January Weather in Ballater, United Kingdom

Last updated: March 17, 2025

In Ballater, United Kingdom, January brings a cool and damp climate, with average temperatures hovering around 2°C (35°F). The month experiences maximum highs reaching up to 11°C (52°F), while the chilly nights can plunge to a brisk -12°C (11°F). January is characterized by a notable 53 mm (2.1 in) of precipitation spread over 11 days, resulting in an 89% humidity level that contributes to the town’s crisp, refreshing air. The combination of cool temperatures and frequent rain showcases Ballater's characteristic winter charm, inviting visitors to enjoy its scenic beauty amidst the frosty backdrop.

January Temperature in Ballater

In January, Ballater, United Kingdom, experiences a chilly embrace with temperatures ranging from a brisk -12°C (11°F) to a mild 11°C (52°F). The average temperature hovers at 2°C (35°F), providing a stark contrast to the warmer months ahead. As the year unfolds, February continues this cold trend, dipping to -14°C (7°F), before gradually lifting in March and April, where temperatures start inching upwards, making way for spring. Interestingly, while January sets the tone for winter with its frosty nights, the progression into February and beyond hints at a soon-to-come thaw, suggesting a climate that is as dynamic as the stunning landscapes surrounding Ballater.

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

The chart illustrates January temperature patterns in Ballater, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec353638414753565551454036
Data source: Temperature data for Ballater 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 Ballater

In January, Ballater experiences a relatively mild start to the year with 53 mm (2.1 in) of precipitation spread across 11 days. While this amount is lower compared to the wetter months ahead—such as February, which sees a significant rise to 93 mm (3.7 in) over 15 days—January still hints at the persistent rain that characterizes the region throughout the winter. As we move into spring, the precipitation fluctuates but remains substantial, with March recording 82 mm and April slightly easing to 51 mm. Notably, the continuation of rain is a theme, as summer months like July and August peak with 105 mm (4.1 in) of rainfall, highlighting Ballater's consistently damp climate. Overall, January serves as a precursor to the wetter months that define the Scottish weather cycle, blending cold and moisture into the landscape.

January Precipitation Trends in Ballater

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Ballater, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec53938351100941051038010510393
Data source: Precipitation data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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January Humidity in Ballater

In January, Ballater, United Kingdom, experiences a high humidity level of 89%, setting the tone for a damp winter month. This trend of elevated moisture continues into February, dropping slightly to 88%, but remains consistently high through the early months of the year. As spring approaches, humidity begins to ease, reaching 84% by April and 82% in May. However, as summer emerges, the levels return to 84% in June and peak again at 86% through July and August. A notable uptick occurs in the fall, with September soaring to 90%, followed by a steady increase into the wetter months of October and November, which see 91% and 92%, respectively. The cycle of humidity illustrates a characteristic pattern in Ballater, with the air feeling notably heavy in both winter and autumn.

January Average Humidity in Ballater

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Ballater, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec89%88%86%84%82%84%86%86%90%91%92%89%
Data source: Humidity data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

January UV Index in Ballater

In January, Ballater experiences a low UV Index of 1, indicating minimal risk of harm from the sun's rays. With a burn time of about 45 minutes, it's a safe time for outdoor activities with appropriate sun protection. As the year progresses into February, the UV Index slightly increases to 2, maintaining that low exposure category but signaling the start of sunnier days ahead. By March, the UV Index rises to 3, marking the transition into moderate exposure, and decreasing burn time to 30 minutes. This upward trend continues until June, where the UV Index peaks at 8, classified as very high—with only 15 minutes before risk sets in. Following summer, the figures gradually decrease, returning to a low exposure category by November and December. Overall, Ballater's UV Index in January encourages visitors to enjoy the outdoors while remaining sun-smart. For more detailed insights, visit Ballater UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Ballater for January

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Ballater 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec123568765311
Data source: Ballater 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 Ballater

January in Ballater, United Kingdom, ushers in a modest 83 hours of sunshine, setting the stage for a gradual ascent into brighter days as winter gives way to spring. By February, sunshine nearly doubles, reaching 150 hours, and continues to grow each month, peaking in the vibrant summer of July with 424 hours of golden rays. The trend showcases a delightful transition from the cold, gray depths of winter to the warmth of summer, before gradually tapering off in the fall months of September and October, where sunshine totals remain significant at 307 and 225 hours, respectively. However, as November and December approach, the days shorten once more, leaving behind only 114 hours and 90 hours of sunlight, inviting cozy evenings and a reflective close to the year. Overall, this pattern beautifully highlights the rhythmic ebb and flow of daylight in Ballater, celebrating the seasons' unique charm.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Ballater: January Highlighted

The January sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Ballater 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec83h150h224h347h415h411h424h385h307h225h114h90h
Data source: Ballater January Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Ballater During January

In Ballater, United Kingdom, January is characterized by a modest 22% chance of sunny weather, setting the tone for the winter season. This figure reflects a slight dip compared to February's 27%, indicating that late winter months may offer a bit more brightness. Interestingly, while January experiences less sunshine than the sunnier months of April (40%) and February, it aligns closely with the average chances seen throughout the year—hovering around 21-23% for several other months. As January transitions into spring, the variability in sunny days hints at the charming unpredictability of Scottish weather, where moments of warmth and clarity can emerge even in the heart of winter.

Percentage of Sunny Days in January in Ballater

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Ballater 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 Ballater experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec22%27%21%40%16%23%23%18%22%16%21%21%
Data source: Ballater January chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Ballater in January

In January, Ballater, United Kingdom, experiences about 7 hours of daylight, a stark contrast to the vibrant summer months ahead. As the year progresses, February brings a modest increase to 9 hours, hinting at the approaching longer days. By March, daylight reaches 11 hours, continuing its upward trend as spring emerges. The transition is even more pronounced in April with 14 hours, and May delights residents with 16 hours of sunshine. The peak occurs in June and July, where daylight stretches an impressive 17 hours, allowing for long, leisurely evenings. As summer wanes in August, daylight begins to taper to 15 hours and further diminishes in the fall months, with September at 12 hours and October down to 10 hours. The cycle continues with a decline in November to 8 hours and a rather brief 6 hours in December, completing the annual rhythm of light and shadow in this picturesque location.

Average Daylight Hours in Ballater for January

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Ballater throughout the year, with January highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec7h 28m9h 29m11h 53m14h 20m16h 33m17h 45m17h 6m15h 5m12h 42m10h 16m8h 2m6h 48m
Data source: Ballater daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

January Winds in Ballater

In Ballater, January typically experiences an average wind speed of 3.2 m/s (7 mph), setting the stage for a gentle winter breeze. This month marks the beginning of a trend where wind speeds gradually increase, peaking in February at 4.7 m/s (10 mph) before tapering off again in the spring. Unlike the blustery days of winter, where the wind accompanies the chill, the transition into summer brings a noticeable slowdown, with July reaching its calmest point at only 2.1 m/s (5 mph). As the year progresses, wind speeds gradually ascend again through the autumn months, creating an ever-shifting atmospheric tableau that encapsulates Ballater's dynamic seasonal character.

Average January Wind Speed in Ballater

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Ballater, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec3.2 m/s4.74.13.23.03.22.12.73.03.94.43.3
Data source: Ballater January wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How January Weather in Ballater Compares to Other Months

The weather in Ballater 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 Ballater and find detailed weather information for every month.

January and February in Ballater present distinct yet somewhat similar weather patterns. In January, temperatures range from a minimum of -12°C (11°F) to a maximum of 11°C (52°F), with an average of 2°C (35°F). The month experiences 53 mm (2.1 in) of precipitation over 11 days, coupled with high humidity at 89%. In February, the situation evolves slightly; the minimum temperature drops to -14°C (7°F), but the maximum rises to 15°C (59°F), maintaining an average around 2°C (36°F). Precipitation increases to 93 mm (3.7 in) spread over 15 days, with humidity remaining relatively stable at 88%. This shift highlights February's wetter atmosphere, despite similar average temperatures. For more detailed insights on February weather patterns, you can visit Ballater weather in February.

January and March present noticeable differences in weather patterns. In January, temperatures range from a chilly -12°C (11°F) to a mild 11°C (52°F), with an average of 2°C (35°F). This month also experiences 53 mm (2.1 in) of precipitation over 11 days, coupled with high humidity at 89%. In contrast, March shows a slightly warmer climate, with temperatures fluctuating between -8°C (19°F) and a maximum of 16°C (61°F), averaging at 3°C (38°F). The precipitation increases to 82 mm (3.2 in) across 16 days, while humidity remains relatively high at 86%. For a detailed look at the weather in March, visit Ballater weather in March.

In comparing the weather of January and April, we see notable differences in temperature and conditions. January experiences much colder temperatures, with a minimum of -12°C (11°F) and an average of 2°C (35°F), while April sees milder weather with a minimum of -6°C (21°F) and an average of 5°C (42°F). Both months have similar levels of precipitation, with January receiving 53 mm (2.1 in) over 11 days and April having slightly less at 51 mm (2.0 in) over 12 days. The humidity levels are also relatively close, at 89% in January and 84% in April. For more detailed insights, you can check Ballater weather in April.

In January, temperatures are much colder, with average highs reaching only 11°C (52°F) and lows dipping to -12°C (11°F), accompanied by high humidity levels at 89%. The month experiences 53 mm (2.1 in) of precipitation over about 11 days, creating a damp and chilly atmosphere. In contrast, May brings a significant warming trend, with average temperatures ranging from a low of -4°C (26°F) to a pleasant high of 23°C (74°F). Although May sees increased precipitation, totaling 100 mm (3.9 in) over 16 days, the humidity drops slightly to 82%. For a more detailed look at weather conditions during May, you can visit Ballater weather in May.

January and June present contrasting weather experiences. In January, temperatures can drop as low as -12°C (11°F) and typically average around 2°C (35°F), with a maximum of 11°C (52°F). The month sees about 53 mm (2.1 in) of precipitation spread over 11 days, coupled with high humidity at 89%. In comparison, June offers a much warmer climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 0°C (32°F) to an average of 12°C (53°F) and reaching a maximum of 27°C (80°F). While June has more precipitation at 93 mm (3.7 in) over 16 days, the humidity is slightly lower at 84%. For more detailed information, you can check out Ballater weather in June.

In January, the weather is quite cold, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -12°C (11°F) to a maximum of 11°C (52°F), averaging around 2°C (35°F). The month experiences high humidity at 89% and receives about 53 mm (2.1 in) of precipitation over 11 days. In contrast, July brings a much milder climate, featuring temperatures that range from a minimum of 3°C (37°F) to a maximum of 24°C (75°F), with an average temperature of 14°C (57°F). While July sees increased precipitation at 105 mm (4.1 in) over 17 days, humidity remains relatively stable at 86%. For more detailed information about weather conditions in July, you can visit Ballater weather in July.

In January, the weather is typically cold, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -12°C (11°F) to a maximum of 11°C (52°F) and an average of 2°C (35°F). This month also experiences high humidity at 89% and about 53 mm (2.1 in) of precipitation over 11 days. In contrast, August brings milder temperatures, with a minimum of 3°C (38°F), an average of 13°C (55°F), and a maximum of 24°C (75°F). Although August has a slightly lower humidity level at 86%, it sees more precipitation, totaling 103 mm (4.1 in) over 17 days. For more details on the weather during this summer month, you can check Ballater weather in August.

January and September present distinctly different weather patterns. In January, temperatures range from a chilly -12°C (11°F) at night to a mild maximum of 11°C (52°F), with an average of 2°C (35°F). The month sees about 53 mm (2.1 in) of precipitation over 11 days, coupled with high humidity at 89%. In contrast, September offers a much warmer climate, with night temperatures starting at 0°C (33°F) and rising to an average of 11°C (51°F), peaking at a pleasant 24°C (76°F) during the day. Although September receives more precipitation at 80 mm (3.2 in) over 14 days, the overall warmth and length of daylight make it a more inviting month. For a detailed look at what to expect during this time, check out Ballater weather in September.

In comparing the weather between January and October, January presents a much colder atmosphere with average temperatures hovering around 2°C (35°F) and reaching as low as -12°C (11°F). The month experiences a relatively low precipitation level of 53 mm (2.1 in) over 11 days. In contrast, October has milder temperatures, ranging from a minimum of -3°C (26°F) to a maximum of 16°C (62°F) and an average of 7°C (45°F). It is also considerably wetter, with precipitation reaching 105 mm (4.1 in) spread over 18 days. Additionally, humidity levels are slightly higher in October at 91%, compared to January's 89%. For more detailed information, you can check Ballater weather in October.

Comparing January and November weather reveals some notable differences. In January, temperatures tend to be colder, with a minimum of -12°C (11°F) and an average of 2°C (35°F), while November experiences milder conditions, with a minimum of -6°C (21°F) and an average of 4°C (40°F). Precipitation is more frequent in November, totaling 102 mm (4.0 in) over 16 days, compared to January's 53 mm (2.1 in) over just 11 days. Humidity levels are slightly higher in November at 92%, compared to January's 89%. For more details on November weather, you can check Ballater weather in November.

In comparing the weather between January and December, both months feature similar average temperatures, with January experiencing a minimum of -12°C (11°F) and December slightly warmer at -10°C (14°F). The maximum temperatures for both months peak at 11°C (52°F), indicating consistent warmth. However, December sees more precipitation, with 93 mm (3.7 in) over 16 days compared to January's 53 mm (2.1 in) across 11 days. Humidity levels are quite comparable as well, with December at 88% and January slightly higher at 89%. For a detailed look at December weather in Ballater, you can visit Ballater weather in December.

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Conclusion: What to Expect From January Weather in Ballater

In January, Ballater experiences a notable shift in weather compared to other months, as temperatures hover around a chilly average of 2°C, with the potential to dip as low as -12°C. This stark cold is complemented by high humidity levels of 89%, creating a crisp, damp atmosphere typical of winter. While the region witnesses about 53 mm of precipitation over 11 days, it’s the chill and the chance of snow that truly set January apart. Despite the winter weather, this month offers a unique beauty to the landscape, encouraging adventure and exploration under the serene, frosty skies. For a comprehensive understanding of Ballater's weather throughout the year, visit Ballater Climate.