Last updated: March 17, 2025
January in Glasgow, United Kingdom brings a mix of chilly temperatures and damp conditions. With a maximum of 14°C (57°F) and an average of 5°C (41°F), the city endures cool days, while nighttime lows can plunge to a brisk -7°C (20°F). Rain is a frequent visitor, contributing to 84 mm (3.3 in) of precipitation over 12 days, resulting in a humidity level around 90%. This month’s weather offers a true sense of Glasgow's winter charm, blending crisp air with a persistent, drizzly atmosphere.
In January, Glasgow experiences a chilly embrace, with temperatures ranging from a brisk -7°C (20°F) at their lowest, peaking at a mild 14°C (57°F). The average temperature hovers around 5°C (41°F), setting the stage for a month marked by frosty mornings and the occasional sunny afternoon. As winter deepens, you’ll notice a slight upward trend in temperatures leading into February, where the minimum warms to -5°C (23°F) and the maximum inches up to 15°C (59°F). This gradual warming hints at the transitioning seasons, as the city prepares to shake off winter's chill, while maintaining a consistent average temperature. Overall, January serves as a vivid reminder of Glasgow’s dramatic climate shifts, from the brisk cold to the hint of warmth, setting the tone for the rest of the winter.
In January, Glasgow experiences a fair amount of rainfall, with precipitation totaling 84 mm (3.3 in) over approximately 12 days. This sets the tone for the winter months, highlighting how January's figures are substantially lower than those of February, which sees an increase to 129 mm (5.1 in), the wettest month of the season. As the year progresses, precipitation tends to fluctuate, with March also experiencing notable rainfall (106 mm) before April offers a respite with just 44 mm (1.7 in). The trend continues into the warmer months, where summer months like June and August see a surge in rainfall, often exceeding 100 mm, while January remains a reminder of the consistent dampness that characterizes Glasgow’s climate throughout the year. This pattern of precipitation demonstrates a typical Scottish winter, where intermittent rain is a regular companion for residents and visitors alike.
In January, Glasgow experiences its highest humidity level at a remarkable 90%, setting the tone for a typically damp winter. This high humidity begins a gradual decline through the milder months, with February trailing at 88% and March slightly lowering to 86%. As spring approaches, the humidity continues to decrease, reaching 85% in April and 80% in May. However, the trend reverses as summer sets in, with a slight uptick in humidity during June and July, hovering around 83% and 82%, respectively. The early autumn months see another dip, but humidity spikes again in September to 88% and rises back to 90% by October. The year closes with November and December, both maintaining high humidity levels of 92% and 89%, respectively. Thus, Glasgow's climate reveals a consistent pattern of high humidity, particularly in the colder months, which transitions into a more moderate pattern as spring arrives, before peaking again as the year concludes.
In January, Glasgow experiences a UV Index of 1, categorizing it as a low exposure month with a burn time of 45 minutes. This trend of low UV levels continues into February, where the index slightly increases to 2, but still remains within the low exposure range. As winter transitions into spring, March ushers in a moderate UV index of 3, reducing the safe sun exposure time to 30 minutes. However, a notable rise begins in April, with the UV Index reaching 5, highlighting a shift towards more moderate sun intensity. This steady uptick peaks in the summer months of June and July, where the UV Index hits 8—labeled very high—with only 15 minutes of safe exposure. As August wraps up the summer, the levels drop to 6 but remain high, before transitioning back to moderate conditions in September and October. Interestingly, the year winds down with the UV Index returning to low levels of 1 in both November and December, offering a stark contrast to the sun-filled summer. To learn more about the UV Index patterns throughout the year, visit Glasgow UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In Glasgow, January greets residents with a modest 68 hours of sunshine, setting a stark contrast against the brightening days of February, which sees a significant increase to 128 hours. As spring approaches, March brings further cheer with 181 hours of sunlight, heralding the gradual shift towards longer days. This upward trend continues through the months, peaking in July with a splendid 390 hours of sunshine. However, the sunshine starts to wane in August, with 344 hours, as the city transitions into autumn. September still enjoys 274 hours, but by November, the daylight dwindles to just 108 hours, before dipping to a mere 71 hours in December. This cyclical pattern showcases Scotland’s seasonal rhythm, inviting both locals and visitors to embrace the fleeting sunny days amidst the often overcast ambiance.
In Glasgow, January brings a 27% chance of sunny weather, slightly higher than February’s 25%. This trend showcases the city’s often overcast winter months, as sunshine becomes increasingly rare, with March plummeting to just 19%. The following months, however, reveal a shift towards brighter days, with April surging to 47%—a stark contrast that highlights the gradual transition into spring. Interestingly, the likelihood of sunshine tends to oscillate, with May and July both hovering around 29% and 30%, respectively, before dipping in the summer months. Overall, January may be gray and chilly, but the increasing chances of sun on the horizon provide a glimmer of hope for those longing for brighter skies.
In January, Glasgow experiences a modest 7 hours of daylight, setting the tone for a slow transition into the brighter months ahead. As we move into February, the days begin to lengthen, gaining 2 additional hours of sunlight, which hints at the awakening of spring. By March, daylight extends to 11 hours, as the city welcomes the changing season with longer, more vibrant days. This upward trend continues into April, where 14 hours of daylight illuminate the city, peaking in June with an impressive 17 hours of sunshine, making it the sunniest month of the year. As summer fades into autumn, daylight gradually diminishes, with August offering 14 hours and a steady decline through September and October. By November, daylight shrinks to 8 hours, mimicking January's shorter days, before cycling back to 7 hours in December. This rhythmic pattern of daylight duration not only marks the change of seasons but also reflects the dynamic energy of Glasgow throughout the year.
In Glasgow during January, the winds whisper softly at an average speed of 3.3 m/s (7 mph), setting a calm tone to the start of the year. As the months progress into February, a noticeable uptick in wind speed to 5.5 m/s (12 mph) signifies a shift towards brisker conditions, peaking in early spring at 4.4 m/s (10 mph) in March. However, April offers a gentle reprieve as the winds ease to 2.8 m/s (6 mph), making way for the relatively steady breezes of late spring and summer, which hover between 2.2 m/s and 3.3 m/s (5-7 mph). Interestingly, as the year transitions back to autumn, wind speeds gradually increase again, culminating with 4.3 m/s (10 mph) in November. Overall, Glasgow's January winds are part of a dynamic seasonal dance, characterized by calm beginnings, springtime bluster, and a return to breezier conditions as winter sets in once more.
The weather in Glasgow 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 Glasgow and find detailed weather information for every month.
January and February in Glasgow present distinct yet somewhat similar weather patterns. January experiences a lower minimum temperature of -7°C (20°F) while February sees a slightly milder minimum of -5°C (23°F). Both months have the same average temperature of 5°C (41°F), but February edges out with a higher maximum of 15°C (59°F) compared to January's 14°C (57°F). Precipitation also increases in February, with 129 mm (5.1 in) over 17 days, compared to January's 84 mm (3.3 in) over 12 days. Humidity remains relatively high in both months, at 90% in January and slightly lower at 88% in February. For more detailed weather insights, visit Glasgow weather in February.
In comparing the weather between January and March, both months exhibit chilly temperatures, but March shows a slight warming trend. January typically has a minimum of -7°C (20°F) and an average of 5°C (41°F), while March temperatures range from a minimum of -6°C (22°F) to an average of 6°C (43°F). Additionally, March experiences higher max temperatures, peaking at 17°C (63°F) compared to January's 14°C (57°F). Precipitation also increases in March, with 106 mm (4.2 in) over 17 days, compared to January's 84 mm (3.3 in) across 12 days. Humidity remains relatively high in both months, but it is slightly lower in March at 86%, compared to January's 90%. For a more detailed look at weather trends, you can explore Glasgow weather in March.
In January, the weather is significantly colder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -7°C (20°F) to a maximum of 14°C (57°F) and an average of 5°C (41°F). The month experiences higher precipitation levels of 84 mm (3.3 in) over roughly 12 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 90%. In contrast, April ushers in milder temperatures, with a minimum of -3°C (26°F), an average of 8°C (46°F), and a maximum of 22°C (72°F). Precipitation decreases to 44 mm (1.7 in) over about 10 days, and humidity slightly lowers to 85%. For more detailed insights, check out Glasgow weather in April.
In January, Glasgow experiences colder temperatures with a minimum of -7°C (20°F) and an average of 5°C (41°F), reaching a maximum of 14°C (57°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 90% and a precipitation level of 84 mm (3.3 in) over 12 days, making it one of the wetter months of the year. In contrast, May sees milder conditions with a minimum of -1°C (31°F) and an average of 11°C (52°F), peaking at 26°C (79°F). Although May has a slightly lower precipitation total of 67 mm (2.6 in) over the same number of days, the humidity drops to 80%, contributing to a more pleasant atmosphere. For more details on what to expect, check out Glasgow weather in May.
January and June exhibit striking contrasts in weather conditions. In January, temperatures hover between a chilly -7°C (20°F) at night and a mild 14°C (57°F) during the day, while June enjoys a much warmer range from a minimum of 6°C (43°F) to a pleasant maximum of 29°C (84°F). Precipitation is quite prevalent in both months, with January receiving 84 mm (3.3 in) over 12 days compared to June's 113 mm (4.4 in) over 17 days. Humidity levels also differ slightly, with January being more humid at 90%, while June's humidity sits at 83%. For more detailed insights into June weather, check out Glasgow weather in June.
In January, Glasgow experiences chilly temperatures, with a minimum of -7°C (20°F) and an average of 5°C (41°F), peaking at a maximum of 14°C (57°F). The high humidity level of 90% and 84 mm of precipitation over 12 days contribute to a damp winter atmosphere. Conversely, in July, the weather warms up significantly, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 6°C (43°F) to a maximum of 28°C (83°F), averaging around 15°C (60°F). Although July has slightly more rainfall at 98 mm over 15 days, the humidity drops to 82%, creating a more comfortable summer environment. For more details, check Glasgow weather in July.
January and August present contrasting weather experiences in Glasgow. January is characterized by cold temperatures, with lows reaching -7°C (20°F) and averages around 5°C (41°F), while August enjoys much milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 6°C (43°F) to a comfortable maximum of 27°C (80°F). Precipitation is also notable; January sees 84 mm (3.3 in) over 12 days, whereas in August, the city experiences 127 mm (5.0 in) across 19 days. Both months have high humidity levels, but January is slightly more humid at 90% compared to August’s 82%. For a detailed look at weather conditions specific to August, refer to Glasgow weather in August.
In January, the weather in Glasgow is notably colder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -7°C (20°F) to a maximum of 14°C (57°F), averaging around 5°C (41°F). This chilly month sees around 84 mm (3.3 in) of precipitation over approximately 12 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 90%.
In contrast, September offers a much milder climate, where temperatures vary from a minimum of 1°C (33°F) to a maximum of 27°C (80°F), with an average temperature of 13°C (55°F). Although September experiences slightly higher total precipitation at 91 mm (3.6 in) spread over 15 days, the overall feel is much warmer and more inviting. For more detailed information, you can check Glasgow weather in September.
January and October present a notable contrast in weather conditions. In January, temperatures range from a chilly -7°C (20°F) to a mild 14°C (57°F), with an average temperature of 5°C (41°F). This month sees about 84 mm (3.3 in) of precipitation over 12 days, while humidity remains high at 90%. Conversely, October brings milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from -3°C (28°F) to 20°C (69°F) and an average of 10°C (50°F). However, October experiences more precipitation, totaling 130 mm (5.1 in) across 19 days, while still maintaining the same humidity level of 90%. For more details, check out Glasgow weather in October.
In January, the weather is characterized by colder temperatures, with a minimum of -7°C (20°F) and an average of 5°C (41°F), compared to November's milder minimum of -3°C (26°F) and an average of 7°C (45°F). While both months experience similar maximum temperatures of around 14°C (58°F), January tends to be less humid at 90%, compared to November's higher humidity of 92%. Additionally, January receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of precipitation over 12 days, whereas November sees more rainfall, totaling 105 mm (4.1 in) over 17 days. For more insights on the weather in November, you can check Glasgow weather in November.
January and December in Glasgow exhibit quite similar weather patterns, with average temperatures hovering around 5°C (41°F). However, January experiences slightly lower maximum temperatures, reaching up to 14°C (57°F) compared to December's 13°C (55°F). Precipitation levels are notably higher in December, totaling 117 mm (4.6 in) over 17 rainy days, while January sees 84 mm (3.3 in) across 12 days. Humidity remains high in both months, at 90% in January and 89% in December, but the overall feel is typically damp and chilly during this winter period. For a more detailed overview, you can check Glasgow weather in December.
As winter settles in, January in Glasgow brings a distinct chill, with temperatures typically hovering around a biting average of 5°C (41°F), starkly differing from the milder months that follow. While snow may occasionally grace the city, it's the frequent rain, with around 84 mm falling over 12 days, that defines this month. Humidity levels soar, reaching around 90%, making the air feel crisper and more biting. As you prepare for a visit, understanding January's weather nuances compared to other months can enhance your experience, so be sure to check out Glasgow Climate for comprehensive insights.