January Weather in Dornoch, United Kingdom

Last updated: March 17, 2025

In January, Dornoch, United Kingdom, experiences a diverse weather palette, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 13°C (56°F) and an average of 4°C (40°F). The month can be quite chilly, as minimum temperatures dip to -8°C (17°F), creating a crisp winter atmosphere. Rainfall is notable, totaling 57 mm (2.2 in) over 11 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 89%. This blend of cool temperatures and frequent precipitation offers a unique glimpse into the heart of a Scottish winter, perfect for those drawn to the serene beauty of cold, misty landscapes.

January Temperature in Dornoch

In Dornoch, United Kingdom, January brings a notable chill, with temperatures dipping as low as -8°C (17°F), while average highs reach a modest 13°C (56°F). This month marks the start of the year with a distinct winter bite, often showcasing a wide temperature range that hints at the brisk beauty of the season. As the month unfolds, the average temperature stabilizes around 4°C (40°F), setting a pattern for the following months which gradually warm up towards spring. Interestingly, February often presents the harshest temperatures of the season, with lows plummeting to -17°C (2°F), before transitioning to a more temperate March, where highs can reach 18°C (64°F), signaling the slow approach of warmer days ahead. Overall, January serves as a stark reminder of winter's grip, while paving the way for a gradual thaw as the year progresses.

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

The chart illustrates January temperature patterns in Dornoch, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec393942455056595854494340
Data source: Temperature data for Dornoch 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 Dornoch

In January, Dornoch experiences a relatively mild start to the year, with a total precipitation of 57 mm (2.2 in) spread over 11 days. This sets the tone for a typically wet winter, as the precipitation inches up in the following month, February, reaching 64 mm (2.5 in) across 15 days. As the season progresses into spring, the moisture continues to increase, peaking in March with 72 mm (2.8 in) and extending to 16 days of rainfall. The trend suggests that while January is often less wet than later months, it lays the groundwork for a gradual uptick in precipitation leading into the more robust spring months. This pattern highlights the transition into a wetter climate as the year unfolds, with winter giving way to the burgeoning spring showers that Dornoch often sees.

January Precipitation Trends in Dornoch

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Dornoch, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec5764724870636378911018369
Data source: Precipitation data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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January Humidity in Dornoch

In January, Dornoch, United Kingdom, experiences a characteristic high humidity level of 89%, setting the stage for a damp, chilly winter month. As the year progresses, humidity begins a gradual decline, reaching 84% in April and dipping further to 82% by May, creating a brief respite from the lingering moisture. However, as summer approaches, the humidity levels rise again, hovering around 86% in both July and August. Following the warmth, autumn brings a noticeable increase, with September and October experiencing humidity levels of 90% and 91% respectively. This trend peaks in the late autumn months, as November and December register 92% and 88% humidity, reminding residents of the region's penchant for a wet climate throughout the year. Overall, Dornoch's humidity levels highlight a cyclical pattern, with a distinct peak during the colder months and moderate fluctuations as the seasons change.

January Average Humidity in Dornoch

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Dornoch, 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 Dornoch

In January, Dornoch, United Kingdom, experiences a low UV Index of 1, with a burn time of 45 minutes. This pattern of low exposure continues into February, allowing for safe outdoor activities without much concern for sunburn. As spring approaches, the UV Index begins to rise, reaching 3 in March and then 5 in April and May, indicating a shift to a moderate level, where caution is necessary with a reduced burn time of 30 minutes. The trend peaks in the summer months, with the Index climbing to 7 in June and July, marking a high exposure category where skin protection becomes essential. August sees a slight decline to 6, while September and October revert back to moderate levels. Finally, the year closes with a return to low UV Index levels, as seen in November and December, echoing January's safe outdoor conditions. For more details, check the Dornoch UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Dornoch for January

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Dornoch 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec123557764311
Data source: Dornoch 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 Dornoch

In Dornoch, United Kingdom, January marks the beginning of the year with a modest 71 hours of sunshine, setting the stage for a gradual increase in brightness as the seasons change. By February, sunshine nearly doubles, reaching 155 hours, hinting at the promise of longer days ahead. As spring approaches, March brings an impressive 215 hours, paving the way for vibrant April with 341 hours. The peak of sunshine occurs in June, where residents enjoy 406 hours of radiant light, with July and August not far behind. As autumn approaches, the sunshine begins to dwindle, dropping to 295 hours in September and diminishing further to 116 hours by November. Finally, December brings a mere 85 hours, reminding us of the seasonal ebb and flow, where the sun's brilliance slowly recedes but inevitably returns with the new year. This clear trend illustrates the transition from winter’s chill to the lively warmth of summer, showcasing the captivating cycle of sunshine in Dornoch.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Dornoch: January Highlighted

The January sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Dornoch 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec71h155h215h341h397h406h403h378h295h222h116h85h
Data source: Dornoch January Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Dornoch During January

In Dornoch, January offers a modest chance of sunny weather, with about 28% of the month likely to feature clear skies. This percentage stands in stark contrast to February, which sees a notable increase to 39%, hinting at a potential shift towards sunnier days as the winter months progress. Following February, March dips to 21%, while the arrival of spring in April brings a welcomed rise to 37%. Interestingly, the overall trend reveals that while January may not be the sunniest of months, it sets the stage for an upward trajectory in sunshine chances as the year unfolds, making each passing day a glimmer of hope for brighter weather ahead.

Percentage of Sunny Days in January in Dornoch

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Dornoch 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 Dornoch experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec28%39%21%37%21%26%17%18%19%19%20%22%
Data source: Dornoch January chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Dornoch in January

In Dornoch, United Kingdom, January marks the beginning of the year with a modest 7 hours of daylight. As winter wanes, the days gradually lengthen, with February seeing an increase to 9 hours. By March, the anticipation of spring is palpable as daylight expands to 11 hours, eventually leading to a vibrant 14 hours in April. This upward trend continues into May and June, where residents can enjoy a remarkable 16 and 18 hours of sunlight, respectively. However, the peak of summer gives way to a gentle decline, as July still offers 17 hours, but August begins the descent with 15 hours. The cycle of light and dark continues into autumn and winter, with daylight receding to 12 hours in September, followed by a drop to 10 in October, and settling back to 7 hours in November before plunging to just 6 hours in December. This rhythmic ebb and flow of daylight not only marks the changing seasons but also enriches the character of Dornoch throughout the year.

Average Daylight Hours in Dornoch for January

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Dornoch throughout the year, with January highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec7h 18m9h 24m11h 52m14h 24m16h 43m18h17h 18m15h 11m12h 43m10h 13m7h 53m6h 35m
Data source: Dornoch daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

January Winds in Dornoch

In Dornoch, January greets residents and visitors with gentle breezes, as the average wind speed lingers around 3.4 m/s (8 mph). This calmness is a stark contrast to the brisk gusts that follow in February, where winds pick up to 5.0 m/s (11 mph), marking the month's reputation for change and transition. Interestingly, as spring approaches, March brings a slight dip to 4.5 m/s (10 mph), before the winds settle down again in April to match January’s tranquil pace. The trend reveals a notable dip in wind activity during the late spring and summer months, with July and August both experiencing an affable 3.0 m/s (7 mph). As autumn unfolds, wind speeds start to pick up once more, culminating in November’s brisk 4.7 m/s (11 mph), hinting at the encroaching winter. December then returns to a more serene average of 3.5 m/s (8 mph), echoing the calmness felt at the month's beginning, creating a rhythm of seasonal shifts in Dornoch’s wind patterns.

Average January Wind Speed in Dornoch

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Dornoch, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec3.4 m/s5.04.53.43.33.73.03.03.24.04.73.5
Data source: Dornoch January wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How January Weather in Dornoch Compares to Other Months

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

In January, the weather tends to be milder with average temperatures reaching 4°C (40°F) and a maximum of 13°C (56°F). However, January also experiences significant precipitation, totaling 57 mm (2.2 inches) over 11 days, and high humidity levels at 89%. In contrast, February sees colder temperatures, with a minimum of -17°C (2°F) and a maximum of 16°C (61°F) while maintaining the same average of 4°C (40°F). February also has slightly higher precipitation at 64 mm (2.5 inches) spread over 15 days, with humidity remaining relatively constant at 88%. For more detailed insights, you can check Dornoch weather in February.

In January, Dornoch experiences colder temperatures, with an average of 4°C (40°F) and a maximum of 13°C (56°F), while March sees a slight increase in warmth, averaging 5°C (42°F) with highs reaching 18°C (64°F). January has a minimum temperature of -8°C (17°F), whereas March's minimum is milder at -5°C (24°F). Precipitation is more frequent in March, occurring over 16 days compared to 11 days in January, totaling 72 mm (2.8 in) in March versus 57 mm (2.2 in) in January. Humidity levels remain relatively high in both months, with January slightly higher at 89% compared to March's 86%. For a detailed overview of the weather conditions in March, you can check Dornoch weather in March.

January's weather is characterized by colder temperatures, with a minimum of -8°C (17°F) and an average of 4°C (40°F), while April experiences milder conditions, registering a minimum of -5°C (23°F) and an average of 7°C (45°F). Although January has slightly higher humidity at 89% compared to April's 84%, it also sees more precipitation, with 57 mm (2.2 in) over 11 days, whereas April has 48 mm (1.9 in) over 12 days. Overall, while both months experience chilly conditions, April marks a transition towards warmer temperatures and a hint of spring. For more details, check out Dornoch weather in April.

In comparing the weather between January and May, there is a notable shift in temperature and precipitation patterns. January experiences colder conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -8°C (17°F) to a maximum of 13°C (56°F), while May sees warmer averages, with a minimum of -2°C (28°F) and a maximum reaching 25°C (76°F). Additionally, January has high humidity levels at 89% and lower precipitation at 57 mm (2.2 in) over 11 days compared to May's 70 mm (2.8 in) over 14 days, resulting in slightly less humid weather despite the increased rainfall. For further details about the weather during this time, check out Dornoch weather in May.

When comparing the weather of January and June, it is evident that there is a significant shift in temperature and conditions. January experiences much colder temperatures, with a minimum of -8°C (17°F) and an average of 4°C (40°F), whereas June sees a minimum of 1°C (34°F) and a much warmer average of 13°C (56°F), peaking at 27°C (80°F). Precipitation levels are relatively similar, with January recording 57 mm (2.2 in) and June at 63 mm (2.5 in), both occurring over 11 days. However, January has a higher humidity of 89%, compared to June’s 84%, creating a stark contrast in the overall feel of the months. For more details on June weather in Dornoch, check out this link: Dornoch weather in June.

In January, the weather is much colder, with temperatures ranging from a brisk -8°C (17°F) at night to a maximum of 13°C (56°F) during the day, accompanied by high humidity at 89%. This month experiences around 57 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation spread over 11 days. In contrast, July brings warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from a cool 4°C (39°F) in the early morning to a comfortable 28°C (82°F) at its peak. The summer month sees slightly more precipitation at 63 mm (2.5 in) over 15 days but maintains a lower humidity level of 86%. For more details on summer conditions, check Dornoch weather in July.

In January, the weather is quite cold, with temperatures ranging from a chilly minimum of -8°C (17°F) to a maximum of 13°C (56°F), and an average of just 4°C (40°F). The month experiences 57 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation over approximately 11 days, accompanied by high humidity levels of 89%. In contrast, August brings a much milder climate, with temperatures varying from a minimum of 5°C (41°F) to a pleasant maximum of 25°C (77°F) and an average of 14°C (58°F). Although August sees slightly more precipitation at 78 mm (3.1 in) across about 15 days, the humidity remains relatively close at 86%. For more detailed information, you can check Dornoch weather in August.

In January, the weather is notably colder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -8°C (17°F) to a maximum of 13°C (56°F) and an average of 4°C (40°F). The month experiences around 57 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation over about 11 days, accompanied by high humidity levels of 89%. In contrast, September brings a significant warming trend, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 0°C (33°F) to a maximum of 24°C (76°F) and an average of 12°C (55°F). This month sees increased precipitation, totaling 91 mm (3.6 in) spread over approximately 15 days, along with a slight uptick in humidity to 90%. For a closer look at the climate during this month, you can visit Dornoch weather in September.

In January, the weather is characterized by colder temperatures, with averages around 4°C (40°F) and a minimum that can drop to -8°C (17°F). Precipitation occurs on about 11 days and totals 57 mm (2.2 in), while the humidity hovers around 89%. In contrast, October brings milder conditions, with an average temperature of 9°C (49°F) and maximums reaching up to 19°C (66°F). However, it is wetter, with precipitation recorded on 18 days and totaling 101 mm (4.0 in), accompanied by slightly higher humidity at 91%. For more details, you can check the full overview here: Dornoch weather in October.

When comparing the weather in January and November, we see some notable differences. January tends to be colder, with minimum temperatures dropping to -8°C (17°F) and an average of 4°C (40°F), while November is slightly milder, featuring a minimum of -4°C (24°F) and an average of 6°C (44°F). Precipitation is more frequent in November, with 83 mm (3.3 in) over 17 days compared to January's 57 mm (2.2 in) across 11 days. Additionally, humidity levels are slightly higher in November at 92% compared to January's 89%. For more details on November weather, you can check this link: Dornoch weather in November.

In comparing the weather of January and December, both months showcase similar average temperatures, with January featuring a minimum of -8°C (17°F) and a maximum of 13°C (56°F), while December has a slightly warmer minimum of -6°C (21°F). Precipitation levels are higher in December, with 69 mm (2.7 in) over 15 days compared to January's 57 mm (2.2 in) over 11 days, indicating that December tends to be a wetter month. Humidity remains fairly consistent between the two months, at 89% for January and 88% for December, contributing to the overall chilly feel. For more detailed weather information, you can check Dornoch weather in December.

Compare Dornoch's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From January Weather in Dornoch

January in Dornoch presents a distinct contrast to other months, offering a chilly yet captivating atmosphere. With temperatures frequently dipping below freezing, this winter month invites visitors to embrace the cold, often accompanied by frequent precipitation that adds a touch of magic to the landscape. The high humidity level of 89% can make the air feel crisper, enhancing the wintry experience. While January’s max temperatures hover around a mild 13°C (56°F), the sharp drop to colder lows creates a refreshing chill that defines this time of year. For a deeper dive into the weather trends year-round, explore Dornoch Climate.