. This volume is slightly higher than February's 87 mm, but what stands out is the increasing trend as spring approaches, culminating in April's significant rise to 122 mm (4.8 in). The consistency in precipitation days throughout the winter months hints at a persistent weather pattern, which makes January a reliable part of Quebec's snowy landscape. As the region transitions into spring, the amount of precipitation tends to fluctuate, reflecting the varied climatic conditions Quebec experiences throughout the year.
In January, Quebec experiences a striking humidity level of 95%, making it one of the dampest months of the year. This intense moisture is a departure from the relatively lower levels that follow, as February and March see a gradual decline to 93% and 90%, respectively. Interestingly, April marks the beginning of a more substantial drop, with humidity levels falling to 87%, and continuing to decrease steadily until reaching 73% by June. As summer approaches, humidity levels begin to stabilize around 81% in both July and August, before slightly rising again in the fall, peaking at 89% in November. This seasonal ebb and flow in humidity underscores the unique climatic patterns of Quebec, where the winter months are defined by high moisture that transitions into drier, warmer summer months, only to return to higher humidity levels as winter reapproaches.
In January, Quebec experiences a low UV Index of 2, indicating minimal risk for sunburn, with a burn time of approximately 45 minutes. As winter progresses into February, the UV Index rises to 3, representing a moderate exposure level, which shortens burn time to 30 minutes. The trend continues into March with a further increase to 5, maintaining a moderate category. This gradual rise foreshadows the significant leap in April, when the UV Index hits 7, marking the onset of high exposure at a burn time of just 25 minutes. The summer months then present very high indexes of 9 in May and June, with dangerously short burn times of only 15 minutes. As July and August follow suit, the UV Index stabilizes at 8 before tapering off into high levels in September and moderate levels in the later months. This annual progression highlights a dynamic shift from low to very high UV exposure in Quebec, necessitating awareness and protection for sun-sensitive individuals. For more detailed insights, visit Quebec UV Index.
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In January, Quebec experiences a modest 111 hours of sunshine, setting the stage for a crisp winter landscape. As the months progress, the sun begins to assert itself, with February seeing a significant increase to 175 hours. This upward trend continues into March and April, peaking with 230 hours and 226 hours respectively, as winter transitions into spring. By May, the sunshine surges further to 304 hours, heralding the longer days of summer. June opens the floodgates with 319 hours, followed by July's impressive 349 hours, the sun shining its brightest. However, as summer wanes into August and September, the sunlight gradually tapers off, recording 327 hours and 263 hours respectively. The trend of diminishing daylight persists into the fall months, with 195 hours in October, 142 hours in November, and 150 hours by December. This seasonal journey not only highlights the vibrant fluctuations in sunshine but also mirrors the enchanting changes in Quebec’s natural scenery throughout the year.
In January, Quebec sees a 33% chance of sunny weather, marking it as one of the months with lower prospects for clear skies. This likelihood slightly improves in February and continues to rise through March and April, where sunshine chances reach 39% and 41%, respectively. Interestingly, the trend begins to shift as we enter late spring and summer; despite June and July dipping to 32% and 31%, the chance of sun returns to 41% in August. Overall, while January might be a rather cloudy start to the year, optimism builds in the following months as the weather gradually brightens, showcasing the fickle yet fascinating nature of Quebec's winter and early spring climate.
In January, Quebec experiences about 9 hours of daylight, yet this brief illumination gradually expands as winter recedes. By the end of February, the days lengthen to 10 hours, ushering in a sense of renewal. As spring approaches, March brings 11 hours of daylight, setting the stage for April's significant leap to 13 hours. The sun continues to shine brightly in May and June, each boasting a generous 15 hours of daylight, encouraging outdoor activities and social gatherings. July maintains this brightness before the gradual decline begins in August, dropping to 14 hours. As summer wanes, daylight fades more swiftly, with September offering 12 hours, followed by a steady retreat to 10 hours in October. The cycle closes as November and December deliver the least sun, with only 9 hours and 8 hours of daylight, respectively. This rhythmic ebb and flow of daylight not only marks the changing seasons but also encapsulates the vibrant life cycles within Quebec.
In January, the winds in Quebec are relatively gentle, averaging 2.7 m/s (6 mph), setting a calm tone for the deep winter. As the month transitions into February, there’s a slight uptick to 3.1 m/s (7 mph), marking the start of a gradual breeze that continues to build through March, where winds reach 3.8 m/s (9 mph), their peak for the first quarter of the year. Interestingly, April sees a dip back to 3.4 m/s (8 mph) before the winds settle to a consistent 3.0 m/s (7 mph) through May and June. This mild fluctuation gives way to a slight decrease in summer months, with July and August returning to 2.8 m/s (6 mph) and 2.5 m/s (6 mph), respectively. As fall approaches, winds recover slightly, culminating in a seasonal rhythm where November and December average 3.0 m/s (7 mph) and 3.3 m/s (7 mph). Overall, the winds of January begin the year with a tranquil breeze, which gently escalates before settling into a more varied but peaceful pattern as the seasons change.
The weather in Quebec 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 Quebec and find detailed weather information for every month.
January and February in Quebec exhibit notable yet subtle differences in weather patterns. January tends to be colder, with average temperatures reaching a minimum of -31°C (-23°F) and an average of -10°C (15°F), while February experiences slightly milder conditions, with minimum temperatures around -25°C (-14°F) and an average of -8°C (17°F). Precipitation levels are fairly comparable, with January receiving 91 mm (3.6 in) over 12 days and February seeing 87 mm (3.4 in) spread over 13 days. Humidity levels are also similar, with January at 95% and February slightly lower at 93%. For more details, you can check this link: Quebec weather in February.
In comparing the weather between January and March, one can observe notable differences in temperature and conditions. January typically experiences more extreme cold, with temperatures dropping as low as -31°C (-23°F) and averaging around -10°C (15°F). In contrast, March sees a significant rise in temperatures, ranging from a minimum of -25°C (-13°F) to an average of -4°C (26°F), with highs reaching 15°C (59°F). Precipitation levels remain relatively stable, with January receiving 91 mm (3.6 in) over approximately 12 days, while March has slightly higher precipitation at 94 mm (3.7 in) over 10 days. Humidity is also slightly lower in March at 90% compared to January's 95%. For more detailed insights, visit Quebec weather in March.
January and April weather in Quebec show a striking contrast. In January, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -31°C (-23°F), with an average of -10°C (15°F) and a maximum of 10°C (50°F). The month sees considerable precipitation, totaling 91 mm (3.6 in) over 12 days, with humidity levels at a high 95%. In contrast, April experiences a milder climate, with minimum temperatures around -14°C (8°F), an average of 4°C (39°F), and a maximum reaching 20°C (69°F). April's precipitation is slightly higher at 122 mm (4.8 in) occurring over 13 days, with humidity decreasing to 87%. For more detailed insights into April weather in Quebec, visit Quebec weather in April.
In January, the weather in Quebec is characterized by extremely cold temperatures, with an average of -10°C (15°F) and minimums plummeting to -31°C (-23°F). The month sees significant precipitation of 91 mm (3.6 in) over 12 days, accompanied by high humidity levels of 95%, making it feel even chillier. In stark contrast, May brings a welcome warmth, with temperatures averaging around 12°C (54°F) and reaching highs of 33°C (91°F). Although precipitation increases slightly to 99 mm (3.9 in) over 14 days, the humidity drops to 79%, resulting in much more pleasant weather overall. For more details on the delightful weather in May, visit Quebec weather in May.
January and June in Quebec showcase a stark contrast in weather conditions. In January, the temperatures plunge to a frigid minimum of -31°C (-23°F), averaging a chilly -10°C (15°F) and reaching a maximum of 10°C (50°F). The month is characterized by high humidity levels of 95% and a total precipitation of 91 mm (3.6 in) over about 12 days. In contrast, June offers a much warmer spectrum, with minimum temperatures around 2°C (35°F) and averages soaring to 17°C (63°F), peaking at a hot 33°C (91°F). While June experiences slightly more precipitation at 125 mm (4.9 in) over 14 days, the humidity drops to a more comfortable 73%. For those interested in more details, you can visit Quebec weather in June.
January and July in Quebec showcase stark contrasts in weather. In January, the temperatures plummet, with lows reaching a frigid -31°C (-23°F) and average temperatures around -10°C (15°F), while highs barely hit 10°C (50°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 95% and notable precipitation, totaling 91 mm (3.6 in) over 12 days. Conversely, July brings a much more temperate climate, with a minimum temperature of 8°C (47°F) and an average of 20°C (69°F), peaking at a warm 34°C (93°F). Despite slightly higher precipitation at 104 mm (4.1 in) over 14 days, humidity decreases to 81%. For those seeking more details on the warmth of summer, check out Quebec weather in July.
In January, the weather in Quebec is characterized by frigid temperatures, with average lows around -10°C (15°F) and occasional extreme lows dipping to -31°C (-23°F). The humidity is notably high at 95%, contributing to the penetrating chill, and precipitation occurs on about 12 days, totaling 91 mm (3.6 in). In contrast, August brings a significant warm-up, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a comfortable average of 19°C (67°F) and peaks reaching 31°C (88°F). While August has slightly more precipitation, measuring 119 mm (4.7 in) over 14 days, the humidity drops to 81%, making the summer days feel much more pleasant. For more information, check out Quebec weather in August.
In January, the weather in Quebec is characterized by frigid temperatures, with minimums plunging to -31°C (-23°F) and an average of -10°C (15°F), while the maximum barely reaches 10°C (50°F). The high humidity at 95% contributes to the chill, alongside 91 mm (3.6 in) of precipitation spread over 12 days. In contrast, September offers a much milder climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -2°C (29°F) to a comfortable maximum of 30°C (86°F) and an average of 15°C (58°F). Although precipitation levels are similar at 93 mm (3.7 in), it falls over fewer days (10) and the humidity decreases to 81%. For more information about the weather during this month, visit Quebec weather in September.
In comparing the weather between January and October, significant differences are evident. January experiences frigid temperatures, with lows plummeting to -31°C (-23°F) and an average around -10°C (15°F), while October boasts much milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from a low of -7°C (20°F) to a comfortable high of 22°C (72°F). Precipitation is also more pronounced in October, totaling 134 mm (5.3 in) over 14 days, compared to January's 91 mm (3.6 in) across 12 days, although January's humidity remains high at 95%, surpassing October's 87%. For a more detailed overview of October's weather, you can visit Quebec weather in October.
In comparing the weather between January and November, January typically experiences significantly colder temperatures, with a minimum of -31°C (-23°F) and an average of -10°C (15°F), peaking at just 10°C (50°F). In contrast, November offers a milder climate with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -18°C (0°F) to an average of 0°C (32°F) and a maximum of 20°C (68°F). Precipitation levels are higher in November, totaling 132 mm (5.2 in) over 13 days, compared to January's 91 mm (3.6 in) across 12 days. Additionally, while January has a humidity level of 95%, November's humidity is slightly lower at 89%. For more details on November weather patterns, visit Quebec weather in November.
In comparing the weather between January and December, January typically experiences slightly colder conditions, with average temperatures around -10°C (15°F) compared to December's average of -7°C (20°F). January also sees a broader range in temperatures, with maximum highs reaching 10°C (50°F) and minimum lows plunging to -31°C (-23°F). Precipitation is somewhat lower in January at 91 mm (3.6 in) versus December's 105 mm (4.1 in), but both months share similar precipitation days, each having around 12 days of measurable rain or snow. Humidity levels are marginally higher in January at 95%, compared to December's 92%. For more detailed insights into December weather, you can check this link: Quebec weather in December.
January in Quebec presents a stark contrast to other months, characterized by its bitter cold temperatures and high humidity levels. With an average temperature hovering around -10°C, this month showcases the true essence of winter, far colder than the milder autumns and spring breezes. The significant precipitation—in the form of snow and freezing rain—further distinguishes January, contributing to a wintry landscape that invites both challenges and beauty. While many days see the mercury plunge to a minimum of -31°C, the occasional rise to a balmy 10°C reminds us of the unpredictable nature of winter. For a deeper understanding of how January fits into the larger climate picture, explore Quebec Climate.