Last updated: August 27, 2025
In January, Basel, Switzerland experiences a chilly climate characterized by an average temperature of 1°C (35°F), with extremes ranging from a mild 16°C (61°F) to a brisk -13°C (8°F). This month is marked by considerable precipitation, accumulating to 94 mm (3.7 in) over approximately 12 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 91%. Visitors can expect a wintery atmosphere that beautifully complements the city's charm, perfect for enjoying its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural offerings while bundled up against the cold.
In Basel, Switzerland, January temperatures paint a chilly picture as the city transitions deeper into winter. With a minimum plunge to -13°C (8°F) and an average hovering around 1°C (35°F), the cold sets the tone for the month. However, the skies occasionally clear, allowing temperatures to reach a maximum of 16°C (61°F), offering brief periods of warmth amidst the frost. Notably, as the month progresses toward February, the cold intensifies slightly; yet, this early winter chill typically sets the stage for the gradual warming trend that emerges in the following months. This striking contrast between day and night showcases Basel's dynamic winter climate, enticing both locals and visitors to savor the beauty of the season.
January in Basel, Switzerland, sees a significant 94 mm (3.7 in) of precipitation over the course of 12 days, setting a wet tone for the year. This amount is higher than the subsequent month of February, which experiences a decrease to 77 mm (3.0 in), despite maintaining the same number of rainy days. As spring arrives in March, precipitation rises again to 91 mm (3.6 in), showing a pattern of fluctuation that continues through the year. Notably, January's rainfall often foreshadows a wetter May and December, each exceeding 130 mm, highlighting a trend where early winter rains contribute to the lush growth in late spring and the approach of winter. Overall, January's precipitation plays a vital role in shaping the climatic rhythm of Basel, bridging the cold and the warmth throughout the seasons.
In January, Basel experiences its peak humidity at a notable 91%, creating a damp and chill atmosphere that is characteristic of winter in this Swiss city. This high level of humidity, which is also mirrored in December, gradually declines as the months progress, reaching a lower point of 80% by May. As summer approaches, humidity remains relatively stable, hovering around 82% in both June and July before dipping to 77% in August. However, as autumn arrives, humidity sees a resurgence, climbing back to 89% by October and maintaining its elevated levels through November. This cyclical pattern highlights the moisture-rich climate of Basel, where residents can expect a blend of chilly, humid winters and slightly drier, yet comfortable summer months.
In January, Basel experiences a UV Index of 2, categorized as low, which means you can enjoy up to 45 minutes of sun exposure without significant risk of burning. This low UV presence is typical for winter, where the sun's rays are less intense. As the season transitions into February, the UV Index rises to 3, indicating a moderate level of exposure; here the burn time is reduced to 30 minutes. A notable increase occurs in March, where the index reaches 5, maintaining moderate exposure with the same burn time. Moving into April and beyond, the UV Index escalates to 6 and then peaks at 9 in the summer months of June and July, highlighting a shift to very high exposure and significantly lower burn times of just 15 minutes. This trend emphasizes the importance of sun safety as warmer weather approaches. For a detailed overview, visit Basel UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
January in Basel, Switzerland, welcomes the year with 136 hours of sunshine, a gentle invitation to the brighter months ahead. As winter transitions into spring, days gradually lengthen, with February offering 211 hours and March further brightening the landscape with 283 hours. The arrival of April brings an impressive 353 hours, setting the stage for the sun-drenched days of summer. From May to July, Basel basks in a peak of sunshine, reaching a delightful 413 hours in July, the sunniest month of the year. As the seasons shift into autumn, the daylight begins to wane, with August still boasting 381 hours before dipping to 323 hours in September. The trend continues into the final months: October provides 265 hours, and by December, the city closes the year with a cozy 156 hours of sunlight, reflecting the cyclical nature of Basel's weather.
In Basel, Switzerland, the likelihood of basking in sunny weather during January is relatively low, sitting at a modest 17%. This marks a stark contrast to the following month, February, where the chance of sunshine nearly doubles to 38%. As winter fades into spring, the trend becomes increasingly favorable, with March and April enjoying 47% and 52% likelihoods, respectively. The sunny disposition persists through the early summer months, peaking in April before gradually declining again in May and June. This seasonal pattern highlights the transitional nature of Basel’s weather, with January being a time for cozy indoors rather than basking in the sun.
In Basel, Switzerland, January marks the beginning of the year with just 8 hours of daylight, setting the stage for a gradual shift toward longer days. As winter gives way to spring, February brings an increase to 10 hours, while March further extends daylight to 11 hours, hinting at the brighter days ahead. The trend continues into April with 13 hours, and by May, the city enjoys 15 hours of daylight, reaching its peak in June and maintaining that brightness through July. As summer transitions to fall, daylight hours slowly decline, with August still basking in 14 hours before dipping to 12 hours in September. Autumn rolls into October with 10 hours, and the cycle comes full circle with November and December slipping back to 9 and 8 hours, respectively. This rhythmic ebb and flow of daylight captures the essence of Basel's seasonal change, drawing residents and visitors alike into a dynamic interplay of light and shadow.
In January, the wind in Basel, Switzerland, carries an average speed of 2.6 m/s (6 mph), marking a breezy start to the year. As winter unfolds, the gusts slightly decrease to 2.4 m/s in February and March before dipping further in April, where they reach 2.3 m/s (5 mph). However, as we transition into the spring and summer months, the trend picks up again with an increase to 2.8 m/s (6 mph) in May, suggesting lively conditions that invigorate the city's landscape. Despite a noticeable decline during the hotter months of June through August, where the wind slows down to 1.8 m/s (4 mph) and below, it begins to pick up momentum once more heading into autumn, showcasing the dynamic and ever-changing character of Basel's winds throughout the year. Overall, January's winds set the stage for a season of fluctuations, where each month introduces its unique rhythm.
Weather in Basel varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares January’s weather to other months in Basel, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In January, the weather is characterized by slightly milder temperatures with an average of 1°C (35°F) and a maximum of 16°C (61°F), although it can drop to a minimum of -13°C (8°F). The month sees a significant precipitation amount of 94 mm (3.7 in) over 12 days, coupled with high humidity at 91%. In comparison, February experiences similar conditions but with a slightly colder minimum temperature of -14°C (7°F) and a higher average of 4°C (39°F), reaching a maximum of 18°C (65°F). Precipitation decreases to 77 mm (3.0 in) across the same number of days, and the humidity is marginally lower at 89%. For more details on the weather in February, you can check Basel weather in February.
When comparing the weather in January to March, we see a notable shift in temperatures and overall conditions. January typically experiences cold days with an average temperature of around 1°C (35°F), where the mercury can drop as low as -13°C (8°F) and reach a maximum of 16°C (61°F). The month also sees considerable precipitation, accumulating about 94 mm (3.7 in) over roughly 12 days, coupled with high humidity levels of 91%.
In contrast, March begins to show signs of warming, with an average temperature rising to 6°C (43°F) and maximums reaching up to 21°C (71°F), while still experiencing the same minimum of -13°C (9°F). Despite the slight decrease in overall precipitation to 91 mm (3.6 in) over approximately 15 days, March maintains a lower humidity level of 87%. This transition highlights the shift from the winter chill of January to the more temperate days of early spring. For a detailed look at what to expect, you can visit Basel weather in March.
In January, the weather is markedly colder, featuring minimum temperatures that can plunge to -13°C (8°F) and an average of just 1°C (35°F). The month experiences high humidity at 91% and significant precipitation of 94 mm (3.7 in) over about 12 days. In contrast, April brings a noticeable shift in conditions, with milder temperatures ranging from a minimum of -4°C (25°F) to a maximum of 26°C (79°F) and an average of 10°C (50°F). Precipitation decreases to 62 mm (2.4 in) over 10 days, and humidity slightly decreases to 84%. For more details on the weather in April, you can visit Basel weather in April.
The weather in January is typically much colder and more variable than in May. In January, temperatures can drop as low as -13°C (8°F), with an average temperature of around 1°C (35°F) and a maximum of 16°C (61°F). This month also sees significant precipitation, with about 94 mm (3.7 in) spread over 12 days and a high humidity level of 91%. In contrast, May experiences much milder temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 0°C (32°F) to a maximum of 30°C (87°F), with an average of 13°C (56°F). Although May has slightly higher total precipitation at 133 mm (5.2 in) over 17 days, the humidity is lower at 80%. For those looking to explore the pleasant weather of late spring, check out more details on Basel weather in May.
January and June present a stark contrast in weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plunge as low as -13°C (8°F), with an average of just 1°C (35°F) and a maximum reaching 16°C (61°F). This month is characterized by high humidity at 91% and considerable precipitation, totaling 94 mm (3.7 in) over 12 days. In contrast, June offers much milder weather, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 5°C (42°F) to a warm average of 19°C (66°F), peaking at a high of 34°C (94°F). While precipitation increases slightly to 125 mm (4.9 in) over 16 days, the overall humidity decreases to 82%. For more detailed information, check out Basel weather in June.
January and July present a stark contrast in weather patterns. In January, temperatures can plummet as low as -13°C (8°F), with an average temperature around 1°C (35°F) and a maximum reaching 16°C (61°F). The month is characterized by high humidity levels at 91% and receives about 94 mm (3.7 in) of precipitation over approximately 12 days. In contrast, July offers a much milder climate with minimum temperatures of 8°C (47°F), averaging around 20°C (68°F), and peaking at a scorching 37°C (98°F). Though it experiences slightly higher total precipitation at 117 mm (4.6 in) over around 14 days, the humidity is lower at 82%. The significant differences in temperature and precipitation highlight the seasonal variations typical of the region. For more details about the climate, check out Basel weather in July.
January and August present stark contrasts in weather conditions. January experiences much colder temperatures, with minimums plummeting to -13°C (8°F) and an average around 1°C (35°F), while August boasts milder weather, with averages soaring to 20°C (68°F) and maximums reaching as high as 35°C (95°F). Precipitation is relatively similar, with January receiving 94 mm over 12 days and August slightly wetter at 115 mm over 15 days. Additionally, humidity levels are considerably higher in January at 91%, compared to 77% in the sultry summer month of August. For those interested in exploring the specifics of summer weather in Basel, you can find more information here: Basel weather in August.
In January, the weather is characterized by cold temperatures, ranging from a minimum of -13°C (8°F) to a maximum of 16°C (61°F), with an average of around 1°C (35°F). The month sees substantial precipitation, with 94 mm (3.7 in) recorded over approximately 12 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 91%. In contrast, September offers a much warmer climate, with temperatures fluctuating between a minimum of 1°C (35°F) and a maximum of 30°C (86°F), averaging 16°C (60°F). The precipitation in September is lower at 67 mm (2.6 in) over about 10 days, and humidity decreases to 81%. For more details on weather specifics, check out Basel weather in September.
In January, temperatures can drop as low as -13°C (8°F) and average around 1°C (35°F), peaking at 16°C (61°F), while October offers a milder climate with minimum temperatures of -1°C (30°F) and an average of 11°C (51°F), reaching up to 24°C (76°F). Precipitation levels are similar in both months, with January receiving 94 mm (3.7 in) over 12 days and October slightly less at 92 mm (3.6 in) over 14 days. Humidity remains fairly high in both months, at 91% in January and 89% in October. For more detailed information, check out Basel weather in October.
January and November showcase distinct weather patterns, reflecting the transition from winter to late autumn. In January, temperatures can plummet as low as -13°C (8°F), with an average of 1°C (35°F) and occasional highs reaching 16°C (61°F). This month sees significant precipitation, totaling 94 mm (3.7 inches) over 12 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 91%. In contrast, November experiences milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -4°C (25°F) to a more moderate average of 5°C (41°F) and maximums peaking at 21°C (70°F). While precipitation is slightly lower at 79 mm (3.1 inches) over 13 days, humidity remains high at 89%. For more detailed insights, you can check Basel weather in November.
January and December exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. In January, the average temperature is slightly lower at 1°C (35°F) compared to December's average of 3°C (38°F). Additionally, January experiences colder minimum temperatures, reaching as low as -13°C (8°F), while December's minimum dips to -5°C (23°F). Precipitation is also more frequent in December, with 19 rainy days contributing to a total of 129 mm (5.1 in), compared to January's 12 days and 94 mm (3.7 in). Despite these differences, both months share a high humidity level of 91%. For a detailed look at the specific weather conditions, check out Basel weather in December.
January in Basel presents a chilly contrast to the milder months, with temperatures reaching their yearly low. The city experiences a combination of frosty mornings and hints of warmth, featuring an average temperature that hovers well below the comfortable norms of spring and summer. Frequent rainfall adds to the moody atmosphere, as the month is characterized by more precipitation days than many others, creating a sense of winter's grasp that lingers unyieldingly. Despite the chill and dampness, this month’s wetter conditions and heightened humidity contribute to a crisp ambiance that is reminiscent of a classic Swiss winter. For a deeper dive into the weather conditions throughout the year, explore the full details on Basel Climate.