Last updated: August 27, 2025
In January, Karlstad, Sweden experiences a chilly climate characterized by a maximum temperature of 9°C (49°F) and a biting average of -1°C (31°F). Minimum temperatures can plunge to -17°C (2°F), creating a winter wonderland for residents and visitors alike. With an average precipitation of 48 mm (1.9 in) over approximately 8 days, the month is marked by a damp atmosphere, complemented by notably high humidity levels reaching 94%. This combination of cold temperatures and moisture sets the stage for the distinct beauty of a Swedish winter, making January a month of stark contrasts and enchanting landscapes.
In January, Karlstad, Sweden, experiences a striking contrast in temperatures, where the chill of winter is palpable. The month kicks off with minimums plummeting to -17°C (2°F), while the average temperature hovers around a frosty -1°C (31°F). As the days progress, a brisk climb to a maximum of 9°C (49°F) signals the slow transition towards milder weather. This pattern encapsulates the wintry essence of the month, characterized by stark cold but also hints of warmth peeking through the frost. As the year moves into February and March, temperatures gradually rise, setting the stage for a spring awakening.
In January, Karlstad experiences a moderate precipitation total of 48 mm (1.9 in), falling on approximately 8 days throughout the month. This marks a balanced start to the year, echoing the similar amounts observed in the following months. February and March also present comparable precipitation levels, indicating a consistent trend of wet weather that gradually shifts as spring approaches, with April seeing a decrease to 31 mm (1.2 in). The early months serve as a reminder of the transition from the colder winter towards a more vibrant spring, while the steady precipitation hints at the vitality of the region's hydrological cycle.
In Karlstad, Sweden, January is characterized by its notably high humidity level of 94%, setting a chilly tone for the year. This persistent moisture carries into February, with a slight decrease to 92%, before gradually declining through the spring months. By April, humidity levels drop to 81%, offering a hint of relief as winter recedes. However, as the summer approaches, the humidity stabilizes around 68% to 72% from June to July, creating a more comfortable atmosphere. As autumn descends, a noticeable uptick occurs, bringing humidity back up to 86% in September and hovering near 91% by October. The year wraps up with December echoing January's damp embrace, closing the cycle with another 94% humidity. Overall, the data paints a picture of a region marked by high humidity, particularly during the colder months, before easing slightly with the arrival of summer.
In January, Karlstad experiences a low UV Index of 1, indicating a minimal risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, with a burn time of approximately 45 minutes. This trend of low UV levels continues into February, maintaining the same index and burn time. However, as spring approaches, there is a noticeable shift in March, where the UV Index rises to 3, reflecting a moderate exposure category and reducing burn time to 30 minutes. This gradual escalation continues into April and May, peaking at 5 before the summer onset. By June and July, residents face a high UV Index of 7, necessitating vigilance as burn time reduces to just 25 minutes. Following the peak summer months, the UV index begins to taper off in August and September, returning to moderate levels before declining again to 1 as winter sets in, similar to the earlier months of the year. Overall, Karlstad's UV Index showcases a seasonal cycle, highlighting the importance of sun safety throughout the year. For more detailed information, visit Karlstad UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In January, Karlstad, Sweden, experiences a modest 78 hours of sunshine, marking the slow start of the year. As winter transitions into spring, the sun begins to make a more substantial appearance, with February seeing an increase to 164 hours, and March nearly doubling that to 270 hours. This rising trend continues through April and May, where the daylight stretches further to 371 and 426 hours, respectively. By the time summer arrives in June, July, and August, Karlstad basks in its brightest days, with sunshine peaking at an impressive 473 hours in July. However, as autumn sets in, the sunshine begins to taper off, dropping sharply to 284 hours in September, and a steady decline follows through the colder months, culminating in 122 hours in November and a slight dip back to 79 hours in December. This cyclical pattern showcases the region's transition through the seasons, celebrating the warmth of summer while acknowledging the stark, quieter beauty of winter.
In January, the likelihood of enjoying sunny weather in Karlstad, Sweden stands at a modest 25%, signaling that this winter month is generally more overcast than bright. As the year progresses, the chances for sunshine steadily improve, peaking in April at 50%. Interestingly, the early months of the year—January through March—show a clear contrast to the latter months, where February and March also hover around 41%, suggesting that while January may lack sun, the transition towards spring brings light into the picture. By mid-year, the probability of sunshine appears more favorable, particularly in the summer months, indicating a gradual transition from the darker winter days to the warmer, sunnier times ahead. This trend highlights the seasonal shift in Karlstad's weather, transforming January's chilly grey to a vibrant palette of blue skies as spring unfurls.
In January, Karlstad, Sweden, experiences a modest 6 hours of daylight, setting the stage for a gradual increase as the winter months transition into spring. By February, daylight stretches to 9 hours, hinting at the approaching warmth. The trend continues into March, with 11 hours of sunlight invigorating the city. As April arrives, daylight peaks at 14 hours, further illuminating the awakening landscape. May and June bask in nearly full daylight, with 17 and 18 hours, respectively, making these months vibrant and lively. The daylight begins to wane in July but retains an impressive 17 hours, before gradually tapering off to 15 hours in August. As summer gives way to fall, September offers 12 hours, and daylight diminishes to 10 hours in October. By the time November arrives, daylight has shrunk to 7 hours, and once again, 6 hours is all that Karlstad sees in December, bringing the cycle full circle. This rhythmic dance of daylight showcases the changing seasons and the unique beauty of life in Karlstad throughout the year.
In Karlstad, Sweden, January brings an average wind speed of 3.1 m/s (7 mph), setting the tone for a winter characterized by gentle breezes. As the year progresses, a slight upward trend in wind speeds emerges, peaking at 4.1 m/s (9 mph) in October, just before the onset of winter once again. Notably, February and March show only marginal increases, while the summer months of June through August see a decrease, with July reaching its calmest at 2.8 m/s (6 mph). This seasonal rhythm of wind underscores a unique blend of tranquility and invigorating gusts, contributing to the dynamic climate that residents experience throughout the year.
Weather in Karlstad varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares January’s weather to other months in Karlstad, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In January, temperatures in Karlstad often reach a minimum of -17°C (2°F), with average highs around 9°C (49°F), leading to a chilly feel. The month sees about 48 mm (1.9 in) of precipitation over 8 days, accompanied by high humidity levels of 94%. February, on the other hand, offers slightly milder conditions, with minimum temperatures of -15°C (5°F) and a max of 12°C (54°F), and total precipitation modestly close at 47 mm (1.9 in) over 9 days. Humidity drops slightly to 92%, making February marginally more pleasant. For more details on February weather specifics, check out Karlstad weather in February.
In January, the weather is notably colder, with average temperatures hovering around -1°C (31°F) and a maximum of 9°C (49°F). The month experiences high humidity at 94%, accompanied by 48 mm of precipitation over 8 days. In comparison, March brings a welcome increase in temperatures, with an average of 2°C (35°F) and a maximum that can reach up to 18°C (65°F). Despite this warming trend, March still sees similar precipitation levels, with 49 mm falling over 9 days and a slightly lower humidity of 89%. For more details on March weather, you can check out Karlstad weather in March.
January and April in Karlstad present a stark contrast in weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plunge to a chilling minimum of -17°C (2°F), with an average temperature of -1°C (31°F) and a maximum reaching only 9°C (49°F). The month sees considerable humidity at 94% and precipitation levels at 48 mm (1.9 in) over approximately 8 days. Conversely, April experiences a milder climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -9°C (17°F) to a comfortable maximum of 22°C (72°F), averaging 6°C (43°F). Precipitation decreases to 31 mm (1.2 in) over 7 days and humidity is notably lower at 81%. This shift from the frigid depths of winter to the encouraging signs of spring is encapsulated well in Karlstad weather in April.
January and May in Karlstad showcase stark contrasts in weather conditions. In January, temperatures can dip as low as -17°C (2°F), with an average high of just 9°C (49°F), while humidity remains high at 94%. Precipitation occurs on about 8 days, totaling 48 mm (1.9 in). In contrast, May brings warming temperatures, with minimums around -2°C (29°F) and average highs reaching 29°C (85°F). While May experiences increased precipitation at 64 mm (2.5 in) over about 12 days, the humidity decreases to a more comfortable 72%. For a closer look at May weather specifics, you can check Karlstad weather in May.
In January, the weather is quite harsh, with temperatures ranging from a frigid -17°C (2°F) to a cool 9°C (49°F), and an average temperature of -1°C (31°F). With 48 mm (1.9 in) of precipitation spread over 8 days and high humidity at 94%, the month can feel particularly chilly and damp. In contrast, June brings a significant warming trend with temperatures ranging from a pleasant 5°C (40°F) at night to a hot 31°C (87°F) during the day, averaging around 17°C (63°F). This month sees slightly increased precipitation at 60 mm (2.4 in) over 11 days, but the humidity drops to a more comfortable 68%. For more details on the summer climate, check out Karlstad weather in June.
January and July present stark contrasts in weather. In January, temperatures plummet with a minimum of -17°C (2°F) and an average of -1°C (31°F), peaking at a maximum of 9°C (49°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 94% and sees about 48 mm (1.9 in) of precipitation over 8 days. In comparison, July brings significantly warmer weather, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a maximum of 33°C (91°F), averaging 18°C (65°F). Humidity drops to 70%, and precipitation increases slightly to 69 mm (2.7 in) over 11 days. For more detailed insights into the summer climate, check out Karlstad weather in July.
January and August present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plummet to a chilling minimum of -17°C (2°F), with an average of -1°C (31°F) and a maximum reaching only 9°C (49°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 94% and light precipitation occurring over 8 days, totaling 48 mm (1.9 in). Conversely, August brings a much warmer climate, with temperatures ranging from a comfortable minimum of 6°C (44°F) to an invigorating maximum of 32°C (89°F). This summer month also experiences higher precipitation levels at 86 mm (3.4 in) spread over 15 days, along with lower humidity at 77%. For a detailed look at the weather in August, you can visit Karlstad weather in August.
In January, the weather in Karlstad is quite frigid, with temperatures plummeting as low as -17°C (2°F) and averaging around -1°C (31°F). The month experiences a total precipitation of 48 mm (1.9 in) over about 8 days, coupled with high humidity levels of 94%. In stark contrast, September brings milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 0°C (33°F) to a pleasant maximum of 24°C (75°F) and an average temperature of 12°C (54°F). This month sees increased precipitation at 78 mm (3.1 in) across 12 days, though the humidity is slightly lower at 86%. For a closer look at September weather, you can check Karlstad weather in September.
In January, the weather is characterized by much colder temperatures, with a minimum of -17°C (2°F) and an average of -1°C (31°F), making it one of the coldest months of the year. The precipitation is relatively low at 48 mm (1.9 in) over about 8 days, accompanied by high humidity levels of 94%. In contrast, October experiences milder weather, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -4°C (26°F) to a comfortable maximum of 19°C (66°F), leading to an average of 8°C (46°F). It also sees increased precipitation of 85 mm (3.4 in) spread over 13 days and slightly lower humidity at 91%. For more details on the October climate, you can check Karlstad weather in October.
In comparing the weather of January and November, January tends to be considerably colder, with average temperatures hovering around -1°C (31°F) and minimums dropping to -17°C (2°F). In contrast, November experiences milder temperatures, with an average of 3°C (38°F) and a maximum of 15°C (59°F). Additionally, November sees a higher amount of precipitation, totaling 68 mm (2.7 in) over 12 days, compared to January's 48 mm (1.9 in) over just 8 days. Humidity levels are quite similar, with January at 94% and November at 93%. For more detailed insights on November weather, check out Karlstad weather in November.
When comparing the weather in January and December, both months experience similar temperature ranges, with January having an average temperature of -1°C (31°F) and December at 0°C (32°F). The minimum temperatures for both months are identical at -17°C (2°F), while the maximum temperature remains the same at 9°C (49°F). However, December tends to be wetter, receiving 74 mm (2.9 in) of precipitation over 14 days, compared to January's 48 mm (1.9 in) over just 8 days. Both months also share a high humidity level of 94%, contributing to a cold and damp atmosphere. For more specifics on December weather, you can visit Karlstad weather in December.
As January settles over Karlstad, it presents a stark contrast to the milder months of the year. Biting cold dominates, with temperatures often dipping well below zero, challenging even the heartiest of locals. This month typically experiences high humidity levels and concentrated precipitation, resulting in a unique winter atmosphere. The frequent snow and frost create a picturesque yet chilly landscape, setting the stage for a season of winter sports and cozy indoor activities. For a deeper dive into how January's weather compares to other months, check out Karlstad Climate.