January Weather in Tartu, Estonia

Last updated: August 21, 2025

January in Tartu, Estonia, showcases a dynamic winter climate characterized by a maximum temperature of 8°C (47°F) and an average of -2°C (28°F). The month experiences brisk conditions with a minimum temperature plunging to -20°C (-4°F), compelling locals and visitors alike to bundle up. With precipitation totaling 38 mm (1.5 in) over approximately 10 days, expectations of wintry mixes are common. Humidity levels soar to around 95%, enhancing the chill in the air and creating a distinctly crisp atmosphere. This enchanting month encapsulates the essence of winter in Tartu, inviting exploration against its frosty backdrop.

January Temperature in Tartu

In January, Tartu, Estonia experiences a typical winter chill with temperatures reflecting the icy grip of the season. The month kicks off with frigid minimums dipping to -20°C (-4°F), while average temperatures hover around a brisk -2°C (28°F). As the days progress, temperatures can peak at a relatively mild 8°C (47°F), though this is a welcome rarity amidst the overall cold. Compared to February, where the lows drop even further to -24°C (-12°F), January offers a slightly less severe climate, hinting at the gradual transition to less oppressive temperatures in March and beyond. Although the icy landscapes dominate January, the promise of an impending thaw with rising averages in the approaching spring months begins to glimmer on the horizon.

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

The chart illustrates January temperature patterns in Tartu, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends. In Tartu, January typically has an average temperature of {2}°C ({3}°F), with highs reaching up to {4}°C ({5}°F) and lows dropping to around {6}°C ({7}°F).
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec282732415263646255453829
Data source: Temperature data for Tartu 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 Tartu

In January, Tartu, Estonia, experiences a modest precipitation amount of 38 mm (1.5 in), falling over approximately 10 days. This establishes a trend where the winter months maintain relatively low precipitation levels, as both January and February hover around 40 mm. However, as the seasons transition into spring, precipitation slowly begins to rise, peaking at 56 mm (2.2 in) in May. Notably, August marks the wettest month with 79 mm (3.1 in), showcasing a clear increase in rainfall during the summer. Despite the fluctuation in precipitation amounts, the number of rainy days remains fairly stable throughout the year, subtly hinting at a climate that balances wet conditions with drier spells. This consistency in precipitation patterns is essential for understanding Tartu's unique weather dynamics across the seasons.

January Precipitation Trends in Tartu

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Tartu, 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. In Tartu, January typically receives around {2} mm ({3} inches) of precipitation spread over approximately {4} days.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec384245495665657962725454
Data source: Precipitation data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Choose your preferred precipitation unit

January Humidity in Tartu

In January, Tartu experiences a peak in humidity, reaching a notable 95%, which sets the tone for the winter months. As the seasons transition, February maintains a high level at 93% before gradually easing into March with a slight dip to 90%. This trend continues through early spring, where April sees humidity decrease to 87%. However, as spring gives way to summer, the air becomes drier, dropping to 73% in May, the lowest point of the year. This relief from moisture is short-lived, as June and July see a rise to 77% and 80%, respectively. As summer wanes into August, humidity climbs again to 84%, highlighting the cyclical nature of the seasons. By September, autumn begins to reclaim its moisture, with humidity increasing to 89%, and it stabilizes around 92-93% during the cooler months of October through December. Overall, Tartu's humidity pattern reflects a clear seasonal rhythm, oscillating from high levels in winter to a crisp, drier spring and summer, before returning to more humid conditions in autumn and winter.

January Average Humidity in Tartu

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Tartu, with January’s data highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the fluctuation in humidity throughout the year, helping you understand how conditions vary by season. In January, average humidity in Tartu is approximately {2}%, offering insight into how humid the weather typically is during this month.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec95%93%90%87%73%77%80%84%89%93%93%93%
Data source: Humidity data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

January UV Index in Tartu

In January, Tartu experiences a low UV Index of 1, indicating minimal risk from sun exposure, with an average burn time of 45 minutes for fair-skinned individuals. This trend of low UV levels continues into February, maintaining the same index and burn duration. However, as spring approaches and we transition into March, the UV Index rises to 3, reflecting a shift to moderate exposure levels, where the burn time shortens to 30 minutes. This gradual increase continues through April and May, with UV indices reaching 4 and 5, respectively, emphasizing the importance of sun protection as outdoor activities begin to pick up. As summer rolls in, Tartu sees a peak in UV intensity with indices of 7 in both June and July, where even short exposure times of 25 minutes can lead to sunburn. The trend then shifts back to moderate levels in September before descending again to low UV indices by October, November, and December. For more details on UV levels in Tartu, check out Tartu UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Tartu for January

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Tartu 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. In January, the maximum UV index in Tartu typically reaches {2}, which falls under the {3} exposure category.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec123457764211
Data source: Tartu 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 Tartu

In Tartu, Estonia, January shines with 57 hours of sunlight, setting the stage for a gradual increase as the year progresses. By February, the days stretch to 125 hours, heralding the slow awakening of spring. March experiences a significant leap with 261 hours, as light returns and nature begins to emerge from its winter slumber. This trend continues unabated through April and May, peaking in June with 463 hours of glorious sunshine. As summer wanes, the hours gradually decrease—July offers 457 hours, and August sees a soft decline to 388 hours. By the time the crispness of autumn arrives, sunlight hours dwindle to 295 in September and further to 205 in October. November and December, reminiscent of January, witness a return to 106 and 57 hours, respectively, creating a full circle of seasonal light in this enchanting Estonian city.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Tartu: January Highlighted

The January sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Tartu 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec57h125h261h337h429h463h457h388h295h205h106h57h
Data source: Tartu January Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Tartu During January

In Tartu, Estonia, the likelihood of sunny weather in January is notably low, with only a 5% chance of clear skies. This bleak outlook sets the stage for a gradual increase in sunshine as winter transitions to spring, illustrated by February's 12% chance and March's significant jump to 32%. As the months progress into April and May, sunny days become more frequent, peaking in the warmer summer months of June and July at 56%. The trend showcases a clear progression from winter's minimal sunlight to the brighter, more cheerful days of late spring and summer, capturing the essence of Tartu's evolving climate.

Percentage of Sunny Days in January in Tartu

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Tartu 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 Tartu experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec5%12%32%39%32%56%56%24%22%31%17%7%
Data source: Tartu January chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Tartu in January

In Tartu, Estonia, the daylight duration in January offers a modest 7 hours of sunlight, marking the beginning of a gradual increase as winter gives way to spring. By February, daylight extends to 9 hours, setting the stage for longer days ahead. The trend accelerates in March with 11 hours, reaching a notable 14 hours in April. As the days lengthen, May and June bring 16 and 18 hours of vibrant sunlight, respectively, creating an atmosphere of lively outdoor activities. However, this peak in daylight gradually wanes, with July tapering to 17 hours before shifting into a gentle decline through the late summer and autumn months. As September settles in at 12 hours and positions itself towards winter, October and November see a decrease back to 10 and 7 hours. Finally, December closes the year with the least sunlight at just 6 hours, marking a full cycle of changing daylight that characterizes Tartu's unique seasonal rhythm.

Average Daylight Hours in Tartu for January

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Tartu throughout the year, with January highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec7h 10m9h 19m11h 52m14h 27m16h 49m18h 9m17h 26m15h 16m12h 45m10h 11m7h 48m6h 27m
Data source: Tartu daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

January Winds in Tartu

In January, Tartu experiences a gentle breeze with an average wind speed of 3.8 m/s (8 mph), setting a tranquil tone for the month. As winter tightens its grip, this moderate wind begins to pick up slightly in February, reaching 3.9 m/s (9 mph). The transition to spring is marked by a noticeable increase in wind speed; by March, gusts rise to 4.8 m/s (11 mph), hinting at the changing seasons. Interestingly, April sees a slight decrease to 4.3 m/s (10 mph), before the wind stabilizes at around 4.0 to 4.4 m/s in the following months, indicating a pattern of relative calm as summer approaches. This trend persists with July experiencing a lull at 3.2 m/s (7 mph). However, as autumn sets in, wind speeds ramp up again, peaking at 5.2 m/s (12 mph) in October. Ultimately, Tartu's January winds encapsulate the month’s serene ambiance, while also foreshadowing the dynamic shifts ahead as the year unfolds.

Average January Wind Speed in Tartu

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Tartu, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec3.8 m/s3.94.84.34.02.93.24.44.45.24.94.4
Data source: Tartu January wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How January Weather in Tartu Compares to Other Months

Weather in Tartu varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares January’s weather to other months in Tartu, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.

In January, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -20°C (-4°F) to a maximum of 8°C (47°F), with an average of -2°C (28°F), accompanied by high humidity levels at 95%. Precipitation measures 38 mm (1.5 in) over about 10 days. In contrast, February sees slightly colder temperatures, with a minimum of -24°C (-12°F) and a maximum of 9°C (48°F), resulting in an average of -3°C (27°F). The month experiences a bit more precipitation at 42 mm (1.7 in), also spread over 10 days, but humidity remains slightly lower at 93%. For more detailed insights, check out Tartu weather in February.

In January, temperatures in Tartu range from a chilly -20°C (-4°F) at night to a slightly warmer max of 8°C (47°F) during the day, with an average of -2°C (28°F). The month sees about 38 mm (1.5 in) of precipitation over 10 days, accompanied by high humidity levels reaching 95%. In contrast, March experiences slightly colder nights with a minimum temperature of -23°C (-8°F) but averages a more moderated 0°C (32°F) and can peak at 13°C (55°F). Precipitation increases to 45 mm (1.8 in) over 12 days, and humidity remains relatively high at 90%. For more detailed information about the weather in March, you can check Tartu weather in March.

In January, Tartu experiences frigid temperatures, with a minimum of -20°C (-4°F) and an average of -2°C (28°F), peaking at a maximum of 8°C (47°F). The month sees around 38 mm (1.5 in) of precipitation over approximately 10 days, accompanied by a high humidity level of 95%. In contrast, April brings a significant warming trend, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -8°C (18°F) to an average of 5°C (41°F) and a maximum of 23°C (73°F). Although April has slightly more rainfall at 49 mm (1.9 in) over about 12 days, the humidity drops to 87%. For a more detailed look at the weather in Tartu during April, visit Tartu weather in April.

In January, Tartu experiences harsh winter conditions, with temperatures ranging from a frigid -20°C (-4°F) at night to a maximum of 8°C (47°F) during the day, along with high humidity levels of 95%. The month sees around 38 mm (1.5 in) of precipitation over approximately 10 days, making it a relatively wet and cold month.

In stark contrast, May brings a significant warming trend, with temperatures varying from a chilly minimum of -3°C (26°F) to a pleasant maximum of 27°C (81°F), resulting in a comfortable average of 11°C (52°F). Although precipitation increases to 56 mm (2.2 in) over 11 days, the lower humidity of 73% contributes to a much more enjoyable climate. For more details on May weather, you can visit Tartu weather in May.

The weather in January is significantly colder than in June, with average temperatures ranging from a brisk -2°C (28°F) to a maximum of 8°C (47°F), while June enjoys a much milder climate with temperatures averaging 17°C (63°F) and peaking at 32°C (89°F). January experiences a high humidity level of 95%, contributing to a chilly and damp atmosphere, whereas June's humidity is notably lower at 77%, providing a more comfortable environment. Additionally, precipitation is more frequent in June, totaling 65 mm (2.6 in), compared to January's 38 mm (1.5 in) over approximately the same number of days. For more details on June weather, you can visit Tartu weather in June.

January and July present a stark contrast in weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -20°C (-4°F) and only reach a maximum of 8°C (47°F), with an average of -2°C (28°F). The month also experiences high humidity at 95% and receives about 38 mm (1.5 in) of precipitation over approximately 10 days. In contrast, July boasts more temperate conditions, with minimum temperatures of 6°C (43°F) and maximum highs soaring to 32°C (89°F), averaging around 18°C (65°F). While July is warmer and somewhat drier, with 65 mm (2.6 in) of precipitation over 13 days, its humidity is noticeably lower at 80%. For a more detailed look at July weather in Tartu, you can visit Tartu weather in July.

The weather in January is characterized by frigid temperatures, with a minimum of -20°C (-4°F) and an average of -2°C (28°F), making it one of the coldest months of the year. In contrast, August brings much milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a maximum of 31°C (87°F) and an average of 17°C (62°F). Precipitation is also notably different; January receives 38 mm (1.5 in) over approximately 10 days, while August sees increased rainfall at 79 mm (3.1 in) across 14 days. Additionally, humidity levels are higher in January at 95%, compared to a more comfortable 84% in August. For more detailed information, you can check Tartu weather in August.

January and September present strikingly different weather patterns. In January, temperatures can plunge to a minimum of -20°C (-4°F), with an average of -2°C (28°F) and a maximum of 8°C (47°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 95% and receives approximately 38 mm (1.5 in) of precipitation over about 10 days. In contrast, September sees significantly milder temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 0°C (32°F) to a maximum of 26°C (78°F), with an average temperature of 13°C (55°F). Even though it experiences more precipitation at 62 mm (2.4 in) over 11 days, the humidity is lower at 89%. For those seeking detailed insights into September weather, visit Tartu weather in September.

In January, the weather is significantly colder, with temperatures ranging from a frigid -20°C (-4°F) to a mild 8°C (47°F) and an average of -2°C (28°F). The humidity is high at 95%, and there is 38 mm (1.5 in) of precipitation over about 10 days. In contrast, October experiences milder temperatures, with a minimum of -4°C (26°F) and a maximum of 19°C (66°F), averaging 7°C (46°F). The month sees increased precipitation at 72 mm (2.9 in) spread over approximately 14 days, and humidity levels remain high at 92%. For more details on October's weather specifically, check out Tartu weather in October.

In January, temperatures are typically colder, with a minimum of -20°C (-4°F) and an average around -2°C (28°F), peaking at 8°C (47°F). In contrast, November experiences milder temperatures, with a minimum of -10°C (15°F), an average of 3°C (38°F), and a maximum of 12°C (54°F). While both months see precipitation on about 10 days, November has a slightly higher total at 54 mm (2.1 in) compared to January's 38 mm (1.5 in). The humidity in January is marginally higher at 95% versus November's 93%, making January feel even chillier. For more details about the weather specifics in November, you can visit Tartu weather in November.

In comparing the weather in January and December, we find that both months experience frigid temperatures, but January is slightly milder with an average temperature of -2°C (28°F) compared to December's average of -1°C (30°F). Notably, January records a minimum temperature of -20°C (-4°F), while December dips even lower, reaching -21°C (-5°F). Precipitation is more frequent in December, occurring over 13 days and totaling 54 mm (2.1 in), whereas January sees precipitation on only 10 days, totaling 38 mm (1.5 in). Humidity levels are high in both months, with January at 95% and December slightly lower at 93%. For those interested in more specifics, you can check out Tartu weather in December.

Compare Tartu's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From January Weather in Tartu

January in Tartu presents a stark contrast to the milder months of the year, showcasing cold temperatures that can plunge well below freezing. With an average temperature hovering around a brisk -2°C, and the possibility of extreme lows reaching -20°C, it certainly feels like the heart of winter. This month also witnesses high humidity levels of 95%, contributing to a persistent chill. While precipitation is moderate, with about 10 rainy days, the snow cover is typically thicker than during other months, creating a serene, white landscape. For those curious about Tartu's seasonal variations, it's best to explore further details at Tartu Climate.