January Weather in Palo Alto, United States

Last updated: February 24, 2025

Palo Alto experiences a dynamic January, characterized by a maximum temperature of 24°C (75°F) and a minimum of 2°C (36°F), averaging around 11°C (52°F). This month sees about 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain over 7 days, contributing to an overall humidity level of 82%. The wet weather interspersed with mild temperatures creates a unique atmosphere, making January a transitionary month within the vibrant climate of this California city. Embrace the refreshing chill and occasional showers as they set the stage for the budding spring season ahead.

January Temperature in Palo Alto

In Palo Alto, January experiences a delightful range of temperatures, making it a refreshing month within the California climate spectrum. With minimums dipping to around 2°C (36°F) and an average of 11°C (52°F), residents can expect crisp, cool mornings. The month peaks at a maximum of 24°C (75°F), offering plenty of warmer afternoons to enjoy outdoor activities. As the first month of the year, January sets the tone for a gradual warming trend, which continues into February and beyond, but its mild chill and sunny days remain a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Overall, the variations in temperature reflect Palo Alto's mild Mediterranean climate, fostering both lively mornings and pleasant afternoons perfect for exploration.

January Weather in Palo Alto: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates January temperature patterns in Palo Alto, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec525354565863636565625652
Data source: Temperature data for Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto

In January, Palo Alto experiences its wettest month of the year, with a significant precipitation total of 105 mm (4.1 in) over seven rainy days. This sets the stage for a gradual decline in rainfall as the year progresses; February follows closely with 100 mm (3.9 in), but by March, amounts drop to 86 mm (3.4 in) over eleven days, indicating a slow transition towards a drier climate. As the spring months roll in, precipitation sharply decreases to just 33 mm (1.3 in) in April and a mere 24 mm (0.9 in) in May, highlighting the region's shift to a predominantly dry season. By June and through the summer months, rainfall virtually ceases, with July and August recording no precipitation at all, before slightly picking up again in the fall. This trend underscores Palo Alto's distinct wet and dry seasons, making January an essential month for replenishing local water resources.

January Precipitation Trends in Palo Alto

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Palo Alto, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec1051008633242012244788
Data source: Precipitation data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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January Humidity in Palo Alto

In January, Palo Alto experiences a notable humidity level of 82%, setting the tone for a month often characterized by cool, damp weather. This figure slightly increases to 84% in February, before dropping back to 82% in March. As spring approaches, the humidity begins to decline, reaching its lowest point of 54% in August. The trend showcases a gradual decrease throughout the summer months, with humidity peaking again in the fall, highlighted by 78% in November. Ultimately, January stands out as part of a cyclical pattern where the air feels most saturated at the onset and conclusion of the year, while the mid-year months provide a refreshing reprieve with their lower humidity levels.

January Average Humidity in Palo Alto

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Palo Alto, 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 Palo Alto

In Palo Alto, the January UV Index typically sits at a moderate level of 3, indicating that while you can enjoy outdoor activities, it’s important to take some precautions—especially since the burn time is about 30 minutes. As we progress into February, the UV Index rises to 5, maintaining the moderate category but still allowing for reasonable sun exposure. The real change arrives in March, when the index jumps to a very high level of 8, signaling that sun safety becomes more crucial with a shorter burn time of just 15 minutes. This upward trend continues into the warmer months of April and May, reaching a peak of 10 in May, which shifts to extreme at 11 in June and July. As summer gives way to fall, the UV index gradually decreases, falling back to moderate levels of 4 in November and 3 again in December. Overall, it’s essential to be mindful of UV exposure throughout the year in Palo Alto, adapting your sun protection methods as needed. For more detailed information, check out Palo Alto UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Palo Alto for January

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Palo Alto 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec3589101111109743
Data source: Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto

In Palo Alto, January marks the beginning of a gradual increase in sunshine hours, with 151 hours of bright skies setting the tone for the year. As the months progress, the increase becomes more pronounced, peaking in June with an impressive 355 hours of sunshine, inviting outdoor activities and vibrant community life. The summer months, particularly July and August, maintain high sunshine levels, though a slight drop is observed as fall approaches, with September still enjoying a commendable 299 hours. By November, the sunshine hours dip to 225, and the year concludes with a cozy 194 hours in December. This clear trend highlights Palo Alto's transition from winter's subtle brightness to summer's radiant warmth, ultimately embracing a beautiful spectrum of seasonal changes.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Palo Alto: January Highlighted

The January sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Palo Alto 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec151h216h263h296h341h355h349h320h299h276h225h194h
Data source: Palo Alto January Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Palo Alto During January

In Palo Alto, the likelihood of enjoying sunny weather in January stands at 39%, making it one of the cooler months for sunshine in this vibrant area. As the year progresses, a noticeable upward trend in sunny days emerges, peaking in May with a 62% chance of clear skies. Additionally, February and March offer a promising forecast with 55% and 57% chances of sunshine, respectively. The sunshine odds fluctuate notably throughout the year, with April and October providing a moderate 45% and 53% chance. However, the winter months tend to give way to a brighter spring and summer, suggesting that while January might stay a bit gloomy, optimism for sunnier days is just around the corner!

Percentage of Sunny Days in January in Palo Alto

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec39%55%58%45%62%57%48%61%58%53%46%35%
Data source: Palo Alto January chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Palo Alto in January

In Palo Alto, January marks the beginning of a steady progression towards longer days, with daylight averaging just 9 hours. As winter gives way to spring, daylight extends to 10 hours in February and reaches 11 hours by March, signaling the gradual return of sunlight and warmth. April brings even more brightness with 13 hours of daylight, paving the way for the lush greenery of May and June, which boast 14 hours each—highlighting the peak of the sun's embrace. As summer transitions into autumn, daylight gradually declines, dropping to 13 hours in August and tapering to 12 hours by September. The descent continues into October and November, where the daylight retreats to 11 and 10 hours, respectively, before returning to the wintry confines of 9 hours in December. This cyclical dance between light and dark not only marks the changing seasons but also shapes the rhythm of life in this vibrant Californian city.

Average Daylight Hours in Palo Alto for January

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Palo Alto throughout the year, with January highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec9h 54m10h 49m11h 59m13h 11m14h 11m14h 41m14h 25m13h 31m12h 22m11h 10m10h 8m9h 36m
Data source: Palo Alto daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

January Winds in Palo Alto

In Palo Alto, January brings a gentle average wind speed of 2.2 m/s (5 mph), setting a calm tone as the year begins. As winter transitions into early spring, the winds gradually pick up, with February and March seeing slight increases to 2.5 m/s and 2.6 m/s respectively. This trend continues into April, where the winds remain steady, suggesting a mild and pleasant atmosphere for outdoor activities. However, as May arrives, the gusts strengthen to 3.0 m/s (7 mph), marking the peak for the spring season. Following this, wind speeds exhibit a subtle decline during the summer months, with July and August returning to around 2.3 m/s and 2.1 m/s. The winds further ease into September, reaching a low of 2.0 m/s, before experiencing a slight rebound in the fall months. Overall, the wind patterns in Palo Alto showcase a gentle ebb and flow, reflecting a region where tranquility reigns as the seasons shift.

Average January Wind Speed in Palo Alto

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Palo Alto, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2.2 m/s2.52.62.63.02.72.32.12.02.41.82.4
Data source: Palo Alto January wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How January Weather in Palo Alto Compares to Other Months

The weather in Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto and find detailed weather information for every month.

When comparing the weather in January and February, both months feature similar temperature ranges, with January having a minimum of 2°C (36°F), an average of 11°C (52°F), and a maximum of 24°C (75°F), while February slightly increases the maximum to 24°C (76°F). Precipitation is comparable, with January receiving 105 mm (4.1 in) over 7 days and February seeing a bit less at 100 mm (3.9 in) but over 8 days. Humidity levels also show a slight rise from January's 82% to February's 84%. For more detailed information, you can check out Palo Alto weather in February.

In January, temperatures in Palo Alto range from a minimum of 2°C (36°F) to a maximum of 24°C (75°F), with an average of 11°C (52°F). This month sees about 105 mm (4.1 in) of precipitation over roughly 7 days, while humidity levels remain steady at 82%. In contrast, March experiences slightly milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 4°C (40°F) to a maximum of 25°C (78°F) and an average temperature of 12°C (54°F). Although precipitation is somewhat lower at 86 mm (3.4 in), it is recorded over 11 days, keeping the humidity consistent at 82%. For more detailed information, you can check out Palo Alto weather in March.

In January, the weather in Palo Alto tends to be cooler, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 2°C (36°F) to a maximum of 24°C (75°F) and an average of 11°C (52°F). This month also experiences more rainfall, with a total precipitation of 105 mm (4.1 in) spread over 7 days, resulting in a humidity level of 82%. Conversely, April brings milder temperatures, with a minimum of 6°C (42°F) and a maximum of 30°C (87°F), averaging 13°C (57°F). The month is drier, recording only 33 mm (1.3 in) of precipitation over 5 days and slightly lower humidity at 78%. For more details, you can check Palo Alto weather in April.

January and May present contrasting weather patterns. In January, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of 2°C (36°F) to a warmer maximum of 24°C (75°F), with an average of 11°C (52°F). The month is characterized by higher precipitation, totaling 105 mm (4.1 in) over about 7 days, and humidity levels average around 82%, creating a damp atmosphere. In contrast, May offers a noticeable warming trend, with temperatures starting at a minimum of 8°C (46°F), peaking at 29°C (84°F), and an average of 15°C (59°F). Precipitation drops significantly to just 24 mm (0.9 in) over 2 days, and humidity decreases to 71%, making the weather feel more comfortable and pleasant. For further insights, you can check out Palo Alto weather in May.

In January, the weather is cool and damp, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 2°C (36°F) to a maximum of 24°C (75°F), averaging around 11°C (52°F). The month typically sees significant precipitation, accumulating about 105 mm (4.1 in) over roughly 7 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 82%. In contrast, June brings a much warmer and drier climate, where temperatures range from a minimum of 10°C (49°F) to a high of 35°C (96°F), with an average temperature of 17°C (63°F). Remarkably, June experiences minimal rainfall, with only about 2 mm (0.1 in) and no rainy days, leading to a decrease in humidity to 64%. For a more detailed look at the weather specifics, you can visit Palo Alto weather in June.

January and July present stark contrasts in weather patterns. In January, temperatures range from a cool minimum of 2°C (36°F) to a pleasant maximum of 24°C (75°F), with an average of 11°C (52°F). This month sees considerable precipitation, totaling 105 mm (4.1 in) over about 7 days, and the humidity levels are relatively high at 82%. In contrast, July experiences warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 11°C (53°F) to a maximum of 29°C (84°F) and an average of 17°C (63°F). Remarkably, July features zero precipitation, and the humidity drops to a more comfortable 58%. To learn more about the specifics of July weather, check out Palo Alto weather in July.

In January, the weather is characterized by cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 2°C (36°F) and an average of 11°C (52°F), reaching a maximum of 24°C (75°F). The month experiences considerable rainfall, with a total precipitation of 105 mm (4.1 in) over 7 days, and the humidity is relatively high at 82%. In contrast, August brings much warmer conditions, marked by a minimum of 12°C (54°F) and an average of 18°C (65°F), peaking at a hot 35°C (96°F). Notably, August is dry, with no recorded precipitation and only 54% humidity. To explore more about Palo Alto's August weather, check out Palo Alto weather in August.

The weather in January and September presents a stark contrast in Palo Alto. January experiences cooler temperatures with a minimum of 2°C (36°F) and an average of 11°C (52°F), peaking at a maximum of 24°C (75°F). Additionally, it has considerable precipitation of 105 mm (4.1 in) over about 7 days, accompanied by high humidity at 82%. In contrast, September showcases much warmer conditions, with minimums reaching 10°C (50°F), an average of 18°C (66°F), and maximums soaring up to 39°C (103°F). Notably, September records only 2 mm (0.1 in) of precipitation over 0 days, resulting in significantly lower humidity at 55%. For more detailed insights, you can refer to Palo Alto weather in September.

In January, the weather is cooler with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 2°C (36°F) to a maximum of 24°C (75°F), and it sees an average temperature of 11°C (52°F). The month experiences significant rainfall, totaling 105 mm (4.1 in) over about 7 days, leading to a high humidity of 82%. In contrast, October offers a warmer climate, with temperatures starting at a minimum of 7°C (45°F) and peaking at 33°C (92°F), averaging around 17°C (63°F). Additionally, October is much drier, with only 24 mm (0.9 in) of precipitation occurring on just one day, resulting in lower humidity levels at 62%. For more details on October weather, you can check Palo Alto weather in October.

January and November in Palo Alto exhibit distinct weather patterns. In January, temperatures range from a minimum of 2°C (36°F) to a maximum of 24°C (75°F), with an average of 11°C (52°F) and higher precipitation levels, totaling 105 mm (4.1 in) over about 7 days, contributing to a humid atmosphere with an average humidity of 82%. In contrast, November features slightly milder temperatures, with a minimum of 4°C (39°F) and a maximum of 27°C (80°F), averaging 13°C (56°F). The month is characterized by less rainfall, with only 47 mm (1.9 in) spread over 5 days and a slightly lower humidity at 78%. For more detailed insights, you can refer to Palo Alto weather in November.

In comparing the weather between January and December, both months exhibit similar average temperatures, with January showing a range from a minimum of 2°C (36°F) to a maximum of 24°C (75°F), while December has a slightly warmer minimum of 3°C (37°F) and a maximum of 22°C (72°F). Precipitation levels are higher in January, with 105 mm (4.1 in) over 7 days, compared to December's 88 mm (3.5 in) over 9 days. Additionally, humidity is marginally higher in January at 82%, versus December's 80%. For a more detailed look at December weather patterns, you can explore Palo Alto weather in December.

Compare Palo Alto's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From January Weather in Palo Alto

As January settles over Palo Alto, the weather undergoes a noticeable shift compared to the milder, drier months that precede it. With cooler temperatures averaging around 11°C and a relatively high humidity of 82%, the month often brings a refreshing contrast to the region's typical climate. Rainfall becomes more frequent, with about 105 mm of precipitation accumulating over roughly 7 days, signaling the heart of the rainy season. This blend of cooler temperatures and increased moisture invites a vibrant transformation in the natural landscape, making it a unique time to experience the area's beauty. For further insights into Palo Alto's climate patterns, check out Palo Alto Climate.