January Weather in Cork, Ireland

Last updated: March 17, 2025

In January, Cork, Ireland experiences a cool maritime climate, characterized by a maximum temperature reaching up to 13°C (56°F) and an average of 6°C (43°F). The month is marked by frequent rain, accumulating around 55 mm (2.2 in) over approximately 10 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 83%. This cool and wet weather creates a unique atmosphere, making it ideal for cozy indoor activities while exploring the vibrant city. Visitors should prepare for the occasional chill, with temperatures dipping as low as -5°C (24°F), offering a true taste of winter in this beautiful Irish locale.

January Temperature in Cork

In January, Cork, Ireland experiences a chilly embrace as winter settles in, with temperatures ranging from a brisk -5°C (24°F) at night to a more moderate 13°C (56°F) during the day. The average temperature hovers around 6°C (43°F), providing a stark contrast to the milder months that follow. As February rolls in, there's a slight warming, yet January's cold can still linger, hinting at the tail end of winter's grasp. As the days progress towards spring, temperatures begin to steadily rise, showcasing an upward trend that paves the way for the refreshing warmth of April and May. This gradual transition from the winter chill to the gentle spring warmth highlights Cork's dynamic climate, making each month a unique experience in its own right.

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

The chart illustrates January temperature patterns in Cork, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec434444485257615956514645
Data source: Temperature data for Cork 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 Cork

January in Cork, Ireland sees a modest precipitation total of 55 mm (2.2 in), spread over 10 days, making it one of the drier months of the year. This sets the stage for a conspicuous trend, as rainfall intensifies in the following months. February more than doubles January's total with 101 mm (4.0 in) over 15 days, followed by March and April, which also experience significant precipitation. A pattern emerges, highlighting a peak in December with 103 mm (4.1 in) and an average of over 13 rainy days throughout the fall and winter months. The steady increase in both rainfall amount and rainy days suggests that while January starts the year on a quieter note, the impending months usher in a more pronounced wet season in Cork.

January Precipitation Trends in Cork

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Cork, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec56101837274606389699580103
Data source: Precipitation data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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January Humidity in Cork

In January, Cork, Ireland experiences a humidity level of 83%, setting a tone of crisp, refreshing air that characterizes the winter months. As the year progresses, a subtle upward trend emerges, with February recording 85% humidity, suggesting a gradual increase in moisture. This level remains consistent through the summer months, peaking in October at 86%, which indicates that the region experiences relatively high humidity throughout the year. Interestingly, the humidity returns to 83% by December, demonstrating a cyclical pattern that illustrates Cork's maritime climate. Overall, while January feels slightly drier, the months that follow showcase a slight rise in humidity, highlighting the region's lush, verdant environment throughout the year.

January Average Humidity in Cork

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Cork, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec83%85%84%84%84%85%85%84%85%86%84%83%
Data source: Humidity data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

January UV Index in Cork

In January, Cork experiences a low UV Index of 1, indicating minimal sun exposure risk, with a burn time of 45 minutes. This trend of low UV levels continues into February, where the UV Index rises slightly to 2 but remains categorized as low. As spring approaches, March marks a shift with a moderate UV Index of 4, reducing the safe burn time to 30 minutes. The UV Index continues to climb through April and May, reaching a peak of 7 in May, signifying high sun exposure risks. The summer months of June and July see the Index maintain a very high level of 8, where caution is essential, as the burn time decreases dramatically to just 15 minutes. By August, a slight decline brings the UV Index back to 7, with the subsequent months transitioning back to moderate levels in September and October before tapering off in November and December, where the Index returns to 1 again. This evolving pattern highlights the importance of being sun-smart throughout the year, especially as UV levels fluctuate dramatically as we move from winter to summer. For more details on Cork's UV Index, visit Cork UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Cork for January

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Cork 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec124578875421
Data source: Cork 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 Cork

January in Cork, Ireland, ushers in 85 hours of sunshine, setting a gentle tone for the year. As the winter chill begins to fade, February welcomes over 133 hours of sunlight, hinting at the brighter days ahead. March continues the upward trend with 188 hours, signaling a transition into spring. By April, this sunshine blossoms to 299 hours, drawing residents and visitors outdoors to savor the longer, warmer days. The peak of sunlight arrives in May, boasting an impressive 381 hours, while June and July follow suit closely, offering 370 and 378 hours respectively, making summer the sunniest season in Cork. As autumn approaches, the sun begins to set earlier, with August still shining brightly at 341 hours, but gradually tapering off to 285 hours in September and 225 hours in October. The year concludes with the quiet retreat of sunlight in November and December, recording 126 and 97 hours respectively, but the promise of brighter days is etched into the memory of Cork's residents until the cycle begins anew.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Cork: January Highlighted

The January sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Cork 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec85h133h188h299h381h370h378h341h285h225h126h97h
Data source: Cork January Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Cork During January

In Cork, Ireland, January offers a 31% chance of sunny weather, presenting a modest opportunity for those seeking some winter sunshine. As the year progresses, the likelihood of sunny days fluctuates significantly, peaking in April at 44%, suggesting that late spring is the most promising time for clear skies. Interestingly, February dips to 22%, hinting at the typically overcast nature of early winter, while March continues the trend downward with just 20%. Following this, the chances of sunshine see a slight recovery, dipping again in summer months before stabilizing in the mid to late autumn. Overall, while January provides a fair chance for sun, it’s the arrival of spring that brings the most reliable bursts of brightness in Cork.

Percentage of Sunny Days in January in Cork

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Cork 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 Cork experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec31%22%20%44%28%23%28%25%19%20%28%19%
Data source: Cork January chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Cork in January

In Cork, Ireland, the January daylight duration is a modest 8 hours, marking the beginning of the year with shorter, crisp winter days. As February unfolds, daylight gradually increases to 9 hours, signifying the slow return of light. March continues this uplifting trend with 11 hours, while April brings a notable leap to 13 hours as spring awakens the landscape. May and June delight residents with the longest days, peaking at 15 and 16 hours respectively, allowing for plenty of time to enjoy the vibrant outdoors. As summer wanes, daylight begins to taper off—July also boasts 16 hours, but August sees a decline to 14 hours. The shortening days continue into autumn with 12 hours in September and dropping to 10 hours by October. By November, daylight returns to 8 hours, and December brings the year to a close with just 7 hours, inviting a quiet reflection on the seasonal cycle of light and dark.

Average Daylight Hours in Cork for January

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Cork throughout the year, with January highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec8h 20m9h 56m11h 55m13h 55m15h 41m16h 36m16h 7m14h 32m12h 35m10h 35m8h 47m7h 49m
Data source: Cork daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

January Winds in Cork

January in Cork, Ireland, greets visitors with a gentle breath of wind, averaging 3.8 m/s (9 mph), setting a calmer tone as the year begins. As winter wanes, February picks up the pace, with winds increasing to 5.5 m/s (12 mph), reflecting a transition into the slightly more spirited months ahead. However, the winds soften again in April and June, dipping to 3.4 m/s (8 mph). The warm summer months of July and August bring the most tranquil breezes, averaging around 2.9 m/s (6 mph), perfect for enjoying the serene beauty of the region. Autumn ushers in a subtle return to briskness, culminating in a December average of 4.6 m/s (10 mph), making Cork's weather a dance of gentle and lively winds throughout the year, with January quietly anchoring the season's rhythm.

Average January Wind Speed in Cork

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Cork, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec3.8 m/s5.54.13.43.93.42.93.33.14.13.74.6
Data source: Cork January wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How January Weather in Cork Compares to Other Months

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

January and February exhibit similar maximum temperatures, both peaking at around 13°C (56°F), but February tends to have slightly milder conditions overall, with average temperatures rising to 7°C (44°F) compared to January's 6°C (43°F). While January sees a minimum temperature dropping to -5°C (24°F), February’s lows are a bit more forgiving at -2°C (28°F). However, February is characterized by increased precipitation, totaling 101 mm (4.0 in) over 15 days, which is notably higher than January's 55 mm (2.2 in) across 10 days, resulting in a more humid atmosphere with a humidity level of 85%. For a detailed look at the weather in Cork during this month, check out Cork weather in February.

January and March present notable differences in weather conditions. January typically experiences slightly milder temperatures, with averages around 6°C (43°F) and a maximum of 13°C (56°F), whereas March showcases a higher average temperature of 7°C (44°F) and can reach up to 16°C (61°F). However, March tends to be wetter, with precipitation amounting to 83 mm (3.3 in) over 16 days, compared to January's 55 mm (2.2 in) over just 10 days. Both months maintain high humidity levels, around 83% in January and slightly higher at 84% in March. For more detailed information on the weather in March, you can visit Cork weather in March.

In January, the weather tends to be chilly with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of -5°C (24°F) to a maximum of 13°C (56°F). Despite the cold, the month sees relatively low precipitation, amounting to 55 mm (2.2 in) over about 10 days, and the humidity sits at a notable 83%. In contrast, April experiences a mild transition with average temperatures rising to between -2°C (29°F) and 18°C (65°F). Precipitation increases slightly to 72 mm (2.8 in) over 11 days, while humidity remains comparable at 84%. For more detailed insights, check out Cork weather in April.

In January, the weather is notably chilly, with average temperatures ranging from a low of -5°C (24°F) to a high of 13°C (56°F). This month sees a fair amount of precipitation, totaling 55 mm (2.2 in) over approximately ten days, coupled with a high humidity level of 83%. In contrast, May brings a much warmer climate characterized by a minimum temperature of 0°C (31°F) and a maximum reaching 23°C (74°F). Although May experiences slightly more precipitation at 74 mm (2.9 in) across twelve days, the humidity remains similar at 84%. For a closer look at the weather conditions in May, you can check out Cork weather in May.

January and June present quite contrasting weather conditions. In January, temperatures range from a chilly -5°C (24°F) at night to a mild 13°C (56°F) during the day, averaging around 6°C (43°F). The month sees about 55 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation over approximately 10 days, coupled with a high humidity level of 83%. In stark contrast, June offers much warmer temperatures, with nighttime lows of 5°C (41°F) and daytime highs reaching 27°C (80°F), resulting in an average temperature of 14°C (57°F). Although June experiences slightly more precipitation at 60 mm (2.4 in) over 11 days, the humidity remains relatively similar at 85%. For a detailed look at June weather, you can check Cork weather in June.

January and July present contrasting weather conditions. In January, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -5°C (24°F) to a mild maximum of 13°C (56°F), with an average of 6°C (43°F). The month sees around 55 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation over approximately 10 days, coupled with high humidity levels of 83%. In contrast, July offers a much warmer experience, with temperatures fluctuating from a minimum of 7°C (44°F) to a pleasant maximum of 26°C (79°F), and an average of 16°C (61°F). Although July experiences slightly higher precipitation at 63 mm (2.5 in) on about 12 days, humidity is just a touch higher at 85%. For more details on July weather specifically, check out Cork weather in July.

In January, the weather in Cork is notably colder, with temperatures ranging from a chilly -5°C (24°F) to a mild 13°C (56°F) and an average temperature of 6°C (43°F). This month typically experiences around 55 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation over 10 days, coupled with high humidity levels at 83%. In contrast, August brings a much warmer climate, with minimum temperatures of 6°C (43°F), an average of 15°C (60°F), and maximums reaching 24°C (75°F). Precipitation increases to 89 mm (3.5 in) over approximately 15 days, while humidity remains similar at 84%. For more detailed information, check out Cork weather in August.

In January, temperatures typically range from a minimum of -5°C (24°F) to a maximum of 13°C (56°F), with an average temperature of 6°C (43°F). The month sees around 55 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation spread over about 10 days, and the humidity is relatively high at 83%.

Conversely, September offers a milder climate, with temperatures varying from a minimum of 2°C (36°F) to a maximum of 24°C (76°F), averaging 13°C (57°F). While September experiences slightly more precipitation at 69 mm (2.7 in) over approximately 12 days, the humidity remains similar at 85%.

For a closer look at what to expect, check out Cork weather in September.

January and October present distinct weather patterns. In January, temperatures range from a low of -5°C (24°F) to a high of 13°C (56°F), while October sees milder temperatures with a minimum of 0°C (33°F) and a maximum of 18°C (64°F). Precipitation also varies, with January experiencing about 55 mm (2.2 in) across 10 days, compared to October's 95 mm (3.7 in) over 13 days. Additionally, humidity levels in January average around 83%, slightly lower than October's 86%. Overall, October tends to be wetter and warmer than the colder, drier conditions of January. For more details, visit Cork weather in October.

January and November in Cork present distinct weather patterns, with January typically colder than November. In January, the minimum temperature can drop to -5°C (24°F), while November sees a milder minimum of -1°C (30°F). The average temperatures reflect this difference, with January averaging 6°C (43°F) compared to November’s 8°C (47°F). Additionally, November tends to be wetter, with 79 mm (3.1 in) of precipitation across 13 days, while January has 55 mm (2.2 in) over 10 days. Both months experience high humidity, around 83-84%, making them feel chilly despite increased rainfall in November. For more detailed information, check out Cork weather in November.

In January, the weather is characterized by a slightly colder temperature range, with a minimum of -5°C (24°F) and an average high of 13°C (56°F), compared to December, which has milder temperatures, with a minimum of -2°C (28°F) and a maximum of 14°C (57°F). Additionally, January experiences less precipitation, totaling 55 mm (2.2 in) over about 10 days, while December sees significantly more rain at 103 mm (4.1 in) spread over 16 days. Both months share the same humidity level of 83%, but December’s wetter conditions likely contribute to a more overcast atmosphere. For detailed insights, you can check the Cork weather in December.

Compare Cork's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From January Weather in Cork

As January settles over Cork, it marks a distinct shift in weather patterns compared to other months. Temperatures dip, with averages hovering around a brisk 6°C, often flirting with freezing at night, and a noticeable increase in humidity at 83% creates a damp chill in the air. This month also experiences a considerable amount of precipitation, with rain gracing approximately a third of the days, bringing the total to around 55 mm for the month. While January’s weather can be dreary, it sets the stage for the lush greenery that Cork is known for. For a deeper look into Cork's climate patterns throughout the year, check out Cork Climate.