Last updated: August 27, 2025
January in Grindelwald, Switzerland offers a stunning winter wonderland experience where temperatures vary dramatically. The maximum temperature hovers around 5°C (41°F), while chilly lows can plummet to an icy -24°C (-11°F), resulting in a crisp average of -10°C (15°F). Travelers should be prepared for moderate precipitation during this month, with an average of 168 mm (6.6 in) spread across approximately 13 days, contributing to a picturesque snowy landscape. The humidity remains high at 92%, perpetuating the chill yet enhancing the scenic beauty of Grindelwald. Embrace the exhilarating atmosphere of this charming alpine village as it transforms into a winter spa!
In January, Grindelwald, Switzerland experiences some of its coldest temperatures, with minimums dipping to -24°C (-11°F) and an average of -10°C (15°F), creating a winter wonderland perfect for skiing and snow-related activities. The month sees highs barely reaching 5°C (41°F), a stark contrast to the warming temperatures that follow in February, when averages rise slightly to -7°C (20°F), with maximums hitting 7°C (45°F). As winter transitions to spring, March marks a continued warming trend with averages nearing -5°C (24°F), while maximum daily temperatures inch up to 9°C (49°F). This gradual rise in temperatures continues into April, where milder conditions signal the late winter's retreat. Overall, January establishes the coldest start to the year in Grindelwald, setting the stage for a slow but welcome transition to warmer days ahead.
In January, Grindelwald experiences a significant precipitation total of 168 mm (6.6 in) over approximately 13 rainy days, marking the month as one of the wetter times of the year. This trend of abundant rainfall continues into March, where precipitation rises slightly to 147 mm (5.8 in), but the rain spreads across 16 days, indicating a pattern of more frequent, lighter showers. In contrast, the drier months of February and April offer respite with their respective totals of 114 mm (4.5 in) and 102 mm (4.0 in). The winter months, particularly December, tend to be the wettest overall, while the milder weather in late spring leads to an intriguing increase in precipitation days, especially in May, which sees a total of 165 mm (6.5 in) across 21 days. This seasonal rhythm in Grindelwald presents a picturesque yet variable hydrological landscape, captivating nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
In January, Grindelwald experiences a striking humidity level of 92%, setting the tone for the winter months. This high humidity is a key characteristic of the alpine climate, contributing to the picturesque, snow-laden landscapes that captivate visitors. As the year progresses, the humidity begins to decline, reaching 89% in February and further dropping to 87% in March. This gradual decrease continues into spring, with April and May showing lower levels at 84% and 80%, respectively. However, the humidity remains fairly consistent throughout summer, hovering around 80-83% before a noticeable increase again in the fall, culminating in 90% by October and December. Despite the seasonal fluctuations, January stands out as the most humid month, highlighting the unique atmospheric conditions of this enchanting Swiss mountain village.
In January, Grindelwald experiences a moderate UV Index of 3, with a burn time of around 30 minutes, making it an ideal time for winter sports enthusiasts to enjoy the snow while still being mindful of sun exposure. As the months progress into February, the UV Index rises slightly to 4, maintaining the moderate exposure category. However, by March, the sun’s intensity surges dramatically to a very high UV Index of 8, significantly shortening the safe sun exposure to just 15 minutes. This trend continues as April and May see peak UV levels of 9 and 10 respectively, prompting increased caution against sunburn. June reaches an extreme UV Index of 11, marking the highest level of sun intensity, where mere minutes outdoors without protection can lead to burns. Following this summer spike, the UV Index begins to decline through the late summer and fall months, stabilizing at a high index in September and October. Interestingly, the year wraps up with a return to moderate levels in November and a low index of 2 in December, allowing for relaxed day-out activities without the immediate concern of UV exposure. For more detailed UV readings throughout the year, check out Grindelwald UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In January, Grindelwald welcomes winter with a glimmer of sunshine, boasting 181 hours of daylight that hint at the season's charm. As the months unfold, the sun begins to reclaim the sky, with February and March seeing hours rise to 236 and 306, respectively. By spring, April brings a delightful 353 hours of light, setting the stage for summer's peak brilliance. May gifts the village 365 hours, perfectly aligning with the blossoming landscape, while June and July bask in 389 and 417 hours of sun, ideal for exploring the stunning vistas. Even as summer wanes into August with 382 hours, the golden glow persists through early fall, tapering off gently in September at 323 hours. The autumn leaves slowly give way to winter’s embrace by November with 231 hours, culminating in December's cozy 205 hours. This rhythm of sunlight paints a vivid tapestry of seasons, inviting both adventure and tranquility in the breathtaking backdrop of Grindelwald.
In Grindelwald, Switzerland, January heralds a chilly embrace with a modest sun chance of just 16%, making it one of the cloudier months of the year. This low likelihood of clear skies gradually improves as winter gives way to spring, with February seeing a notable increase to 33%. As we transition into March and April, the prospect of sunshine brightens further, with each month boasting a 36% chance of sunny weather. Interestingly, while May dips back down to 23%, the subsequent months of June, July, and August maintain a steady 23% chance, hinting at a consistent but not exuberant sun presence during the summer. As the year progresses into autumn, the likelihood of sunny days fluctuates, with October peaking at 38%, suggesting that while January may be one of the cloudiest months, the promise of clearer skies is just around the corner.
In Grindelwald, Switzerland, January marks the beginning of a gradual ascent in daylight duration, offering around 9 hours of sunlight. As winter yields to spring, daylight steadily increases, with February bringing 10 hours and March extending it to 11 hours, inviting locals and visitors to embrace the outdoors. By April, the sun graces the village with 13 hours, reflecting the eagerness for longer days ahead. The peak of daylight occurs in June, July, and August, when residents bask in a generous 15 hours of sunshine, perfect for exploring the stunning alpine landscapes. As autumn arrives, daylight begins its gentle decline, with September offering 12 hours before dipping back down to 9 hours in November. This rhythmic fluctuation showcases the enchanting seasonal transitions that make Grindelwald a captivating destination year-round.
In January, the winds in Grindelwald, Switzerland, are relatively gentle, with an average speed of 1.5 m/s (3 mph), setting a calm tone for the winter landscape. This moderate breeze persists into February, easing to 1.4 m/s, and maintains a steady presence through the early months of spring, averaging 1.3 m/s from March to May. Interestingly, a slight dip occurs in the summer, where winds settle at 1.2 m/s from June to August, creating a tranquil environment ideal for outdoor pursuits. As the seasons shift again, the winds gradually pick up, reflecting a mild resurgence at 1.5 m/s in October, before tapering off to 1.0 m/s by September. Despite these fluctuations, the winds remain predominantly light throughout the year, enhancing the serenity that characterizes this charming alpine village.
Weather in Grindelwald varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares January’s weather to other months in Grindelwald, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
January and February present contrasting yet chilly weather patterns. January sees average temperatures hovering around -10°C (15°F), with a minimum of -24°C (-11°F) and a maximum reaching 5°C (41°F). Precipitation is relatively high, totaling 168 mm (6.6 in) over 13 days, and humidity remains quite high at 92%. In contrast, February offers slightly warmer conditions, with an average temperature of -7°C (20°F). The minimum dips further to -25°C (-12°F), but the maximum slightly increases to 7°C (45°F). Precipitation decreases to 114 mm (4.5 in) across 12 days, accompanied by a slight reduction in humidity to 89%. For more details about February weather, visit Grindelwald weather in February.
In January, the weather is characterized by extremely low temperatures, with an average of -10°C (15°F) and a minimum plunge to -24°C (-11°F). The month sees considerable precipitation, totaling 168 mm (6.6 in) over approximately 13 days, along with high humidity levels of 92%. In contrast, March experiences slightly milder conditions, with an average temperature of -5°C (24°F) and a minimum of -26°C (-15°F). Although precipitation slightly decreases to 147 mm (5.8 in) over 16 days, the humidity also drops to 87%. For a more detailed look at March weather in Grindelwald, visit Grindelwald weather in March.
In January, the weather is notably harsher, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -24°C (-11°F) to a maximum of just 5°C (41°F), creating an average chill of -10°C (15°F). The month is characterized by significant precipitation, totaling 168 mm (6.6 in) over 13 days, coupled with high humidity at 92%. In contrast, April marks a transition toward milder conditions, as temperatures rise, with a minimum of -17°C (1°F) and an average of -1°C (30°F), peaking at 11°C (53°F). Precipitation decreases to 102 mm (4.0 in) over the same number of days, while humidity also drops to 84%. For more detailed insights, visit Grindelwald weather in April.
In January, the weather in Grindelwald is characterized by harsh winter conditions, with minimum temperatures plunging to -24°C (-11°F) and averaging around -10°C (15°F). The month sees significant precipitation, totaling 168 mm (6.6 in) over 13 days, coupled with high humidity at 92%, creating a cold and damp environment. In contrast, May brings a noticeable thaw, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -11°C (12°F) to a pleasant maximum of 16°C (62°F), resulting in an average of 3°C (37°F). While May has slightly less precipitation at 165 mm (6.5 in) over 21 days, the humidity decreases to 80%, making for a more comfortable atmosphere. For more detailed weather information, visit Grindelwald weather in May.
In January, the weather is notably frigid, with average temperatures hovering around -10°C (15°F) and maximums only reaching 5°C (41°F). The month experiences significant precipitation of 168 mm (6.6 in) spread over 13 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 92%. In contrast, June brings a much milder climate, with average temperatures rising to 9°C (48°F) and daytime highs reaching up to 25°C (77°F). While precipitation remains the same at 168 mm (6.6 in), it occurs over 20 days, resulting in a slightly lower humidity level of 82%. The stark differences between January and June illustrate a transition from harsh winter conditions to a more temperate summer atmosphere. For more detailed information, you can refer to Grindelwald weather in June.
January and July present strikingly different weather patterns. In January, temperatures can plummet to a chilling minimum of -24°C (-11°F) while averaging around -10°C (15°F) and peaking at only 5°C (41°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 92% and substantial precipitation of 168 mm (6.6 in) over 13 days. In contrast, July brings much milder weather with minimum temperatures around 0°C (32°F), an average of 10°C (51°F), and maximums reaching up to 24°C (75°F). Despite having a higher total precipitation of 197 mm (7.8 in) spread over 24 days, the overall experience is more pleasant with relatively lower humidity at 83%. For more detailed insights, you can check out the weather specifics for the area here: Grindelwald weather in July.
January and August present contrasting weather patterns. In January, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -24°C (-11°F), with an average of -10°C (15°F) and a maximum of only 5°C (41°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 168 mm (6.6 in) over approximately 13 days, coupled with high humidity at 92%. In contrast, August offers a milder climate with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -1°C (31°F) to a maximum of 21°C (70°F), resulting in a more comfortable average of 10°C (50°F). Although August sees slightly more precipitation at 195 mm (7.7 in) spread over 21 days, the humidity is lower at 80%. For those interested in specifics, you can find more details on Grindelwald weather in August.
January presents a starkly cold climate with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -24°C (-11°F) to a maximum of 5°C (41°F), while the average temperature hovers around -10°C (15°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 168 mm (6.6 in) over 13 days, coupled with high humidity levels at 92%. In contrast, September boasts a milder atmosphere, with temperatures ranging from -8°C (17°F) at the low end to 18°C (65°F) at the peak, and an average temperature of 6°C (44°F). While it is still a relatively wet month, September sees less precipitation, totaling 122 mm (4.8 in) over 16 days, and a slightly lower humidity of 83%. For more details about the weather during this month, visit Grindelwald weather in September.
January and October present contrasting weather patterns. In January, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -24°C (-11°F), with an average of -10°C (15°F) and a maximum reaching just 5°C (41°F). This month experiences significant precipitation, averaging 168 mm (6.6 in) over 13 days, paired with a high humidity level of 92%. In contrast, October sees milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -11°C (12°F) to an average of 2°C (35°F) and a maximum of 14°C (57°F). Although October has slightly higher precipitation at 181 mm (7.1 in) over the same number of days, the humidity level is slightly lower at 90%. For more detailed insights, you can check Grindelwald weather in October.
In comparing the weather from January to November, January is characterized by colder temperatures, with a minimum of -24°C (-11°F) and an average of -10°C (15°F), while November sees slightly milder conditions, with a minimum of -21°C (-5°F) and an average of -4°C (25°F). Additionally, January experiences more precipitation, totaling 168 mm (6.6 in) over 13 days, compared to November's 117 mm (4.6 in) across 15 days. Humidity levels are also higher in January, sitting at 92%, whereas November has a relatively lower humidity of 88%. For more detailed insights on November weather, you can check this link: Grindelwald weather in November.
In comparing the weather between January and December, both months experience frigid temperatures, with January averaging -10°C (15°F) compared to December's slightly warmer average of -8°C (18°F). The minimum temperatures remain consistent at a biting -24°C (-11°F) for both months, while the maximum temperatures are slightly higher in January at 5°C (41°F), compared to December's 4°C (39°F). Rainfall is more frequent and intense in December, with 229 mm (9.0 in) of precipitation over 19 days, compared to January's 168 mm (6.6 in) spread over just 13 days. Finally, January sees a marginally higher humidity level at 92% versus December's 90%. For further details on weather conditions, you can check out Grindelwald weather in December.
As January unfolds in Grindelwald, the landscape transforms into a winter wonderland characterized by frigid temperatures and high humidity, setting it apart from the milder months of the year. With average temperatures often dropping well below freezing, it’s a time when the village is blanketed in snow and the atmosphere is thick with moisture, leading to notable precipitation. This contrasts sharply with the warmer, drier conditions of late spring and summer, making January an ideal month for winter sports enthusiasts. For those curious about Grindelwald's overall weather patterns, you can explore more about its unique climatic characteristics in our detailed guide: Grindelwald Climate.