Last updated: August 21, 2025
In Niigata, Japan, January presents a chilly yet captivating climate. With a maximum temperature reaching 13°C (55°F) and an average of 5°C (41°F), residents and visitors can expect brisk days where temperatures may dip to a minimum of -2°C (28°F). This month is characterized by significant precipitation, totaling 178 mm (7.0 in) over 23 days, contributing to the region's verdant landscape. The high humidity level of 88% creates a damp atmosphere, adding a unique chill to the air. Whether you're enjoying the winter scenery or seeking cozy indoor activities, January in Niigata offers a distinct experience filled with Japanese winter charm.
In January, Niigata, Japan experiences a chill that can surprise newcomers, with temperatures ranging from a brisk -2°C (28°F) at night to a relatively mild 13°C (55°F) during the day. The average temperature sits at around 5°C (41°F), making it one of the colder months of the year. As the transition into February occurs, the temperatures barely shift, maintaining the average but nudging the minimum slightly higher to -1°C (31°F). This consistent chill gives way to a gradual warming trend as March approaches, with daytime highs inching up to 17°C (64°F). The coming months see a remarkable progression, with temperatures steadily climbing, ushering in the vibrant warmth of spring. This clear shift highlights the region’s distinctive seasonal rhythm, where winter’s grip begins to loosen, signaling the arrival of more temperate days ahead.
In January, Niigata experiences a significant amount of rainfall, with approximately 178 mm (7.0 in) of precipitation falling over 23 days. This sets the tone for a wet winter season, as January's totals begin a trend of consistently high precipitation across the colder months. Following closely, December features even more rain at 226 mm (8.9 in), showcasing the region's winter precipitation peaks. As the year progresses into spring, the rainfall begins to decrease, with February dropping to 131 mm (5.1 in), indicating a gradual transition. Interestingly, these early months lay the groundwork for the heavier summer months, where July and August see dramatic increases in rainfall, achieving totals of 271 mm (10.7 in) and 247 mm (9.7 in), respectively. Overall, the January weather in Niigata exemplifies the region's unique climatic pattern, where winter sets the stage for the lush, rainy summer ahead.
In January, Niigata experiences high humidity levels, averaging a substantial 88%, which sets the tone for a winter that feels damp and chilly. This trend of elevated humidity persists into February at 86%, a slight dip that still keeps the air feeling heavy. As the seasons transition into spring, humidity gradually decreases, reaching 81% in March and further dropping to 78% in April. However, this reprieve is short-lived, as May sees a return to 81%. The summer months bring a notable rise, with humidity surging back to 92% in both July and August, creating a muggy atmosphere. Despite slight fluctuations, September and October maintain relatively high levels at 89% and 87%, respectively, before tapering off in late autumn and early winter to 85% in November and 86% in December. This yearly cycle underscores Niigata's humidity as a persistent factor, heavily influenced by seasonal shifts that keep the city enveloped in moist air throughout much of the year.
In January, Niigata experiences a moderate UV Index of 3, allowing for a burn time of approximately 30 minutes under direct sunlight. As the months progress, the UV Index steadily rises, reaching 4 in February and hitting 7 by March, where the risk becomes significant. The warmth of spring brings an even higher index, peaking at 9 in May and maintaining a very high rating throughout June. The summer months elevate the UV Index to an extreme level of 11 in July and August, shortening the burn time dramatically to just 10 minutes. While September sees a slight dip back to 9, the autumn months bring back moderate levels of 4 in November and 3 in December. This trend highlights the importance of sun protection, especially as exposure risk peaks in the summer. Discover more about UV levels throughout the year at Niigata UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In January, Niigata, Japan experiences a mere 140 hours of sunshine, ushering in the year with a somber winter mood. However, as the months progress, the sun begins to emerge from its long slumber, with February seeing an increase to 190 hours. The sunlight gains momentum into March, reaching 246 hours, and by April, spring is in full swing with 278 hours illuminating the landscape. The trend continues upward, peaking in August at 311 hours, where summer offers its warmest embrace. As the seasons transition, a gradual decline begins, with September recording 260 hours and October following with 227 hours, before the year closes with 173 hours in December. This journey through the changing light showcases not only the beauty of seasonal shifts but also the delicate rhythm of sunshine in Niigata.
In Niigata, Japan, January tends to be a rather dull month in terms of sunny weather, with only a 19% chance of sunshine. This sets the stage for a gradual improvement in February, where the odds of sunlight increase to 34%. As winter transitions into spring, the likelihood of sunny days peaks in April at 41%, showcasing a noticeable shift in weather patterns. Following this peak, the chances dip slightly in May and August but remain more favorable from June through October, fluctuating between 29% and 46%. Overall, Niigata’s January is a stark contrast to the sunnier months that follow, highlighting a clear trend of increasing daylight as the year progresses.
In Niigata, Japan, January marks the start of the year with a modest 9 hours of daylight, a stark contrast to the vibrant moods of spring and summer that follow. As February arrives, daylight increases to 10 hours, hinting at the gradual lengthening of days. March further enriches this experience, as daylight reaches 11 hours, signaling the approach of warmer weather. The days continue to lengthen, peaking at an impressive 14 hours during the late spring and early summer months of May, June, and July. As summer fades into autumn, daylight begins its slow descent, falling back to 12 hours in September and subsequently tapering to 10 hours in November before settling back at 9 hours in December. This rhythmic pattern of daylight not only marks the changing seasons but also reflects the natural ebb and flow of life in this beautiful region.
In January, the winds in Niigata, Japan, pick up, averaging a brisk 6.1 m/s (14 mph), setting the stage for a blustery winter. This robust wind speed gradually increases to 6.6 m/s (15 mph) in February, before taking a notable dip to a gentle 4.3 m/s (10 mph) in both March and April. As spring approaches, the winds continue to mellow, descending to 4.0 m/s (9 mph) by May. The summer months bring further calm, with a consistent 2.7 m/s (6 mph) in June and July, but the gentle breezes return in August at 3.4 m/s (8 mph). As fall arrives, winds gradually strengthen once more, peaking in December at a striking 6.8 m/s (15 mph), suggesting a rhythmic dance of cold air over the seasons, where January serves as a formidable and lively entry into the winter chill.
Weather in Niigata varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares January’s weather to other months in Niigata, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
January and February in Niigata exhibit a notable contrast in precipitation patterns despite having similar average temperatures. January experiences a maximum temperature of 13°C (55°F) and a substantial rainfall of 178 mm (7.0 in) over 23 days, contributing to a higher humidity level of 88%. In comparison, February sees slightly milder conditions with a maximum temperature of 15°C (59°F) and reduced precipitation of 131 mm (5.1 in) across 24 days. The humidity remains comparable at 86%, making February a bit drier overall. For more insights on February weather, you can check Niigata weather in February.
In January, the weather is characterized by colder temperatures, with averages hovering around 5°C (41°F) and a maximum of 13°C (55°F). The month experiences significant rainfall, totaling 178 mm (7.0 in) over 23 days, coupled with high humidity at 88%. By March, the temperatures begin to warm, with averages rising to 8°C (46°F) and a peak of 17°C (64°F). Precipitation decreases to 112 mm (4.4 in) across 16 days, and humidity also falls to 81%. This transition from January to March signifies a shift towards milder and drier conditions. For a detailed look at March weather, visit Niigata weather in March.
In January, temperatures in Niigata range from a frigid -2°C (28°F) to a mild 13°C (55°F), with an average of 5°C (41°F). The month is quite wet, receiving about 178 mm (7.0 in) of precipitation over 23 days, accompanied by high humidity levels of 88%. In contrast, April ushers in a noticeable warming trend, with temperatures starting at a minimum of 4°C (39°F) and peaking at 22°C (72°F), averaging around 11°C (52°F). Precipitation decreases to 111 mm (4.4 in) spread over just 14 days, and humidity drops to 78%. This transition from the cold, damp January to the more temperate and less humid April is a welcome change. For more detailed insights, check out Niigata weather in April.
January weather tends to be quite chilly, with temperatures ranging from a low of -2°C (28°F) to a maximum of 13°C (55°F) and an average of 5°C (41°F). The month sees a significant amount of precipitation, totaling 178 mm (7.0 in) over 23 days, with high humidity levels at 88%. In stark contrast, May brings much warmer temperatures, with minima of 8°C (47°F) and maxima reaching up to 26°C (79°F), averaging 16°C (62°F). Precipitation in May is less intense, amounting to 108 mm (4.3 in) over 12 days, and the humidity is slightly lower at 81%. For more details, check out Niigata weather in May.
In January, the weather is notably colder, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of -2°C (28°F) to a maximum of 13°C (55°F). The month experiences high levels of precipitation, totaling 178 mm (7.0 in) over 23 days, contributing to a damp and chilly atmosphere with a humidity level of 88%.
In contrast, June showcases a significant warming trend, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 13°C (56°F) to a maximum of 28°C (83°F), providing a much more pleasant climate. The rainfall is also reduced, with total precipitation at 100 mm (4.0 in) over just 12 days, while maintaining the same humidity level of 88%. For more detailed information, check Niigata weather in June.
January and July present stark contrasts in weather. In January, temperatures hover between a chilly -2°C (28°F) and a comfortable 13°C (55°F), with high humidity levels averaging 88%. Precipitation is significant, with around 178 mm (7.0 in) falling over 23 days, making it a damp winter month. Conversely, July features much warmer temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 20°C (68°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F), with an average of 25°C (78°F). While precipitation increases to 271 mm (10.7 in), it occurs over fewer days (16), and humidity rises slightly to 92%. For more details on July weather, you can visit Niigata weather in July.
January and August present stark contrasts in weather patterns. January experiences colder temperatures, with daily averages around 5°C (41°F) and a maximum of 13°C (55°F), creating a brisk winter environment. The month is also quite humid, with an average humidity of 88% and notable precipitation of 178 mm (7.0 in) spread over 23 days. In contrast, August is significantly warmer, with minimum temperatures of 20°C (68°F) and an average high reaching 35°C (95°F). Although August has higher overall precipitation at 247 mm (9.7 in) over 15 days, the humidity increases slightly to 92%, giving a muggy feel to the hot summer days. To explore more about August weather, visit Niigata weather in August.
January and September exhibit striking differences in weather patterns. While January experiences cooler temperatures, ranging from a minimum of -2°C (28°F) to a maximum of 13°C (55°F), September is notably warmer, with temperatures ranging from 16°C (60°F) to 34°C (94°F). Additionally, January sees higher precipitation levels, with 178 mm (7.0 in) over 23 days, compared to September's 158 mm (6.2 in) over 15 days. Humidity levels remain quite similar, with January at 88% and September slightly higher at 89%. For a closer look at what to expect during September, you can visit Niigata weather in September.
When comparing the weather in January and October, a stark contrast emerges. January is characterized by chilly temperatures, with a minimum of -2°C (28°F) and an average of 5°C (41°F), while October enjoys milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 12°C (53°F) to a maximum of 28°C (82°F). Precipitation levels are similar, with January receiving 178 mm (7.0 in) over 23 days and October recording 170 mm (6.7 in) over 16 days, reflecting a more consistent rainy season in winter. Additionally, humidity remains high in both months, hovering around 88% in January and 87% in October, contributing to a generally damp atmosphere. For a detailed look at October's weather, you can check Niigata weather in October.
In comparing January and November weather, January typically experiences colder temperatures with a minimum of -2°C (28°F) and an average of 5°C (41°F), while November boasts milder conditions, with a minimum of 4°C (39°F) and an average of 13°C (55°F). Precipitation is significant in both months; however, January receives a bit more rainfall at 178 mm (7.0 in) over 23 days compared to November's 161 mm (6.3 in) over 20 days. Humidity levels are also similar, with January at 88% and November at 85%, indicating a relatively damp atmosphere during both months. For more details about November weather, you can explore Niigata weather in November.
January and December in Niigata present distinct weather patterns. January tends to be chillier, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of -2°C (28°F) to a maximum of 13°C (55°F), while December is milder, featuring an average temperature from 0°C (33°F) to 18°C (65°F). Precipitation is more abundant in December, with 226 mm (8.9 in) recorded over 27 days, compared to January's 178 mm (7.0 in) over 23 days. Additionally, January's humidity is slightly higher at 88%, compared to December's 86%. For a closer look at the weather patterns, you can explore Niigata weather in December.
As January arrives in Niigata, the winter chill sets in, significantly lowering both temperatures and daylight. While average temperatures dip to a brisk 5°C, this month also sees increased precipitation, with over half the days experiencing rain or snowfall, contributing to the city's famously humid atmosphere. Unlike the warmer months where sunshine prevails, January's weather demands a heavier wardrobe and a penchant for cozy indoor activities. To gain a better understanding of how Niigata's climate evolves throughout the year, explore the detailed insights available at Niigata Climate.