January Weather in Inverness, United Kingdom

Last updated: March 17, 2025

In Inverness, United Kingdom, January brings a mix of winter chill and occasional warmth, with maximum temperatures reaching 13°C (56°F) and an average of 4°C (39°F). As the month unfolds, residents and visitors experience the contrast of minimum temperatures plummeting to -7°C (19°F), making it essential to bundle up. With 73 mm (2.9 in) of precipitation over approximately 12 days, January is characterized by a damp climate, contributing to its high humidity level of 89%. This combination creates an atmosphere that is both crisp and refreshingly invigorating, perfect for winter explorations in this enchanting Scottish city.

January Temperature in Inverness

In January, Inverness, United Kingdom, welcomes the chill of winter with temperatures that reflect the coldest days of the year. The month starts with a brisk minimum of -7°C (19°F), allowing for a sharp contrast to the mild average of 4°C (39°F). While daytime highs reach a comfortable 13°C (56°F), the overall vibe is undeniably chilly, hinting at the lingering winter months. As January winds down, it sets the stage for February's even colder embrace, with minimal temperatures dipping to -13°C (9°F), showcasing a pattern of fluctuating extremes as winter continues. This transition from the bitter cold of January to the slightly milder days of March hints at the gradual approach of spring, as one can expect to see average temperatures inching upwards, signifying the promise of renewed warmth in the months to follow.

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

The chart illustrates January temperature patterns in Inverness, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec393941455055595754484239
Data source: Temperature data for Inverness 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 Inverness

In January, Inverness experiences a moderate precipitation total of 73 mm (2.9 in), falling on around 12 days throughout the month. This marks the beginning of the year with consistent rainfall, setting the tone for the wetter months ahead. Notably, precipitation levels gradually increase as the seasons progress, peaking in October with 107 mm (4.2 in) over 20 days, creating a trend of heightened moisture typical for autumn. The rainfall in January is relatively low compared to the months that follow, but it serves as a reminder of the region's characteristic wet climate, with subsequent months showing increased variability in both precipitation amounts and frequency of rainy days. This pattern reflects Inverness’s unique weather dynamics, where winter transitions smoothly into a typically soggy Scottish spring.

January Precipitation Trends in Inverness

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Inverness, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec7378795181807681871078885
Data source: Precipitation data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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January Humidity in Inverness

In January, Inverness experiences a high humidity level of 89%, setting the tone for a winter characterized by dampness. This trend of elevated humidity persists throughout the season, with November peaking at 92%. As the year progresses into spring and summer, humidity gradually decreases, reaching a low of 82% in May. However, the onset of autumn brings a resurgence with figures rising again to 90% by September. The fluctuating patterns illustrate how Inverness endures a consistently humid climate, especially noticeable in the winter months, while also showcasing a slight dip in humidity as the seasons shift.

January Average Humidity in Inverness

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

Inverness experiences a low UV Index of 1 in January, indicating minimal sun exposure risk with a burn time of approximately 45 minutes. As the month progresses, there are noticeable shifts in UV levels, with February maintaining the same low index. However, by March, the UV Index rises to 3, marking the start of moderate exposure, where one should potentially limit sun exposure to around 30 minutes. This trend continues to elevate through the spring and into summer, culminating in June's peak UV Index of 8, categorized as very high, which significantly reduces burn time to just 15 minutes. The UV Index then gradually decreases from July through September, returning to moderate levels, and dips back to low by November and December. Understanding these fluctuations is crucial for residents and visitors alike; for more detailed information, visit Inverness UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Inverness for January

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Inverness 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: Inverness 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 Inverness

In Inverness, United Kingdom, January marks the beginning of the year with a modest 70 hours of sunshine, setting the stage for a gradual increase as winter transitions into spring. By February, the sun starts to shine a bit brighter, reaching 150 hours. As spring unfolds into March, residents bask in 210 hours of sunlight, and this positive trend continues into April and May, where sunny days peak at 334 and 388 hours, respectively. The summer months shine even brighter, with June experiencing 390 hours and July reaching its zenith with 396 hours of sunshine. This abundant light begins to taper off in August and September but remains substantial, with 365 and 288 hours respectively. Autumn sees a considerable decline, as October dips to 214 hours, followed by November with just 119 hours, and December ending the year with a mere 82 hours. Overall, Inverness showcases a fascinating ebb and flow of sunlight, where each month brings its own character to the vibrant tapestry of the seasons.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Inverness: January Highlighted

The January sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Inverness 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec70h150h210h334h388h390h396h365h288h214h119h82h
Data source: Inverness January Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Inverness During January

Inverness, United Kingdom, experiences a challenging January when it comes to sunny weather, with only an 18% chance of sunshine gracing the skies. This trend of limited sunlight carries through the winter months, with February seeing a slight increase to 27%, but the promise of brighter days remains distant until spring. Interestingly, March dips down to 16%, indicating a capricious climate before the sun begins to shine more consistently in April, where the likelihood of sunny weather jumps to 36%. As the year progresses, the chances of sunny weather fluctuate but tend to stagnate during the summer and fall months, suggesting that while January may feel like a gloomy month, the arrival of spring brings renewed hope for lighter, sunnier days ahead.

Percentage of Sunny Days in January in Inverness

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Inverness 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 Inverness experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec18%27%16%36%20%24%20%15%17%16%17%17%
Data source: Inverness January chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Inverness in January

In Inverness, January heralds the return of 7 hours of daylight, a significant shift from the polar nights of December. As the month progresses, this light gradually extends, leading into February's 9 hours and March's 11 hours, signaling the approach of spring. By April, the days grow notably longer, reaching 14 hours, and culminating in the long, sun-drenched days of May and June, with a peak of 17 hours. This abundance of daylight begins to taper off in late summer, as August offers 15 hours before transitioning into the shorter days of autumn. By October, daylight dwindles to 10 hours, and the cycle closes with November and December reverting back to 7 and 6 hours of light, respectively. This rhythmic pattern reflects the natural ebb and flow of daylight in Inverness, inviting both residents and visitors to embrace each unique season.

Average Daylight Hours in Inverness for January

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Inverness throughout the year, with January highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec7h 23m9h 26m11h 53m14h 22m16h 38m17h 53m17h 12m15h 8m12h 42m10h 14m7h 58m6h 41m
Data source: Inverness daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

January Winds in Inverness

In January, the wind in Inverness whispers at a gentle 2.8 m/s (6 mph), offering a calm start to the year. This tranquility, however, gives way to a noticeable uptick in February, where wind speed picks up to 4.5 m/s (10 mph), signaling a shift towards more blustery conditions. As spring approaches, March maintains a moderately brisk pace at 4.1 m/s (9 mph), before the winds mellow again in April and May, returning to the initial January levels. Summer brings a decrease to the calmest winds of the year, with July and August each seeing a mere 2.3 m/s (5 mph)—ideal for serene strolls along the scenic shores. Yet, as autumn settles in, the winds gain momentum once more, peaking at 4.3 m/s (10 mph) in November, only to taper off again in December. This cyclical dance of winds in Inverness highlights a fascinating rhythm, oscillating between tranquility and vigor throughout the year.

Average January Wind Speed in Inverness

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Inverness, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2.8 m/s4.54.12.82.73.32.32.33.13.74.33.1
Data source: Inverness January wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How January Weather in Inverness Compares to Other Months

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

January and February exhibit similar average temperatures, with January featuring a minimum of -7°C (19°F) and a maximum of 13°C (56°F), while February experiences a slightly colder minimum of -13°C (9°F) and a higher maximum of 15°C (59°F). Both months receive a notable amount of precipitation, with January recording 73 mm (2.9 in) over 12 days and February seeing a slight increase to 78 mm (3.1 in) across 14 days. Humidity levels remain high in both months, with January at 89% and February at 88%, making for a consistently damp winter atmosphere. For more details on February weather specifically, you can visit Inverness weather in February.

In January, the weather is quite chilly, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of -7°C (19°F) to a maximum of 13°C (56°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 73 mm (2.9 in) over approximately 12 days, while humidity remains high at 89%. In contrast, March sees slightly warmer temperatures, with an average ranging from -5°C (23°F) to 17°C (63°F), indicating a gradual transition towards spring. Interestingly, March also has a bit more precipitation, totaling 79 mm (3.1 in) over 17 days, but with slightly lower humidity at 86%. For more detailed insights, you can check Inverness weather in March.

In January, the weather is notably colder, with average temperatures hovering around 4°C (39°F) and lows dipping to -7°C (19°F), while April brings a more moderate climate with averages rising to 7°C (45°F) and highs reaching 22°C (71°F). Precipitation is slightly less in April, totaling 51 mm (2.0 in) compared to January's 73 mm (2.9 in), despite both months experiencing a similar number of rainy days—12 in January and 13 in April. Additionally, humidity levels drop slightly from 89% in January to 84% in April, making the latter month feel a bit more comfortable. For more specific details about the weather in April, you can visit Inverness weather in April.

In January, the weather in Inverness is cold, with temperatures ranging from a chilly -7°C (19°F) at night to a mild 13°C (56°F) during the day, and an average of 4°C (39°F). The month experiences significant humidity at 89% and sees precipitation on 12 days, amounting to 73 mm (2.9 in). In contrast, May brings a noticeable warmth, with temperatures varying from a low of -1°C (30°F) to a high of 25°C (78°F), averaging around 10°C (50°F). While precipitation increases slightly to 81 mm (3.2 in) over 15 days, humidity decreases to 82%. For more detailed information, check out Inverness weather in May.

In January, Inverness experiences a chilly winter climate, with average temperatures ranging from a low of -7°C (19°F) to a high of 13°C (56°F). The month sees significant precipitation, totaling 73 mm (2.9 in) over about 12 days, and the humidity is notably high at 89%. In contrast, June brings a more temperate atmosphere, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 1°C (35°F) to a maximum of 28°C (82°F), reflecting an average of 13°C (56°F). Although June is slightly wetter, with 80 mm (3.1 in) of precipitation spread over 15 days, the humidity is a bit lower at 84%. For a more detailed look at the weather in June, visit Inverness weather in June.

Inverness experiences a stark contrast between January and July weather. January is notably cold, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -7°C (19°F) to a maximum of 13°C (56°F), while the average temperature hovers around 4°C (39°F). The month sees approximately 73 mm (2.9 in) of precipitation over 12 days, accompanied by high humidity at 89%. In contrast, July brings milder conditions, with temperatures varying from a minimum of 5°C (42°F) to a warm maximum of 28°C (82°F) and an average of 15°C (59°F). Precipitation slightly increases to 76 mm (3.0 in) spread over 16 days, with humidity dropping slightly to 86%. For a more detailed look into the July weather in Inverness, check out Inverness weather in July.

January and August in Inverness present striking differences in weather patterns. January sees colder temperatures, with a minimum of -7°C, an average of 4°C, and a maximum of 13°C, coupled with high humidity levels at 89%. Precipitation is moderately frequent, averaging 73 mm over 12 days. In contrast, August experiences milder conditions, where temperatures range from a minimum of 5°C to a maximum of 25°C, with an average of 14°C. Though August has slightly more precipitation at 81 mm over 16 days, humidity remains relatively lower at 86%. For more specifics about weather in August, visit Inverness weather in August.

January and September weather contrasts sharply in terms of temperature and precipitation. In January, temperatures dip as low as -7°C (19°F), with an average of 4°C (39°F) and a maximum of 13°C (56°F). The month experiences 73 mm (2.9 in) of precipitation over about 12 days, accompanied by high humidity at 89%. In contrast, September sees a milder climate, with minimum temperatures around 2°C (35°F), an average of 12°C (54°F), and a maximum reaching 24°C (75°F). Although September has a slightly higher total precipitation of 87 mm (3.4 in) spread over 16 days, the increasing warmth and light make it feel more pleasant. For more detailed information, check out Inverness weather in September.

In comparing the weather of January and October, January experiences colder temperatures with a minimum of -7°C (19°F) and an average of 4°C (39°F), while October sees milder temperatures, ranging from a minimum of -3°C (27°F) to an average of 9°C (48°F). Precipitation is also notably higher in October, with 107 mm (4.2 in) occurring over 20 days, compared to January’s 73 mm (2.9 in) distributed over 12 days. Additionally, October has slightly higher humidity levels at 91%, compared to January's 89%. For more detailed insights, you can check Inverness weather in October.

In January, temperatures tend to be colder, with a minimum of -7°C (19°F) and an average of 4°C (39°F), while November is slightly milder, with a minimum of -5°C (23°F) and an average of 6°C (43°F). Both months experience significant precipitation, but January sees about 73 mm (2.9 in) across roughly 12 days, whereas November has a higher total of 88 mm (3.5 in) over 17 days. Additionally, humidity levels are quite high in both months, with January at 89% and November slightly higher at 92%. For more detailed insights on the weather during this time, you can check Inverness weather in November.

In comparing the weather patterns of January and December, we can observe that both months share similar temperature ranges, with January's minimum temperature dipping to -7°C (19°F) and averaging around 4°C (39°F), closely mirroring December's corresponding figures. Precipitation is slightly lower in January, totaling 73 mm (2.9 in) over 12 days, compared to December's 85 mm (3.4 in) across 16 days, indicating that January may feel a bit drier. Humidity levels are similar as well, with January at 89% and December at 88%. For a deeper dive into the December weather specifics, you can check out this link: Inverness weather in December.

Compare Inverness's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From January Weather in Inverness

In January, Inverness experiences a unique blend of winter's chill and dampness, setting it apart from the milder, drier months that follow. With average temperatures hovering around 4°C, and the potential for drops to -7°C, this month demands warm clothing and a spirit for adventure despite its heavy skies. Frequent precipitation, occurring on about 12 days, contributes to a notably high humidity level of 89%, creating a persistent, soggy atmosphere. While January may not boast the sunshine of spring or the warmth of summer, it provides a picturesque winter landscape that beckons exploration. For those looking to plan their visit and understand how these conditions stack up against the rest of the year, more insights can be found at Inverness Climate.