January Weather in Ocean City, United States

Last updated: February 24, 2025

January in Ocean City, United States, presents a chilly yet captivating landscape, with average temperatures hovering around 3°C (38°F). Visitors can expect daily highs reaching up to 16°C (61°F) and occasional cold spells plummeting to a brisk -14°C (8°F). The month sees about 79 mm (3.1 in) of precipitation spread over 9 days, contributing to an 83% humidity level that wraps the area in a damp embrace. This combination of cool temperatures and frequent rain creates a unique atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a quieter experience by the coast while appreciating the beauty of winter in Ocean City.

January Temperature in Ocean City

In January, Ocean City experiences a range of temperatures that reflects the chill of winter, with monthly averages hovering around 3°C (38°F). The thermometer can drop as low as -14°C (8°F) during the coldest nights, yet it can also reach a comfortable 16°C (61°F) at the warmest part of the day. As the month progresses into February, temperatures barely shift, with average values slightly rising to 4°C (40°F) and maximums dipping to 13°C (57°F). However, by March, the onset of spring begins to make its presence felt; temperatures see a gradual rise, signaling the approaching warmth with an average increase to 6°C (43°F) and highs reaching 18°C (66°F). This trend of rising temperatures continues through the spring and into summer, highlighting Ocean City's transition from a brisk winter to a vibrant beach destination.

January Weather in Ocean City: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates January temperature patterns in Ocean City, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec384043515969767672645143
Data source: Temperature data for Ocean City 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 Ocean City

In January, Ocean City experiences an average precipitation of 79 mm (3.1 in) over approximately 9 days, setting the tone for a typically wet winter month. This marks a significant contrast when compared to the heavier precipitation seen in February, which jumps to 117 mm (4.6 in) across 12 days. The trend continues into March with 111 mm (4.4 in), but as spring approaches, rainfall begins to taper off slightly, with April recording 98 mm (3.9 in). Overall, January serves as a precursor to a gradually increasing precipitation pattern in the subsequent months, suggesting a seasonal rhythm that peaks in the fall, where October notably receives 152 mm (6.0 in). This pattern highlights not only the variability of precipitation throughout the year but also the shifting climate dynamics experienced in this coastal region.

January Precipitation Trends in Ocean City

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Ocean City, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec7911711198115691109712215294121
Data source: Precipitation data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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January Humidity in Ocean City

In January, Ocean City, United States, experiences a notably high humidity level of 83%, making it one of the most humid months of the year. As the seasons transition into February and March, we see a slight decline in humidity, dropping to 82% and 81%, respectively. This gradual decrease continues through April and into the warmer months, reaching a low of 74% by May. However, humidity levels see a modest uptick in the summer months of June and August, remaining in the mid-70s range. As autumn approaches, the humidity begins to rise again, peaking at 80% in November before settling back to 81% in December. This cyclical trend reflects Ocean City’s unique coastal climate, where humidity ebbs and flows with the changing seasons, creating a varied atmospheric experience throughout the year.

January Average Humidity in Ocean City

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Ocean City, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec83%82%81%79%74%77%76%77%74%75%80%81%
Data source: Humidity data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

January UV Index in Ocean City

In January, Ocean City experiences a moderate UV Index of 3, with a burn time of 30 minutes, providing a gentle reminder that while the sun's rays are not intense, caution is still necessary. As winter fades and February arrives, the UV Index rises to 5, maintaining that moderate exposure category. March brings a noticeable shift; the index climbs to 6, entering the high category and reducing burn time to 25 minutes. The trend continues into April, where the UV Index leaps to 9, marking the start of very high exposure levels, and a mere 15-minute burn time becomes standard for the following months as summer approaches. This peak persists through July and August, where the index remains at 10, before gradually declining in September and October. By November and December, it settles back to 3 and 4, reflecting a seasonal retreat from the sun’s intensity. For a detailed glance at UV levels throughout the year, explore the Ocean City UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Ocean City for January

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Ocean City 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec3569101010108743
Data source: Ocean City 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 Ocean City

In Ocean City, United States, January typically sees a modest 158 hours of sunshine, setting the stage for a gradual increase as the year unfolds. As February approaches, the days begin to lengthen, with sunshine rising to 183 hours. The trend continues through the spring months, with March enjoying 264 hours, and April further brightening the landscape with 274 hours. By the time summer arrives, June and July bask in the glory of 342 and 364 hours of sunshine, making them the sunniest months of the year. Even as the sun starts to wane in August, it still shines for 335 hours. As autumn settles in, the sunshine eases back, tapering off to 294 hours in September and 252 hours by October. The cycle of light wraps up with lower hours in late fall and winter, with 187 hours in December, highlighting a beautiful yet fluctuating rhythm of sunlit hours throughout the year.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Ocean City: January Highlighted

The January sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Ocean City 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec158h183h264h274h315h342h364h335h294h252h228h187h
Data source: Ocean City January Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Ocean City During January

In Ocean City, United States, January brings a decent 52% chance of sunny weather, making it one of the more favorable winter months for sun-seekers. This likelihood stands out against the backdrop of February, which sees a drop to 28%, suggesting a noticeable dip in sunny days as winter tightens its grip. As the year progresses into March, the chance of sunshine rises again to 54%, hinting at an early embrace of spring. A consistent trend can be observed through the seasons: while July and September share a peak 55% chance of sun, winter months such as December and February generally fall lower on the spectrum, indicating a clear shift towards more sunlight as we transition into spring and summer.

Percentage of Sunny Days in January in Ocean City

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Ocean City 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 Ocean City experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec52%28%54%48%47%42%55%36%55%46%56%36%
Data source: Ocean City January chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Ocean City in January

In Ocean City, United States, January greets residents with about 9 hours of daylight, ushering in the new year with those shorter winter days. As the calendar turns to February, daylight gradually increases to 10 hours, hinting at the lengthening hours of spring just ahead. By March, the richer 11 hours of daylight invigorate the community, fostering a sense of anticipation for warmer days. April and May bring a delightful surge, with daylight extending to 13 and 14 hours respectively, allowing for more time to enjoy the iconic beaches and boardwalk. The days peak during the summer months of June, July, and August, consistently offering 14 hours of sunlight, perfect for sun-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. However, as autumn approaches in September, daylight begins to wane, tapering off to 12 hours before descending back to 11 hours in October. The year closes with a return to 9 hours of daylight in both November and December, reminding us of the cyclical nature of seasons and the ebb and flow of light throughout the year.

Average Daylight Hours in Ocean City for January

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Ocean City throughout the year, with January highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec9h 44m10h 43m11h 58m13h 15m14h 20m14h 52m14h 35m13h 37m12h 23m11h 6m9h 59m9h 25m
Data source: Ocean City daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

January Winds in Ocean City

In Ocean City, January ushers in an average wind speed of 5.4 m/s (12 mph), setting a brisk but not overwhelming tone for the month. Following this, February experiences a noticeable uptick, with winds reaching an average of 6.2 m/s (14 mph), likely invigorating the coastline with a refreshing chill. As spring approaches, the winds moderate slightly in March and April, settling around 5.6 m/s (13 mph) and 5.2 m/s (12 mph), respectively. This trend of decreasing wind speeds continues into May and June, dipping to 4.9 m/s (11 mph) and 4.7 m/s (10 mph), making for calmer summer days. The calm is more pronounced in July and August as average speeds drop further to 4.3 m/s (10 mph) and 3.8 m/s (8 mph), creating a serene atmosphere perfect for beachgoers. However, autumn brings a resurgence of breezier conditions, with September and October returning to speeds of 5.0 m/s (11 mph) and 5.5 m/s (12 mph). Finally, as the year draws to a close, November and December see moderate to cool winds again, culminating at 5.8 m/s (13 mph) and 5.0 m/s (11 mph), respectively, reminding us of the cyclical nature of ocean breezes in this vibrant coastal destination.

Average January Wind Speed in Ocean City

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Ocean City, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec5.4 m/s6.25.65.24.94.74.33.85.05.55.85.0
Data source: Ocean City January wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How January Weather in Ocean City Compares to Other Months

The weather in Ocean City 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 Ocean City and find detailed weather information for every month.

January weather in Ocean City tends to be quite chilly, featuring a minimum temperature of -14°C (8°F) and an average of 3°C (38°F), while reaching a maximum of 16°C (61°F). With a total precipitation of 79 mm (3.1 in) over about 9 days and humidity levels at 83%, January can feel quite damp and cold. In contrast, February sees slightly milder conditions, with minimum temperatures around -12°C (11°F) and an average of 4°C (40°F), though it has a lower maximum of 13°C (57°F). February brings increased precipitation, totaling 117 mm (4.6 in) over 12 days, with humidity slightly lower at 82%. For a more detailed look at February weather, check out Ocean City weather in February.

In comparing the weather between January and March, we see a noticeable shift as winter transitions into spring. January is characterized by colder temperatures, with a minimum of -14°C (8°F) and an average of 3°C (38°F), while March shows a milder minimum of -6°C (22°F) and an average of 6°C (43°F). Precipitation also increases from 79 mm (3.1 in) in January to 111 mm (4.4 in) in March, occurring over a similar number of days—9 in January compared to 10 in March. Humidity remains relatively high, hovering at 83% in January and slightly decreasing to 81% in March. For more detailed information on the weather in March, you can check out Ocean City weather in March.

In January, the weather is notably colder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -14°C (8°F) to a maximum of 16°C (61°F), averaging around 3°C (38°F). The month sees significant precipitation, totaling 79 mm (3.1 in) over about 9 days, and a high humidity level of 83%. In contrast, April brings a noticeable warming trend, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 1°C (34°F) to a maximum of 21°C (70°F), averaging 11°C (51°F). April experiences slightly higher precipitation at 98 mm (3.9 in) over 11 days, but with a slightly lower humidity level of 79%. To explore more about the specific weather conditions during April, you can visit Ocean City weather in April.

January and May present a stark contrast in weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plummet to a chilling minimum of -14°C (8°F), with an average of just 3°C (38°F) and a maximum of 16°C (61°F). This month also sees approximately 79 mm (3.1 in) of precipitation over about 9 days, coupled with a high humidity level of 83%. In comparison, May warms up significantly, with temperature lows around 4°C (39°F), averages rising to 15°C (60°F), and highs reaching 25°C (78°F). While May brings more precipitation at 115 mm (4.5 in) over 11 days, the humidity is lower at 74%. For more details on May's weather, check out Ocean City weather in May.

In January, temperatures in Ocean City can be quite frigid, with a minimum of -14°C (8°F) and an average of 3°C (38°F), peaking at a relatively mild 16°C (61°F). The month typically sees 79 mm (3.1 in) of precipitation over 9 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 83%. In contrast, June brings much warmer weather, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 12°C (53°F) to an average of 21°C (70°F) and reaching a pleasant 28°C (83°F) at its highest. Although June also experiences 9 days of precipitation, the total is slightly lower at 69 mm (2.7 in) and humidity drops to 77%. For more detailed information, you can check out Ocean City weather in June.

January and July showcase stark contrasts in weather patterns. In January, temperatures can plunge to a minimum of -14°C (8°F), with an average of around 3°C (38°F) and a maximum of 16°C (61°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 83% and moderate precipitation of 79 mm (3.1 in) over 9 days. Conversely, July experiences much warmer conditions, with minimum temperatures starting at 19°C (66°F) and peaking at an average of 25°C (77°F), reaching highs of 31°C (89°F). With slightly more precipitation at 109 mm (4.3 in) over 10 days, the humidity drops to 76%. This distinct seasonal shift highlights the dramatic transition from the cold depths of winter to the warm embrace of summer. For a deeper dive into summer weather, check out Ocean City weather in July.

January and August present stark contrasts in weather conditions. January experiences significantly colder temperatures, with a minimum of -14°C (8°F) and an average of 3°C (38°F), while August enjoys much warmer weather, with a minimum of 18°C (64°F) and an average of 24°C (76°F). Precipitation is also notable; January sees 79 mm (3.1 in) over 9 days, whereas August has slightly higher precipitation of 97 mm (3.8 in) across 12 days. Humidity levels differ as well, with January at 83% compared to August's 77%. For those wanting to know more about summer weather, check out Ocean City weather in August.

The weather in January and September presents a striking contrast. January features a chilly climate with temperatures ranging from a frigid minimum of -14°C (8°F) to a mild maximum of 16°C (61°F) and an average of around 3°C (38°F). In terms of precipitation, January sees about 79 mm (3.1 in) over 9 days, with a high humidity of 83%. In contrast, September enjoys a warmer atmosphere, with temperatures ranging from a comfortable minimum of 13°C (56°F) to a pleasant maximum of 29°C (85°F), averaging around 22°C (72°F). Additionally, September experiences a greater amount of precipitation at 122 mm (4.8 in) over the same 9 days, but with lower humidity at 74%. For more details on September weather, you can visit this link: Ocean City weather in September.

In January, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -14°C (8°F), with an average of 3°C (38°F) and a maximum of 16°C (61°F), making it significantly colder compared to October, where the minimum is a milder 6°C (44°F) and the average climbs to 18°C (64°F). October enjoys warmer highs reaching up to 28°C (82°F). Precipitation is slightly higher in October, totaling 152 mm (6.0 in) over 10 days compared to January's 79 mm (3.1 in) across 9 days, though January's higher humidity at 83% gives a chillier feel. For a deeper dive into October's climate, check out Ocean City weather in October.

January and November present quite contrasting weather patterns. In January, temperatures plunge significantly, with a minimum of -14°C (8°F) and an average of 3°C (38°F), peaking at a relatively mild 16°C (61°F). The month experiences substantial precipitation, totaling 79 mm (3.1 in) over approximately 9 days, alongside a high humidity level of 83%.

In comparison, November sees much milder conditions, with a minimum temperature of -3°C (26°F) and an average of 11°C (51°F), rising to a maximum of 21°C (70°F). Precipitation is slightly higher at 94 mm (3.7 in), but it also falls over the same number of days, 9. The humidity in November is slightly lower at 80%. For more detailed insights into weather conditions during this time, check the Ocean City weather in November.

January presents a colder climate than December, with minimum temperatures dropping as low as -14°C (8°F) compared to December's milder low of -8°C (18°F). While both months share similar average high temperatures, January tends to hover around 3°C (38°F) on average, while December is slightly warmer at 6°C (44°F). Precipitation is more pronounced in December, with 121 mm (4.8 in) over 11 days, contrasting with January’s 79 mm (3.1 in) falling over 9 days. Humidity levels remain relatively comparable, with January at 83% and December at 81%. For more detailed insights on December weather, visit Ocean City weather in December.

Compare Ocean City's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From January Weather in Ocean City

January in Ocean City presents a striking contrast to the warmer months, with noticeably lower temperatures and higher humidity levels creating a chilly atmosphere. As winter fully takes hold, days are typically brisk, and occasional precipitation adds a layer of unpredictability to outdoor plans. Amidst the cooler temperatures that can drop well below freezing, the town's picturesque winter landscape offers a quieter, serene vibe that’s perfect for those seeking a peaceful getaway. Whether you're exploring the frosty shores or cozying up indoors, January's unique weather highlights a different charm of Ocean City. For a deeper understanding of what to expect throughout the year, check out Ocean City Climate.