January Weather in Dresden, Germany

Last updated: February 26, 2025

In January, Dresden experiences a diverse range of temperatures, with a maximum reaching 14°C (57°F) and a minimum dipping to -15°C (5°F). The average temperature settles around 1°C (34°F), providing a crisp backdrop to the city's winter beauty. Rainfall is moderate, with a total of 68 mm (2.7 in) over the month, distributed across approximately 14 days, contributing to the lush winter landscape. High humidity levels, around 90%, enhance the chilly atmosphere, making January a time for cozy gatherings and scenic strolls through the historic streets of Dresden.

January Temperature in Dresden

In Dresden, Germany, January brings a touch of winter chill, with temperatures often dipping to a brisk -15°C (5°F) at night, while daytime averages hover around 1°C (34°F). The month showcases a moderate maximum temperature of 14°C (57°F), hinting at the gradual transition toward milder weather. Comparing to neighboring February, which sees a slight rise in both daytime and overnight temperatures, it becomes clear that January stands as one of the coldest months, paving the way for the upcoming spring warmth. As the season progresses, temperatures rise steadily, creating an inviting shift from the icy grips of winter to the budding life of spring, making January a pivotal month in Dresden's yearly temperature narrative.

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

The chart illustrates January temperature patterns in Dresden, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec333540475565666658514136
Data source: Temperature data for Dresden generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

January Precipitation in Dresden

January in Dresden, Germany, ushers in a moderately wet start to the year, with 68 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation measured over about 14 days. This sets the tone for a winter that, while brisk, is characterized by frequent but light rain, a pattern that contrasts with the dampness of December, which sees 74 mm. As the month progresses, this trend of consistent, albeit slightly reduced precipitation continues into February, hinting at a shift towards drier days as spring approaches. Interestingly, January marks the transition into wetter months, as seen in May and August, revealing an overall trend of increased precipitation as the year advances. This cyclical pattern of rainfall allows Dresden to enjoy lush landscapes throughout the year, painting a picturesque backdrop against its rich historical tapestry.

January Precipitation Trends in Dresden

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Dresden, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec685761407368709069694574
Data source: Precipitation data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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January Humidity in Dresden

In January, Dresden experiences its peak humidity at a notable 90%, setting a trend for a winter characterized by damp conditions. As the months progress into February and March, humidity slightly decreases, but remains high at 89% and 87% respectively, hinting at the lingering chill of winter. With the arrival of April, a more significant drop to 81% suggests a transition towards the milder spring. However, by May, the humidity continues its downward trajectory, reaching its lowest point of 71% for the year as the warm season begins. This trend of fluctuating humidity persists into the summer months, maintaining levels around the 74%-76% range from June to August, before gradually rising again in the autumn. September and October see an increase to 81% and 85%, while the onset of winter brings moisture back up, peaking again at 92% in December. Overall, Dresden's humidity exhibits a clear seasonal pattern, with winter months being the most humid and summer bringing somewhat drier air.

January Average Humidity in Dresden

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Dresden, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec90%89%87%81%71%75%74%76%81%85%88%92%
Data source: Humidity data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

January UV Index in Dresden

In January, Dresden experiences a low UV Index of 2, indicating minimal risk from sun exposure with a burn time of 45 minutes. This trend continues into February with the same UV Index, suggesting that winter months in the region offer a safe environment for outdoor activities without the worry of sunburn. As spring approaches in March, the UV Index rises to 4, entering a moderate exposure category, which reduces burn time to just 30 minutes. This gradual increase in UV radiation points to the need for heightened awareness as the days grow longer and sunnier, paving the way for the more intense summer months ahead. If you want to explore more about UV levels throughout the year, check out Dresden UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Dresden for January

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Dresden 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec224678876421
Data source: Dresden 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 Dresden

January in Dresden, Germany, can often feel a bit gray with just 110 hours of sunshine, but this is just the beginning of a gradual illumination. As winter fades into spring, February offers a brighter 195 hours, signaling a slow but steady increase in daylight. By March, the city basks in 272 hours of sunlight, and April sees a further rise to 337 hours as nature awakens. The trend continues through the warmer months, peaking in July with a splendid 411 hours, before slightly tapering off in August and September. As the year winds down, the sunshine retreats, with December providing only 137 hours. This picturesque arc not only highlights the transition from the cold grip of winter to the vibrant embrace of summer but also paints a hopeful picture of the warmth that lies ahead.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Dresden: January Highlighted

The January sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Dresden 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec110h195h272h337h385h402h411h379h313h256h185h137h
Data source: Dresden January Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Dresden During January

In January, Dresden, Germany experiences a modest 14% chance of sunny weather, making it one of the cloudiest months of the year. As winter begins to wane, February shows a notable improvement with a 27% likelihood of sunshine, signaling the start of a gradual upward trend as the seasons shift. By March, the chances soar to 36%, showcasing a refreshing transition toward spring, while April and May maintain a respectable 32% and 29%, respectively. This increase in sunshine continues into the summer, peaking in September and October at 38%. This data highlights a clear pattern: as the year progresses, Dresden transforms into a brighter destination, inviting more outdoor activities and revitalizing the city's charm.

Percentage of Sunny Days in January in Dresden

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Dresden 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 Dresden experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec14%27%36%32%29%33%31%28%38%38%18%16%
Data source: Dresden January chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Dresden in January

In Dresden, Germany, January marks the start of a gradual transition from the waning daylight hours of winter to the vibrant warmth of summer. With only 8 hours of daylight, the month feels cozy and introspective, setting the stage for the slight increase in illumination that follows. As February approaches, daylight extends to 10 hours, hinting at the impending arrival of spring. This upward trend continues through March and April, where the days lengthen to 11 and 13 hours, respectively, embracing the renewal of life. By May and June, residents bask in up to 15 and 16 hours of daylight, transforming the city into a lively hub of activity and outdoor pleasures. However, as summer peaks, a gentle decline begins, with daylight gradually decreasing through July (15 hours) and August (14 hours), leading to the shorter days of fall. By September, the daylight dwindles to 12 hours, and by November, it again reaches 8 hours before sinking to just 7 hours in December. This cyclical rhythm of daylight in Dresden beautifully illustrates the seasonal dance, inviting residents to cherish each gradual change in light.

Average Daylight Hours in Dresden for January

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Dresden throughout the year, with January highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec8h 28m10h11h 55m13h 51m15h 33m16h 26m15h 58m14h 27m12h 34m10h 38m8h 54m7h 59m
Data source: Dresden daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

January Winds in Dresden

In Dresden, January brings a gentle breeze with an average wind speed of 3.3 m/s (7 mph), setting the stage for a winter that feels crisp yet calming. This steady airflow continues into February and March, maintaining the same speed, before April also mirrors this trend, providing a consistent feel throughout early spring. As the seasons shift, a noticeable uptick occurs in May, with winds increasing to 3.6 m/s (8 mph), just as nature begins to bloom. However, the summer months bring a surprising calm, with June and July experiencing lower wind speeds of 2.4 and 2.5 m/s (5-6 mph) respectively. The winds gently pick up again in October to 3.6 m/s (8 mph), hinting at the approaching winter, while November settles back to 3.3 m/s (7 mph), before December breezes in with a higher 3.7 m/s (8 mph), suggesting a dynamic and ever-changing relationship between the wind and the shifting seasons of this historic city.

Average January Wind Speed in Dresden

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Dresden, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec3.3 m/s3.23.33.33.62.42.52.72.63.63.33.7
Data source: Dresden January wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How January Weather in Dresden Compares to Other Months

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

January and February exhibit similar cold temperatures, with minimums reaching -15°C (5°F) in both months. However, February tends to be slightly warmer, averaging 2°C (36°F) compared to January's 1°C (34°F), and featuring a higher maximum temperature of 18°C (65°F) compared to January's 14°C (57°F). Precipitation is somewhat less in February, totaling 57 mm (2.2 in) over 11 days, in contrast to January’s 68 mm (2.7 in) across 14 days, along with slightly lower humidity levels of 89% compared to January's 90%. For more detailed information about February’s climate, check out Dresden weather in February.

In January, the weather tends to be quite cold, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -15°C (5°F) to a maximum of 14°C (57°F), while the average temperature sits around 1°C (34°F). This month experiences significant precipitation, with about 68 mm (2.7 in) spread over 14 days, alongside high humidity levels of 90%.

By March, the weather begins to warm up slightly, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -14°C (7°F) to a maximum of 21°C (70°F), and an average temperature of 4°C (40°F). Precipitation decreases marginally to 61 mm (2.4 in) over 13 days, with humidity slightly lower at 87%. For more detailed information on the weather conditions during this month, check out Dresden weather in March.

In January, the weather can be quite harsh, with minimum temperatures dipping as low as -15°C (5°F) and an average temperature around 1°C (34°F). The month is characterized by high humidity levels at 90% and frequent precipitation, totaling 68 mm (2.7 in) over 14 days. In contrast, April brings a noticeable improvement, with minimum temperatures around -7°C (20°F) and an average of 9°C (48°F), reaching up to 26°C (79°F) on warmer days. Precipitation decreases to 39 mm (1.6 in) over just 9 days, and humidity slightly lowers to 81%. This shift heralds the arrival of spring, making April a much more pleasant time for outdoor activities. For more details, check out Dresden weather in April.

January and May present a striking contrast in weather conditions. In January, temperatures range from a frigid -15°C (5°F) to a maximum of 14°C (57°F), with an average temperature of around 1°C (34°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 90% and relatively consistent precipitation, totaling 68 mm (2.7 in) over 14 days. In contrast, May experiences a milder climate, with minimum temperatures of -1°C (31°F) and maximums soaring to 30°C (86°F), resulting in an average of 13°C (55°F). While precipitation slightly increases to 73 mm (2.9 in) over 13 days, humidity drops to 71%, contributing to a more comfortable atmosphere. For more details, you can check out Dresden weather in May.

January and June present strikingly different weather patterns. In January, temperatures range from a chilling minimum of -15°C (5°F) to a somewhat milder maximum of 14°C (57°F), with an average temperature hovering around 1°C (34°F). This month also sees significant humidity at 90% and experiences precipitation on about 14 days, totaling 68 mm (2.7 in). In contrast, June enjoys a much warmer climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C (37°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F), and an average temperature of 18°C (65°F). While June also records 68 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation, it falls over fewer days—just 11—and features lower humidity at 75%. For more detailed insights into the weather during this summer month, you can check out Dresden weather in June.

January and July present a stark contrast in weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -15°C (5°F), while the average temperature hovers around 1°C (34°F) and peaks at 14°C (57°F). The month experiences significant humidity at 90% and sees precipitation on about 14 days, accumulating to 68 mm (2.7 in). In contrast, July boasts much milder weather, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a sweltering maximum of 35°C (96°F) and an average of 19°C (66°F). Humidity decreases to 74%, and precipitation is slightly lower at 70 mm (2.7 in) over approximately 11 days. For more details, check out Dresden weather in July.

In January, the weather is markedly cold, with temperatures averaging around 1°C (34°F), ranging from a chilling minimum of -15°C (5°F) to a maximum of 14°C (57°F). The month sees significant precipitation of 68 mm (2.7 in) over approximately 14 days, coupled with high humidity levels of 90%, contributing to a rather damp and frosty atmosphere.

In contrast, August brings a warm embrace, with an average temperature of 19°C (67°F) and highs soaring to 35°C (95°F). While there is a slight increase in precipitation to 90 mm (3.6 in) over 12 days, the lower humidity of 76% makes for a much more comfortable experience. For more details on the weather during this vibrant summer month, check out Dresden weather in August.

January in Dresden is characterized by biting cold temperatures, with lows reaching as low as -15°C (5°F) and averaging around 1°C (34°F). The month sees significant precipitation, occurring over 14 days and accompanied by high humidity levels of 90%, creating a chill that permeates the air. In contrast, September brings a noticeable warmth, with temperatures fluctuating from a mild 1°C (34°F) at night to a comfortable 30°C (86°F) during the day. The humidity drops to 81%, and while precipitation remains similar at 69 mm (2.7 in), it falls over fewer days (11) compared to January. For a more detailed outlook, you can check Dresden weather in September.

January and October present quite a contrast in weather conditions. In January, temperatures often plunge to a minimum of -15°C (5°F), with an average of just 1°C (34°F) and a maximum of 14°C (57°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 68 mm (2.7 in) over approximately 14 days, coupled with high humidity at 90%. In contrast, October sees milder temperatures, ranging from a minimum of -2°C (29°F) to an average of 10°C (51°F) and peaking at 24°C (75°F). With precipitation slightly higher at 69 mm (2.7 in), it falls over fewer days, around 12, and brings a lower humidity of 85%. For a closer look at the conditions during this month, you can visit Dresden weather in October.

January and November present contrasting weather conditions, particularly in temperature and precipitation. In January, temperatures can plummet to as low as -15°C (5°F), with an average of around 1°C (34°F) and a maximum reaching 14°C (57°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 68 mm (2.7 in) over approximately 14 days, coupled with high humidity at 90%. In comparison, November is milder, with minimum temperatures around -6°C (22°F) and an average of 5°C (42°F), peaking at 18°C (65°F). Precipitation is lighter, averaging 45 mm (1.8 in) across 11 days, and humidity remains slightly lower at 88%. For more details on the November climate, you can check Dresden weather in November.

In comparing the weather of January and December, January tends to be slightly colder, with average temperatures around 1°C (34°F) compared to December's average of 2°C (37°F). The minimum temperature in January dips to -15°C (5°F), while December's minimum is a bit milder at -11°C (13°F). Both months experience significant precipitation, with January receiving 68 mm (2.7 in) over approximately 14 days, while December records 74 mm (2.9 in) over 16 days. Humidity levels are high in both months, with January at 90% and December slightly higher at 92%. For more specific details about December's weather, you can visit Dresden weather in December.

Compare Dresden's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From January Weather in Dresden

January in Dresden contrasts sharply with other months, offering a unique blend of chilly temperatures and frequent precipitation. Amid the heart of winter, the city experiences predominantly cold conditions, with a maximum that just nudges into the teens, while the biting minimum can plunge below freezing. The high humidity level of 90% makes the cold feel even more penetrating, and with approximately half the month seeing some rainfall, residents and visitors alike should prepare for a damp experience. This month stands out not only for its frigid atmosphere but also for its intriguing winter charm. For those curious about Dresden's climate beyond January, check out Dresden Climate for a comprehensive overview.