January Weather in Luzern, Switzerland

Last updated: August 27, 2025

January in Luzern, Switzerland, showcases a diverse climate characterized by cool temperatures and frequent precipitation. With maximum temperatures reaching 12°C (54°F) and falling to a chilly minimum of -13°C (10°F), the average hovers around 0°C (32°F), setting a crisp winter backdrop. This month is particularly wet, recording a total precipitation of 138 mm (5.4 in) over 13 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 92%. Visitors can expect a blend of serene winter landscapes and occasional rain, making it a unique time to experience the beauty of this picturesque Swiss city.

January Temperature in Luzern

In January, Luzern, Switzerland, experiences a chilly embrace, with temperatures ranging from a biting -13°C (10°F) to a relatively mild 12°C (54°F). The average hovers around freezing at 0°C (32°F), illustrating the peak of winter's influence on the region. This cold trend begins to ease as February approaches, where the minimum dips further to -17°C (2°F), yet the maximum can reach a surprising 16°C (62°F), hinting at the gradual emergence of spring. As we move into March, the temperature oscillates between -13°C (8°F) and 18°C (65°F), showcasing the lingering winter chill while hinting at the warmer days ahead. By April, Luzern welcomes more consistent warmth, with lows of -6°C (21°F) and highs soaring to 23°C (73°F), signifying the transition to a more temperate climate. This gradual ascent in temperatures continues through the spring months, offering a picturesque transformation from winter's bite to the gentle warmth of early summer.

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

The chart illustrates January temperature patterns in Luzern, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends. In Luzern, 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).
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec323640465261646457504135
Data source: Temperature data for Luzern generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

January Precipitation in Luzern

January in Luzern, Switzerland, typically welcomes 138 mm (5.4 inches) of precipitation over 13 days, setting the tone for the winter season. This is a significant amount of rainfall, especially when compared to February's 107 mm and March's 126 mm, indicating a wet start to the year. As the months progress, spring begins to bring a surge in rainfall, peaking in June with 202 mm (8.0 in). Notably, while January has a lower number of precipitation days, the total amount suggests heavier, more impactful rainfalls rather than frequent light showers. This trend of fluctuating precipitation levels continues throughout the year, reflecting Luzern’s diverse climate, where winter yields to the lush, rainy embrace of summer.

January Precipitation Trends in Luzern

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Luzern, 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 Luzern, January typically receives around {2} mm ({3} inches) of precipitation spread over approximately {4} days.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec13810712610217220219919313815897169
Data source: Precipitation data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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January Humidity in Luzern

In January, Luzern, Switzerland experiences a notably high humidity level of 92%, setting the stage for a season characterized by dampness and coolness. As the year progresses, the humidity gradually decreases, dropping to 89% in February and further to 87% by March, suggesting a subtle shift towards slightly more comfortable conditions as spring approaches. April and May see a steady decline, with humidity levels falling to 84% and 80%, respectively, before stabilizing through the warmer months of June to August around 82%-80%. Interestingly, as autumn arrives, humidity begins to rise again, peaking once more at 90% in October. This cycle of humidity showcases Luzern's climate variability, reflecting a distinctive pattern where winter and early spring are marked by higher moisture levels, transitioning into drier months before a renewed spike in the fall.

January Average Humidity in Luzern

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Luzern, 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 Luzern is approximately {2}%, offering insight into how humid the weather typically is during this month.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec92%89%87%84%80%82%83%80%83%90%89%90%
Data source: Humidity data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

January UV Index in Luzern

In January, Luzern, Switzerland experiences a low UV Index of 2, resulting in a comfortable burn time of 45 minutes. This trend of lower UV exposure continues into December with the same index, indicating that winter months offer relatively safe sun exposure. As the year progresses, however, residents and visitors should prepare for increasing UV levels, peaking at a very high UV Index of 9 in June and July, where burn times drop to a mere 15 minutes. After this peak, UV levels gradually taper off, moving back to moderate in the fall and low during the subsequent winter months. For more detailed insights about UV exposure throughout the year, check out Luzern UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Luzern for January

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Luzern 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 Luzern typically reaches {2}, which falls under the {3} exposure category.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec235689986432
Data source: Luzern 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 Luzern

In Luzern, Switzerland, January ushers in 164 hours of sunshine, setting the stage for an enchanting winter landscape. As the months progress, February sees a delightful increase to 228 hours, hinting at the promising arrival of spring. By March, the sun graces the city for 300 hours, inviting residents and visitors to bask in a revitalizing glow. This upward trend continues through the spring and into the summer, peaking in July with a radiant 415 hours of sunshine, making it the sunniest month of the year. As the season transitions, August still holds onto warmth with 384 hours, while a gentle decline begins in September with 320 hours. The autumn sun gradually sets, offering 279 hours in October and tapering off further through the last months of the year. The year closes with 185 hours in December, beautifully encapsulating the spectrum of light that blankets this picturesque Swiss destination.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Luzern: January Highlighted

The January sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Luzern 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec164h228h300h358h370h385h415h384h320h279h219h185h
Data source: Luzern January Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Luzern During January

In Luzern, Switzerland, January sees the lowest likelihood of sunny weather, with only a 14% chance of sun. This contrasts sharply with the sunnier months that follow, where February's chances jump to 35%, and by March, they reach 43%. The trend toward brighter skies continues into the spring, with April and May boasting probabilities of 46% and 30%, respectively. As the year progresses, the chance of sunny days stabilizes around the 30% mark from June through October, suggesting a gradual increase in sunshine as winter gives way to spring. Thus, if you’re dreaming of a sunny winter getaway, you might want to hold off until at least February!

Percentage of Sunny Days in January in Luzern

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Luzern 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 Luzern experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec14%35%43%46%30%31%33%36%36%36%24%30%
Data source: Luzern January chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Luzern in January

In Luzern, Switzerland, January typically ushers in the year with just 8 hours of daylight, reflecting the lingering presence of winter. As the months progress into February, the days begin to lengthen, gaining 2 more hours of light, which sets the stage for a gradual increase. By the time spring emerges in March, daylight extends to 11 hours, further brightening the landscape. April and May continue this uplifting trend, boasting 13 and 15 hours of daylight, respectively, as nature bursts back to life. Interestingly, this peak daylight duration of 15 hours persists through June and July, providing ample time for outdoor activities. However, as summer transitions into autumn, the daylight begins to taper off, with August seeing a slight decrease to 14 hours. By September, daylight dwindles to 12 hours, and this contraction continues through the colder months, ultimately returning to 8 hours in December. This rhythmic ebb and flow of daylight not only marks the changing seasons but also influences the mood and activities of the residents in this picturesque Swiss city.

Average Daylight Hours in Luzern for January

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Luzern throughout the year, with January highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec8h 58m10h 17m11h 56m13h 37m15h 4m15h 48m15h 25m14h 7m12h 30m10h 49m9h 20m8h 33m
Data source: Luzern daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

January Winds in Luzern

In Luzern, Switzerland, the January wind greets the new year with a gentle caress, featuring an average speed of 1.6 m/s (4 mph). This briskness is matched in February, but as winter fades, the winds tend to taper off slightly in March, dropping to 1.4 m/s (3 mph). Throughout the spring months, there’s a modest fluctuation with April and May seeing similar speeds around 1.5 to 1.7 m/s (3 to 4 mph). As summer approaches, the winds calm down, settling at a steady 1.3 m/s (3 mph) from June through September. The trend continues into autumn, with October and November reflecting a consistent calmness at 1.3 to 1.4 m/s (3 mph). Thus, while January offers a refreshing start, the wind in Luzern flows into a more tranquil rhythm as the seasons progress, embodying the serene charm of this picturesque Swiss city.

Average January Wind Speed in Luzern

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Luzern, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec1.6 m/s1.61.41.51.71.31.31.31.31.41.31.5
Data source: Luzern January wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How January Weather in Luzern Compares to Other Months

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

In January, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -13°C (10°F) to a maximum of 12°C (54°F), with an average of 0°C (32°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 138 mm (5.4 in) over about 13 days, coupled with a high humidity level of 92%. In contrast, February tends to be a bit colder overall, with minimum temperatures dropping to -17°C (2°F) and an average rising slightly to 2°C (36°F), while the maximum can reach 16°C (62°F). Precipitation decreases to 107 mm (4.2 in) over 12 days, and humidity remains slightly lower at 89%. For more detailed insights, check out Luzern weather in February.

January and March present a notable contrast in weather conditions. In January, temperatures can dip to a minimum of -13°C (10°F), with an average of 0°C (32°F) and a maximum of 12°C (54°F). The month is marked by high humidity levels at 92% and a significant amount of precipitation, totaling 138 mm (5.4 in) over 13 days. Conversely, March experiences slightly milder temperatures, with a minimum still at -13°C (8°F) and an average rising to 4°C (40°F), peaking at 18°C (65°F). Although March features similar precipitation levels at 126 mm (5.0 in) spread over 16 days, the humidity drops to 87%. For more detailed insights into March weather, you can explore this link: Luzern weather in March.

January and April present distinct contrasts in weather conditions. In January, temperatures typically range from a chilling minimum of -13°C (10°F) to a mild maximum of 12°C (54°F), with an average temperature around 0°C (32°F). The month sees significant precipitation of 138 mm (5.4 in) over approximately 13 days, accompanied by high humidity levels of 92%. In stark contrast, April experiences a milder climate, with minimum temperatures around -6°C (21°F) and maximums soaring to 23°C (73°F), yielding an average of 8°C (46°F). Precipitation decreases to 102 mm (4.0 in) across about 12 days, and humidity drops to 84%. These differences highlight the transition from the harsh winter conditions of January to the more temperate and inviting spring weather of April, making it a great time to explore Luzern weather in April.

In January, the weather is significantly colder, with temperatures ranging from a frigid -13°C (10°F) to a maximum of 12°C (54°F) and an average of 0°C (32°F). The month experiences high humidity at 92%, contributing to the chill, and receives considerable precipitation at 138 mm (5.4 in) over 13 days.

In contrast, May brings much milder temperatures, with a minimum of -6°C (21°F) and a maximum reaching 28°C (83°F), leading to an average temperature of 11°C (52°F). Despite having slightly higher precipitation at 172 mm (6.8 in) across 19 days, the humidity drops to 80%, making the weather feel more pleasant. For more details, you can check Luzern weather in May.

In January, the weather is characterized by cold temperatures, with a minimum of -13°C (10°F) and an average of 0°C (32°F), reaching a maximum of 12°C (54°F). This month sees significant precipitation, totaling 138 mm (5.4 in) over approximately 13 days, along with notably high humidity at 92%.

In contrast, June brings a much milder climate, featuring a minimum temperature of 5°C (41°F), an average of 16°C (62°F), and a high of 32°C (90°F). Although it experiences higher total precipitation at 202 mm (8.0 in) across 18 days, the humidity is slightly lower at 82%. The stark differences in temperature and overall weather patterns highlight the transition from the cold winter months to the warmth of early summer. For more details, you can check Luzern weather in June.

January and July showcase stark contrasts in weather. In January, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -13°C (10°F), with an average of 0°C (32°F) and a maximum of 12°C (54°F). The month sees significant precipitation, totaling 138 mm (5.4 in) over 13 days, coupled with high humidity levels at 92%. In contrast, July brings much warmer temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) to a pleasant average of 18°C (64°F), reaching up to 31°C (89°F). While July experiences even more rainfall, at 199 mm (7.8 in) across 18 days, the humidity drops to 83%. For a detailed look at what to expect, you can check out Luzern weather in July.

January and August present strikingly contrasting weather patterns. In January, temperatures can plunge to a minimum of -13°C (10°F), with an average temperature of 0°C (32°F) and a maximum of 12°C (54°F). This month is characterized by high humidity at 92% and substantial precipitation of 138 mm (5.4 in) over 13 days, creating a cold and damp atmosphere. In contrast, August enjoys much milder temperatures, with a minimum of 8°C (46°F), an average of 18°C (64°F), and a maximum of 30°C (87°F). Although it is warmer, August receives more precipitation, totaling 193 mm (7.6 in) across 16 days, and has a lower humidity level of 80%. For more detailed insights about August weather in Luzern, you can visit Luzern weather in August.

In January, the weather is characterized by much colder temperatures, with a minimum of -13°C (10°F) and an average of 0°C (32°F), while September enjoys milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C (37°F) to a maximum of 25°C (78°F) and an average of 14°C (58°F). Both months receive similar amounts of precipitation, totaling 138 mm (5.4 in), but January has slightly higher humidity at 92% compared to September's 83%. Despite the similar rainfall, the cooler January weather makes it feel significantly wetter than September. For more detailed insights into the conditions during September, you can explore Luzern weather in September.

In January, temperatures plummet, with a minimum of -13°C (10°F) and an average temperature around 0°C (32°F), reaching a maximum of 12°C (54°F). The month is also marked by high humidity at 92% and significant precipitation, totaling 138 mm (5.4 in) over 13 days. In contrast, October experiences milder weather with minimum temperatures averaging 1°C (34°F) and an average of 10°C (50°F), peaking at 21°C (70°F). While October sees slightly more precipitation at 158 mm (6.2 in) over 14 days, the humidity remains relatively close at 90%. For more insights on October weather, visit Luzern weather in October.

January and November present quite contrasting weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plummet to a chilling minimum of -13°C (10°F), with an average temperature around freezing at 0°C (32°F) and peaking at 12°C (54°F). The month also sees significant precipitation of 138 mm (5.4 in) spread over 13 days, along with high humidity levels at 92%. Conversely, November offers milder weather, with minimum temperatures around -4°C (26°F) and an average of 5°C (41°F), reaching a maximum of 20°C (68°F). Precipitation is somewhat lower at 97 mm (3.8 in) over the same number of days, coupled with slightly lower humidity at 88%. For more insights into the weather during this month, you can check Luzern weather in November.

In comparing the weather between January and December, January tends to be slightly colder with average temperatures hovering around 0°C (32°F), while December has a marginally warmer average of 2°C (35°F). While both months experience relatively high levels of precipitation, January receives 138 mm (5.4 in) over about 13 days, compared to December's 169 mm (6.6 in) across 18 days. The humidity levels are quite similar, with January at 92% and December at 90%. For a more detailed look at conditions during this festive month, check out Luzern weather in December.

Compare Luzern's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From January Weather in Luzern

January in Luzern stands out with its cold temperatures and high humidity, creating a unique winter landscape. The maximum temperature hovers around a brisk 12°C, while colder snaps can plunge to as low as -13°C, offering a stark contrast to the milder months of spring and summer. With 138 mm of precipitation across about 13 days, January is one of the wetter months, making the air feel particularly crisp and refreshing. This combination of chilly temps and frequent rain gives January a distinct character that sets it apart within the year. To learn more about the seasonal shifts in Luzern, explore the details here: Luzern Climate.