Last updated: August 21, 2025
Oulu, Finland, in January presents a fascinating blend of chilly temperatures and prolonged winter conditions. With a maximum of 5°C (41°F) and a notable average temperature of -7°C (19°F), residents and visitors alike experience the stark beauty of the season. January can be particularly frigid, with lows plunging to a harsh minimum of -32°C (-25°F). The month also witnesses 40 mm (1.6 in) of precipitation over approximately 10 days, contributing to a landscape that is often blanketed in snow. Coupled with 100% humidity, the air feels consistently brisk, enveloping Oulu in a distinctive winter charm that captivates all who encounter it.
In January, Oulu, Finland showcases the depths of winter with temperatures that can plunge to a bone-chilling -32°C (-25°F). Despite these frigid lows, the average temperature remains a slightly more bearable -7°C (19°F), while the mercury can rise to a maximum of 5°C (41°F), offering a brief respite from the cold. This month sets the tone for the winter season, with temperatures starting to creep upwards in February and gradually warming through March, where we see averages approaching the freezing point. As winter transitions into spring by April, the chill recedes further, promising the thaw of chilly days that lie ahead. The trends in Oulu's winter months illustrate a gradual ascent from severe cold towards milder conditions, hinting at the changing seasons on the horizon.
January in Oulu, Finland, sees about 40 mm (1.6 in) of precipitation, consistently reflected in the precipitation levels of the months before and after. With rainfall occurring on 10 days, this month sets the tone for winter, hinting at a balance of snow and light rain that characterizes the season. As February and March follow suit, they echo the same precipitation levels, showcasing a steady climate as temperatures linger in the chilly embrace of winter. The trend appears to shift slightly as spring approaches, with April showing a minor decline to 38 mm (1.5 in), leading into the more dynamic weather patterns of late spring and summer, where precipitation rises and peaks in August with 91 mm (3.6 in) over 14 days. This gradual increase illustrates a clear seasonal rhythm, where the tranquility of January's precipitation lays the groundwork for the robust showers of summer months ahead.
In January, Oulu experiences an astonishing 100% humidity, enveloping the city in a thick, crisp embrace that showcases the depths of winter. As the year progresses into February and March, humidity slightly dips to 98% and 95%, respectively, yet the chill remains palpable. A gradual decrease unfolds as spring approaches, with April bringing humidity down to 87%, and May further lowering it to 81%. The trend continues into the warmer months of summer, where humidity levels stabilize around 77% to 84% from June through August. However, as autumn arrives, the landscape shifts again; humidity rises once more, peaking at 90% in September and maintaining a consistent high of 95% in both October and November. Ultimately, December's humidity nears January's figure at 99%, completing the circle of Oulu’s humid climate and accentuating its wintry charm.
In January, Oulu experiences a UV Index of 1, indicating a low exposure category with a safe burn time of 45 minutes. This trend persists through February, offering a continued opportunity for winter outdoor activities without significant sun risk. As spring approaches in March, the UV Index rises slightly to 2, still within the low exposure range but signaling the gradual lengthening of days and increasing sun strength. By April and May, the UV Index climbs to 3 and 4 respectively, entering the moderate exposure category, which means shorter burn times of 30 minutes are advisable. The summer months of June and July peak at a UV Index of 6, categorized as high, thus necessitating more caution with an even shorter burn time of 25 minutes. After the summer sun, the UV Index begins to taper off again into the moderate zone in August and September, before declining back to low levels by October, November, and December, where burn times revert to 45 minutes. This seasonal variation highlights the importance of monitoring UV levels throughout the year to enjoy the outdoors safely. For more information, check out the detailed Oulu UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
January in Oulu, Finland, offers a mere 33 hours of sunshine, setting the stage for the long, dark winter months. As the calendar moves into February, the light begins to awaken, nearly quadrupling to 133 hours. This gradual increase continues through the early spring, with March enjoying 269 hours and April reaching 364 hours—a promising sign of the brighter days ahead. The sunshine peaks in the summer, with June basking in 516 hours, while July and August retain a healthy glow at 509 hours and 407 hours, respectively. However, as autumn sets in, daylight retreats, leaving 280 hours in September and dwindling down to a stark 20 hours by December. This seasonal dance highlights Oulu's striking contrast between the dark winters and the vibrant summer months, a testament to nature's rhythm in the far north.
In Oulu, Finland, the likelihood of experiencing sunny weather in January is notably low, hovering at just 6%. This dismal sunshine statistic starkly contrasts with the brighter days of February, when chances increase to 26%. As winter transitions into spring, March witnesses a significant uptick, with 45% of the month enjoying sun. Interestingly, this trend fluctuates in the coming months, with April and May seeing a slight drop as the weather stabilizes before culminating in the warmer embrace of summer, where July boasts the sunniest days at 56%. As the year progresses, it becomes clear that while January offers little in terms of sunshine, the gradual increase in daylight hours signals the promise of brighter days ahead.
In Oulu, Finland, January brings a mere 5 hours of daylight, a stark reminder of the long winter nights. As the month progresses into February, daylight begins to stretch to 8 hours, hinting at the approaching spring. This gradual increase continues, with March enjoying 11 hours and April basking in 15 hours of sunlight, fostering a sense of renewal. By May, the days are delightfully long at 18 hours, and June peaks at an impressive 21 hours, painting the landscape in vibrant light. The daylight starts to wane in July, dropping back to 19 hours, but still remains generous compared to the darker months ahead. August sees a swift decline to 16 hours, as autumn begins to whisper through the trees. September follows with 12 hours, while October and November dip down to 9 and 6 hours, respectively, before plunging into the depths of winter where December brings only 3 hours of light. This rhythmic cycle of light and darkness profoundly shapes Oulu's seasonal character, each month offering its own unique experience of daylight.
In January, Oulu experiences a gentle breeze, with an average wind speed of 3.2 m/s (7 mph), setting the tone for a tranquil winter atmosphere. This calm persists into February, where the winds pick up slightly to 3.3 m/s, before making a noticeable leap to 4.0 m/s in March, heralding the arrival of spring. As the season unfolds, April sees a slight dip back to 3.4 m/s before settling at 3.2 m/s in May. Throughout the summer months, the wind remains consistently gentle, hovering around 3.1 m/s in June and July, before cycling up to 3.3 m/s in August and September. Interestingly, October brings a gustier turn with an average of 4.1 m/s, while the wind calms again to 3.3 m/s in November and 3.4 m/s in December. This rhythmic fluctuation not only adds variety to the Oulu climate but also enhances the enchanting beauty of the changing seasons.
Weather in Oulu varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares January’s weather to other months in Oulu, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
January and February weather exhibits notable similarities and slight variations. In January, temperatures reach a minimum of -32°C (-25°F) and average around -7°C (19°F), while February sees a milder minimum of -25°C (-14°F) with an average of -8°C (17°F). Both months experience maximum temperatures peaking at around 5°C (41°F to 42°F), and consistent precipitation of 40 mm (1.6 in) across 10 days in January and 9 days in February. Humidity levels are high in both months, with January at 100% and February slightly lower at 98%. For more details on February weather, visit Oulu weather in February.
In January, the weather is markedly colder, with average temperatures hovering around -7°C (19°F) and occasional dips to as low as -32°C (-25°F). The month sees around 40 mm (1.6 in) of precipitation spread across approximately 10 days, with humidity consistently at a chilly 100%. In contrast, March experiences a slight warming trend, with average temperatures rising to -4°C (25°F) and maximums reaching up to 7°C (45°F). Precipitation levels are similar, at 41 mm (1.6 in), but are spread over 11 days, with humidity decreasing slightly to 95%. For a deeper look into the specific weather conditions during March, you can visit Oulu weather in March.
January weather is characterized by frigid temperatures, with a minimum of -32°C (-25°F) and an average of -7°C (19°F), reaching a maximum of only 5°C (41°F). The month sees significant snowfall, with humidity levels at a chilling 100% and precipitation occurring on about 10 days. In stark contrast, April brings a gradual warming trend, with minimum temperatures of -13°C (9°F) and an average of around 1°C (34°F), peaking at a comfortable 14°C (57°F). Precipitation drops slightly to 38 mm (1.5 in) over just 7 days, with humidity easing to 87%. For more details, check out Oulu weather in April.
In January, Oulu experiences frigid temperatures, with a minimum of -32°C (-25°F) and an average of -7°C (19°F), while the maximum temperature barely rises above freezing at 5°C (41°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 100% and moderate precipitation of 40 mm over 10 days. In stark contrast, May brings a significant warming trend, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -6°C (21°F) to a pleasant maximum of 27°C (80°F), marking an average of 7°C (45°F). Although May sees slightly higher precipitation at 49 mm over just 8 days, the humidity drops to a more comfortable 81%. For additional information, check out Oulu weather in May.
The weather in January starkly contrasts with that of June, showcasing the vast seasonal shift. January experiences frigid temperatures, with average lows plummeting to -7°C (19°F) and a maximum reaching just 5°C (41°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 100% and frequent precipitation, occurring over 10 days, totaling 40 mm (1.6 in). In comparison, June brings a significant warm-up, with minimum temperatures rising to 1°C (34°F) and averages soaring to 14°C (58°F), with maximum temperatures often hitting 29°C (85°F). The precipitation increases slightly to 60 mm (2.4 in), but it occurs over fewer days, just 9, and the humidity decreases to a more comfortable 77%. For more detailed information on the June weather in Oulu, visit Oulu weather in June.
The weather in January starkly contrasts with that of July, highlighting the extremes of the seasons. In January, temperatures plummet to a chilling minimum of -32°C (-25°F), with an average of -7°C (19°F) and a maximum of 5°C (41°F). The month experiences significant humidity at 100% and sees about 40 mm (1.6 in) of precipitation over 10 days. In comparison, July brings a refreshing warmth, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 4°C (39°F) to a comfortable average of 17°C (63°F), reaching a maximum of 32°C (90°F). Precipitation increases slightly to 73 mm (2.9 in) spread over 11 days, accompanied by a drop in humidity to 79%. For more detailed information on July weather, you can check Oulu weather in July.
In January, the weather is harshly cold with temperatures plummeting as low as -32°C (-25°F), while the average hovers around -7°C (19°F). In contrast, August brings a much milder climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 1°C (34°F) to a warm maximum of 31°C (88°F) and an average of 14°C (58°F). While January experiences high humidity levels of 100% and precipitation on about 10 days, August sees slightly lower humidity at 84% and increased rainfall, totaling 91 mm (3.6 in) over approximately 14 days. For a more detailed look at August weather, check out Oulu weather in August.
January and September exhibit stark contrasts in weather conditions. January is characterized by frigid temperatures, with lows plummeting to -32°C (-25°F) and a maximum of only 5°C (41°F), coupled with a high humidity of 100% that creates a biting chill. On the other hand, September enjoys milder temperatures, with averages around 10°C (49°F) and highs reaching 24°C (75°F), although it experiences more precipitation and rainy days with 71 mm (2.8 in) falling over 13 days. For more detailed information about the weather in September, you can visit Oulu weather in September.
January and October showcase a stark contrast in weather conditions. January sees frigid temperatures, with a minimum of -32°C (-25°F) and an average of -7°C (19°F), making it the coldest month of the year. In contrast, October offers a milder climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -12°C (10°F) to a maximum of 18°C (64°F) and an average of 4°C (40°F). While January experiences about 40 mm (1.6 in) of precipitation over approximately 10 days, October has higher rainfall, totaling 81 mm (3.2 in) over 15 days. Additionally, humidity levels are slightly lower in October at 95%, compared to January's near-constant 100%. For more detailed insights, visit Oulu weather in October.
In January, the weather is significantly colder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -32°C (-25°F) to a maximum of just 5°C (41°F), and an average of -7°C (19°F). The month experiences high humidity levels at 100% and sees about 40 mm (1.6 in) of precipitation over 10 days. In contrast, November presents a somewhat milder climate, with temperatures ranging from -18°C (0°F) to 9°C (49°F), and an average of -1°C (31°F). This month also has higher precipitation, accumulating 62 mm (2.4 in) across 13 days, accompanied by slightly lower humidity at 95%. For more details on November's weather, you can check Oulu weather in November.
In comparison to December, January experiences colder temperatures with an average of -7°C (19°F), dropping down to a chilling minimum of -32°C (-25°F). While December's minimum temperature is slightly milder at -24°C (-12°F) with an average of -5°C (24°F), the precipitation levels are more pronounced in December, totaling 58 mm over 14 days compared to January's 40 mm over 10 days. Additionally, the humidity in January remains higher at 100%, just surpassing December's 99%. For more about the weather patterns, you can explore Oulu weather in December.
As January settles into Oulu, it brings a stark transformation compared to the milder months of the year. While temperatures plunge, averaging around -7°C and occasionally dipping as low as -32°C, the air becomes infused with 100% humidity, creating a chilling atmosphere. Precipitation is not uncommon, with about 40 mm falling over approximately 10 days, quite distinct from the drier summer months. This wintry climate, marked by its deep freezes and frequent snowfall, showcases a unique and captivating beauty, making January a true testament to Oulu's vibrant Oulu Climate.