Last updated: August 27, 2025
January in Zurich, Switzerland presents a striking contrast of winter's chill and occasional milder days. The average temperature hovers around 1°C (35°F), with daytime highs reaching up to 15°C (59°F), while nighttime lows can plunge to -11°C (13°F). This month experiences significant precipitation, accumulating 112 mm (4.4 in) over approximately 12 days, creating a damp and crisp atmosphere with humidity levels soaring to a notable 92%. Whether wrapped in layers or seeking warmth indoors, Zurich's January weather offers a unique ambience that captures the heart of winter.
In January, Zurich experiences its coldest temperatures of the year, with minimums plunging to -11°C (13°F) and average daytime readings barely hovering around 1°C (35°F). While the city can reach a surprisingly mild maximum of 15°C (59°F) on its warmer days, the chill is unmistakable, marking a stark contrast to the temperate months that follow. As the year progresses into February and March, a gradual warming trend is evident, with average temperatures rising, while still ranging between a brisk -12°C (10°F) and a mild 20°C (69°F) by March. This shift sets the stage for the spring thaw, highlighting Zurich's seasonal transitions and the allure of its winter charm juxtaposed against the anticipation of warmer days ahead.
In January, Zurich experiences a significant amount of precipitation, totaling 112 mm (4.4 in) over 12 rainy days. This sets the stage for a wet winter, contrasting with the drier spells often seen in the following months. While precipitation decreases in February and April, the city is prone to heavier showers in May and June, highlighting an evolving pattern of rainfall that peaks in the warmer months. As winter transitions to spring, January serves as a vital precursor to the lush, verdant landscape that emerges later in the year. The steady rhythm of rain in January not only nourishes the soil but also enhances the city’s picturesque winterscape, making it a pivotal time for Zurich’s climate dynamics.
In January, Zurich experiences a high humidity level of 92%, marking it as one of the dampest months of the year. This significant moisture in the air contributes to the cold and crisp winter atmosphere, often enveloping the city in a misty charm. Following January, humidity levels begin to show a gradual decline, dipping to 89% in February and 87% in March, hinting at a slow transition towards spring. Throughout the spring months, a continuous drop is observed, hitting 84% in April and 80% in May. As summer approaches, humidity fluctuates slightly, hovering around 80% to 83% during the warmer months of June through August. However, the easing of summer gives way to a resurgence in moisture, with October and December both rising back to 90%, suggesting that the chill of winter is accompanied by a cloak of humidity, reminiscent of the city's January climate. This cyclical pattern highlights Zurich's unique climate, characterized by its persistent moisture, especially as it transitions through the seasons.
In January, Zurich experiences a low UV Index of 2, indicating minimal sun exposure is required to avoid sunburn, with a burn time of approximately 45 minutes. This pattern of low UV levels continues into December, creating a seasonal atmosphere where sun protection is less of a concern. As winter progresses into February, the UV Index rises to 3, shifting to a moderate exposure category and reducing the burn time to 30 minutes. March heralds a noticeable increase in UV radiation, with a jump to 5, which remains moderately elevated. April marks a more significant rise to a high Index of 6, and the trend peaks in the summer months of May through July, reaching a striking 9, highlighting the importance of sun safety during these months. By autumn, UV levels gradually decline, tapering back to modest values again by October and November. This cyclical pattern underscores the importance of adjusting sun protection strategies throughout the year. For more insights, check the Zurich UV Index.
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In January, Zurich greets the year with 164 hours of sunshine, a gentle start that beckons the promise of brighter days ahead. As winter gives way to spring, the sun gradually graces the city more generously, with February lifting to 228 hours, hinting at the warmth to come. By March, the sunshine begins to bloom into 300 hours, energizing the city as it transitions into longer days. The peak of this radiant trend arrives in July, where 415 hours bathe Zurich in golden light, showcasing the height of summer’s vibrancy. As the seasons shift towards autumn, sunshine starts to wane, with August still holding onto 384 hours, before descending to 320 hours in September and further to 185 hours by December. This year-long journey illustrates a delightful cycle, where each month brings its own unique weather charm, culminating in a radiant summer that feels both long-awaited and thoroughly appreciated.
In Zurich, the likelihood of enjoying sunny weather in January stands at a modest 15%, making it one of the least bright months of the year. This contrasts sharply with February, where the chance of sun nearly doubles to 37%, signaling a gradual improvement as winter begins to wane. As spring approaches, the sun's presence increasingly asserts itself, with March and April enjoying 45% and 49% chances, respectively. The trend continues upward into May and June, where sun-soaked days become increasingly common. This progression highlights a clear shift from the winter's subdued luminosity to the vibrant sunshine of spring and early summer, making January a month best embraced with cozy indoor activities rather than outdoor pursuits.
In January, Zurich experiences about 8 hours of daylight, setting a stark contrast to the longer days that follow. As the month transitions to February, daylight increases to 10 hours, hinting at the approach of spring. This upward trend continues through the months, peaking at around 15 hours in both May and the idyllic June, where the city basks in sunlight. As summer wanes into August, daylight begins its gradual decline to 14 hours, easing into the autumn months. By September, the daylight diminishes further to 12 hours, before dropping to 10 hours in October. The cycle closes the year with 9 hours in November and returns to 8 hours in December, illustrating Zurich's rhythmic dance with daylight throughout the seasons.
In January, Zurich greets the year with a gentle average wind speed of 2.0 m/s (5 mph), which is notably brisker than the subsequent months. As the winter progresses into February and March, the winds calm slightly to around 1.8 m/s (4 mph), creating a serene atmosphere under the gray skies. The trend continues through April with a modest increase to 1.9 m/s, before peaking again in May at 2.1 m/s (5 mph), as the city begins to blossom into spring. However, this gusty reprieve is short-lived; by June, the winds settle to their annual low of 1.5 m/s (3 mph), remaining consistent through the summer months, and only fluctuating slightly again in the fall. The cooling temperatures of late autumn bring a slight uptick to 1.6 m/s (4 mph) in November, before stabilizing at 1.8 m/s (4 mph) in December. Overall, Zurich's wind patterns reveal a dynamic seasonal rhythm, characterized by invigorating breezes in winter and early spring, followed by a lull in the warmer months.
Weather in Zurich varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares January’s weather to other months in Zurich, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In comparing the weather between January and February, January tends to have slightly colder temperatures, with minimums reaching as low as -11°C (13°F) and an average of around 1°C (35°F). February, on the other hand, experiences a mild increase in average temperature to 4°C (39°F), with maximums peaking at 18°C (65°F). While January sees higher precipitation levels at 112 mm (4.4 in) over 12 days, February has somewhat less precipitation at 87 mm (3.4 in) across 11 days, accompanied by a slightly lower humidity of 89%. For more detailed information, you can visit Zurich weather in February.
In January, the weather is notably colder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -11°C (13°F) to a maximum of 15°C (59°F) and an average of 1°C (35°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 112 mm (4.4 in) over 12 days, accompanied by high humidity levels of 92%. In contrast, March starts to warm up, showing a minimum temperature of -11°C (13°F) but rising to an average of 6°C (43°F) and a maximum of 20°C (69°F). Although March has slightly less precipitation at 100 mm (3.9 in), it occurs over more days, totaling 16. The humidity decreases to 87%, creating a somewhat drier atmosphere compared to January. For more details, you can check Zurich weather in March.
In January, temperatures in Zurich can plummet to a chilling low of -11°C (13°F) but typically hover around an average of 1°C (35°F), peaking at a maximum of 15°C (59°F). The month also sees significant precipitation, with 112 mm (4.4 in) falling over 12 days, paired with high humidity levels of 92%.
In contrast, April brings a noticeable warming trend, with minimum temperatures reaching -3°C (26°F) and averaging around 10°C (50°F), while highs can soar to 26°C (79°F). Precipitation decreases to 77 mm (3.0 in) across 10 days, and humidity drops to 84%. This transition marks a significant shift from the harsh winter chill to the refreshing beginnings of spring. For a detailed look at Zurich's weather in April, you can visit Zurich weather in April.
In January, Zurich experiences a cold winter climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -11°C (13°F) to a maximum of 15°C (59°F), and an average temperature of just 1°C (35°F). The city sees about 112 mm (4.4 in) of precipitation over approximately 12 days, coupled with high humidity levels at 92%. In contrast, May brings a significant warming trend, with temperatures ranging from -2°C (29°F) to a more comfortable maximum of 30°C (86°F) and an average of 13°C (56°F). Although May has slightly higher precipitation at 137 mm (5.4 in) over 16 days, the humidity drops to 80%, making for a fresher feel. For more details on the weather in May, you can check out Zurich weather in May.
In January, the weather is quite chilly, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -11°C (13°F) to a maximum of 15°C (59°F) and an average of 1°C (35°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 112 mm (4.4 inches) over 12 days, accompanied by high humidity at 92%. In contrast, June brings warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 6°C (43°F), an average of 18°C (65°F), and a peak of 34°C (93°F). This month also sees increased precipitation of 149 mm (5.9 inches) spread over 16 days, but the humidity drops to a more comfortable 82%. For those looking to learn more about the June weather, you can check Zurich weather in June.
In January, the weather is quite chilly, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -11°C (13°F) to a maximum of 15°C (59°F) and an average temperature of 1°C (35°F). The month experiences significant humidity at 92% and sees about 112 mm (4.4 in) of precipitation over approximately 12 days. In contrast, July showcases much warmer conditions, with temperatures varying from a minimum of 10°C (50°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F), averaging around 20°C (68°F). Although July receives slightly more precipitation at 134 mm (5.3 in) over 16 days, the humidity is lower at 83%. For more specific details about the weather in July, you can check Zurich weather in July.
January and August present a striking contrast in weather conditions. In January, temperatures can dip as low as -11°C (13°F), with an average of 1°C (35°F) and a maximum of 15°C (59°F). This cold month also sees considerable precipitation, totaling 112 mm (4.4 in) over 12 days, combined with a high humidity of 92%. In contrast, August boasts a milder climate, where temperatures range from a minimum of 9°C (49°F) to a maximum of 34°C (93°F), with an average of 20°C (67°F). The month experiences slightly higher precipitation at 141 mm (5.6 in) over 14 days, but the humidity is lower at 80%. For those interested in learning more about the summer weather in Zurich, you can check out Zurich weather in August.
In January, the weather is marked by significantly colder temperatures, with a minimum of -11°C (13°F) and an average hovering around 1°C (35°F). The month experiences substantial precipitation at 112 mm (4.4 in) over about 12 days, accompanied by high humidity levels of 92%. In contrast, September brings milder conditions, featuring a minimum temperature of 5°C (41°F) and an average of 16°C (60°F), peaking at 28°C (83°F). Precipitation is slightly lower at 104 mm (4.1 in), occurring on 11 days, and the humidity drops to a more comfortable 83%. For more details on September conditions, you can check out Zurich weather in September.
In January, temperatures can drop to a chilly minimum of -11°C (13°F), with an average of around 1°C (35°F) and a maximum of 15°C (59°F). The month experiences considerable precipitation, totaling 112 mm (4.4 in) over approximately 12 days, along with a high humidity level of 92%. In contrast, October sees milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 2°C (35°F) to an average of 11°C (52°F) and a maximum of 23°C (73°F). Precipitation slightly increases to 122 mm (4.8 in), spread across 13 days, and humidity remains relatively high at 90%. For a more detailed look at what to expect, you can explore Zurich weather in October.
January weather is characterized by its colder temperatures, with a minimum reaching -11°C (13°F) and an average of around 1°C (35°F), creating a chilly atmosphere. In contrast, November offers comparatively milder conditions, where temperatures range from a minimum of -1°C (30°F) to an average of 6°C (43°F), with a maximum temperature that can reach up to 21°C (71°F). Additionally, January sees more precipitation at 112 mm (4.4 in) over 12 days, while November has a total of 76 mm (3.0 in) over the same number of days, alongside slightly lower humidity at 88%. For a deeper look into November weather specifics, you can visit Zurich weather in November.
In comparing the weather between January and December, January tends to be slightly colder, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of -11°C (13°F) to a maximum of 15°C (59°F), while December experiences milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from -5°C (23°F) to a maximum of 14°C (57°F). Precipitation levels are also notable, with January receiving about 112 mm (4.4 in) over 12 days, compared to December's wetter conditions, which see 136 mm (5.4 in) over 19 days. Moreover, the humidity is slightly higher in January at 92%, against December's 90%. For more detailed information, you can check Zurich weather in December.
January in Zurich offers a unique contrast to the milder months, as it embraces the depths of winter with chilly temperatures and frequent precipitation. The month is characterized by a sharp drop in daytime warmth and the possibility of deep frosts, with many days confined to the single digits. Humidity levels peak, creating a damp atmosphere that, combined with 12 rainy days, often leads to a gray and overcast sky. For those seeking the charm of Swiss winters, January provides a picturesque setting, albeit colder and wetter compared to the vibrant, brighter months ahead. To learn more about what to expect throughout the year, check out Zurich Climate.