January Weather in Leicester, United Kingdom

Last updated: March 17, 2025

January in Leicester, United Kingdom, offers a chill that beckons both locals and visitors alike to experience its wintry charm. With maximum temperatures reaching a mild 14°C (58°F) and dipping to a brisk -5°C (24°F) at night, the month's average temperature sits around a crisp 5°C (41°F). Rain is part of the landscape, as the city sees 50 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation across about 10 days, ensuring the air is saturated with a noticeable 90% humidity. This blend of cold and wet creates a unique atmosphere, making January a perfect time to explore Leicester's winter offerings and cozy indoors.

January Temperature in Leicester

In January, Leicester experiences chilly temperatures as winter holds its grip, with minimums plunging to -5°C (24°F) and average highs reaching only around 5°C (41°F). The month paints a stark contrast to the milder weather that lies ahead, becoming a turning point as February nudges the mercury up slightly, with average temperatures climbing to 6°C (42°F). This gradual warming continues into March, where the average increases to 7°C (45°F) and daytime highs flirt with 21°C (69°F), signaling the arrival of early spring. As the year progresses into April and May, Leicester’s temperatures pivot dramatically upward, showcasing a distinct trend where cold days give way to a brightening landscape of warmth, setting the stage for warmer summer months that follow. January, with its cold nights and brisk days, serves as a reminder of the seasonal shift, marking the beginning of a journey toward the balmy weather of midsummer.

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

The chart illustrates January temperature patterns in Leicester, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec404245485460646258524642
Data source: Temperature data for Leicester 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 Leicester

January in Leicester brings a moderate precipitation total of 50 mm (2.0 in), typically spread over 10 days. As winter sets in, this month often feels damp, but lighter than the forthcoming months. Notably, February sees a slight increase in both precipitation and rainfall days, hinting at the transition toward spring. Over the following months, precipitation continues to rise, peaking in July with 80 mm (3.1 in) across 13 days, making summer the wettest season. This trend indicates an interesting seasonal rhythm in Leicester's weather, as January serves as an early indicator of the wetter days yet to come in the year ahead.

January Precipitation Trends in Leicester

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Leicester, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec505663385974807359766178
Data source: Precipitation data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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January Humidity in Leicester

In January, Leicester experiences some of its highest humidity levels, with an average of 90%. This peak sets the stage for a gradual decline as the winter months transition into spring; by February, humidity dips slightly to 88% and continues to decrease through to April, settling at 84%. As spring unfolds, we see a further reduction, reaching a low of 76% in the warm summer months of July and August. However, as autumn arrives, humidity begins to creep back up, with September showing an increase to 85%. The cycle continues, with October and December also hitting the 90% mark, while November sees an even higher average of 92%—making it a month characterized by notable moisture in the air. Overall, Leicester's humidity trends reflect a distinct seasonal rhythm, swinging from the highs of winter to the drier, more comfortable summer months before climbing back up as the year winds down.

January Average Humidity in Leicester

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Leicester, with January's data highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the fluctuation in humidity throughout the year, allowing you to see how January's humidity levels compare to other months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec90%88%86%84%80%81%76%77%85%90%92%90%
Data source: Humidity data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

January UV Index in Leicester

In January, the UV Index in Leicester, United Kingdom is quite low, registering at 1, which translates to a comfortable burn time of 45 minutes under direct sunlight. As winter progresses into February, the UV Index rises slightly to 2, maintaining the low exposure category. This trend of low UV levels continues through the early months of the year, but come March, the index increases to 4, indicating a moderate level of exposure where the burn time decreases to 30 minutes. The upward trend continues into April with an index of 5 and further escalates in the warmer months: reaching 7 in May and hitting a peak of 8 in June and July, where protective measures become crucial with burn times dropping to just 15 minutes. As summer transitions to fall, there’s a gradual decline, with August marking a UV Index of 7 once again, followed by a decrease to 5 in September and further down to 2 in November. This ebb and flow of UV levels illustrates the changing seasons in Leicester, reminding residents to stay vigilant about sun exposure, particularly during the sunnier months. For more detailed information, visit Leicester UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Leicester for January

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Leicester 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec124578875421
Data source: Leicester 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 Leicester

In January, Leicester greets the year with a modest 84 hours of sunshine, a stark contrast to the brightening days that follow. As winter gives way to spring, February experiences a boost with 148 hours of sunlight, hinting at the warmth ahead. March continues this trend, blossoming to 199 hours, and by April, the sun shines brilliantly for 310 hours, marking a vibrant transition. The peak of summer sees delightfully sunny conditions, with July basking in 384 hours, while August follows closely at 353 hours. However, as the year winds down, sunlight begins to wane, falling to 230 hours in October and dwindling to 101 hours by December. This seasonal rhythm underscores Leicester's charm, revealing how the sunshine dances through each month, inviting residents and visitors alike to embrace the changing skies.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Leicester: January Highlighted

The January sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Leicester 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec84h148h199h310h383h351h384h353h284h230h130h101h
Data source: Leicester January Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Leicester During January

In Leicester, the likelihood of sunny weather in January is relatively low at 22%, reflecting the city's typical winter climate. This percentage aligns closely with the sun chances in both October and December, suggesting a consistent pattern of diminished daylight during the colder months. As we move into February and March, the probability of sunshine only slightly increases to 23%, maintaining that wintery feel. It's not until April that we see a notable jump to 48%, heralding the arrival of spring and sunnier days ahead. This trend highlights January's role as a transitional month, where the potential for sunlight is limited, setting the stage for a gradual rise as the seasons shift.

Percentage of Sunny Days in January in Leicester

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Leicester 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 Leicester experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec22%24%23%48%29%25%35%21%28%22%30%16%
Data source: Leicester January chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Leicester in January

In Leicester, United Kingdom, January heralds the return of daylight, but with just eight hours to offer, it’s a month that still leans into the shadows of winter. As we transition into February, daylight begins to stretch slightly longer, reaching nine hours, signaling the gradual shift towards longer days. By March, the increase becomes more pronounced, with eleven hours inviting the first hints of spring. This upward trend continues into April and May, boasting thirteen and fifteen hours respectively, allowing residents to bask in the blossoming outdoor scenes. The peak of daylight arrives in June and July, where Leicester enjoys a generous sixteen hours of sunlight, creating vibrant summer days that invite exploration and leisure. However, as summer yields to autumn, the daylight slowly recedes, with August and September offering fourteen and twelve hours before descending into the shorter days of October, which sees ten hours. The year closes with November and December, bringing back the embrace of winter as daylight dwindles to eight and then just seven hours, reminding us of the seasonal cycle and the fleeting nature of light.

Average Daylight Hours in Leicester for January

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Leicester throughout the year, with January highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec8h 12m9h 52m11h 54m13h 59m15h 49m16h 47m16h 16m14h 37m12h 36m10h 32m8h 40m7h 40m
Data source: Leicester daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

January Winds in Leicester

In January, Leicester experiences a mild breeze with an average wind speed of 4.5 m/s (10 mph), setting the stage for a winter that is breezy but not overly harsh. As the month fades into February, the winds pick up slightly, rising to 5.3 m/s (12 mph), signaling a transition toward the early stirrings of spring. However, by March, the winds calm down to 4.8 m/s (11 mph), creating a brief respite before the breezier months ahead. The trend continues into April and May, where a noticeable dip in wind speed to 3.4 m/s (8 mph) and then a slight recovery to 4.2 m/s (9 mph) respectively reflects the shift towards warmer, more stable weather. Throughout the summer, wind speeds drop further, with July averaging just 3.0 m/s (7 mph), leading to a tranquil atmosphere. As autumn approaches, there's a subtle increase again, with October reaching 5.2 m/s (12 mph), suggesting a prelude to winter's return, while November mirrors January’s calmness at 4.5 m/s (10 mph) before December brings a slight uplift to 4.8 m/s (11 mph). This cyclical pattern illustrates how the wind in Leicester ebbs and flows with the seasons, shaping the character of each month.

Average January Wind Speed in Leicester

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Leicester, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec4.5 m/s5.34.83.44.23.53.04.03.65.24.54.8
Data source: Leicester January wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How January Weather in Leicester Compares to Other Months

The weather in Leicester changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of January's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Leicester and find detailed weather information for every month.

January and February exhibit similar cold temperatures, with January experiencing a minimum of -5°C (24°F) and an average of 5°C (41°F), while February sees slightly warmer conditions with an average of 6°C (42°F) and a maximum of 18°C (64°F). Both months receive comparable amounts of precipitation, with January totaling 50 mm (2.0 in) over 10 days and February slightly higher at 56 mm (2.2 in) over 11 days. The humidity remains relatively consistent, with January at 90% and February at 88%. For a closer look at the specific weather patterns in February, check out Leicester weather in February.

In January, the weather in Leicester is characterized by chillier temperatures, with a minimum of -5°C (24°F) and an average of 5°C (41°F), while it can reach a maximum of 14°C (58°F). The month experiences around 50 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation over approximately 10 days, combined with high humidity levels at 90%. In contrast, March brings a noticeable warming trend, featuring a minimum of -7°C (20°F), an average of 7°C (45°F), and a maximum of 21°C (69°F). Though March sees slightly higher precipitation at 63 mm (2.5 in) across 12 days, humidity is somewhat lower at 86%. For more detailed information on what to expect, check out Leicester weather in March.

In January, the weather tends to be quite chilly, with average temperatures hovering around 5°C (41°F) and a maximum of only 14°C (58°F). The month sees about 50 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation spread over approximately 10 days, and humidity levels remain high at around 90%. In contrast, April brings a noticeable warming trend, with average temperatures rising to 9°C (48°F) and highs reaching up to 25°C (77°F). April experiences slightly less rainfall, totaling about 38 mm (1.5 in) over just 8 days, and the humidity drops to 84%. For more detailed information, check out Leicester weather in April.

In January, the weather is quite chilly, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -5°C (24°F) to a maximum of 14°C (58°F), and an average temperature of 5°C (41°F). The month experiences around 50 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation over approximately 10 days, accompanied by high humidity levels of 90%.

In contrast, May brings a noticeable warming trend, with minimum temperatures rising to 0°C (33°F) and maximums reaching 25°C (78°F), resulting in an average of 12°C (54°F). Although May has slightly higher precipitation at 59 mm (2.3 in) over about 12 days, the humidity decreases to 80%. For a detailed look at what to expect, check out Leicester weather in May.

January in Leicester is characterized by chilly temperatures, with minimums dipping down to -5°C (24°F) and averages around 5°C (41°F). The month sees a total of about 50 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation over roughly 10 days, accompanied by a high humidity level of 90%. In contrast, June brings a significant warming trend, with minimum temperatures rising to 7°C (44°F) and averaging around 16°C (60°F). The maximum temperature can reach as high as 30°C (86°F), and while June has a slightly higher total precipitation of 74 mm (2.9 in) spread across around 12 days, the humidity decreases to 81%. For more details on June's weather, you can check Leicester weather in June.

In January, Leicester experiences a chilly climate, with temperatures ranging from a frigid minimum of -5°C (24°F) to a mild maximum of 14°C (58°F). The overall average sits at around 5°C (41°F), accompanied by high humidity levels of 90% and about 50 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation spread over 10 days. In contrast, July brings a dramatic shift, with temperatures soaring from a minimum of 6°C (43°F) to a scorching maximum of 36°C (96°F) and an average of 18°C (64°F). Although it’s warmer, July sees slightly more precipitation at 80 mm (3.1 in) over 13 days and lower humidity at 76%. For a detailed look at the weather trends, check Leicester weather in July.

In January, Leicester experiences chilly temperatures, ranging from a minimum of -5°C (24°F) to a maximum of 14°C (58°F), with an average temperature of 5°C (41°F). The month sees about 50 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation over approximately 10 days and high humidity levels at 90%. In stark contrast, August brings much warmer weather, with temperatures fluctuating between a minimum of 8°C (46°F) and a high of 33°C (92°F), averaging around 17°C (63°F). Precipitation increases to 73 mm (2.9 in) across about 12 days, but humidity drops to a more comfortable 77%. This transformation from the cold, damp January climate to the warm, humid August days highlights the diverse seasonal variations in Leicester. For more details, visit Leicester weather in August.

In January, Leicester experiences much colder temperatures, with a minimum of -5°C (24°F) and an average of just 5°C (41°F), while September sees milder conditions, ranging from a minimum of 3°C (37°F) to an average of 14°C (58°F) and peaking at a comfortable 29°C (84°F). Although January has slightly lower precipitation at 50 mm (2.0 in) compared to September’s 59 mm (2.3 in), both months have rain on about 10 days. The humidity in January is higher at 90%, making the cold feel more biting, whereas in September, it remains relatively high at 85%, but is coupled with warmer temperatures. For a more detailed insight into September’s weather, check out Leicester weather in September.

January and October present contrasting weather patterns, despite the similar humidity levels of 90%. In January, temperatures range from a chilly -5°C (24°F) to a mild 14°C (58°F), with an average of 5°C (41°F) and about 50 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation across 10 days. In comparison, October offers a much more moderate climate, with temperatures varying from 0°C (32°F) to a pleasant 23°C (74°F), averaging 11°C (52°F) and experiencing slightly higher rainfall of 76 mm (3.0 in) over 12 days. This shift highlights the transition from winter's cold grip to autumn’s more temperate embrace. For further details, you can explore Leicester weather in October.

January and November offer distinctly different weather experiences. In January, temperatures range from a chilly -5°C (24°F) to a mild 14°C (58°F), with an average of 5°C (41°F). The month sees approximately 50 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation over about 10 days, accompanied by high humidity at 90%. In contrast, November enjoys slightly warmer temperatures, with a range from -2°C (28°F) to 17°C (63°F), averaging 8°C (46°F). Precipitation increases to 60 mm (2.4 in) spread across 12 days, while humidity remains close at 92%. For more detailed information, you can visit Leicester weather in November.

In comparing the weather between January and December, we see some notable similarities and differences. Both months experience minimum temperatures around -5°C (23°F to 24°F), and maximum temperatures cap at 14°C (58°F), suggesting similar daytime highs. However, January tends to have a slightly warmer average temperature of 5°C (41°F) compared to December's 6°C (43°F).

In terms of precipitation, December is wetter with 78 mm (3.1 in) over 15 days, whereas January sees only 50 mm (2.0 in) across 10 days. This results in a drier January, despite both months registering a high humidity of 90%. For more details on December weather, you can check Leicester weather in December.

Compare Leicester's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From January Weather in Leicester

January in Leicester presents a unique blend of crisp winter air and varying temperatures, marking a notable contrast to the milder months. With a maximum temperature that hovers around 14°C, yet dipping occasionally to a chilly -5°C, it's a time when residents must prepare for the biting cold. The city experiences frequent precipitation, averaging 50 mm over about 10 days, contributing to a humid atmosphere that can linger, making outdoor activities a bit more challenging. For those looking to understand how Leicester's January weather fits into the broader climate trends, explore more at Leicester Climate.