January Weather in Zagreb, Croatia

Last updated: March 17, 2025

Experience the charming January weather of Zagreb, Croatia, where temperatures showcase a striking contrast—from a maximum of 16°C (62°F) to an average of just 1°C (34°F), plunging as low as -12°C (11°F). This mid-winter month witnesses 39 mm (1.5 in) of precipitation over 8 days, adding to the enchanting atmosphere of the city. With an impressive humidity level of 89%, January envelops Zagreb in a crisp, cool embrace, making it a perfect time to explore its picturesque streets and vibrant culture.

January Temperature in Zagreb

In Zagreb, Croatia, January embodies the depth of winter, with temperatures ranging from a biting -12°C (11°F) at their coldest to a mild 16°C (62°F) at the peak of the day. The average temperature rests at a chilly 1°C (34°F), making it a brisk time to explore the city's historic charm. As the month progresses, a noticeable upward trend begins, leading into February, where minimum temperatures rise slightly, and daytime warmth becomes more inviting. This gradual warming hints at the transitioning of seasons, paving the way for the blossoming of spring by March, where highs begin to flirt with the twenties. The contrast between the colder nights and comparatively warmer days characterizes January, setting the stage for Zagreb’s eventual thaw and the vibrant colors of the upcoming months.

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

The chart illustrates January temperature patterns in Zagreb, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec344045546271737464544538
Data source: Temperature data for Zagreb 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 Zagreb

January in Zagreb, Croatia, welcomes the year with a modest 39 mm (1.5 in) of precipitation spread over approximately 8 days. This relatively low amount signals the tail end of the wetter winter months, transitioning towards the much wetter periods that lie ahead. As the city steps into February, precipitation increases significantly to 66 mm (2.6 in), suggesting a trend of escalating dampness as spring approaches. The pattern continues into the subsequent months, with rainfall peaking in May at 120 mm (4.7 in), where the number of wet days also surges to 17. This upward trend, characterized by increasing amounts and frequency of rain, underscores Zagreb's journey from the dry chill of winter to the lush, vibrant atmosphere of late spring.

January Precipitation Trends in Zagreb

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Zagreb, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec3966526812096887498849086
Data source: Precipitation data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Choose your preferred precipitation unit

January Humidity in Zagreb

In January, the air in Zagreb, Croatia, is notably humid, with levels reaching a high of 89%. This characteristic is part of a seasonal trend where humidity starts to gradually decline in the following months. As February rolls in, the humidity decreases to 83%, marking the beginning of a steady drop that continues into the spring. By April, the levels fall to 72%, and further dip to a comfortable 70% by May. The summer months bring a respite from the dampness, with July and August showcasing the lowest humidity levels at 64% and 51% respectively. However, as autumn approaches, humidity levels start to rise again, peaking at 88% in December. This cyclical pattern highlights Zagreb's transition from the deep humidity of winter to the drier, warmer months of summer, before returning to the more humid conditions of late fall and winter.

January Average Humidity in Zagreb

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Zagreb, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec89%83%75%72%70%69%64%51%62%81%87%88%
Data source: Humidity data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

January UV Index in Zagreb

In January, Zagreb experiences a UV Index of 2, indicating a low exposure category, where you can enjoy outdoor activities without much concern for sunburn, with a burn time of approximately 45 minutes. As the months progress into February and March, the UV Index gradually increases to 3 and 5 respectively, marking a shift to a moderate exposure level that calls for some sun protection, especially during midday outings. The trend continues upward in April with an Index of 6, ushering in a high exposure category, and leading to the sunny months of May and June, where the Index peaks at 9 during the summer—a time when vigilant sun safety measures are crucial, with burn times dropping to just 15 minutes. This pattern highlights a significant rise in UV exposure as spring turns to summer, before tapering off again into the fall and winter, when the Index returns to low levels by December. To learn more about the UV conditions throughout the year, visit Zagreb UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Zagreb for January

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Zagreb 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec235689986532
Data source: Zagreb 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 Zagreb

January in Zagreb, Croatia, marks the beginning of the year with 162 hours of sunshine, a modest start that hints at the promise of brighter days ahead. As winter transitions into spring, the days grow longer and sunnier, with February bringing 226 hours of sunlight, followed by a significant leap in March to 307 hours. The upward trend continues, peaking in the summer months: June and July bask in an impressive 406 and 426 hours respectively, offering visitors and locals alike the perfect opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities. As summer fades into fall, sunshine hours gradually decline, with September still holding on to 326 hours, before dipping again in the colder months of October through December. This cyclical dance of daylight showcases Zagreb’s vibrant seasons and sets the stage for a picturesque year ahead.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Zagreb: January Highlighted

The January sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Zagreb 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec162h226h307h335h371h406h426h391h326h288h191h204h
Data source: Zagreb January Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Zagreb During January

In Zagreb, Croatia, January brings a modest 28% chance of sunny weather, setting a somewhat overcast tone for the month. As winter begins to transition into spring, this likelihood of sunshine is notably lower compared to the following months, with February seeing a significant jump to 48%. This upward trend continues into March and June, where sunny days become increasingly frequent, peaking at 58% in March and 57% in June. By the time summer rolls around, the likelihood stabilizes at around 50% for July and August. Overall, January's sunshine scarcity is part of a pattern of gradual improvement, as the city shakes off its winter gloom in favor of brighter skies.

Percentage of Sunny Days in January in Zagreb

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Zagreb 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 Zagreb experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec28%48%58%41%39%57%50%50%52%39%21%28%
Data source: Zagreb January chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Zagreb in January

In Zagreb, Croatia, the daylight duration undergoes a captivating transformation throughout the year. January kicks off with just 9 hours of daylight, hinting at the lingering chill of winter. As the month transitions into February, daylight slowly begins to extend, reaching 10 hours. The arrival of March brings with it a surge in brightness, as days lengthen to 11 hours, signaling the gradual approach of spring. By April, daylight expands further to 13 hours, and the warmth of May bathes the city in 14 hours of sunshine. This peak continues through June and July, where 15 hours of daylight create vibrant summer days. As summer wanes into August, the days shorten slightly to 14 hours, and by September, daylight drops to 12 hours, marking a gentle descent into autumn. October and November see daylight dwindle to 10 and 9 hours, respectively, while the year closes with December bringing a mere 8 hours of daylight, reminding us of the cycle's completion and the embrace of winter's return. This rhythmic ebb and flow of daylight not only reflects the changing seasons but also sets the backdrop for daily life in this beautiful city.

Average Daylight Hours in Zagreb for January

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Zagreb throughout the year, with January highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec9h 6m10h 21m11h 56m13h 33m14h 56m15h 38m15h 16m14h 2m12h 29m10h 52m9h 27m8h 43m
Data source: Zagreb daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

January Winds in Zagreb

In January, Zagreb experiences a gentle breeze with an average wind speed of 2.2 m/s (5 mph), a consistency that continues into February, maintaining the same calm environment. As the city transitions into March, a slight increase to 2.3 m/s indicates a hint of spring’s approach. The winds pick up ever so slightly more in April to 2.4 m/s, signaling the arrival of warmer days ahead. However, this mild increase begins to taper off as summer approaches, with speeds dropping to 1.9 m/s in June and culminating at a tranquil 1.7 m/s during the hot months of August. This pattern suggests that while January brings a serene wind, the following months experience subtle fluctuations, with the overall trend favoring lighter winds as the year wears on, enhancing the charm of Zagreb’s winter and summer alike.

Average January Wind Speed in Zagreb

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Zagreb, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2.2 m/s2.22.32.42.31.92.01.71.82.11.81.8
Data source: Zagreb January wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How January Weather in Zagreb Compares to Other Months

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

In January, the weather typically features a minimum temperature of -12°C (11°F) and an average temperature of 1°C (34°F), with highs reaching up to 16°C (62°F). The month experiences around 39 mm (1.5 in) of precipitation across approximately 8 days, along with a high humidity level of 89%. In contrast, February shows a slight increase in temperatures, with a minimum of -10°C (14°F) and an average of 4°C (40°F), peaking at 21°C (69°F). However, it also sees a rise in precipitation to 66 mm (2.6 in) over 9 days, featuring slightly lower humidity at 83%. For a more detailed overview, visit Zagreb weather in February.

In January, the weather is characterized by cold temperatures, with a minimum of -12°C (11°F) and an average of around 1°C (34°F), while the maximum can reach up to 16°C (62°F). The month sees approximately 39 mm (1.5 in) of precipitation over 8 days and maintains a high humidity of 89%. In contrast, March experiences slightly lower minimum temperatures of -15°C (6°F) but an average of 7°C (46°F) and can peak at 23°C (74°F). Precipitation increases to 52 mm (2.1 in) over the same number of days, yet humidity drops to 75%. This shift reflects a transition from the depths of winter to the early signs of spring. For more detailed weather information, you can check Zagreb weather in March.

In January, the weather in Zagreb is quite cold, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -12°C (11°F) to a maximum of 16°C (62°F), resulting in an average of just 1°C (34°F). The humidity is high at 89%, and precipitation occurs on around 8 days, totaling 39 mm (1.5 in). In contrast, April brings a significant warming trend, with temperatures ranging from -6°C (21°F) to a much warmer maximum of 29°C (85°F), leading to an average temperature of 12°C (54°F). Although April experiences slightly more precipitation, 68 mm (2.7 in) over 9 days, the humidity drops to a comfortable 72%. For a detailed look at the conditions, check out Zagreb weather in April.

January weather in Zagreb is characterized by colder temperatures, with minimums dropping to -12°C (11°F) and an average of just 1°C (34°F). The month experiences some precipitation, totaling 39 mm (1.5 in) over approximately 8 days, coupled with a high humidity level of 89%. In contrast, May brings a dramatic shift, with warmer temperatures that range from a minimum of 3°C (37°F) to a pleasant maximum of 31°C (89°F) and an average of 16°C (62°F). However, May is also wetter, receiving 120 mm (4.7 in) across about 17 days, while humidity decreases to a more comfortable 70%. For more details on the weather conditions during this vibrant month, check out Zagreb weather in May.

When comparing January and June weather, there is a stark contrast between the two months. January experiences much colder temperatures, with an average of just 1°C (34°F), and can plummet to a minimum of -12°C (11°F). The month sees about 39 mm (1.5 in) of precipitation over 8 days, coupled with high humidity at 89%. In sharp contrast, June boasts a much warmer climate, with an average temperature of 22°C (72°F) and highs reaching up to 37°C (99°F). The month also experiences increased precipitation, totaling 96 mm (3.8 in) over approximately 12 days, but with a notable drop in humidity to 69%. For more details on the June weather in Zagreb, check out Zagreb weather in June.

In January, the weather is quite cold with temperatures ranging from a chilling -12°C (11°F) at the minimum to a maximum of 16°C (62°F), and an average temperature around 1°C (34°F). The month sees about 39 mm (1.5 in) of precipitation over around 8 days, with a high humidity level of 89%, making it feel even colder.

Conversely, July experiences significantly warmer weather with temperatures varying from a mild 10°C (50°F) to a scorching maximum of 36°C (97°F), averaging around 23°C (74°F). Precipitation increases to 88 mm (3.5 in) across 11 days, but the humidity drops to 64%, providing a more comfortable climate overall.

For more details on July weather specifics, you can check Zagreb weather in July.

In January, the weather is characterized by chilly temperatures, with a minimum of -12°C (11°F) and an average of 1°C (34°F), making it a stark contrast to the warmth of August, where temperatures range from a minimum of 9°C (49°F) to an average of 23°C (74°F). January experiences significant humidity at 89%, contributing to the cold feel, while August enjoys a drier atmosphere with humidity dropping to 51%. Precipitation is also more prevalent in January, with about 39 mm (1.5 in) over 8 days, compared to August's 74 mm (2.9 in) spread over 10 days. For a closer look at the August conditions, you can check out Zagreb weather in August.

In January, the weather in Zagreb is marked by significantly colder temperatures, with a minimum of -12°C (11°F) and an average of just 1°C (34°F). Snow and frost are common, as the month experiences about 39 mm (1.5 in) of precipitation over approximately 8 days, accompanied by high humidity at 89%. In contrast, September brings much milder and warmer conditions, featuring temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C (38°F) to a maximum of 34°C (93°F), with an average of 18°C (64°F). This month receives around 98 mm (3.9 in) of rainfall over about 10 days, while humidity drops to a more comfortable 62%. For more details on September weather in Zagreb, check out Zagreb weather in September.

In January, the weather is characterized by chilly temperatures, with minimums reaching as low as -12°C (11°F) and an average around 1°C (34°F). There's a fair amount of precipitation, totaling 39 mm (1.5 in) over about 8 days, accompanied by a high humidity level of 89%. In contrast, October offers a milder climate with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 0°C (32°F) to a comfortable maximum of 27°C (80°F), averaging around 12°C (55°F). The month receives more precipitation, amounting to 84 mm (3.3 in), spread over 9 days, but features lower humidity at 81%. For more specific weather details, you can check out Zagreb weather in October.

January and November showcase distinct differences in weather patterns. In January, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -12°C (11°F) to a comfortable maximum of 16°C (62°F), with an average of only 1°C (34°F). The month sees a total precipitation of 39 mm (1.5 in) spread over 8 days, accompanied by a high humidity of 89%. In contrast, November experiences milder conditions, with temperatures fluctuating between -5°C (24°F) and up to 22°C (71°F), averaging at 7°C (46°F). This month is wetter, receiving 89 mm (3.5 in) of precipitation across 10 days, while maintaining a slightly lower humidity of 87%. For more information on the specifics of November weather, you can visit Zagreb weather in November.

In January, the weather in Zagreb is characterized by colder temperatures, with a minimum of -12°C (11°F) and an average of 1°C (34°F), compared to December, where the minimum is slightly milder at -6°C (21°F) and an average of 3°C (38°F). January also experiences less precipitation, totaling 39 mm (1.5 in) over approximately 8 days, while December sees significantly more rain at 86 mm (3.4 in) across 10 days. Humidity levels are similar, with January at 89% and December at 88%, contributing to the chilly atmosphere that characterizes both months. For more detailed insights into December weather in Zagreb, check out Zagreb weather in December.

Compare Zagreb's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From January Weather in Zagreb

In January, Zagreb experiences a stark contrast to the warmer months, with temperatures often dipping to chilling lows and a notable increase in humidity at around 89%. This month is characterized by its average temperature resting at just 1°C, while occasional peaks of up to 16°C remind us of the brief warmth that can break through the cold. With 39 mm of precipitation spread over 8 days, January is one of the wetter months, adding to the city's winter charm. Those venturing into Zagreb during this time should prepare for the brisk air and the enchanting atmosphere that comes with snow-dusted streets, making it a unique experience distinct from the rest of the year. For a more in-depth look at how January fits into the broader picture of the city's climate, explore Zagreb Climate.