Last updated: February 24, 2025
In January, Nantucket experiences a crisp chill, with maximum temperatures reaching 13°C (55°F) and an average of 3°C (38°F). The month can be particularly cold, dropping to a minimum of -13°C (9°F), making it vital for residents and visitors to bundle up. With precipitation totaling 96 mm (3.8 in) over approximately 10 days, the island sees a fair amount of moisture, contributing to its serene winter atmosphere. Coupled with a high humidity level of 84%, the weather in January lends Nantucket a unique character, perfect for those seeking a peaceful winter getaway amidst beautiful coastal scenery.
In Nantucket during January, temperatures linger at their wintery lows, typically ranging from a brisk -13°C (9°F) to a mild 13°C (55°F). The average temperature rests at around 3°C (38°F), setting a chilly tone for the month. As winter progresses into February, the cold slightly eases, yet the patterns remain consistent with minimums around -10°C (15°F). Notably, these temperatures begin to rise gradually into March, where the minimum dips to -7°C (19°F), signaling the slow arrival of spring. Despite the low averages, January remains one of the coldest months on the island, showcasing the stark contrast to the warmer months ahead, where balmy highs of 24°C (76°F) can be expected by peak summer. Thus, January in Nantucket epitomizes a classic New England winter, paving the way for the seasonal shifts that follow.
In January, Nantucket experiences an average precipitation of 96 mm (3.8 in) over approximately 10 days, setting the trend for a winter characterized by moderate rainfall. This early month's precipitation is relatively lower compared to the following months, particularly February, which sees a noticeable increase to 127 mm (5.0 in) over 13 days. Such early winter moisture provides a foundation for the wetter months ahead, where precipitation peaks in October at 162 mm (6.4 in). The distribution of rainfall indicates a gradual rise through the spring, with the precipitation pattern highlighting a shift to heavier rainfall as the year progresses. Overall, January serves as a precursor to the wetter conditions that dominate Nantucket’s climate in the ensuing months, making it a crucial month in the region's hydrological cycle.
In Nantucket, January sets the stage for a humid winter, with levels sitting at a notable 84%. This high humidity persists into February, maintaining the same percentage, creating a consistent air moisture that blankets the island. As the seasons transition into spring, the humidity begins to ease, dropping slightly to 82% by March and further declining to 79% in April. By May, the moisture content continues to lessen, reaching 75%, making way for the milder summer months ahead. Interestingly, June experiences a slight uptick to 78%, but the overall trend shows a gradual decrease leading into autumn, with humidity remaining stable at 75% throughout the late summer into fall. As winter approaches again, November and December see a return to higher levels at 80%, hinting at a cyclical pattern of humidity that defines Nantucket's climate.
In January, Nantucket experiences a moderate UV Index of 3, indicating a burn time of about 30 minutes. As winter progresses into February, the UV Index increases to 5, maintaining the moderate exposure category with the same burn time. However, as spring approaches in March, the UV Index rises again to 6, transitioning into a high exposure level, reducing the burn time to 25 minutes. This upward trend continues into late spring and summer, peaking at 10 during June and July, where the very high exposure requires vigilant sun protection with a burn time of just 15 minutes. As the year moves towards fall, the UV Index gradually decreases, dropping back to 4 in November and finally to 2 in December, marking the lowest risk with a burn time of 45 minutes. This seasonal variation highlights the need for sun safety awareness and precaution, making it essential to stay informed, especially during the higher UV months. For more details, visit the Nantucket UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
Nantucket basks in a gradual crescendo of sunlight as the year unfolds, with January offering a mere 134 hours to kick off the winter months. However, as the chill of winter gives way to the warmth of spring, hours of sunshine increase significantly, reaching 256 hours by March. The peak of summer dazzles visitors with 342 hours in July, making it the sunniest month of the year. Even as fall approaches and the golden hues of autumn begin to grace the island, the sunlight remains generous, with 278 hours in September. Overall, the trend illustrates a vibrant transition from the subdued sunlight of winter to the exuberant brightness of summer, wrapping up nicely as the year concludes with a more muted 156 hours in December. This rhythmic ebb and flow of sunshine perfectly mirrors the serene beauty of Nantucket throughout the seasons.
In Nantucket, January brings a modest 36% chance of sunny weather, making it one of the drier winter months for the island. While not the sunniest, January's likelihood of sunshine contrasts with the particularly overcast months of December and February, which dip to 27% and 27% respectively. As winter wanes, the promise of clearer skies returns with March soaring to a notable 56% chance of sun, indicating that residents and visitors can look forward to a gradual return of more vibrant weather. Overall, while January may not boast the highest sunshine rates, it sets the stage for the brighter days ahead in the coming months.
In Nantucket, United States, January marks the beginning of a gradual increase in daylight that brings life back to the island after the winter's embrace. With 9 hours of daylight, the month offers a subtle transition towards the bright days ahead. As February rolls in, daylight increases to 10 hours, setting the stage for spring's arrival. The trend continues into March with 11 hours, and by April, residents bask in 13 hours of sunlight, hinting at the joys of warmer days. May and June peak at 14 and 15 hours, respectively, providing ample time for outdoor activities under the sun. The daylight duration begins to taper off in July and August, yet it remains generous at 14 and 13 hours. As autumn unfolds, September brings back the familiar 12 hours while daylight dwindles again to 9 hours by the end of the year in November and December. This rhythmic cycle underscores Nantucket's seasonal charm, as each month's daylight duration highlights the island's transformation throughout the year.
In Nantucket, January breezes in with an average wind speed of 8.2 m/s (18 mph), making it the windiest month of the year. This brisk start transitions into February and March, where the wind speed slightly decreases to 8.0 m/s and 7.9 m/s, respectively, maintaining a consistent pace of around 18 mph. As spring approaches, the winds continue to drift downwards, tapering to 7.5 m/s (17 mph) by April, then further to 6.6 m/s (15 mph) in May. The summer months witness a gentle lull, with July and August recording the calmest winds at 5.4 m/s (12 mph) and 5.2 m/s (12 mph). As autumn sets in, the winds regain some strength, creeping back up to 7.3 m/s (16 mph) in October and reaching 7.7 m/s (17 mph) in November before slightly dipping in December. This seasonal cycle of wind not only shapes the island's charming landscape but also marks the transition between the vibrant seasons of Nantucket's maritime charm.
The weather in Nantucket 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 Nantucket and find detailed weather information for every month.
January and February exhibit similar average temperatures, both hovering around 3°C (38°F), with maximums reaching 13°C (55°F). However, February tends to be slightly milder at night, with minimum temperatures only dropping to -10°C (15°F) compared to January's colder lows of -13°C (9°F). Precipitation also sees an uptick in February, totaling 127 mm (5.0 in) over 13 days, whereas January records 96 mm (3.8 in) over 10 days. This indicates that February is generally wetter than January, despite both months sharing the same humidity level of 84%. For more detailed information, you can check Nantucket weather in February.
In January, the weather in Nantucket is characterized by lower temperatures, with a minimum of -13°C (9°F) and an average of 3°C (38°F), making it one of the coldest months. The region experiences significant precipitation, with 96 mm (3.8 in) falling over 10 days and a high humidity level of 84%. By contrast, March brings slightly milder conditions, with a minimum of -7°C (19°F) and an average of 4°C (39°F), along with a maximum temperature of 12°C (53°F). The precipitation increases to 114 mm (4.5 in) over 11 days, accompanied by marginally lower humidity at 82%. For a detailed look at what to expect, check out Nantucket weather in March.
In January, the weather is significantly colder, with temperatures ranging from a chilly -13°C (9°F) to a mild 13°C (55°F), and an average of 3°C (38°F). The month experiences considerable precipitation, averaging 96 mm (3.8 in) over about 10 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 84%. In contrast, April brings a notable shift with milder temperatures, ranging from 1°C (34°F) to 13°C (56°F) and an average of 7°C (45°F). Although April sees slightly more precipitation at 127 mm (5.0 in) over 12 days, the humidity is lower at 79%. For more information on the specifics of spring's approach, check out Nantucket weather in April.
In January, temperatures in Nantucket can be quite frigid, with minimum lows reaching -13°C (9°F) and an average around 3°C (38°F). The month experiences a significant amount of precipitation, totaling 96 mm (3.8 in) over approximately 10 days, and high humidity averaging 84%. In contrast, May presents a milder climate, showcasing warmer temperatures with a minimum of 5°C (41°F) and an average of 11°C (51°F), peaking at 16°C (62°F). Although May is wetter with 130 mm (5.1 in) spread over 12 days, the humidity is more comfortable at 75%. For a detailed look at the weather during this month, check out Nantucket weather in May.
In January, the weather is significantly colder, with temperatures ranging from a frigid minimum of -13°C (9°F) to a maximum of 13°C (55°F). The month sees an average temperature of 3°C (38°F) and experiences about 96 mm (3.8 inches) of precipitation over 10 days, accompanied by high humidity levels of 84%. In contrast, June offers a much milder climate, with temperatures varying from a minimum of 10°C (50°F) to a pleasant maximum of 21°C (70°F). The average temperature in June is around 15°C (60°F), and it sees a slight decrease in precipitation to 83 mm (3.2 inches) over the same number of days, alongside a lower humidity of 78%. For more detailed information about June weather, you can visit Nantucket weather in June.
In January, the weather is distinctly cold, with temperatures ranging from a frigid -13°C (9°F) to a maximum of 13°C (55°F), and an average temperature of 3°C (38°F). The month sees a considerable amount of precipitation, with about 96 mm (3.8 in) falling over 10 days, and humidity levels hovering around 84%. In contrast, July boasts a much milder climate, with temperatures varying from a comfortable 15°C (59°F) to a pleasant maximum of 24°C (76°F), and an average of 20°C (67°F). Precipitation in July is less frequent, totaling 64 mm (2.5 in) and occurring over 8 days, while humidity levels drop to a more manageable 76%. For more details, check out Nantucket weather in July.
January and August present stark contrasts in weather. In January, temperatures can plunge to a minimum of -13°C (9°F), with an average of about 3°C (38°F) and a maximum of 13°C (55°F). The month experiences considerable precipitation, totaling 96 mm (3.8 in) over approximately 10 days, accompanied by high humidity at 84%. In contrast, August is much milder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 16°C (62°F) to an average of 21°C (70°F) and a maximum of 24°C (76°F). Precipitation slightly increases to 98 mm (3.9 in), but with fewer rainy days (8), and the humidity drops to 76%. For more details on the summer conditions, visit Nantucket weather in August.
In January, the weather is characterized by cold temperatures, with minimums dropping to -13°C (9°F) and an average of just 3°C (38°F). The month sees a fair amount of precipitation, totaling 96 mm (3.8 in) over approximately 10 days, accompanied by relatively high humidity levels at 84%. In contrast, September experiences much milder conditions, with minimum temperatures starting at 13°C (56°F) and averaging around 19°C (66°F). While precipitation slightly increases to 122 mm (4.8 in) over the same number of rainy days, humidity drops to 75%, creating a more comfortable atmosphere. For more details on September weather, visit Nantucket weather in September.
January and October present stark contrasts in weather. In January, temperatures can plummet as low as -13°C (9°F), with an average around 3°C (38°F) and a maximum of 13°C (55°F). The month is characterized by significant precipitation, totaling 96 mm (3.8 in) over about 10 days, accompanied by high humidity at 84%. In contrast, October sees milder temperatures, with a minimum of 5°C (41°F), an average of 15°C (60°F), and a comfortable maximum of 22°C (71°F). Precipitation increases to 162 mm (6.4 in) over 12 days, but with lower humidity at 75%. For a closer look at the weather specifics, you can visit Nantucket weather in October.
January weather is characterized by colder temperatures, with minimums plummeting to -13°C (9°F) and an average of around 3°C (38°F), while November offers a milder experience with minimums at -5°C (24°F) and an average of 10°C (50°F). In terms of precipitation, January sees 96 mm (3.8 in) over 10 days, slightly less than November, which experiences 115 mm (4.5 in) over the same number of days. Additionally, humidity levels are higher in January at 84%, compared to November's 80%. For more detailed insights into November weather, you can check Nantucket weather in November.
In comparing the weather of January and December, January tends to be colder, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of -13°C (9°F) to a maximum of 13°C (55°F), while December sees slightly milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from -9°C (16°F) to 16°C (61°F). Precipitation levels are quite notable, with January receiving about 96 mm (3.8 in) over 10 days, compared to December's higher total of 132 mm (5.2 in) over 12 days. Additionally, January has a higher humidity level at 84%, compared to December’s 80%. For more detailed insights, check Nantucket weather in December.
As winter fully settles in, January in Nantucket showcases a distinct chill compared to the milder months. Characterized by low average temperatures and the potential for frost, this month stands out with reduced daylight and an increased humidity level that contributes to a persistent feeling of cold. While precipitation in the form of a mix of rain and occasional snow falls over several days, the overall atmosphere remains tranquil yet brisk. For those drawn to the beauty of a winter escape, Nantucket’s January weather offers a unique, serene experience unlike the warmer seasons. To explore more about what to expect throughout the year, visit Nantucket Climate.