January Weather in Zwolle, Netherlands

Last updated: August 27, 2025

In January, Zwolle, Netherlands experiences a chilly winter climate, with average temperatures around 4°C (39°F), ranging from a maximum of 14°C (58°F) to a minimum of -8°C (18°F). The month sees frequent precipitation, accumulating to 61 mm (2.4 inches) over approximately 13 days, contributing to a notably humid atmosphere with 88% humidity. Visitors can expect a mix of gray skies and occasional rainfall, making it a month that embraces the essence of Dutch winter charm.

January Temperature in Zwolle

In Zwolle, Netherlands, January is characterized by crisp temperatures, with lows plummeting to -8°C (18°F) and typical highs reaching 14°C (58°F), offering a chilly average of 4°C (39°F). As the month progresses, there is often a noticeable transition from the cold depths of winter to the gradual warming of early spring. This trend becomes apparent as February brings even colder nights, dipping to -13°C (9°F), yet the average temperature only creeps up slightly. The juxtaposition of frosty mornings and potentially mild afternoons showcases January's dynamic range, inviting both the beauty of winter landscapes and the promise of milder weather ahead.

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

The chart illustrates January temperature patterns in Zwolle, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends. In Zwolle, January typically has an average temperature of {2}°C ({3}°F), with highs reaching up to {4}°C ({5}°F) and lows dropping to around {6}°C ({7}°F).
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec394044495664656559534541
Data source: Temperature data for Zwolle 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 Zwolle

January in Zwolle, Netherlands, ushers in a modest yet significant precipitation total of 61 mm (2.4 in), spread over approximately 13 days. This marks the beginning of the year with considerable wetness, though it paves the way for the wetter months ahead. As winter gives way to spring, precipitation typically increases, reaching a peak in the summer months of July and August, where totals soar over 90 mm (3.5 in). This gradual rise in rainfall not only contributes to the lush greenery that characterizes the region but also hints at a pattern where January acts as a precursor to the wetter dynamics of the subsequent months. The steady rhythm of rain can be expected, setting the tone for life in Zwolle throughout the year.

January Precipitation Trends in Zwolle

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Zwolle, 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. In Zwolle, January typically receives around {2} mm ({3} inches) of precipitation spread over approximately {4} days.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec617074406473909170855084
Data source: Precipitation data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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January Humidity in Zwolle

In January, Zwolle, Netherlands, experiences notably high humidity levels, consistently reaching 88%, a trend that continues into February. This persistent moisture sets the tone for the winter months, where humidity gradually begins to taper off with the arrival of spring. By March, it dips slightly to 86%, and by April, it further declines to 84%. As warmer weather approaches, May sees a decrease to 80%, heralding a season of more comfortable humidity levels. Summer months remain relatively stable, with humidity holding steady around 75% in July and August, before a slight rebound in autumn, peaking at 87% in November. Overall, Zwolle's humidity patterns reflect a clear seasonal shift, characterized by high moisture in the winter and early spring, giving way to drier conditions during the summer months.

January Average Humidity in Zwolle

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Zwolle, with January’s data highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the fluctuation in humidity throughout the year, helping you understand how conditions vary by season. In January, average humidity in Zwolle is approximately {2}%, offering insight into how humid the weather typically is during this month.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec88%88%86%84%80%75%75%75%83%86%87%86%
Data source: Humidity data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

January UV Index in Zwolle

In January, Zwolle experiences a UV Index of 1, placing it in the low exposure category with a burn time of 45 minutes. This trend of low UV levels continues into February with an index of 2, maintaining the same burn time. As winter gives way to spring, you’ll notice a moderate increase in the UV Index during March and April, reaching 4 and 5, respectively, which brings the burn time down to 30 minutes. By May, the UV Index elevates to 7, indicating high exposure, while June and July peak at a very high index of 8, reducing burn time to just 15 minutes. August sees a slight drop back to 7, with September through November returning to moderate and low levels again. Notably, December closes the year with a UV Index of 1, echoing the gentle start in January. For a comprehensive understanding of the UV changes throughout the year, visit Zwolle UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Zwolle for January

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Zwolle 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. In January, the maximum UV index in Zwolle typically reaches {2}, which falls under the {3} exposure category.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec124578875321
Data source: Zwolle 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 Zwolle

In Zwolle, Netherlands, January starts the year with a modest 108 hours of sunshine, setting the stage for a gradual increase in brightness as winter transitions to spring. The sunlit hours nearly double by February, reaching 195 hours, and by March, they continue to climb to 274 hours. This upward trend culminates in April and May, where sunshine peaks at 351 and 407 hours respectively, showcasing the vibrant arrival of spring. The warmth of summer brings July's high of 412 hours, making it the sunniest month of the year. As autumn progresses, sunshine hours begin to wane, dropping to 240 hours in October and further to 128 hours by December, signaling a return to the darker days of winter. This annual cycle highlights Zwolle's significant seasonal variation, with an invigorating burst of sunshine that brightens the long days of summer while reminding us of the warmth that awaits in brighter months ahead.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Zwolle: January Highlighted

The January sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Zwolle 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec108h195h274h351h407h399h412h389h321h240h191h128h
Data source: Zwolle January Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Zwolle During January

In Zwolle, Netherlands, January brings the lowest likelihood of sunny weather, with only a 17% chance of clear skies. As winter gives way to spring, the probability of sunshine steadily increases, with February seeing a notable rise to 27%. March continues this upward trend at 34%, followed by April reaching 39%, which marks a significant shift towards brighter days. This progression highlights the gradual transition from the gloomy winter months to the more hopeful spring, where sunlight becomes increasingly enticing and more frequent in the picturesque Dutch landscape.

Percentage of Sunny Days in January in Zwolle

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Zwolle 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 Zwolle experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec17%27%34%39%31%35%33%33%31%27%22%16%
Data source: Zwolle January chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Zwolle in January

In Zwolle, Netherlands, January marks the beginning of the year with 8 hours of daylight, offering a subtle hint of light during the bleak midwinter. As the month rolls into February, daylight begins to increase, reaching 9 hours and signaling the shift towards spring. By March, the daylight continues to expand to 11 hours, paving the way for the longer days of summer. April and May witness a remarkable growth in brightness, with daylight stretching to 13 and 15 hours respectively, inviting the vibrant hues of blooming nature. June and July peak at an impressive 16 hours of daylight, giving residents ample opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. As summer gives way to autumn, daylight gradually recedes, dropping to 14 hours in August and tapering to 12 hours by September. The descent continues into October with 10 hours, and as winter approaches, light dwindles back to 8 hours in November and just 7 hours in December. This cyclical pattern of daylight not only marks the seasons but also shapes the rhythms of life in Zwolle.

Average Daylight Hours in Zwolle for January

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Zwolle throughout the year, with January highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec8h 16m9h 54m11h 54m13h 57m15h 45m16h 42m16h 12m14h 35m12h 36m10h 33m8h 43m7h 44m
Data source: Zwolle daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

January Winds in Zwolle

In Zwolle, Netherlands, January ushers in a consistent wind speed of 4.3 m/s (10 mph), a figure that mirrors both the preceding and following months, February and March. This stability creates a serene yet brisk atmosphere typical of winter, where the winds carry the crisp chill of the season. As spring approaches in April, we see a slight dip to 3.9 m/s (9 mph), leading into May where the winds linger at 4.1 m/s (9 mph), hinting at the promise of warmer days ahead. The next few summer months display a further decline, with the winds softening to around 3.0 to 3.8 m/s. However, as autumn descends in October, the winds pick up again to 4.6 m/s (10 mph), reminding us of the cyclical nature of weather patterns where the refreshing breeziness returns just in time for the changing leaves, and then ease into the calmer winds of late autumn and winter again. Overall, Zwolle's wind speeds paint a picture of gentle variability, with notable seasonal shifts that mirror the rhythm of life in this charming Dutch city.

Average January Wind Speed in Zwolle

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Zwolle, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec4.3 m/s4.34.33.94.13.03.43.83.24.63.64.2
Data source: Zwolle January wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How January Weather in Zwolle Compares to Other Months

Weather in Zwolle varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares January’s weather to other months in Zwolle, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.

January and February display notable differences in weather patterns, despite both months sharing high humidity levels of 88%. In January, temperatures range from a minimum of -8°C (18°F) to a maximum of 14°C (58°F), averaging around 4°C (39°F). The month experiences a total precipitation of 61 mm (2.4 in) over 13 days. In contrast, February brings slightly colder conditions, with temperatures dipping to a minimum of -13°C (9°F) and peaking at 18°C (65°F), averaging a bit higher at 5°C (40°F). February also sees increased precipitation with 70 mm (2.7 in) falling over 12 days. For more detailed information on February weather, you can visit Zwolle weather in February.

January and March exhibit notable differences in weather characteristics. In January, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -8°C (18°F) to a moderate maximum of 14°C (58°F), with an average of 4°C (39°F). The month sees relatively high humidity at 88% and experiences precipitation on 13 days, totaling 61 mm (2.4 in). In contrast, March brings slightly milder temperatures, with a minimum of -9°C (16°F) and a maximum soaring to 21°C (70°F), along with an average temperature of 6°C (44°F). Despite having a higher total precipitation of 74 mm (2.9 in) over 15 days, March maintains a marginally lower humidity level of 86%. For more detailed weather information on March specifically, you can check Zwolle weather in March.

January and April showcase a notable contrast in weather patterns. January typically experiences colder conditions, with temperatures ranging from a frigid minimum of -8°C (18°F) to an average of 4°C (39°F) and reaching a maximum of 14°C (58°F). The month also sees considerable precipitation, averaging 61 mm (2.4 in) over 13 days, coupled with high humidity levels at 88%. In contrast, April brings a milder climate, with temperatures starting at -3°C (27°F), averaging 9°C (49°F), and peaking at a warm 27°C (82°F). Precipitation decreases to 40 mm (1.6 in), occurring over just 9 days, and the humidity slightly lowers to 84%. For more detailed insights, you can check Zwolle weather in April.

January and May present a striking contrast in weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plunge as low as -8°C (18°F), with an average of 4°C (39°F) and a maximum of only 14°C (58°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 88% and relatively consistent precipitation, with 61 mm (2.4 inches) falling over 13 days. In comparison, May brings a noticeable warmth, with minimum temperatures reaching 0°C (32°F) and an average of 13°C (56°F), peaking at a balmy 30°C (87°F). While precipitation increases slightly to 64 mm (2.5 inches) over 14 days, humidity decreases to 80%, contributing to a more comfortable atmosphere. For more details on the weather in May, check out Zwolle weather in May.

In January, the weather in Zwolle is quite chilly, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -8°C (18°F) to an average of 4°C (39°F), reaching a maximum of 14°C (58°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 88%, alongside 61 mm (2.4 in) of precipitation over 13 days, contributing to a notably wintery atmosphere.

In stark contrast, June brings milder and much warmer conditions, with minimum temperatures of 6°C (43°F) and an average temperature of 18°C (64°F), peaking at a high of 34°C (93°F). Although June sees slightly more precipitation at 73 mm (2.9 in) over 12 days, the humidity levels drop to 75%, creating a more comfortable experience. For a closer look at June weather specifics, you can check Zwolle weather in June.

January and July present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In January, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -8°C (18°F) to a mild maximum of 14°C (58°F), with an average of 4°C (39°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 88% and receives about 61 mm (2.4 in) of precipitation over 13 days. In contrast, July is much warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) to a sweltering maximum of 38°C (101°F), averaging around 18°C (65°F). The summer month experiences a slightly higher precipitation level of 90 mm (3.5 in) over 14 days but lower humidity at 75%. For more detailed insights on weather conditions in July, visit Zwolle weather in July.

In comparing the weather between January and August, we see a significant shift in temperatures and humidity levels. January experiences much colder conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -8°C (18°F) to a maximum of 14°C (58°F), while August boasts a much warmer range from 8°C (46°F) to 34°C (94°F). Additionally, January has a higher humidity level at 88%, contributing to a chilly feel, whereas August has a more comfortable humidity of 75%. Precipitation is also notable; January sees 61 mm (2.4 in) over 13 days, while August has slightly more at 91 mm (3.6 in) across 16 days. For a detailed overview, visit Zwolle weather in August.

January weather in Zwolle is characterized by cold temperatures, with minimums dropping to -8°C (18°F) and average highs reaching only 14°C (58°F). The month sees around 61 mm (2.4 in) of precipitation across 13 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 88%. In contrast, September offers a much milder climate with minimum temperatures of 3°C (37°F) and average highs soaring to 30°C (87°F). Although slightly wetter with 69 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation over 11 days, September enjoys lower humidity at 83%. For more insights into the specifics of September weather, you can visit Zwolle weather in September.

In January, the weather is significantly colder, with temperatures ranging from a frigid -8°C (18°F) to a milder 14°C (58°F), and an average of 4°C (39°F). The month experiences around 61 mm (2.4 in) of precipitation over 13 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 88%. In contrast, October presents a much warmer climate, with temperatures varying from 0°C (32°F) to a pleasant 26°C (79°F), and an average of 12°C (54°F). Although October sees slightly more precipitation at 85 mm (3.3 in) over 15 days, the humidity remains comparable at 86%. For more detailed information on October weather, you can check Zwolle weather in October.

In January, the weather is colder with minimum temperatures dropping to -8°C (18°F) and an average temperature of 4°C (39°F), while November sees milder conditions, where the minimum is -3°C (27°F) and the average reaches 7°C (45°F). Despite both months experiencing a fair amount of precipitation, January typically has slightly higher rainfall at 61 mm (2.4 in) over 13 days, compared to November's 50 mm (2.0 in) over 11 days. Humidity levels are quite similar, resting at 88% in January and 87% in November. For more detailed insights, you can visit Zwolle weather in November.

In Zwolle, January tends to be slightly colder than December, with average temperatures hovering around 4°C (39°F) compared to December's average of 5°C (42°F). Both months experience similar maximum temperatures, peaking at 14°C (57°F). However, January has slightly lower minimum temperatures, dipping to -8°C (18°F) compared to December's -6°C (22°F). Additionally, January sees less precipitation at 61 mm (2.4 in) over 13 days, while December receives 84 mm (3.3 in) spread across 17 days. Humidity levels are relatively comparable, with January at 88% and December at 86%. For more detailed insights, you can check Zwolle weather in December.

Compare Zwolle's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From January Weather in Zwolle

January in Zwolle is characterized by its chilly temperatures and high humidity, setting it apart from the milder months that follow. With averages hovering around 4°C, it presents a stark contrast to the warmer spring days, while the frequent precipitation with over half the month experiencing rain adds to the wintery atmosphere. The combination of cold snaps and potential frosty nights, dipping to -8°C at times, make January a memorable month for those seeking the essence of a Dutch winter. For more insights into how Zwolle's weather patterns evolve throughout the year, check the detailed Zwolle Climate guide.