January Weather in Umea, Sweden

Last updated: August 27, 2025

In January, Umeå, Sweden experiences a chill that embodies the heart of winter. With maximum temperatures reaching 7°C (45°F) and plummeting to a brisk -20°C (-4°F) at night, the month presents an average temperature of -4°C (25°F). Visitors can expect around 55 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation, typically spanning 10 days, contributing to the city’s frosty landscape. Coupled with high humidity levels of 95%, January in Umeå immerses you in a cold yet captivating winter atmosphere, perfect for embracing the beauty of the snowy season.

January Temperature in Umea

In Umeå, Sweden, January's temperatures showcase the heart of winter, with lows dipping to -20°C (-4°F) and an average hovering around -4°C (25°F). While the month begins in the grip of significant cold, sporadic highs reaching up to 7°C (45°F) provide brief respites from the chill. As winter transitions into February, a slight warming trend emerges, though the temperatures remain frigid, with averages of -5°C (24°F) and maxes around 6°C (43°F). This steady cold continues into March, where temperatures gradually shift towards a milder -2°C (29°F) average, hinting at the approaching spring. With the progression from frostbitten January to the slightly milder days of March, Umeå dons an icy yet serene winter charm, inviting both residents and visitors to embrace its breathtaking beauty.

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

The chart illustrates January temperature patterns in Umea, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends. In Umea, 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).
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec252329354455615951423429
Data source: Temperature data for Umea 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 Umea

January in Umeå, Sweden, sets the tone for the year with moderate precipitation, totaling about 55 mm (2.2 in) across approximately 10 days. This amount mirrors February's expected rainfall, creating a consistent winter pattern just before the onset of spring. As the months progress, precipitation gradually declines in March and further dips in April, showcasing a transition from the snowy winter to the milder days of spring. Interestingly, June sees a return to 55 mm, indicating a steady rebound in moisture levels. This upward trend continues into the summer months with July and August experiencing higher averages, peaking with 77 mm (3.0 in) in August. Overall, January's precipitation hints at a resilient winter climate that evolves into a wetter summer, illustrating the dynamic nature of Umeå's weather throughout the year.

January Precipitation Trends in Umea

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Umea, 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 Umea, January typically receives around {2} mm ({3} inches) of precipitation spread over approximately {4} days.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec5554472846556377851147991
Data source: Precipitation data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Choose your preferred precipitation unit

January Humidity in Umea

In Umeå, Sweden, January stands out with a remarkable humidity level of 95%, setting the tone for the winter months. This high humidity underscores the chilly weather, as the air remains damp and crisp. As we transition into February, humidity slightly dips to 93%, followed by a gradual decrease continuing into March at 91%. However, as spring approaches in April, we see a more notable drop to 85%, reflecting a shift towards milder conditions. The trend continues through the warmer months, with May and June experiencing humidity levels of 77% and 74%, respectively, indicating a breath of fresh air as the region warms. Interestingly, as summer peaks in July, humidity returns to 80%, suggesting a balance between warmth and moisture. Moving into late summer and autumn, humidity levels fluctuate between 82% and 88%, before hovering around 92% in November and December, signaling the onset of winter again. Overall, January's humidity not only captures the essence of Umeå's cold climate but also illustrates a dynamic interplay of moisture throughout the year.

January Average Humidity in Umea

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Umea, 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 Umea is approximately {2}%, offering insight into how humid the weather typically is during this month.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec95%93%91%85%77%75%80%82%88%92%92%93%
Data source: Humidity data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

January UV Index in Umea

In Umeå, Sweden, January brings a low UV Index of 1, indicating minimal risk for sun exposure, with an effective burn time of 45 minutes. This trend of low UV levels persists through February, reinforcing the idea of winter's protective cloud cover. However, as we transition into March, the UV Index rises slightly to 2, still within the low exposure category. It's not until April that we start to see a notable change, with the Index climbing to 3, signaling a shift to moderate exposure requirements. This pattern continues through the spring months, peaking at 6 during the summer in June and July, when the risk of sunburn intensifies and burn time decreases to 25 minutes. As summer gives way to autumn, the UV Index gradually dips back down, echoing the protective qualities of winter months. To stay informed about the UV Index in Umeå and plan accordingly, check out Umea UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Umea for January

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Umea 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 Umea typically reaches {2}, which falls under the {3} exposure category.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec112356653211
Data source: Umea 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 Umea

In the heart of winter, Umeå, Sweden, sees January's sunshine shyly peeking through with a modest 52 hours of light, setting the stage for an incredible transformation in the coming months. As February approaches, sunlight significantly increases to 141 hours, hinting at the gradual return of warmth. By March, the sunny days bloom to 276 hours, creating a vibrant prelude to spring. The momentum continues into April with 361 hours, further illuminating the landscape and lifting spirits. This trend culminates in the longest days of summer, peaking at 507 hours in June before slightly tapering off in July and August, yet still providing a generous embrace of sunlight. As autumn sets in, the days shorten, dropping to 294 hours in September and dwindling to a mere 42 hours by December. This rhythmic ebb and flow of daylight not only marks the seasons for Umeå but also captivates the soul with the promise of brighter days ahead.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Umea: January Highlighted

The January sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Umea 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec52h141h276h361h463h507h502h430h294h196h109h42h
Data source: Umea January Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Umea During January

In Umeå, Sweden, the likelihood of enjoying sunny weather is quite low in January, with only a 9% chance of sunshine gracing the city. This trend starkly contrasts with the subsequent months, as February sees an appreciable increase to 31%, signaling the slow return of brighter days. As spring approaches, the chances of sunshine rise significantly—March offers a 40% chance, which further climbs to 47% in April, hinting at the vibrant hues of spring. This gradual transition continues, peaking in July with a 53% chance of sun before cooling down again in the fall. Overall, Umeå's January is typically shrouded in winter’s embrace, making way for sunnier days as the year progresses.

Percentage of Sunny Days in January in Umea

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Umea 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 Umea experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec9%31%40%47%36%41%53%40%29%18%30%21%
Data source: Umea January chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Umea in January

As January unfolds in Umeå, Sweden, residents experience a mere 5 hours of daylight, a stark reminder of the winter's grasp. However, the days gradually lengthen as the year progresses, with February bringing 8 hours and March offering 11 hours of precious sunlight. By the time April arrives, daylight extends to 15 hours, heralding the vibrant awakening of spring. This upward trend continues, peaking in June with an impressive 20 hours of daylight, allowing for endless summer evenings. As summer slowly transitions to autumn, daylight begins to recede, tapering to 19 hours in July and gradually decreasing to 12 hours by September. By the end of the year, darkness returns with November's 6 hours and December's brief 4 hours, illustrating the rhythmic seasonal cycle that characterizes life in this northern locale.

Average Daylight Hours in Umea for January

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Umea throughout the year, with January highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec5h 37m8h 36m11h 49m15h 6m18h 21m20h 34m19h 19m16h 10m12h 55m9h 42m6h 32m4h 30m
Data source: Umea daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

January Winds in Umea

In Umeå, Sweden, the January wind sets the stage for a brisk winter experience, averaging 4.8 m/s (11 mph). As the year progresses, the wind speeds show a subtle yet noticeable trend: February rises slightly to 4.9 m/s, while March picks up momentum, reaching 5.2 m/s. This marks a peak before the winds begin to ease in April to 4.5 m/s. The warmer months bring a gentle reprieve, with May and June recording the lowest speeds, around 4.1 m/s and 3.9 m/s respectively. However, as autumn approaches, wind speeds surge again, notably with October’s 5.5 m/s, hinting at the returning chill of winter. Despite the fluctuations, January remains a steadfast reminder of the region’s characteristic winter winds, setting the tone for colder months ahead.

Average January Wind Speed in Umea

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Umea, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec4.8 m/s4.95.24.54.13.94.14.34.55.54.85.2
Data source: Umea January wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How January Weather in Umea Compares to Other Months

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

January weather tends to be quite cold, with average temperatures hovering around -4°C (25°F) and minimums dipping as low as -20°C (-4°F). In terms of precipitation, January sees about 55 mm (2.2 in) over approximately 10 days, and the humidity is quite high at 95%. Conversely, February experiences slightly milder conditions, with an average temperature of -5°C (24°F) and a minimum of -19°C (-3°F), while the maximum only reaches 6°C (43°F). Precipitation in February is also a bit lower at 53 mm (2.1 in) spread over 9 days, with humidity slightly decreasing to 93%. For a more detailed look at the weather nuances in February, you can visit Umea weather in February.

In January, the weather features significantly colder temperatures with an average of -4°C (25°F) and a maximum of 7°C (45°F), while March sees a slight improvement with average temperatures around -2°C (29°F) and a maximum of 9°C (48°F). Despite both months experiencing around 10 days of precipitation, January has a slightly higher total of 55 mm (2.2 in) compared to March's 47 mm (1.8 in). Humidity levels are also a bit higher in January at 95%, compared to 91% in March. For more detailed insights into the weather during March, visit Umea weather in March.

January and April exhibit stark contrasts in weather conditions. January is marked by frigid temperatures, with an average low of -20°C (-4°F) and a high of only 7°C (45°F), accompanied by significant precipitation of 55 mm (2.2 in) over 10 days and a high humidity of 95%. In contrast, April brings a milder climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -9°C (17°F) to a maximum of 12°C (54°F), and a reduction in precipitation to 28 mm (1.1 in) experienced over just 7 days. The humidity also drops to 85%, making April a more temperate and pleasant month. For further details, visit Umea weather in April.

In January, temperatures plummet with a minimum of -20°C (-4°F) and an average of -4°C (25°F), peaking at just 7°C (45°F), while precipitation occurs on 10 days, totaling 55 mm (2.2 in) in a month characterized by high humidity at 95%. In contrast, May ushers in a noticeable warming trend, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -1°C (30°F) to a maximum of 21°C (71°F) and an average of 7°C (44°F). Precipitation is slightly lower than in January, amounting to 46 mm (1.8 in) over 9 days, accompanied by a decrease in humidity to 77%. The transition from the deep chill of winter to the milder days of spring highlights the dynamic changes in weather experienced from January to May. For a more detailed look at May weather, check out Umea weather in May.

In January, the weather in Umeå is quite stark, with temperatures ranging from a frigid -20°C (-4°F) to a maximum of 7°C (45°F). The month sees significant humidity at 95%, creating a chilly atmosphere despite moderate precipitation of 55 mm (2.2 in) over about 10 days.

In contrast, June brings a much milder climate, where temperatures climb from a minimum of 3°C (38°F) to a comfortable maximum of 23°C (73°F), averaging around 13°C (56°F). Humidity drops significantly to 74%, and while the total precipitation remains the same at 55 mm (2.2 in), it occurs over just 9 days. For more specific details, you can check Umea weather in June.

January and July present stark contrasts in weather. In January, temperatures can plummet to a bone-chilling minimum of -20°C (-4°F), with an average of -4°C (25°F) and a maximum reaching 7°C (45°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 95% and about 55 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation over 10 days, creating a frigid and damp atmosphere. In sharp contrast, July offers a much milder climate, with minimum temperatures starting at 8°C (46°F) and peaking at a comfortable 26°C (80°F) for an average of 16°C (61°F). July sees slightly more precipitation at 63 mm (2.5 in) over 11 days, but with lower humidity at 80%, making it a much more pleasant and dry experience. For more detailed information, check Umea weather in July.

January and August in Umeå present stark contrasts in weather. January experiences a harsh winter chill with temperatures ranging from a frigid -20°C (-4°F) to a milder max of 7°C (45°F), accompanied by high humidity levels at 95% and about 55 mm of precipitation over 10 days. In contrast, August offers a much warmer climate, with temperatures spanning from a minimum of 6°C (44°F) to a pleasant maximum of 25°C (76°F). While it does see slightly more precipitation at 77 mm over 12 days, the humidity decreases to 82%. For more details on what to expect in August, check out Umea weather in August.

In January, temperatures plunge to a minimum of -20°C (-4°F), with an average of -4°C (25°F) and a maximum of 7°C (45°F), making it one of the coldest months of the year. The humidity is notably high at 95%, and precipitation occurs on about 10 days, totaling 55 mm (2.2 in). In contrast, September experiences a milder climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 1°C (34°F) to an average of 11°C (51°F) and a maximum of 19°C (66°F). The month sees slightly more precipitation at 85 mm (3.4 in) over 12 days, with a lower humidity of 88%. For more information, check out Umea weather in September.

In January, Umeå experiences frigid temperatures, with an average low of -20°C (-4°F) and a maximum of only 7°C (45°F), leading to a chilly climate that sees high humidity levels of 95%. Precipitation is relatively moderate at 55 mm (2.2 inches) over about 10 days, resulting in a landscape often blanketed in snow. In contrast, October offers milder temperatures, with an average low of -5°C (23°F) and a maximum reaching 14°C (58°F). The month sees significantly more rainfall, totaling 114 mm (4.5 inches) across approximately 17 days, and slightly lower humidity at 92%. For more insights on October weather, check out Umea weather in October.

Comparing the weather in January and November reveals distinct seasonal characteristics. In January, temperatures plummet to a minimum of -20°C (-4°F) and reach an average of -4°C (25°F), while maximum temperatures only manage to reach 7°C (45°F). This chilling month experiences around 55 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation over about 10 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 95%. Conversely, November presents milder temperatures with a minimum of -16°C (4°F) and an average of 1°C (34°F), peaking at 11°C (52°F). It is also wetter, with precipitation of 79 mm (3.1 in) spread across 13 days and a slightly lower humidity of 92%. For more details, you can check out Umea weather in November.

In comparing January and December weather, January typically experiences slightly colder temperatures, with minimums reaching down to -20°C (-4°F) and an average of -4°C (25°F), while December has minimums around -16°C (4°F) and averages of -2°C (29°F). Precipitation levels also differ; January sees about 55 mm (2.2 in) over 10 days, whereas December is wetter with 91 mm (3.6 in) across 16 days. Humidity levels are relatively high in both months, with January at 95% and December at 93%. For a more detailed look at December conditions, check out Umea weather in December.

Compare Umea's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From January Weather in Umea

January in Umeå stands out as a notably chilly month, with temperatures dipping considerably compared to other times of the year. The average temperature of -4°C (25°F) reinforces its reputation as one of the coldest months, with the potential for lows reaching an eye-watering -20°C (-4°F). While precipitation occurs on about 10 days, the cumulative amount of around 55 mm (2.2 in) reflects the character of winter, complementing the high humidity levels that linger throughout the month at 95%. These elements combine to create a brisk, frosty atmosphere that is distinctively different from the milder conditions of other months. For a deeper dive into Umeå's weather patterns, visit Umea Climate.