January Weather in Lyon, France

Last updated: February 26, 2025

Lyon in January offers a chilly yet captivating winter experience, with average temperatures hovering around 3°C (38°F) and maximums reaching 15°C (60°F). Visitors should prepare for the occasional cold snap, as nighttime lows can dip to -8°C (17°F). Rainfall is a hallmark of the month, with 66 mm (2.6 in) spread over about 12 days, creating a damp but serene atmosphere. The high humidity level of 91% adds a layer of briskness to the air, making it the perfect time to explore cozy cafes and enjoy the city’s winter charm.

January Temperature in Lyon

In January, Lyon experiences a crisp chill, with temperatures ranging from a biting -8°C (17°F) at night to a moderate 15°C (60°F) during the day. The average temperature hovers around 3°C (38°F), making it one of the colder months of the year. This trend of chilly winters continues into February, where a slight drop in minimum temperatures to -9°C (16°F) is noted, though daytime highs can reach up to 20°C (68°F). As we transition to March, the city begins to thaw, with temperatures gradually rising, signaling the approach of spring. This pattern of cold nights followed by increasingly mild days is a hallmark of Lyon’s winter climate, setting the stage for the warmer months ahead.

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

The chart illustrates January temperature patterns in Lyon, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec384347536068727164554541
Data source: Temperature data for Lyon 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 Lyon

In January, Lyon experiences a moderate precipitation level of 66 mm (2.6 in), making it a month where rainfall is quite common, with 12 days marking precipitation. This sets the tone for the winter season, as the city transitions from the damp chill of December, which sees a higher rainfall of 116 mm (4.6 in) over 17 days. Following January, February brings a slight dip in both precipitation and rainy days, with 53 mm (2.1 in) spread across 11 days. However, the trend shifts again in March, where totals increase to 70 mm (2.8 in) over another 12 days, hinting at a gradual rise as spring approaches. Overall, January’s weather serves as a poignant reminder of Lyon's dynamic climate, providing a fascinating glimpse into the city's shifting patterns throughout the colder months.

January Precipitation Trends in Lyon

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Lyon, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec66537051114848069659293116
Data source: Precipitation data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Choose your preferred precipitation unit

January Humidity in Lyon

In January, Lyon experiences its highest humidity of the year at a notable 91%, making it a month characterized by a persistent dampness that lingers in the winter air. As winter gives way to early spring, humidity begins to gradually decrease, dropping to 88% in February and continuing to fall through March and April. By May, the landscape feels increasingly comfortable with humidity at 77%, as warmer temperatures invite more outdoor activities. The trend continues into the summer months, where July and August see the lowest levels of humidity at 68% and 61% respectively, creating a more pleasant climate for exploration. However, as autumn returns, humidity levels rise again, peaking in December at 92%. This cyclical pattern reflects the interplay between the changing seasons and the associated shifts in humidity, shaping the atmosphere of Lyon throughout the year.

January Average Humidity in Lyon

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Lyon, 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%88%84%81%77%76%68%61%72%88%91%92%
Data source: Humidity data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

January UV Index in Lyon

In January, Lyon experiences a low UV Index of 2, indicating minimal risk for sun exposure, with a burn time of 45 minutes—perfect for winter strolls without much concern. As the months progress, UV levels gradually rise, peaking in the summer with levels hitting 10 in June, representing very high exposure risk where the burn time drops to just 15 minutes. This upward trend continues through July and August before tapering off in the fall, with a noticeable decrease back to moderate levels by October. Interestingly, both December and January see a return to lower UV levels, reiterating the seasonal fluctuations that characterize Lyon's UV landscape. For detailed insights, you can explore the Lyon UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Lyon for January

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Lyon 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2356810986532
Data source: Lyon 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 Lyon

In Lyon, France, January ushers in a modest 148 hours of sunshine, a gentle start to the year that hints at the gradual transition to brighter days ahead. As the calendar flips to February, the sunshine increases noticeably to 229 hours, signaling the first stirrings of spring. This upward trend continues through March and April, peaking in May with an impressive 366 hours. The sun-loving citizens of Lyon eagerly embrace the warm months, as June and July boast the highest sunshine totals at 412 and 419 hours respectively. Even as summer winds down in August, the sun remains generous with 393 hours. However, a gradual decline in sunshine hours begins in September, leading into the cooler months of September to December, where the city settles into a cozy 214 hours in November and 188 hours in December. This seasonal rhythm of sunshine beautifully captures Lyon's enchanting weather narrative, as the city shifts from the chill of winter to the vibrancy of summer.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Lyon: January Highlighted

The January sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Lyon 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec148h229h296h351h366h412h419h393h331h276h214h188h
Data source: Lyon January Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Lyon During January

In Lyon, France, January brings a modest 21% chance of sunny weather, marking it as one of the cloudier months of the year. As winter wanes, this likelihood noticeably improves in February with a 40% chance, setting the stage for a gradual increase in sunlight as spring approaches. The trend continues upward, peaking in March with a 55% chance of sunshine, before stabilizing around 54% in April. This upward trend highlights the transition from winter's gloom to spring's brightness, making the later months of winter and early spring particularly promising for those seeking sunny days. By May, the cloud cover returns with a 36% chance, but the overall improvement in weather conditions in the earlier months is a clear indication of the region's shifting seasons.

Percentage of Sunny Days in January in Lyon

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Lyon 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 Lyon experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec21%41%55%54%36%43%40%49%45%44%27%27%
Data source: Lyon January chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Lyon in January

In Lyon, France, the daylight duration in January marks the beginning of a gradual ascent, with approximately 9 hours of sunlight—enough to break the winter gloom. As the month gives way to February, daylight creeps up to 10 hours, signaling the approach of spring. This trend continues through March and April, reaching 11 and then 13 hours respectively, as nature awakens and blooms return. May further extends the daylight to 14 hours, a sign of longer, sunnier days. Summer peaks in June and July with 15 hours of glorious sunshine, inviting residents to embrace outdoor activities. However, as August rolls in, the hours begin to wane slightly, dropping to 14 hours. September ushers in an earlier dusk with 12 hours, leading into the colder months of October and November, which mirror January's shorter days at 10 and 9 hours respectively. December sees the daylight dip to its minimum at 8 hours, completing the cycle as Lyon showcases the beauty of its changing seasons.

Average Daylight Hours in Lyon for January

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Lyon throughout the year, with January highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec9h 7m10h 22m11h 56m13h 33m14h 56m15h 38m15h 16m14h 2m12h 29m10h 52m9h 27m8h 43m
Data source: Lyon daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

January Winds in Lyon

In Lyon during the month of January, the average wind speed reaches a gentle 3.0 m/s (7 mph), setting the tone for a breezy winter. As the seasons transition into February and March, the winds pick up slightly, reaching 3.2 m/s and 3.1 m/s, respectively, suggesting a gradual increase in both energy and movement through the city. Notably, April sees the winds at their peak for the first half of the year, at 3.3 m/s, just before they start to taper off as the warmer months approach. By May, the winds decrease to 2.4 m/s, maintaining this softer breeze through the summer and into early autumn. As temperatures cool again in October, the wind speed climbs back to 3.0 m/s, indicating a seasonal revival that continues throughout the colder months, creating a dynamic interplay between Lyon's vibrant culture and its refreshing winds.

Average January Wind Speed in Lyon

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Lyon, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec3.0 m/s3.23.13.32.42.72.32.32.13.02.42.2
Data source: Lyon January wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How January Weather in Lyon Compares to Other Months

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

January and February exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. While January features a minimum temperature of -8°C (17°F) and an average of 3°C (38°F), February sees slightly colder nights, with a minimum of -9°C (16°F) but a higher average temperature of 6°C (43°F). Daytime highs also improve in February, reaching 20°C (68°F) compared to January's maximum of 15°C (60°F). Precipitation is slightly lower in February at 53 mm (2.1 in) over 11 days, with January recording 66 mm (2.6 in) over 12 days. Humidity also decreases from 91% in January to 88% in February, making the latter month feel a bit more comfortable. For more details, you can check Lyon weather in February.

In January, temperatures in Lyon range from a chilly minimum of -8°C (17°F) to a mild maximum of 15°C (60°F), with an average temperature around 3°C (38°F). The month experiences considerable humidity at 91% and receives about 66 mm (2.6 in) of precipitation over 12 days. In contrast, March brings a more varied temperature range, with minimums dropping to -12°C (11°F) and maximums peaking at a pleasant 23°C (74°F), reflecting a notable average of 8°C (47°F). Precipitation slightly increases to 70 mm (2.8 in), still spread across 12 days, but humidity decreases to 84%. For a closer look at what to expect, visit Lyon weather in March.

January and April present a striking contrast in weather conditions. In January, temperatures range from a chilly -8°C (17°F) to a maximum of 15°C (60°F), with an average of around 3°C (38°F), and the month experiences 66 mm (2.6 in) of precipitation over 12 days, accompanied by high humidity at 91%. In contrast, April enjoys a milder climate, with temperatures varying from -4°C (25°F) to a warm 28°C (82°F) and an average temperature of 12°C (53°F). Precipitation decreases to 51 mm (2.0 in) over just 8 days, and humidity drops to a more comfortable 81%. For a more in-depth look at Lyon's weather in April, visit Lyon weather in April.

In January, the weather is notably colder, with temperatures ranging from a frigid -8°C (17°F) to a milder max of 15°C (60°F), and an average temperature of just 3°C (38°F). The month typically sees around 66 mm (2.6 in) of precipitation over 12 days, and the high humidity level at 91% adds to the chilly feel. In contrast, May ushers in a warmer climate, with temperatures fluctuating from a minimum of 0°C (33°F) to a scorching maximum of 32°C (89°F), averaging a comfortable 15°C (60°F). This month experiences increased precipitation of 113 mm (4.5 in) spread over 14 days, but the lower humidity of 77% makes it feel less oppressive. For more insights into the weather in May in Lyon, visit Lyon weather in May.

The weather in January and June presents a striking contrast. In January, the temperatures fluctuate between a chilling minimum of -8°C (17°F) and an average of 3°C (38°F), with a maximum reaching 15°C (60°F). The month sees significant humidity at 91% and receives about 66 mm (2.6 in) of precipitation over 12 days. In contrast, June boasts much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 8°C (46°F), an average of 20°C (69°F), and highs soaring to 38°C (100°F). It also experiences a slight increase in precipitation, totaling 84 mm (3.3 in) over the same number of days, but with lower humidity at 76%. For more details on the climate, check out Lyon weather in June.

The weather in January and July presents a stark contrast, highlighting the seasonal differences in temperature and humidity. In January, temperatures range from a chilly -8°C (17°F) at night to a mild 15°C (60°F) during the day, with an average of 3°C (38°F). This month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 66 mm (2.6 in) over 12 days, and a high humidity level of 91%. In contrast, July brings warmth and brightness, with a minimum temperature of 11°C (52°F) and a maximum reaching up to 39°C (102°F), resulting in an average of 22°C (73°F). Although July sees slightly higher precipitation at 80 mm (3.2 in), it occurs over fewer days (10), and the humidity drops to a more comfortable 68%. For those interested in exploring Lyon's summer weather, you can find more details here: Lyon weather in July.

In January, the weather is quite chilly, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -8°C (17°F) to a maximum of 15°C (60°F), and an average temperature of 3°C (38°F). The month sees 66 mm (2.6 in) of precipitation over 12 days, accompanied by high humidity at 91%. In contrast, August offers much warmer conditions, with minimum temperatures around 9°C (48°F) and maximums soaring up to 39°C (103°F), averaging 22°C (72°F). Despite slightly higher precipitation at 69 mm (2.7 in) over just 9 days, humidity is significantly lower at 61%. For more details on what to expect, check out Lyon weather in August.

January and September present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -8°C (17°F), with an average of 3°C (38°F) and a maximum of 15°C (60°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 91% and frequent precipitation, occurring on about 12 days, totaling 66 mm (2.6 in). In contrast, September offers a more temperate climate, with a minimum temperature of 4°C (40°F), an average of 18°C (64°F), and highs reaching up to 33°C (93°F). This month sees lower humidity levels at 72% and similar precipitation at 65 mm (2.6 in), but spread over only 8 days. For more details, check out Lyon weather in September.

In January, temperatures in Lyon can be quite chilly, ranging from a minimum of -8°C (17°F) to a maximum of 15°C (60°F), with an average temperature of around 3°C (38°F). The month sees significant precipitation, totaling 66 mm (2.6 in) over approximately 12 days, coupled with high humidity levels at 91%. In contrast, October offers a milder climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 1°C (33°F) to a comfortable maximum of 26°C (80°F), averaging around 13°C (55°F). Although October has slightly more precipitation at 92 mm (3.6 in) over about 10 days, the humidity is lower at 88%. For more details on October weather, check out Lyon weather in October.

Comparing the weather in January and November reveals notable differences. In January, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -8°C (17°F) to a maximum of 15°C (60°F), with an average temperature of 3°C (38°F). Precipitation is relatively light at 66 mm (2.6 in) over about 12 days, while humidity levels remain high at 91%. Conversely, November presents slightly milder temperatures, with a minimum of -4°C (25°F) and a maximum of 20°C (69°F), resulting in an average of 7°C (45°F). The month also experiences increased precipitation of 93 mm (3.7 in) across 13 days, maintaining the same humidity level of 91%. For those interested in Lyon's climate during this month, more details can be found here: Lyon weather in November.

January typically presents a cooler climate than December, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of -8°C (17°F) to a maximum of 15°C (60°F). In contrast, December boasts slightly milder conditions, with temperatures fluctuating between -4°C (25°F) and 16°C (62°F). While January has lower overall precipitation at 66 mm (2.6 in) over 12 days, December experiences significantly higher rainfall, totaling 116 mm (4.6 in) across 17 days. Both months show high humidity levels, with January at 91% and December at 92%. For more detailed information, you can check out Lyon weather in December.

Compare Lyon's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From January Weather in Lyon

As winter tightens its grip in January, Lyon experiences a stark contrast to the milder months ahead. With maximum temperatures only reaching a mild 15°C (60°F) and a chilly average of 3°C (38°F), visitors should prepare for colder days, with occasional frosts dipping as low as -8°C (17°F). The month is characterized by increased humidity at 91% and frequent precipitation—spotted on about 12 days, contributing to a total of 66 mm (2.6 in) of rainfall. This blend of cool temperatures and wet weather sets January apart from the more temperate conditions of spring, making waterproof clothing a must. To get more insights into the city's climate throughout the year, visit Lyon Climate.