January Weather in Big Sur, United States

Last updated: February 24, 2025

In January, Big Sur experiences a unique blend of mild temperatures and refreshing coastal humidity, with average highs reaching 20°C (69°F) and lows dipping to around 3°C (38°F). The average temperature settles at a comfortable 10°C (51°F), making this an ideal time for visitors seeking a tranquil winter escape. Despite being one of the wetter months, recording 140 mm (5.5 in) of precipitation across 8 days, the lush landscapes come alive, offering breathtaking views. With humidity levels hovering at approximately 82%, the air is crisp yet invigorating, perfect for those looking to connect with nature amidst the dramatic coastline.

January Temperature in Big Sur

In January, Big Sur experiences mild temperatures that set the tone for its coastal charm. With minimums dipping to 3°C (38°F) and reaching a comfortable max of 20°C (69°F), the average temperature hovers around 10°C (51°F), offering a refreshing winter escape. This month marks the transition into a gradual warming trend as February leads with slightly higher temperatures, peaking at 23°C (74°F), hinting at the approaching spring. Throughout the winter months, temperatures remain moderate, paving the way for a steady increase as the year progresses. By April, the region welcomes warmer days with highs reaching 25°C (78°F), showcasing how January’s balmy conditions blossom into a spectrum of seasonal warmth.

January Weather in Big Sur: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates January temperature patterns in Big Sur, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec515050525458606161595551
Data source: Temperature data for Big Sur 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 Big Sur

January marks the peak of the rainy season in Big Sur, welcoming an impressive 140 mm (5.5 in) of precipitation over an average of 8 days. This month stands out distinctly, with rainfall significantly higher than February's 120 mm (4.7 in), setting the tone for a gradual decline in moisture as the year progresses. From January to March, precipitation remains relatively robust, with March still receiving a notable 109 mm (4.3 in). However, a stark reduction follows in the warmer months, where rainfall drops to nearly negligible levels in July and August, both recording just 1 mm. This dramatic shift highlights Big Sur's seasonal contrast, where the lush winter rains give way to an arid summer, culminating in a cycle that makes each wet season all the more vital for the region's ecology.

January Precipitation Trends in Big Sur

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Big Sur, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec140120110332321142143118
Data source: Precipitation data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Choose your preferred precipitation unit

January Humidity in Big Sur

In January, Big Sur experiences a notable humidity level of 82%, setting the stage for a refreshing winter. As the month transitions to February, humidity slightly increases to 84%, creating a lush, vibrant atmosphere. By March, the humidity stabilizes back to 82%, maintaining the area's characteristic mistiness. As spring approaches in April, a gradual decline to 78% heralds the coming warmth. This trend of decreasing humidity continues through the summer months, hitting its lowest point in August at 54%, providing a drier and sunnier climate perfect for exploration. However, as autumn arrives, a shift back to higher humidity levels occurs, with figures climbing to 80% in December. Throughout the year, Big Sur’s humidity pattern reflects a dynamic interplay between seasonal changes and coastal influences, contributing to its unique environment.

January Average Humidity in Big Sur

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Big Sur, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec82%84%82%78%71%64%59%54%55%62%78%80%
Data source: Humidity data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

January UV Index in Big Sur

In January, Big Sur experiences a moderate UV Index of 4, making it a great time for outdoor activities with an estimated burn time of 30 minutes. As winter progresses into February, the UV Index increases to 5, maintaining the moderate classification. However, come March, the UV Index spikes to 8, marking the beginning of a trend towards very high levels of UV radiation, and the burn time drops significantly to just 15 minutes. This pattern continues sharply through April and May, where the UV Index reaches a peak of 11 and even climbs to 12 in June, indicating extreme exposure risks with burn times slashed to just 10 minutes. The intensity remains high throughout July and August, before tapering off in September to 9. As autumn sets in, the UV Index gradually declines, with October at 7 and November back to 5, where it maintains a moderate level once again. This seasonal fluctuation highlights the essential need for sun protection as spring and summer roll in. For more detailed monthly insights, visit Big Sur UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Big Sur for January

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Big Sur 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec4589111211119753
Data source: Big Sur 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 Big Sur

In January, Big Sur welcomes the year with a modest 163 hours of sunshine, setting the stage for a gradual increase as winter transitions into spring. By February, sunshine blooms to 220 hours, hinting at brighter days ahead. The lengthening daylight continues through March, reaching 264 hours, and by the time April rolls around, the sun graces the coast for 302 hours, ushering in a vibrant spring atmosphere. May and June bring nearly continuous sunshine, with totals of 359 and 376 hours, respectively, marking peak sunlit days. As summer unfolds, July reaches a sun-drenched 388 hours, the highlight of the year. Although the golden rays begin to wane in the months that follow, with August at 357 hours, the essence of summer lingers into September with 314 hours. October and November present a softer glow, with 289 and 235 hours of sunshine, while December bids farewell to the year with a cozy 209 hours. Overall, the trend reveals a clear journey from the crisp beginnings of January to the sun-soaked zenith of summer, a breathtaking testament to the dynamic beauty of Big Sur's climate.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Big Sur: January Highlighted

The January sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Big Sur 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec163h220h264h302h359h376h388h357h314h289h235h209h
Data source: Big Sur January Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Big Sur During January

In January, Big Sur experiences a 47% chance of sunny weather, marking it as a time when the sun peeks through the clouds less frequently compared to the milder months ahead. As the year unfolds, the likelihood of sunny days steadily increases, hitting 57% in February and climbing to a whopping 80% by August. This trend highlights a distinct seasonal shift, with the sun making a more frequent appearance as spring turns into summer, and continuing to shine into early fall. With April and May presenting sunny probabilities of 59% and 73%, respectively, January may be the start of the year, but it certainly has a way to go before catching up to the sun-soaked months that lie ahead.

Percentage of Sunny Days in January in Big Sur

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Big Sur 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 Big Sur experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec47%57%51%59%73%73%70%80%79%64%59%45%
Data source: Big Sur January chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Big Sur in January

In January, Big Sur experiences around 9 hours of daylight, marking the start of the year with shorter days that gradually lengthen as spring approaches. By February, daylight extends to 10 hours, and this upward trend continues into March, boasting 11 hours of sunlight. As the days get longer, April welcomes 13 hours, paving the way for the vibrant growth of spring. The length of daylight peaks at 14 hours in both May and June, inviting locals and visitors alike to indulge in the stunning coastal scenery. A slight decline begins in July, with sunlight gradually receding back to 13 hours by August. As autumn approaches, September offers 12 hours, followed by 11 hours in October and 10 hours in November. Finally, daylight returns to 9 hours in December, closing the year with a familiar rhythm that mirrors nature’s cycles in this beautiful coastal sanctuary.

Average Daylight Hours in Big Sur for January

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Big Sur throughout the year, with January highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec9h 59m10h 52m11h 59m13h 8m14h 6m14h 34m14h 18m13h 27m12h 21m11h 12m10h 13m9h 43m
Data source: Big Sur daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

January Winds in Big Sur

In January, the winds in Big Sur are mild, averaging 4.0 m/s (9 mph), setting a tranquil tone for the start of the year. As the months progress, wind speeds peak in May at 4.9 m/s (11 mph), introducing a lively energy to the coastal landscape. The winds then begin a gradual decline, with July and August experiencing the calmest conditions, averaging only 3.5 m/s (8 mph) and 3.2 m/s (7 mph) respectively. This lull is a stark contrast to the earlier months and hints at the serene summer vibes that dominate the coast. As autumn approaches, wind speeds gently rise again, but remain relatively modest, finishing the year with December at 3.9 m/s (9 mph). Overall, January winds offer a gentle start that gradually shift into more robust breezes, only to taper off into the peacefulness of summer.

Average January Wind Speed in Big Sur

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Big Sur, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec4.0 m/s4.33.94.44.94.33.53.23.23.73.53.9
Data source: Big Sur January wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How January Weather in Big Sur Compares to Other Months

The weather in Big Sur 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 Big Sur and find detailed weather information for every month.

January and February present quite similar weather patterns, but with some notable differences. January features a minimum temperature of 3°C (38°F) and a maximum of 20°C (69°F), while February is slightly cooler at a minimum of 2°C (36°F) and warmer at a maximum of 23°C (74°F). Average temperatures remain steady at 10°C (51°F) for both months. Precipitation is slightly higher in January at 140 mm (5.5 in) over 8 days, compared to February's 120 mm (4.7 in) over 9 days. Additionally, February sees a marginal increase in humidity at 84%, up from January's 82%. For more specific insights about February's weather, check out Big Sur weather in February.

In comparing the weather between January and March, we see some intriguing similarities and differences. Both months share an average temperature of 10°C (51°F), but January presents a slightly wider temperature range, with a minimum of 3°C (38°F) and a maximum of 20°C (69°F), compared to March's minimum of 4°C (39°F) and maximum of 21°C (70°F). Precipitation levels are also noteworthy; January experiences more rainfall at 140 mm (5.5 in) over 8 days, while March sees a decrease to 109 mm (4.3 in) across 13 days. Humidity remains consistent at 82% for both months, contributing to the overall dampness typical of this period. For a closer look at the weather specifics in March, you can visit Big Sur weather in March.

In January, the weather tends to be cooler, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C (38°F) to a maximum of 20°C (69°F) and a relatively high humidity level of 82%. The month also sees considerable precipitation, with about 140 mm (5.5 inches) over 8 days. In contrast, April brings milder conditions with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 5°C (41°F) to a maximum of 25°C (78°F), along with significantly reduced rainfall of 33 mm (1.3 inches) over just 5 days. The humidity slightly decreases to 78%, making for a more pleasant spring atmosphere. For more details on the weather in April, check out Big Sur weather in April.

In January, temperatures in Big Sur range from a chilly minimum of 3°C (38°F) to a comfortable maximum of 20°C (69°F), with an average temperature of 10°C (51°F). The month is relatively wet, receiving about 140 mm (5.5 in) of precipitation over approximately 8 days, and the humidity is notably high at 82%. In contrast, May sees a slight warming trend, with minimum temperatures around 5°C (42°F) and maximums peaking at 24°C (75°F). Rainfall decreases significantly to just 23 mm (0.9 in) over 3 days, and the humidity drops to a more moderate 71%. For more detailed insights on weather patterns, you can check Big Sur weather in May.

In January, the weather is characterized by cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 3°C (38°F) and an average of 10°C (51°F), reaching a maximum of 20°C (69°F). It is also quite wet, receiving about 140 mm (5.5 in) of precipitation over 8 days, resulting in high humidity levels at 82%. In contrast, June presents a much warmer and drier climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a maximum of 27°C (81°F) and only minimal precipitation of 2 mm (0.1 in) over the entire month, accompanied by a decrease in humidity to 64%. For more detailed insights, you can check Big Sur weather in June.

In January, the weather is significantly cooler, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C (38°F) to a maximum of 20°C (69°F) and an average around 10°C (51°F). This month sees considerable precipitation, totaling 140 mm (5.5 in) over approximately 8 days, accompanying a high humidity level of 82%. In stark contrast, July offers a much warmer climate, with temperatures ranging from a low of 9°C (49°F) to a high of 24°C (75°F) and an average temperature of 15°C (60°F). Rain is almost nonexistent, recording only 1 mm (0.0 in) of precipitation, and the humidity drops to a more comfortable 58%. For more details about July weather, you can visit Big Sur weather in July.

In January, the weather is characterized by cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 3°C (38°F) and an average of 10°C (51°F), reaching a maximum of 20°C (69°F). During this month, the area experiences significant precipitation totaling 140 mm (5.5 in) across about 8 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 82%. In contrast, August offers a much warmer climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 11°C (51°F) to a maximum of 28°C (82°F) and a pleasant average of 16°C (62°F). Remarkably, there is minimal precipitation of only 1 mm (0.0 in) and no rainy days, resulting in a lower humidity level of 54%. For more detailed information, check out Big Sur weather in August.

In January, the weather is significantly cooler, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C (38°F) to a maximum of 20°C (69°F) and an average of 10°C (51°F). This month experiences higher precipitation, averaging 140 mm (5.5 in) over approximately 8 days, coupled with a humidity level of 82%, contributing to a damp atmosphere. In contrast, September showcases a more temperate climate, featuring milder temperatures with a minimum of 9°C (49°F), an average of 16°C (62°F), and a peak of 33°C (91°F). Notably, September is mostly dry, with only 4 mm (0.2 in) of rainfall across the month and a significantly lower humidity level of 55%. For more details on the weather during this pleasant month, you can visit Big Sur weather in September.

In January, the weather tends to be cooler and wetter, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C (38°F) to a maximum of 20°C (69°F). The month sees significant precipitation of 140 mm (5.5 in) over about 8 days, contributing to a relatively high humidity level of 82%. In contrast, October offers a much warmer climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a pleasant maximum of 31°C (88°F). During this month, there's only minor precipitation of 21 mm (0.8 in) over 1 day, and the humidity drops to a more comfortable 62%. For more specifics about the climate during this period, check out Big Sur weather in October.

In January, the weather tends to be cooler than in November, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C (38°F) to a maximum of 20°C (69°F) compared to November's range of 4°C (40°F) to 24°C (75°F). January also sees significantly more rainfall, with 140 mm (5.5 in) of precipitation spread over 8 days, while November has only 43 mm (1.7 in) over 5 days. Humidity levels are slightly higher in January at 82%, compared to 78% in November, contributing to a more damp and chilly atmosphere during the first month of the year. For a more detailed look at November's weather patterns, you can visit Big Sur weather in November.

In January, the weather is slightly cooler than in December, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C (38°F) to a maximum of 20°C (69°F). December enjoys a slightly higher average temperature, peaking at 23°C (74°F) and maintaining a minimum of 4°C (40°F). Precipitation levels are higher in January, totaling 140 mm (5.5 in) over about 8 days, compared to December’s 118 mm (4.6 in) across 9 days. Additionally, January's humidity is a bit higher at 82%, while December's humidity sits at 80%. For more detailed insights into weather patterns during this time, you can check Big Sur weather in December.

Compare Big Sur's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From January Weather in Big Sur

January in Big Sur marks a distinct transition, as the temperatures generally remain mild compared to the sweltering summer months, with maximums reaching around 20°C (69°F). The average chill draws closer to 10°C (51°F) at night, often plunging to refreshing lows of 3°C (38°F). Notably, this month experiences frequent rainfall, with about 140 mm (5.5 in) over roughly 8 days, setting the stage for the lush, vibrant landscapes that define the area. Coupled with a high humidity level of 82%, January offers a refreshing yet humid experience unlike the drier summers. For more insights into the overall weather patterns of this breathtaking coastal region, explore Big Sur Climate.