January Weather in Ithaca, United States

Last updated: February 24, 2025

January in Ithaca, United States, showcases a captivating winter landscape characterized by dynamic temperature fluctuations. With maximum temperatures reaching 17°C (63°F) and plunging to a chilling minimum of -25°C (-13°F), the month offers an average temperature of only -3°C (26°F). Residents and visitors alike can expect moderate precipitation, totaling 82 mm (3.2 in) across 13 days, contributing to a sense of crispness in the air. With humidity levels soaring at 90%, the chill is palpable, creating a quintessential January experience in this picturesque town. Whether savoring the beauty of snow-covered scenery or engaging in winter activities, January in Ithaca is a month of notable contrasts and seasonal charm.

January Temperature in Ithaca

In Ithaca, United States, January is marked by a stark chill, with temperatures ranging from a bone-numbing -25°C (-13°F) at their lowest to a relatively mild 17°C (63°F) at the peak of the day. The average temperature hovers around -3°C (26°F), encapsulating the essence of winter's full grip. As the month transitions into February, there's a slight warming trend, with average temperatures inching up to -2°C (28°F), and max temperatures reaching 20°C (69°F). Despite this modest increase, January remains the coldest month, setting the stage for a gradual yet persistent climb toward more temperate conditions as spring approaches. The stark contrasts in temperature reflect the unpredictable nature of winter in this region, where biting cold can quickly give way to unexpected warmth.

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

The chart illustrates January temperature patterns in Ithaca, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec262834465866727063533931
Data source: Temperature data for Ithaca 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 Ithaca

In January, Ithaca experiences an average precipitation of 82 mm (3.2 in) over 13 days, marking the month as a transition from the drier winter months to the wetter spring season. While January's rainfall is relatively modest compared to the following months, it sets the stage for the increase in precipitation seen in February and April, where totals rise to 89 mm (3.5 in) and 118 mm (4.6 in), respectively. This early winter moisture is essential for replenishing the local watershed, leading to a gradual uptick in rainfall that peaks in the warmer months of July and October with 146 mm (5.8 in) and 150 mm (5.9 in). Overall, January's precipitation plays a pivotal role in the region's hydrological cycle, preparing the landscape for the lush growth that follows as winter yields to spring.

January Precipitation Trends in Ithaca

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Ithaca, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec82898511812795146100911509597
Data source: Precipitation data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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January Humidity in Ithaca

In January, Ithaca experiences a high average humidity of 90%, setting the tone for the winter months that follow. This level of moisture persists into February, maintaining that same 90% mark. As spring approaches, humidity slightly declines, with March recording an 87% level, followed by 88% in April. The trend continues downward into early summer, reaching 82% in May and stabilizing around the 79%-78% range from June to August. The onset of fall brings a resurgence as humidity averages 84% in October, then dips but remains elevated through the chilly months of November and December, landing at 89% and 86% respectively. Overall, January serves as the peak of humidity in Ithaca, with notable fluctuations reflecting the seasonal changes throughout the year.

January Average Humidity in Ithaca

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Ithaca, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec90%90%87%88%82%79%78%76%78%84%89%86%
Data source: Humidity data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

January UV Index in Ithaca

In January, Ithaca experiences a moderate UV Index of 3, with a burn time of 30 minutes for unprotected skin. This early winter month sets the stage for slightly increasing UV exposure as the year progresses; the index rises to 4 in February. However, as spring approaches, the UV levels spike dramatically, reaching 6 in March and jumping to a very high 8 in April. This trend continues into the summer, with May and June maintaining a peak of 10, where the risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure quickly increases, giving only 15 minutes of safe time. As the seasons shift back to fall, the UV Index begins to taper off, signaling a return to more manageable levels, hitting 4 in November and dropping to a low 2 in December. For more detailed insights on UV levels throughout the year, check out the full report at Ithaca UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Ithaca for January

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Ithaca 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec346810101098642
Data source: Ithaca 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 Ithaca

In Ithaca, January greets residents with a modest 104 hours of sunshine, setting the stage for a gradual increase as winter gives way to spring. By February, the sun makes a more pronounced appearance with 144 hours, hinting at the longer days to come. March ushers in a significant leap, bringing 216 hours of sunlight, which continues to build into the 228 hours recorded in April. As spring blossoms into summer, the region basks in its sunniest months, peaking in July with an impressive 341 hours. Even August retains its glow with 330 hours, before a steady decline begins in September. The transition to autumn sees sunshine dwindle again, ending the year with December’s 110 hours, a reminder of the seasonal cycle that ties Ithaca’s weather patterns to the rhythm of the year.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Ithaca: January Highlighted

The January sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Ithaca 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec104h144h216h228h265h325h341h330h284h205h152h110h
Data source: Ithaca January Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Ithaca During January

In January, Ithaca experiences its lowest likelihood of sunny weather, with only a 13% chance of sunshine gracing the skies. This chilly month stands in stark contrast to February, which sees a slight uptick to 22%, hinting at the gradual approach of spring. As winter retreats, March ushers in a more promising 40% chance of sun, illuminating the pathway toward brighter days. The trend continues into April and May, showcasing 35% and 37% chances respectively, before summer descends with its peak of 43% in June. Overall, while January presents a gray backdrop, the promise of clearer skies steadily increases with the arrival of spring, encouraging hope for sunny moments ahead.

Percentage of Sunny Days in January in Ithaca

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Ithaca 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 Ithaca experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec13%22%40%36%37%43%38%35%37%29%39%20%
Data source: Ithaca January chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Ithaca in January

In Ithaca, New York, January marks the beginning of a gradual transition in daylight, offering around 9 hours of light. As the months progress, the days lengthen dramatically, with February adding an extra hour, leading to 10 hours. This trend continues into spring, where daylight reaches 11 hours in March and stretches to 13 hours by April, culminating in 14 hours by May. The peak of daylight occurs in June, boasting 15 hours of sun. However, the shift begins again as summer wanes, with July seeing a slight dip back to 14 hours, followed by a gentle decline in August and September (13 and 12 hours, respectively). By the time October arrives, daylight clocks back to 11 hours and gradually diminishes once more, reaching 9 hours in both November and December. Thus, Ithaca experiences a rhythmic cycle of daylight that ebbs and flows with the seasons, inviting a vibrant embrace of lengthening days in the colder months.

Average Daylight Hours in Ithaca for January

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Ithaca throughout the year, with January highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec9h 27m10h 33m11h 58m13h 24m14h 37m15h 13m14h 53m13h 48m12h 25m11h9h 44m9h 6m
Data source: Ithaca daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

January Winds in Ithaca

In Ithaca, January greets residents with a brisk average wind speed of 3.3 m/s (7 mph), setting the tone for a windy winter. As the months progress into February, the winds ease slightly, dropping to 3.1 m/s (7 mph), yet they pick up again in March, with a noticeable increase to 4.0 m/s (9 mph). This suggests that the transition from winter to spring brings a refreshing gustiness, invigorating the air. April's winds return to a calmer 3.2 m/s (7 mph), followed by a gradual decline through the warmer months, hitting a low of 2.3 m/s (5 mph) in August. Interestingly, as autumn arrives, wind speeds rebound slightly, with November and December both showing an increase to 3.2 m/s (7 mph) and 3.7 m/s (8 mph) respectively. This cyclical trend highlights the dynamic nature of Ithaca's winds, with colder months experiencing more robust breezes while the summer offers a gentle respite.

Average January Wind Speed in Ithaca

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Ithaca, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec3.3 m/s3.14.03.22.72.72.42.33.02.83.23.7
Data source: Ithaca January wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How January Weather in Ithaca Compares to Other Months

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

In comparing the weather of January and February, both months exhibit cold temperatures, but February tends to be slightly milder. January experiences a minimum temperature of -25°C (-13°F) and averages around -3°C (26°F), while February has a slightly higher minimum of -23°C (-9°F) and an average close to -2°C (28°F). Maximum temperatures also edge up, with January reaching a high of 17°C (63°F) compared to February's 20°C (69°F). Precipitation is similar in both months; January sees 82 mm (3.2 in) over 13 days, while February records 89 mm (3.5 in) across 14 days. Humidity remains consistent at 90% for both months, contributing to the overall chill. For more detailed information, you can check out Ithaca weather in February.

In comparing the weather between January and March, January features more extreme cold, with minimum temperatures dropping as low as -25°C (-13°F) and an average of -3°C (26°F). Despite the chill, January experiences a milder maximum of 17°C (63°F) and a high humidity level of 90%, along with significant precipitation totaling 82 mm (3.2 in) over 13 days. In contrast, March shows a climatic shift, with minimum temperatures around -17°C (1°F) and an average rising to 1°C (34°F). Maximum temperatures can reach up to 23°C (73°F), and precipitation slightly increases to 85 mm (3.4 in) over the same number of days, accompanied by a slightly lower humidity of 87%. For a detailed look at the weather patterns in March, check out Ithaca weather in March.

In January, temperatures in Ithaca are significantly colder, with minimums dropping to -25°C (-13°F) and an average of -3°C (26°F), while the maximum reaches a relatively mild 17°C (63°F). The month sees around 82 mm (3.2 in) of precipitation over 13 days, accompanied by high humidity levels of 90%. In contrast, April offers a noticeable shift in weather, with a minimum temperature of -5°C (23°F) and an average of 8°C (46°F), progressing to a maximum of 27°C (80°F). Precipitation increases to 118 mm (4.6 in) over 16 days, maintaining a slightly lower humidity at 88%. For more details on the difference in climate, you can explore Ithaca weather in April.

In January, the weather in Ithaca is characterized by frigid temperatures, with a minimum reaching as low as -25°C (-13°F) and an average around -3°C (26°F). This month experiences considerable precipitation, averaging 82 mm (3.2 in) over 13 days, accompanied by high humidity levels of 90%. In contrast, May brings a noticeable warming trend, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -2°C (28°F) to an average of 14°C (58°F) and a maximum of 32°C (89°F). Although precipitation increases to 127 mm (5.0 in) over 17 days, the humidity is slightly lower at 82%. For more details on the weather conditions in May, you can visit Ithaca weather in May.

In January, Ithaca experiences frigid temperatures, with a minimum plunging to -25°C (-13°F) and an average of -3°C (26°F), contrasting sharply with June's milder climate, where temperatures range from a minimum of 4°C (39°F) to an average of 19°C (67°F). While January sees significant snowfall with a total precipitation of 82 mm (3.2 in) over 13 days, June brings slightly higher precipitation at 95 mm (3.7 in) over just 12 days, but it's generally warmer and more pleasant. Furthermore, the humidity is notably higher in January at 90%, compared to June's 79%, contributing to the chilly feel of winter compared to the more humid summer days. For more details on what to expect during this month, check out Ithaca weather in June.

January and July in Ithaca present a stark contrast in weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plummet to as low as -25°C (-13°F), with an average of -3°C (26°F) and occasional highs reaching 17°C (63°F). The month sees significant precipitation of 82 mm (3.2 in) spread across 13 days, coupled with high humidity levels of 90%. In contrast, July enjoys much milder temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 10°C (51°F) to an average of 22°C (72°F) and peaks of 34°C (94°F). Precipitation increases slightly to 146 mm (5.8 in) over 15 days, though the humidity decreases to a more comfortable 78%. For more details on Ithaca's summer climate, check out Ithaca weather in July.

In January, the weather is characterized by frigid temperatures, with nighttime lows dipping to as low as -25°C (-13°F) and an average temperature around -3°C (26°F). The month experiences 82 mm (3.2 in) of precipitation over 13 days, contributing to high humidity levels of around 90%. In contrast, August offers a much milder climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a pleasant average of 21°C (70°F), peaking at 34°C (93°F) during the day. Precipitation sees a slight increase to 100 mm (3.9 in) but occurs over just 12 days, and humidity drops to 76%. For more details, you can explore Ithaca weather in August.

When comparing the weather in January and September, the differences are quite striking. January is characterized by frigid temperatures, with a minimum of -25°C (-13°F) and an average of -3°C (26°F), making it one of the coldest months of the year. In contrast, September experiences much milder weather, with a minimum of 1°C (34°F) and an average of 17°C (64°F), peaking at a warm 33°C (91°F). While both months receive significant precipitation, January has precipitation spread across 13 days, while September sees slightly less rainfall over just 9 days. Additionally, the humidity in January is notably higher at 90% compared to September's 78%, contributing to the chilly atmosphere. For a closer look at the weather specifics in September, you can check this link: Ithaca weather in September.

In comparing the weather between January and October, one can observe significant differences in temperature and precipitation. January features a frigid climate with average temperatures hovering around -3°C (26°F) and a minimum of -25°C (-13°F), while October enjoys milder conditions, with average temperatures of 12°C (53°F) and a minimum of 0°C (32°F). Precipitation also varies, with January receiving 82 mm (3.2 in) over 13 days, whereas October experiences a higher total of 150 mm (5.9 in) across 15 days. Despite the increased rainfall in October, the humidity is slightly lower at 84%, compared to January's 90%. For more details, check out Ithaca weather in October.

January and November present notable differences in weather conditions. In January, temperatures typically range from a minimum of -25°C (-13°F) to a maximum of 17°C (63°F), averaging around -3°C (26°F), while November experiences slightly milder temperatures with a minimum of -20°C (-3°F) and a maximum of 23°C (74°F), averaging 4°C (39°F). Precipitation is also prominent in both months, with January receiving about 82 mm (3.2 in) over 13 days, while November sees slightly higher precipitation at 95 mm (3.7 in) across 14 days. Humidity levels are relatively similar, with January at 90% and November at 89%. For more detailed information, you can visit Ithaca weather in November.

In the comparison of January and December weather, January tends to be colder on average, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -25°C (-13°F) to an average of -3°C (26°F), while December has milder conditions with minimum temperatures around -17°C (1°F) and an average of 0°C (32°F). Both months experience similar maximum temperatures, reaching 17°C (63°F). Precipitation is slightly higher in December at 97 mm (3.8 in) over 15 days, compared to January’s 82 mm (3.2 in) over 13 days. Humidity levels also differ slightly, with January averaging 90% compared to December's 86%. For a more detailed look at December weather specifics, check out Ithaca weather in December.

Compare Ithaca's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From January Weather in Ithaca

January in Ithaca is a month of contrasts, characterized by its chilly temperatures and high humidity that can leave even the most resilient ones feeling the bite of winter. Unlike the milder months that precede and follow it, January's weather typically showcases the coldest conditions, plunging into frigid lows while occasionally peaking at a surprisingly mild 17°C (63°F). With 82 mm of precipitation spread over approximately 13 days, the month is not just about snow but welcomes a mix of wintry weather that shapes the landscape into a picturesque scene. For a deeper understanding of how Ithaca's climate evolves through the year, visit Ithaca Climate.