January Weather in Potsdam, Germany

Last updated: February 26, 2025

In Potsdam, Germany, January brings a blend of winter chill and occasional mild days. The average temperature hovers around 2°C (36°F), with highs reaching a pleasant 14°C (57°F) on warmer days, while nighttime can plunge to -9°C (16°F). This month sees approximately 52 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation, spread over 11 days, resulting in a damp atmosphere characterized by high humidity levels at 91%. Visitors should prepare for a mix of crisp days and rainy spells, making it a unique time to experience the city’s winter charm.

January Temperature in Potsdam

January in Potsdam, Germany, showcases a chilly embrace, with temperatures ranging from a biting minimum of -9°C (16°F) to a relatively mild maximum of 14°C (57°F). As the average temperature hovers around 2°C (36°F), the contrast between the coldest nights and the warmer daytime fosters a unique winter atmosphere. This period marks the cold peak of the season, with the biting cold gradually softening by the month’s end, hinting at the subtle transition to February's even chillier temperatures. The fluctuating warmth of the afternoons invites a gentle promise of spring ahead, yet the deep winter chill retains a firm grip on the early part of the year. This captivating interplay of temperatures paints January as a month of both stark cold and occasional warmth, reflecting the complexity of Potsdam's winter climate.

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

The chart illustrates January temperature patterns in Potsdam, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec363741495768676860534438
Data source: Temperature data for Potsdam 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 Potsdam

In Potsdam, January ushers in an average precipitation of 52 mm (2.0 in) over the course of about 11 days, setting a wet tone for the year ahead. This month typically experiences a healthy mix of rain, establishing a pattern of moderately consistent rainfall when compared to the following months. As the winter progresses into February with a slight reduction to 46 mm (1.8 in) of precipitation, it becomes evident that the rainy days begin to taper off, hinting at transitional weather. The data from January to March showcases a gradual increase in precipitation up to 55 mm (2.2 in), followed by a notable decrease in April, which emphasizes the shifting climate as the seasonal transition takes effect. Overall, January's precipitation serves not only as a precursor to the wetter summer months ahead but also highlights the variability that characterizes Potsdam's weather patterns throughout the year.

January Precipitation Trends in Potsdam

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Potsdam, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec524655334149905651564450
Data source: Precipitation data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Choose your preferred precipitation unit

January Humidity in Potsdam

In Potsdam, Germany, January ushers in an exceptionally high humidity level at 91%, setting the tone for a winter characterized by moisture-laden air. As the months progress, humidity begins to slightly decrease, with February and March both showing levels of 90% and 88% respectively. However, this trend takes a turn in April, where the humidity drops more significantly to 82%. As spring advances into summer, humidity further declines, reaching its lowest point of 71% in August. This trajectory indicates a seasonal shift towards drier conditions, though the air becomes more humid again in fall. Notably, December wraps up the year with a notable spike back to 93%, suggesting that Potsdam's winters are consistently marked by an enveloping dampness, highlighting the cyclical nature of its humidity throughout the seasons.

January Average Humidity in Potsdam

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Potsdam, 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%90%88%82%74%75%74%71%82%86%89%93%
Data source: Humidity data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

January UV Index in Potsdam

In Potsdam, Germany, January marks the start of the year with a UV Index of 1, categorized as low exposure, allowing for a generous burn time of 45 minutes under the sun. As winter gives way to spring, February maintains this low UV Index, but a noticeable shift occurs in March when the index rises to 4, indicating a moderate exposure level that shortens the burn time to 30 minutes. This trend continues into April, where the UV Index reaches 5, prompting residents to be more mindful of sun safety. As summer approaches, May brings a jump to 7 in the UV Index, categorized as high, with an even shorter burn time of 25 minutes. The peak of the UV Index arrives in June at 8, classified as very high, before it stabilizes in the subsequent months of July and August. September starts to see a decrease, returning to a moderate 5, and by winter, the UV Index drops back to low levels of 1 by December. This cyclical pattern underscores the importance of being sun-savvy throughout the year. For more detailed insights, check out the Potsdam UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Potsdam for January

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Potsdam 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec124578775321
Data source: Potsdam 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 Potsdam

In Potsdam, Germany, January greets its residents with a mere 103 hours of sunshine, setting a stark contrast to the vibrant glow of spring that lies ahead. As winter gives way to February’s 189 hours, the days gradually brighten, heralding the promise of longer, sunnier afternoons. This upward trend continues through March, where the city basks in 263 hours of sunlight, and April further amplifies the warmth with 344 hours. By May, the sun truly shines its brightest with 393 hours, leading into summer's zenith in June, boasting an impressive 414 hours. Although July brings a slight dip to 400 hours, the abundant sunshine remains. The gradual decrease begins in August, but even at 383 hours, the lingering summer feels pervasive. As autumn approaches, sunshine hours steadily decline, with September at 314 hours and October at 256 hours, reminding inhabitants of the fleeting warmth. November and December, with 167 hours and 123 hours respectively, usher in the colder months, making the memory of sunshine all the more cherished. This annual cycle beautifully illustrates the interplay between the seasons, highlighting Potsdam’s transition from winter's grasp to a summer's embrace.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Potsdam: January Highlighted

The January sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Potsdam 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec103h189h263h344h393h414h400h383h314h256h167h123h
Data source: Potsdam January Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Potsdam During January

In Potsdam, Germany, the likelihood of sunny weather in January stands at a modest 10%, marking it as one of the gloomiest months of the year. As winter progresses, February sees a slight improvement with a 26% chance of sunshine, hinting at a gradual shift towards brighter days. This upward trend continues into March, when the likelihood of sunshine rises to 38%. Although the chances dip slightly in April and May, settling at 32%, the promise of warmer months ahead becomes evident. By June, the sun makes a more significant appearance with a 41% chance, peaking in summer before slowly tapering off again in the subsequent months. This data reveals a clear transition from the dark and overcast January days to the sunnier dispositions of late spring and early summer, making the anticipation of brighter skies a hopeful theme as the year unfolds.

Percentage of Sunny Days in January in Potsdam

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Potsdam 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 Potsdam experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec10%26%38%32%32%41%30%27%32%34%15%15%
Data source: Potsdam January chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Potsdam in January

In Potsdam, Germany, January features a modest 8 hours of daylight, setting the stage for a gradual increase as the year progresses. By February, daylight extends to 9 hours, hinting at the approaching spring. The trend continues into March, where 11 hours are enjoyed, signaling the days are getting noticeably longer. As April unfolds, the sun graces the region for 13 hours, with May welcomed by an impressive 15 hours of daylight, maximizing the warmth and vibrancy of late spring. June and July peak at 16 hours, offering the longest days of the year and inviting outdoor activities. However, as summer transitions into autumn, daylight begins to wane, with August dropping to 14 hours and September to 12 hours. October brings another decline to 10 hours, before November and December plunge back to 8 and 7 hours respectively, reminding us of the cyclical nature of daylight throughout the seasons. This rhythm creates a beautiful tapestry of light that characterizes life in Potsdam.

Average Daylight Hours in Potsdam for January

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Potsdam throughout the year, with January highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec8h 15m9h 53m11h 54m13h 58m15h 46m16h 43m16h 13m14h 36m12h 36m10h 33m8h 42m7h 43m
Data source: Potsdam daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

January Winds in Potsdam

In Potsdam, Germany, the January wind whispers with an average speed of 3.4 m/s (8 mph), setting a brisk tone for the New Year. This characteristic wind speed remains consistent with February at 3.3 m/s and March echoing January’s flow. As spring approaches in April, a slight uptick to 3.6 m/s hints at the changing seasons, culminating in May's gentle 3.7 m/s—nature’s warm invitation before summer settles in. Interestingly, June experiences a notable drop to 2.6 m/s, suggesting a calmer atmosphere, which persists through the summer months. A mild increase returns in October, paralleling the transition into autumn, with consistent speeds of 3.4 m/s in both November and December. This pattern showcases Potsdam’s gentle oscillation between gusty vigor and serene calm, reflecting the ever-changing tapestry of its seasonal winds.

Average January Wind Speed in Potsdam

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Potsdam, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec3.4 m/s3.33.43.63.72.62.93.22.83.73.43.4
Data source: Potsdam January wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How January Weather in Potsdam Compares to Other Months

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

January and February present a notable contrast in weather conditions. In January, temperatures typically range from a chilly -9°C (16°F) at night to an average of 2°C (36°F) during the day, peaking at 14°C (57°F). The month sees about 52 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation over 11 days, coupled with high humidity levels at 91%.

February, on the other hand, tends to be slightly colder with minimum temperatures dropping to -13°C (8°F), while the average rises to 3°C (38°F) and the maximum can reach up to 19°C (67°F). This month experiences a bit less precipitation at 46 mm (1.8 in) across 10 days, and humidity remains relatively constant at 90%. For more detailed insights, you can explore Potsdam weather in February.

January and March present notable differences in weather patterns. January experiences colder temperatures, with an average of 2°C (36°F), while March sees a slight increase, averaging 5°C (42°F). In January, temperatures can drop to a low of -9°C (16°F) and reach a maximum of 14°C (57°F), whereas March showcases a wider range with a maximum of 22°C (71°F) and a minimum of -12°C (10°F). Precipitation levels are similar, with January recording 52 mm (2.0 in) over 11 days and March slightly higher at 55 mm (2.2 in) across 14 days. Humidity levels in January are higher at 91%, compared to 88% in March. For more details on the weather in March, visit Potsdam weather in March.

January and April exhibit distinct differences in weather. January is characterized by colder temperatures, with lows reaching -9°C (16°F) and an average of only 2°C (36°F). In contrast, April sees a significant increase in warmth, with minimum temperatures around -3°C (26°F) and average highs climbing to 10°C (49°F), peaking at a comfortable 27°C (81°F). Precipitation is slightly heavier in January at 52 mm (2.0 in) over 11 days compared to April's 33 mm (1.3 in) falling over 9 days. Additionally, January tends to be more humid with an average of 91%, while April enjoys a relatively lower humidity of 82%. For more information, visit Potsdam weather in April.

January and May present contrasting weather conditions. In January, temperatures can drop as low as -9°C (16°F), with an average of 2°C (36°F) and a maximum reaching 14°C (57°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 91% and a total precipitation of 52 mm (2.0 in) over 11 days. In contrast, May offers a much milder climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 0°C (32°F) to an average of 14°C (58°F), and peak temperatures soaring up to 31°C (88°F). Precipitation decreases to 41 mm (1.6 in) over just 9 days, and humidity drops to a more comfortable 74%. For additional details on May weather, you can visit Potsdam weather in May.

January and June present striking contrasts in weather. In January, temperatures can plunge to a minimum of -9°C (16°F), with an average of 2°C (36°F) and a maximum of 14°C (57°F). The month also sees considerable humidity at 91% alongside 52 mm of precipitation over 11 days. In contrast, June boasts a much warmer climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 5°C (42°F) to a scorching maximum of 37°C (98°F), averaging around 20°C (68°F). The precipitation decreases slightly to 49 mm over just 9 days, and humidity drops to a more comfortable 75%. For a detailed look at the weather during this summer month, check out Potsdam weather in June.

January weather in Potsdam is characterized by much colder temperatures, with minimums dipping as low as -9°C (16°F) and an average around 2°C (36°F). In contrast, July brings significantly warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) to a scorching maximum of 38°C (101°F) and an average of 20°C (68°F). While January experiences more humidity at 91% and sees around 52 mm of precipitation over 11 days, July has lower humidity at 74% and slightly higher total precipitation of 90 mm, but spread across just 10 days. For more details about the warm July weather, you can check this link: Potsdam weather in July.

January and August present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -9°C (16°F), averaging around 2°C (36°F) with a high of 14°C (57°F). The month experiences high humidity at 91% and sees about 52 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation over 11 days. In contrast, August boasts much milder temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) to a scorching maximum of 37°C (99°F), with an average of 20°C (68°F). Although August records slightly more precipitation at 56 mm (2.2 in) over the same number of rainy days, the humidity is significantly lower at 71%. For a closer look at August weather in Potsdam, check out Potsdam weather in August.

January and September present strikingly different weather patterns. In January, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -9°C (16°F), with an average of around 2°C (36°F) and a maximum of 14°C (57°F). This winter month also sees high humidity levels at 91%, accompanied by approximately 52 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation over 11 days. In contrast, September offers a much milder climate, where temperatures range from a minimum of 4°C (39°F) to an average of 16°C (60°F), peaking at a warm 34°C (93°F). With slightly lower humidity at 82% and similar precipitation levels of 51 mm (2.0 in) over just 8 days, September is generally more pleasant. For more details, check out Potsdam weather in September.

In January, the weather is quite cold, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -9°C (16°F) to a maximum of 14°C (57°F) and an average of just 2°C (36°F). The month experiences 52 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation over 11 days, accompanied by a high humidity level of 91%. In contrast, October offers significantly milder conditions, with temperatures varying from a minimum of -2°C (29°F) to a maximum of 26°C (78°F) and an average of 11°C (53°F). Although it has slightly more precipitation at 56 mm (2.2 in) over 12 days, the humidity is slightly lower at 86%. For a more detailed look at October weather, check out Potsdam weather in October.

When comparing the weather in January to that of November, it is evident that November enjoys milder temperatures. In January, the average temperature is just 2°C (36°F), with a minimum of -9°C (16°F) and a maximum of 14°C (57°F). In contrast, November sees an average temperature of 6°C (44°F), ranging from a minimum of -4°C (25°F) to a maximum of 20°C (69°F). Precipitation levels are somewhat similar, with January receiving 52 mm (2.0 in) over 11 days, while November has slightly less at 44 mm (1.7 in) across 10 days. Additionally, both months exhibit high humidity, with January at 91% and November at 89%. For a more detailed look at the weather patterns, you can refer to Potsdam weather in November.

In January, temperatures in Potsdam show a slight improvement compared to December, with average highs reaching 14°C (57°F) as opposed to December's maximum of 13°C (56°F). However, January experiences a marginally warmer average temperature of 2°C (36°F) compared to December's average of 3°C (38°F). Precipitation levels are quite similar, with January receiving 52 mm (2.0 in) over 11 days, while December has a bit less at 50 mm (2.0 in) across 12 days. Humidity also remains high throughout both months, at 91% in January and 93% in December. For more details on the December conditions, you can visit Potsdam weather in December.

Compare Potsdam's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From January Weather in Potsdam

January in Potsdam brings a distinct chill, setting it apart from the milder months of the year. With a notable drop in temperatures—often dipping below freezing and characterized by frequent cold snaps—residents experience a stark contrast to the warmth of spring and summer. The humidity levels remain high, contributing to a damp atmosphere, while precipitation often arrives in the form of light snow or rain over approximately 11 days of the month. This combination of cold and moisture creates a winter landscape that is both beautiful and brisk. For a deeper understanding of the city's weather patterns throughout the year, explore the details at Potsdam Climate.