January Weather in Marseille, France

Last updated: February 26, 2025

In January, Marseille experiences a vibrant winter climate characterized by a maximum temperature of 16°C (62°F) and an average temperature around 9°C (48°F). The city enjoys a cooler minimum temperature of 1°C (34°F), making it essential for visitors to pack accordingly for chilly evenings. Rainfall is moderate, with a precipitation amount of 55 mm (2.2 in) spread over approximately 7 days, contributing to a humidity level of 80% that adds to the brisk atmosphere. Despite the cooler temperatures, Marseille offers a unique charm this time of year, inviting exploration of its cultural and historical treasures amidst refreshing winter weather.

January Temperature in Marseille

In January, Marseille experiences a refreshing chill, with temperatures ranging from a cool 1°C (34°F) at night to a pleasant 16°C (62°F) during the day. The average temperature hovers around 9°C (48°F), marking the month as one of the colder yet still comfortable times to visit. As winter transitions to spring, you'll notice a gradual uptick in temperatures, setting the stage for warmer months ahead. February nudges the thermometer down slightly, with minimums dipping to -1°C (31°F), but the promise of early spring is palpable as average highs begin to rise. Overall, January offers a serene atmosphere, inviting visitors to explore the unique charm of Marseille without the summer crowds, all while wrapped in layers of coziness.

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

The chart illustrates January temperature patterns in Marseille, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec485053566370757570635550
Data source: Temperature data for Marseille 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 Marseille

January in Marseille showcases a moderate level of precipitation, with 55 mm (2.2 in) falling over 7 days. This sets the stage for a wet winter, though it pales in comparison to the 127 mm (5.0 in) recorded in November. As winter gives way to spring, February sees a slight dip with 40 mm, but April soon rebounds with 70 mm—indicative of a seasonal increase. Notably, January's rainfall embodies a balance, providing just enough moisture to support the region's vibrant flora while keeping the average daily precipitation manageable. As we move through the year, precipitation tends to decrease significantly in the summer months, particularly in July, which only sees a mere 9 mm (0.4 in), highlighting the stark contrast in Marseille's climate throughout the seasons.

January Precipitation Trends in Marseille

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Marseille, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec554049706324917398812776
Data source: Precipitation data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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January Humidity in Marseille

In January, Marseille experiences a notable humidity level of 80%, setting the stage for a damp start to the year. This characteristic high humidity gradually drops throughout the early spring months, reaching a lower point of 69% in July, creating a more comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere for both locals and tourists. As summer fades into autumn, humidity begins a subtle rise again, peaking at 82% in November. By December, it slightly decreases to 79%, but the trend clearly shows a cyclical pattern: January's brisk moisture gives way to a drier mid-year, only to return to a more humid state as winter approaches once again.

January Average Humidity in Marseille

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Marseille, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec80%74%71%75%74%72%69%66%71%78%82%79%
Data source: Humidity data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

January UV Index in Marseille

In January, Marseille experiences a low UV Index of 2, necessitating a cautious approach to sun exposure, with a burn time of 45 minutes. As the months progress, you’ll notice a steady rise in UV levels, peaking during the summer months. By May, the UV Index escalates to 9, indicating very high exposure, and the burn time sharply decreases to just 15 minutes. This trend of increasing UV intensity continues into June and July, where it remains at ten and nine, respectively. As summer transitions into autumn, UV levels gradually subside, dropping to 3 in November and returning to 2 in December. Thus, while January provides a more forgiving sun, users should remain vigilant as the season progresses. For more detailed information, check out the Marseille UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Marseille for January

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Marseille 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2457910987532
Data source: Marseille 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 Marseille

In January, Marseille basks in a modest 199 hours of sunlight, a gentle precursor to the vibrant displays of the coming months. As February unfolds, the days begin to stretch, revealing 257 hours of radiant light, hinting at the promise of spring. By March, the sun shines more brightly, increasing to 330 hours, while April bathes the city in an enchanting 352 hours. The warmth intensifies as May arrives with 406 hours, heralding the summer's approach. Peak sunshine occurs in July, with an impressive 436 hours, but even in August, the glow persists at 404 hours. As the season transitions, sunlight gracefully wanes through September and October, ending the year with the cozier but still welcoming 252 hours in November, followed by 244 hours in December. This cyclical dance of sunlight allows Marseille to embody the beauty of both the sun-drenched summer and the softer light of winter.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Marseille: January Highlighted

The January sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Marseille 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec199h257h330h352h406h423h436h404h345h310h252h244h
Data source: Marseille January Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Marseille During January

In January, Marseille, France, experiences a 45% chance of sunny weather, which reflects a significant trend seen throughout the winter months. Both January and February share this likelihood, highlighting the region's consistent but modest sunshine during early winter. As spring approaches in March, this percentage rises to 65%, indicating a notable increase in sun-filled days. Following the trend, April promises a 55% chance of sunshine, with May dipping slightly to 48%, before the summer months usher in a much sunnier outlook with probabilities soaring above 60%. While January may not be the sunniest month, it sets the stage for brighter days ahead as the seasons transition.

Percentage of Sunny Days in January in Marseille

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Marseille 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 Marseille experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec45%45%65%55%48%61%67%73%52%57%50%55%
Data source: Marseille January chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Marseille in January

In Marseille, France, the January skies offer only 9 hours of daylight, casting a gently muted palette over the city. As winter gradually yields to spring, daylight begins to increase, reaching 10 hours in February and continuing its upward trend to 11 hours by March. The warmth of April brings a delightful 13 hours of light, which peaks at 15 hours in June, encouraging outdoor adventures and vibrant gatherings. However, as summer fades into autumn, the daylight gradually wanes, with July and August still enjoying a generous 14 and 13 hours, respectively. By September, the days shorten to 12 hours, and the cycle completes with a return to 9 hours by November and December, reminding residents of the rhythmic dance of seasons in this stunning Mediterranean locale.

Average Daylight Hours in Marseille for January

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Marseille throughout the year, with January highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec9h 21m10h 30m11h 57m13h 26m14h 41m15h 19m14h 59m13h 52m12h 27m10h 58m9h 40m9h
Data source: Marseille daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

January Winds in Marseille

In January, Marseille experiences its windiest month, with an average wind speed of 6.4 m/s (14 mph), setting the tone for the year ahead. This brisk start contrasts with the subsequent months, where wind speeds gradually decline, reaching a low of 4.1 m/s (9 mph) by June. As spring transitions to summer, the winds remain relatively calm, hovering around 4.5 m/s (10 mph) in the warmer months. However, a slight uptick is observed as November rolls in, with speeds creeping up to 5.4 m/s (12 mph), hinting at the return of more robust winds as the year draws to a close. Overall, the trend showcases January's prominent gustiness that paves the way for gentler breezes in the months that follow, only to revive in the late autumn.

Average January Wind Speed in Marseille

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Marseille, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec6.4 m/s5.64.54.35.44.14.54.64.34.65.45.2
Data source: Marseille January wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How January Weather in Marseille Compares to Other Months

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

In comparing the weather of January and February, January experiences slightly warmer temperatures with a minimum of 1°C and a maximum of 16°C, averaging around 9°C. It also sees higher rainfall, totaling 55 mm over about 7 days, and maintains a higher humidity level at 80%. In contrast, February has cooler nights with a minimum of -1°C, but it reaches a higher maximum temperature of 18°C, averaging 10°C. Precipitation decreases to 40 mm, while humidity drops to 73%. For more detailed information on February's weather, you can check Marseille weather in February.

In January, the weather in Marseille features cooler temperatures, with averages ranging from a minimum of 1°C (34°F) to a maximum of 16°C (62°F). The month sees approximately 55 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation over about 7 days, accompanied by a high humidity level of 80%. In contrast, March indicates a slight warming trend, with average temperatures reaching a minimum of 1°C (34°F) and a maximum of 20°C (68°F). Precipitation decreases slightly to 49 mm (1.9 in) over 6 days, and humidity drops to 71%. Overall, March offers a more temperate climate, making it a delightful time to explore the region. For more details on the weather specifics in March, visit Marseille weather in March.

When comparing the weather in January and April, notable differences emerge. In January, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of 1°C (34°F) to a milder maximum of 16°C (62°F), with an average of 9°C (48°F). The month experiences approximately 55 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation over 7 days, coupled with high humidity levels of around 80%. In contrast, April brings a more temperate climate with minimum temperatures of 4°C (39°F) and a comfortable average of 14°C (57°F), peaking at 21°C (70°F). Although precipitation increases to 70 mm (2.7 in) and occurs over 8 days, humidity dips slightly to 75%. For more specific details on weather patterns in April, visit Marseille weather in April.

In January, Marseille experiences cooler temperatures, with an average of 9°C (48°F) and a maximum reaching only 16°C (62°F). The month is characterized by a higher humidity level of 80% and sees about 55 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation over approximately 7 days. In contrast, May brings warmer weather, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 8°C (46°F) to a comfortable average of 17°C (63°F) and a maximum of 27°C (82°F). Although precipitation increases slightly to 63 mm (2.5 in) over 8 days, the humidity drops to 74%, creating a more pleasant atmosphere. For more details on the climate, you can check Marseille weather in May.

In January, the weather is quite cool, with average temperatures hovering around 9°C (48°F) and a maximum of 16°C (62°F). The higher humidity of 80% combined with 55 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation over 7 days contributes to a rather damp atmosphere. Conversely, June brings warmer and more pleasant weather, featuring minimum temperatures of 14°C (57°F) and averages rising to 21°C (71°F), peaking at 31°C (88°F). The month experiences significantly less rainfall, with only 24 mm (0.9 in) spread over 4 days, along with lower humidity at 72%. For more details on the June climate in Marseille, check out Marseille weather in June.

In January, the weather is quite cool, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 1°C (34°F) to a maximum of 16°C (62°F), and an average of around 9°C (48°F). The month also sees relatively high humidity at 80% and moderate precipitation totaling 55 mm (2.2 in) over approximately seven days. In contrast, July brings much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 17°C (62°F) and a maximum of 30°C (86°F), averaging 24°C (75°F). The summer month enjoys significantly lower precipitation, just 9 mm (0.4 in) over one day, and lower humidity at 69%. For more details, check out Marseille weather in July.

January and August present a stark contrast in weather conditions. In January, temperatures range from a chilly 1°C (34°F) to a milder 16°C (62°F), with an average of 9°C (48°F). The month typically sees 55 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation over about 7 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 80%. In contrast, August boasts significantly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 17°C (63°F) and a maximum of 32°C (90°F), averaging around 24°C (76°F). Precipitation during this month is much lower at 16 mm (0.6 in), falling on just 1 day, and the humidity drops to a more comfortable 66%. For more details on summer conditions, check out Marseille weather in August.

In January, the weather is quite chilly, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 1°C (34°F) to a maximum of 16°C (62°F). The month sees about 55 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation over approximately 7 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 80%. In contrast, September offers a much warmer climate, with temperatures varying from a minimum of 11°C (53°F) to a maximum of 28°C (83°F) and an average of 21°C (70°F). Precipitation drops to 39 mm (1.5 in) over just 5 days, and humidity levels decrease to 71%. This makes September a more pleasant time for outdoor activities compared to the colder, wetter January. For more details, you can check out Marseille weather in September.

In January, the weather is noticeably cooler, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 1°C (34°F) to a maximum of 16°C (62°F) and an average of 9°C (48°F). The month experiences 55 mm (2.2 inches) of precipitation over about 7 days, coupled with high humidity levels around 80%. In contrast, October brings milder temperatures, with a minimum of 9°C (48°F) and a maximum of 25°C (77°F), averaging 17°C (63°F). Rainfall increases to 88 mm (3.5 inches), also spread over 7 days, but humidity drops slightly to 78%. For a detailed look at October's climate in Marseille, you can visit Marseille weather in October.

In comparing the weather of January and November, notable differences emerge. January tends to be cooler, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 1°C (34°F) to a maximum of 16°C (62°F), whereas November sees milder conditions, with temperatures varying from 5°C (42°F) to 19°C (67°F). Additionally, November experiences significantly more precipitation, totaling 127 mm (5.0 in) over 12 rainy days compared to January's 55 mm (2.2 in) across 7 days. Humidity levels are relatively similar, with January at 80% and November slightly higher at 82%. For a closer look at conditions in November, you can explore Marseille weather in November.

In comparing the weather of January to December, January tends to be slightly cooler, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 1°C (34°F) to a maximum of 16°C (62°F), compared to December's range of 2°C (36°F) to 18°C (64°F). While both months experience notable humidity levels (80% in January and 79% in December), January sees a decrease in precipitation, accumulating 55 mm (2.2 in) over about 7 days, compared to December's 76 mm (3.0 in) across 9 days. For a more detailed understanding of December's weather patterns, you can refer to Marseille weather in December.

Compare Marseille's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From January Weather in Marseille

As January settles in, Marseille welcomes cooler temperatures that stand in stark contrast to the warmer months, making it a time of year when sweaters become essential. The city experiences a mixture of mild days interspersed with brisk nights, creating a cozy atmosphere perfect for winter strolls. While precipitation is on the rise, with several rainy days, the humidity remains high, adding to the brisk air. This unique blend of weather offers a different perspective of Marseille, inviting visitors to explore its charm without the bustling crowds of summer. For a more detailed understanding of what to expect throughout the year, check out Marseille Climate.