Last updated: August 27, 2025
January in Alta, Norway is characterized by a striking contrast in temperatures, with maximums reaching 5°C (42°F) and minimums plunging to -28°C (-17°F), creating a chilly average of -9°C (16°F). Despite the cold, 46 mm (1.8 in) of precipitation adds a beautiful sheen to the landscape, falling over approximately 11 days throughout the month. The air remains infused with a staggering 100% humidity, accentuating the wintry atmosphere and transforming Alta into a picturesque snowy wonderland, perfect for winter enthusiasts and those seeking to experience the serenity of Arctic conditions.
In January, Alta, Norway experiences frigid temperatures that set the tone for the winter season. The month showcases a stark range, with minimums dropping to a chilling -28°C (-17°F), while daytime highs reach a moderate 5°C (42°F). The average temperature hovers around -9°C (16°F), indicating a month consistently wrapped in frost. As the season progresses into February, temperatures remain quite similar, but the minimum dips only slightly to -25°C (-12°F), with a touch warmer highs at 6°C (44°F). This trend of cold weather stabilizes, though gradually temperatures begin to rise as spring approaches in March. Overall, January serves as a reminder of Alta's robust winter climate, setting the stage for the gradual thaw to follow in the subsequent months.
In January, Alta experiences a modest precipitation total of 46 mm (1.8 in), spread over approximately 11 days. This early winter month sets the stage for a gradual increase in rainfall, as February sees a slight rise to 48 mm (1.9 in) across 12 days. The transition into spring brings more significant changes, with March recording 59 mm (2.3 in) over 16 days. The overall trend reveals a steady escalation in precipitation as the months progress, peaking in June and August with 89 mm (3.5 in) and 92 mm (3.6 in), respectively. This pattern highlights the region's shift from a typically dry winter to a wetter summer, fostering a lush environment as the year unfolds.
In January, Alta, Norway experiences a peak humidity of 100%, creating a crisp and frosty atmosphere as winter envelops the town. As the month transitions into February, humidity slightly dips to 99%, yet remains strikingly high, maintaining the cold embrace of winter. March sees a gradual decline to 95%, hinting at the slow awakening of spring, while April continues this trend, lowering humidity to 91%. The warmer months ahead bring further relief, with May and June stabilizing around 84%. However, July and August introduce a slight increase, returning to 85% and 90%, respectively. As autumn rolls in, humidity picks up momentum once again, reaching 93% in September and peaking at 96% in October. Finally, the cycle completes with November at 99% and December back to 100%, enveloping Alta in its characteristic winter chill once more. This rhythmic dance of humidity throughout the year illustrates the town’s dynamic yet predictable climate, influenced by its unique Arctic location.
In January, Alta, Norway, experiences a low UV Index of 1, with a safe burn time of 45 minutes. This trend of limited UV exposure continues into February, making it a comfortable time for outdoor activities without much concern for sunburn. As the season progresses into March, the UV Index slightly rises to 2, but the exposure category remains low, still allowing for 45 minutes of sun without significant risk. The warmer months bring a gradual increase, with April reaching a moderate level of 3 and a burn time of 30 minutes. This pattern continues through May and July, where the UV Index stabilizes at 5. By the end of summer, in August, the index drops to 4 as fall approaches, marking a shift towards lower UV exposure once again in September and ultimately returning to a low 1 by October and November. The year concludes with December, where the UV Index falls to 0, indicating a minimal risk for sunburn. For more detailed information on UV levels throughout the year, visit Alta UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In Alta, Norway, January heralds a dramatic transition from the long polar night, offering a mere 5 hours of sunshine. As the winter months progress, the days gradually begin to lengthen, with February witnessing a remarkable increase to 94 hours. By March, the sunshine more than doubles again to 246 hours, signaling the eagerly anticipated approach of spring. April continues this upward trend, boasting 317 hours, while May shines with an impressive 394 hours, illuminating the charming landscapes of this Arctic region. The summer months peak in July, with 414 hours of radiant sunshine, before gradually receding into fall. The decline becomes evident in August with 291 hours, leading into September's 237 hours and October's 142 hours. As the year closes, November offers a stark contrast with just 24 hours of sunlight, culminating in December, where the darkness returns entirely, showcasing the stark seasonal variations that define life in this northern town.
In Alta, Norway, the chances of experiencing sunny weather in January are quite slim, with only an 11% likelihood of sunshine. This trend is consistent, as January stands near the bottom of the yearly spectrum. Interestingly, the likelihood of sunny days begins to rise in February to 12%, and gains momentum as spring approaches, with March and April experiencing 22% and 28% chances, respectively. By the time we reach summer, the sun shines more frequently, boasting peak probabilities in June at 27%. Overall, while January might not be the sunniest month, the gradual increase in sunshine as winter fades hints at the bright days ahead.
In Alta, Norway, January marks the heart of winter, where residents experience a mere 4 hours of daylight, a stark contrast to the sun-kissed days that follow. As the months progress into February, daylight increases to 7 hours, hinting at the gradual return of the sun’s warmth. By March, residents revel in 11 hours of light, signaling the early signs of spring. April brings a significant leap, with 16 hours of daylight allowing for more outdoor activities. As summer approaches, daylight reaches its zenith in June with an astonishing 24 hours, where the midnight sun brightens the Arctic landscape. The light begins to wane in July, yet still offers an impressive 23 hours, before transitioning into the lush golden hues of autumn, leaving 18 hours in August. As the seasons shift towards winter, daylight diminishes again, leaving 5 hours in November and culminating in a complete absence of light by December. This rhythmic ebb and flow of daylight not only shapes daily life in Alta but also showcases the beauty of nature's cycles throughout the year.
In January, Alta, Norway, experiences a gentle wind, with an average speed of 2.6 m/s (6 mph), setting a calm yet crisp tone for the start of the year. This tranquility in the winter month contrasts with the slightly brisker winds of February and March, where speeds reach 2.9 m/s (6 mph and 7 mph, respectively). As spring approaches in April, the winds mellow back to 2.6 m/s, creating a serene atmosphere. Interestingly, the summer months show a gradual decline, with June recording the lowest average wind speed at 2.2 m/s (5 mph), followed by a modest uptick in July and August. However, as autumn sets in, the winds pick up again, especially in September and October, both boasting a steady 3.0 m/s (7 mph). The year closes with a mild return to calmer conditions in November and December, where the winds settle around 2.5 m/s and 2.2 m/s, leaving the landscape calm for the winter months ahead. Overall, Alta’s wind patterns reflect a graceful ebb and flow, transitioning from brisk to calm as the seasons change.
Weather in Alta varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares January’s weather to other months in Alta, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
January and February exhibit remarkably similar weather patterns, with both months experiencing frigid temperatures and considerable precipitation. In January, temperatures range from a minimum of -28°C (-17°F) to a maximum of 5°C (42°F), while February sees slightly milder conditions with a minimum of -25°C (-12°F) and a maximum of 6°C (44°F). Precipitation is comparable as well, with January recording 46 mm (1.8 in) over 11 days, while February experiences slightly more with 48 mm (1.9 in) over 12 days. Humidity levels are also close, at 100% in January and 99% in February, contributing to the harsh winter atmosphere. For more detailed information, check out Alta weather in February.
In January, the weather in Alta is characterized by extremely cold temperatures, with a minimum of -28°C (-17°F) and an average of -9°C (16°F), while the maximum only reaches 5°C (42°F). Precipitation is relatively moderate at 46 mm (1.8 in) over 11 days, accompanied by high humidity at 100%. As winter transitions into spring, March brings slightly milder conditions, with minimum temperatures around -22°C (-8°F) and an average temperature of -6°C (22°F). The maximum temperature rises to 7°C (45°F). However, March sees increased precipitation at 59 mm (2.3 in) over 16 days, and humidity remains high at 95%. For a more detailed look at the weather in March, you can explore this link: Alta weather in March.
January and April display a notable contrast in weather conditions. January is characterized by its frigid temperatures, with a minimum of -28°C (-17°F) and an average of -9°C (16°F), whereas April brings a significant improvement, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -14°C (7°F) to a maximum of 14°C (57°F). Precipitation increases slightly from January to April, with January receiving 46 mm (1.8 in) over 11 days, compared to April's 55 mm (2.2 in) over 14 days. Humidity also decreases from 100% in January to 91% in April, indicating a shift towards drier conditions as winter transitions into spring. For more detailed insights, you can check Alta weather in April.
January and May present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In January, temperatures plummet to a minimum of -28°C (-17°F), with an average of -9°C (16°F) and a maximum of only 5°C (42°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 46 mm (1.8 in) over 11 days, with humidity remaining at a chilly 100%. In contrast, May brings a welcome warming trend, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -8°C (18°F) to a maximum of 19°C (67°F) and an average of 3°C (38°F). Precipitation increases slightly to 63 mm (2.5 in) over 17 days, accompanied by a more moderate humidity level of 84%. For more details on the conditions in May, you can refer to Alta weather in May.
January and June present a striking contrast in weather conditions. In January, temperatures plummet to a minimum of -28°C (-17°F), with an average of -9°C (16°F) and a maximum of only 5°C (42°F). The month experiences consistent humidity at 100% and sees 46 mm (1.8 in) of precipitation over 11 days. In stark contrast, June showcases a more temperate climate, with a minimum temperature of -3°C (27°F) and an average of 9°C (48°F), peaking at a comfortable 24°C (76°F). Precipitation increases to 89 mm (3.5 in) over 17 days, yet humidity drops to 84%. For more detailed information about June weather in Alta, visit Alta weather in June.
In January, temperatures plummet to a minimum of -28°C (-17°F), with an average of -9°C (16°F) and a maximum of 5°C (42°F), making it one of the coldest months of the year. The high humidity levels at 100% contribute to the harsh winter conditions, with precipitation occurring over 11 days, totaling 46 mm (1.8 in). In stark contrast, July sees a mild warming trend, with minimum temperatures of 3°C (38°F) and a pleasant average of 13°C (55°F), reaching up to a maximum of 27°C (81°F). The summer month brings a higher total of precipitation at 83 mm (3.3 in) across 13 days and a more comfortable humidity level of 85%. For more detailed information, check out Alta weather in July.
January and August present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plummet to a chilling minimum of -28°C (-17°F), with an average of -9°C (16°F) and a maximum reaching only 5°C (42°F). The month sees an average of 46 mm (1.8 inches) of precipitation over 11 days, accompanied by a high humidity level of 100%. In contrast, August offers a much milder climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 1°C (35°F) to a comfortable maximum of 28°C (83°F) and an average of 11°C (52°F). Precipitation in August is higher at 92 mm (3.6 inches) spread across 15 days, but the humidity is slightly lower at 90%. For more information about weather conditions in August, you can check Alta weather in August.
In January, the weather is notably colder, with temperatures ranging from a chilling -28°C (-17°F) at night to a maximum of only 5°C (42°F) during the day, contrasted sharply by September's milder conditions, where temperatures vary from a minimum of -3°C (28°F) to an inviting high of 21°C (70°F). While January experiences low humidity levels, it still feels damp with 100% humidity, whereas September boasts slightly lower humidity at 93%. Precipitation is also more frequent in September, with 76 mm (3.0 in) over 15 days, compared to January's 46 mm (1.8 in) over just 11 days. For a more detailed look at what to expect, check out Alta weather in September.
In January, the weather is significantly colder, with temperatures ranging from a frigid -28°C (-17°F) to a maximum of just 5°C (42°F), and an average temperature around -9°C (16°F). The humidity is at a constant 100%, and precipitation occurs on about 11 days, totaling 46 mm (1.8 in).
In contrast, October experiences milder temperatures, with a minimum of -19°C (-2°F), an average of 0°C (33°F), and a maximum of 14°C (57°F). While still chilly, the humidity in October is slightly lower at 96%, and precipitation slightly increases to 50 mm (2.0 in) over 14 days. This shift in weather signifies the transition from deep winter conditions in January to the more moderate autumn climate of October. For a detailed view of October weather conditions, you can visit Alta weather in October.
Comparing the weather in January and November reveals some notable differences. In January, temperatures can drop significantly, with a minimum of -28°C (-17°F) and an average of -9°C (16°F), while November presents a slightly milder atmosphere, seeing a minimum of -26°C (-15°F) and an average of -4°C (24°F). Precipitation is slightly higher in November at 53 mm (2.1 in) over 14 days, compared to January's 46 mm (1.8 in) over 11 days. Additionally, the humidity is quite high in both months, with January reaching 100% and November at 99%. For more detailed insights, you can check Alta weather in November.
In comparing the weather between January and December, January tends to be slightly colder, with average temperatures hovering around -9°C (16°F), compared to December's average of -8°C (18°F). Both months experience similar minimum temperatures, with January reaching lows of -28°C (-17°F) and December slightly warmer at -24°C (-11°F). Precipitation levels are also comparable, with January receiving 46 mm (1.8 in) over 11 days, while December totals 39 mm (1.5 in) over the same number of days. Interestingly, both months share a consistent humidity level of 100%. For more detailed insights on December weather in Alta, check out Alta weather in December.
January in Alta presents a stark contrast to the milder months of the year. As the depths of winter settle in, temperatures plummet and the landscape transforms under a blanket of snow. With an average chill hovering around -9°C and a brisk maximum reaching just 5°C, the month underscores the harshness of Arctic climates. Unlike the wetter summer months, January experiences significant precipitation, albeit as snow, with nearly half the days seeing some form of moisture. Coupled with the atmospheric humidity, which peaks at an impressive 100%, it's a time when the air feels particularly crisp and biting. For a deeper dive into the unique climate patterns of this region, explore Alta Climate.