January Weather in Stornoway, United Kingdom

Last updated: March 17, 2025

In January, Stornoway, United Kingdom, experiences a chill with average temperatures hovering around 6°C (43°F). The maximum can reach a mild 13°C (56°F), but the mercury can dip to a brisk -3°C (27°F) during the night. This month brings about 77 mm (3.0 in) of precipitation over 13 days, contributing to the region's characteristic 81% humidity. Visitors should prepare for a mix of mild afternoons and cool evenings, making it an ideal time for those who enjoy the crispness of winter and a cozy coastal atmosphere.

January Temperature in Stornoway

In Stornoway, United Kingdom, January's temperatures evoke a crisp chill, with lows dipping to -3°C (27°F) and averages hovering around 6°C (43°F). This month marks the peak of winter's embrace, where even highs reach a modest 13°C (56°F), laying the groundwork for the gradual warming that follows. As February rolls in, temperatures remain steady, with minimal fluctuations, signaling a consistent winter pattern. However, a subtle upward trend emerges as the month transitions into spring, leading into March when average temperatures rise to 7°C (44°F) and highs flirt with the 16°C (60°F) mark. This gradual increase hints at the promise of milder days ahead, setting the stage for the vibrant blooms of spring that would soon follow.

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

The chart illustrates January temperature patterns in Stornoway, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec434244475155585755504643
Data source: Temperature data for Stornoway 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 Stornoway

January in Stornoway, United Kingdom, typically sees a precipitation amount of 77 mm (3.0 in), making it one of the wetter months of the year. Rain graces the shores for about 13 days, setting the tone for a generally damp winter. While January's precipitation is slightly lower than that of February, which peaks at 99 mm (3.9 in), it maintains a consistent pattern with subsequent months. This trend continues into the spring, where March records 102 mm (4.0 in), marking an upward trajectory. The frequency of rainy days also reflects this seasonal rhythm, with precipitation becoming more pronounced as the year progresses, peaking in the autumn months of October and November. Overall, January serves as a precursor to the wetter, more variable weather that characterizes the rest of the year in Stornoway.

January Precipitation Trends in Stornoway

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Stornoway, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec77991026373708910211012810698
Data source: Precipitation data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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January Humidity in Stornoway

In January, Stornoway experiences a relatively high humidity level of 81%, setting the tone for a damp winter ambiance. This figure slightly dips to 80% in February and maintains the same consistency through March and April. As spring unfolds into May, humidity climbs to 83%, and the summer months become noticeably more humid, peaking at 87% in July. Following this peak, humidity remains high, with 86% in August and gradually tapering off to 79% by December. Overall, Stornoway's humidity trends illustrate a distinct seasonal pattern, showcasing a lush and moist climate that significantly influences its local environment and culture.

January Average Humidity in Stornoway

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Stornoway, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec81%80%80%80%83%84%87%86%87%86%85%80%
Data source: Humidity data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

January UV Index in Stornoway

In January, Stornoway experiences a low UV Index of 1, indicating minimal risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, with a burn time of approximately 45 minutes. This trend continues into February, maintaining the same UV level, offering a safe environment for outdoor activities. However, as spring approaches in March, the UV Index rises to 3, marking a shift to a moderate exposure category that reduces burn time to 30 minutes. This upward trajectory continues through April and May, where conditions remain moderate, prompting a greater awareness of sun safety. The summer months, particularly June and July, see a significant spike, with a high UV Index of 7 that results in a burn time of just 25 minutes—a clear reminder to take precautions during peak sun hours. As autumn arrives, the UV Index gently declines, signaling a return to low exposure levels by November and December. Thus, understanding the UV Index trends throughout the year is essential for staying safe in the sun. For more information, check out the detailed Stornoway UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Stornoway for January

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Stornoway 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec113457764211
Data source: Stornoway 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 Stornoway

In Stornoway, the light of January often feels limited, with just 53 hours of sunshine gracing the chilly island. However, this marks the beginning of a gradual transformation; as winter recedes, February nearly doubles the sunshine to 134 hours, hinting at the approaching warmth. The trend continues with March and April, where sunshine surges to 203 and 321 hours respectively, energizing the landscape with vibrant hues. The peak comes in late spring and early summer, when days stretch delightfully long, topping out at 398 hours in June—a dazzling reward for the patience of winter. As summer wanes, sunshine begins to recede, yet remains abundant through August with 365 hours. The pattern illustrates a clear seasonal rhythm: a stunning progression from winter’s starkness to summer’s brilliance, followed by a gentle fade back to the shorter days of autumn.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Stornoway: January Highlighted

The January sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Stornoway 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec53h134h203h321h389h398h392h365h277h206h104h69h
Data source: Stornoway January Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Stornoway During January

In January, Stornoway experiences a 31% chance of sunny weather, making it one of the brighter months in the winter season. As the year progresses, this likelihood peaks slightly in February at 36% before dipping dramatically in March to just 17%. This notable decline suggests that while January offers a glimmer of sunlight, the transition into spring brings a cloudier disposition. Notably, once spring approaches, the chance of sunny days remains inconsistent, with April returning to 35%. The overall trend indicates that if you're hoping for sunshine in Stornoway, January is a comparatively promising month, though the sun plays a game of hide and seek as winter gives way to spring.

Percentage of Sunny Days in January in Stornoway

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Stornoway 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 Stornoway experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec31%36%17%35%23%18%15%16%15%19%20%25%
Data source: Stornoway January chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Stornoway in January

In Stornoway, United Kingdom, January brings 7 hours of daylight, a stark contrast to the increasing sunlight that follows in February, where it rises to 9 hours. As winter transitions into spring, the daylight hours steadily expand, culminating in a bright 14 hours by April. This upward trend continues into the peak of summer, peaking at an impressive 18 hours in June, where the days are longest and most vibrant. However, as summer wanes, daylight begins to diminish, descending to 15 hours in August and gradually tapering off until January rolls around again, bringing the daylight full circle back to 7 hours. This cyclical change highlights the dynamic rhythm of seasons, with each month offering a unique play of light that shapes the experience of life in this picturesque region.

Average Daylight Hours in Stornoway for January

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Stornoway throughout the year, with January highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec7h 13m9h 21m11h 52m14h 27m16h 47m18h 5m17h 23m15h 14m12h 44m10h 11m7h 50m6h 30m
Data source: Stornoway daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

January Winds in Stornoway

In January, Stornoway experiences a moderately breezy atmosphere with an average wind speed of 4.6 m/s (10 mph), which is consistent with the calmness found in April and May. This gentle wind sets a tranquil tone for the new year, offering a respite from the stronger gusts typically observed in the following months. As winter gives way to spring, winds pick up, peaking in February at a brisk 7.3 m/s (16 mph) before settling back down in the summer's mild embrace. Overall, January's wind patterns hint at a seasonal shift, bridging the serene winter days with the lively blowing winds of the upcoming spring.

Average January Wind Speed in Stornoway

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Stornoway, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec4.6 m/s7.35.84.64.45.03.33.54.95.66.55.0
Data source: Stornoway January wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How January Weather in Stornoway Compares to Other Months

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

January and February share similar temperature ranges, with both months experiencing minimums around -3°C (27°F) and average highs close to 6°C (43°F). However, February tends to be slightly warmer, with a maximum temperature reaching up to 14°C (57°F), compared to January's 13°C (56°F). In terms of precipitation, February sees an increase, with 99 mm (3.9 in) over 16 days, compared to January's 77 mm (3.0 in) over 13 days. Humidity levels remain fairly consistent, with January at 81% and February slightly lower at 80%. For more details on weather conditions in February, you can visit Stornoway weather in February.

In January, the weather tends to be cold with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of -3°C (27°F) to a maximum of 13°C (56°F). The month sees about 77 mm (3.0 in) of precipitation over 13 days, coupled with a humidity level of 81%. In contrast, March experiences a slight increase in average temperatures, ranging from -3°C (27°F) to 16°C (60°F), and a total precipitation of 102 mm (4.0 in) spread over 19 days. Despite the colder start, March has a marginally lower humidity level at 80%. For more detailed insights, you can check Stornoway weather in March.

In January, the weather is quite chilly, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -3°C (27°F) to a maximum of 13°C (56°F) and an average of 6°C (43°F). The month sees considerable precipitation, totalling 77 mm (3.0 in) over 13 days, while the humidity remains high at 81%.

In contrast, April experiences milder temperatures, with a minimum of -2°C (29°F) and a maximum of 21°C (70°F), resulting in a warmer average of 8°C (47°F). There is also less precipitation, totaling 63 mm (2.5 in) across 15 days, and humidity is slightly lower at 80%. Overall, while both months are relatively wet, April brings a welcome increase in warmth compared to the chill of January. For more detailed information on the weather patterns in April, check out Stornoway weather in April.

In January, Stornoway experiences a chilly climate with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -3°C (27°F) to a maximum of 13°C (56°F), while May brings a noticeable warmth with averages rising to 10°C (51°F) and highs reaching 24°C (75°F). Precipitation is somewhat consistent, with January receiving 77 mm (3.0 in) over 13 days, compared to May's 73 mm (2.9 in) spread over 17 days. The humidity remains relatively high in both months, with January at 81% and May slightly higher at 83%. For a closer look at what to expect during the warmer days, check out the detailed information in Stornoway weather in May.

January and June present contrasting weather conditions. In January, temperatures range from a chilly -3°C (27°F) at night to a mild 13°C (56°F) during the day, with an average of 6°C (43°F). The month experiences considerable precipitation, totaling 77 mm (3.0 in) over 13 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 81%.

Conversely, June showcases a warmer climate, with minimum temperatures of 4°C (39°F) and maximums reaching 23°C (75°F), averaging 13°C (56°F). While the total precipitation in June is slightly lower at 70 mm (2.7 in), it also falls over a greater number of days, 15 in total, and humidity remains relatively high at 84%. For those interested in exploring the weather in June further, you can check Stornoway weather in June.

January and July present notably contrasting weather conditions. In January, temperatures can dip as low as -3°C (27°F), with an average of 6°C (43°F) and a maximum of 13°C (56°F). The month experiences about 77 mm (3.0 in) of precipitation over 13 days, coupled with a relatively high humidity of 81%. In contrast, July offers a milder climate, with minimum temperatures of 6°C (43°F), an average of 14°C (58°F), and maximum highs reaching 25°C (77°F). Despite being a summer month, July sees slightly more precipitation, totaling 89 mm (3.5 in) across 19 days, with humidity increasing to 87%. For a detailed look at July's weather, you can visit Stornoway weather in July.

In comparing the weather of January and August, January presents a cooler climate with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -3°C (27°F) to a maximum of 13°C (56°F), accompanied by an average humidity of 81%. This winter month experiences around 77 mm (3.0 in) of precipitation over 13 days. On the other hand, August offers a milder atmosphere, with temperatures fluctuating from a minimum of 6°C (44°F) to a maximum of 22°C (71°F), and a higher average humidity of 86%. Rainfall in August increases to 102 mm (4.0 in) across approximately 20 days. For a more detailed perspective on the weather conditions, you can visit Stornoway weather in August.

In January, the weather tends to be quite cold, with temperatures ranging from a chilly -3°C (27°F) at night to a mild 13°C (56°F) during the day. The month experiences an average of 77 mm (3.0 inches) of precipitation over 13 days, accompanied by high humidity levels of 81%. In contrast, September brings a noticeable warming trend, featuring minimum temperatures of 1°C (35°F) and maximums reaching 22°C (71°F), with an average of 13°C (55°F). Although September has higher overall precipitation at 110 mm (4.3 inches) spread over 19 days, it feels significantly milder compared to the depths of winter. For more information on weather conditions during this month, you can visit Stornoway weather in September.

In January, temperatures in Stornoway typically range from a chilly -3°C (27°F) at their lowest to a mild 13°C (56°F) at their peak, with an average temperature of around 6°C (43°F). January experiences about 77 mm (3.0 in) of precipitation over 13 days, and humidity levels hover at 81%. In contrast, October sees slightly warmer temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 0°C (33°F) to a maximum of 17°C (63°F), averaging around 10°C (51°F). Precipitation in October increases to 128 mm (5.0 in) over 20 days, with humidity rising slightly to 86%. For more details on October conditions, check out Stornoway weather in October.

In comparing the weather between January and November, we see that both months experience a minimum temperature of around -3°C (27°F/28°F). However, January has a lower average temperature of 6°C (43°F) compared to November's average of 8°C (46°F). The maximum temperatures are also slightly higher in November, reaching 15°C (60°F) versus January's 13°C (56°F). Additionally, November sees more precipitation, totaling 106 mm (4.2 in) over 17 days, while January receives 77 mm (3.0 in) across 13 days. Humidity levels are slightly higher in November at 85% compared to January's 81%. For a more detailed look at the conditions in November, you can visit Stornoway weather in November.

In comparing the weather between January and December, we see that both months share similar temperature ranges, with January averaging 6°C (43°F) and December slightly warmer at 6°C (43°F) to 14°C (57°F). Notably, while both months feature a minimum temperature of -3°C (27°F), December tends to bring slightly more rain, with 98 mm (3.8 in) of precipitation over 18 days compared to January's 77 mm (3.0 in) across 13 days. Humidity levels remain quite close, with January at 81% and December at 79%. For more details on December's weather, you can visit Stornoway weather in December.

Compare Stornoway's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From January Weather in Stornoway

January in Stornoway brings a distinct chill to the air, with temperatures resting comfortably at their lowest range of the year. With a maximum of 13°C and dipping to a minimum of -3°C, the month stands out as colder and wetter than its counterparts. Frequent precipitation rounds out January's signature, as it witnesses about 13 days of rainfall, leading to a notable humidity of 81% that often cloaks the landscape in a misty embrace. Compared to other months, January's climate calls for warmer layers and an appreciation for the unique beauty of winter. For those keen on understanding more about Stornoway's weather patterns, explore our insights on Stornoway Climate.