Last updated: February 24, 2025
In January, Durham, United States experiences a dynamic and often chilly winter climate. The average temperature hovers around 6°C (43°F), with highs reaching up to 25°C (77°F) on rare occasions, while plunging to a frigid -15°C (6°F) at night. Throughout the month, precipitation totals approximately 89 mm (3.5 in) over 9 days, contributing to a notably humid atmosphere with a humidity level of 85%. This blend of temperatures and moisture creates a unique January landscape, shaping the daily experiences of Durham's residents and visitors alike.
In January, Durham, United States experiences a notable chill as temperatures range from a brisk minimum of -15°C (6°F) to a comparatively mild maximum of 25°C (77°F). With an average temperature of 6°C (43°F), the month serves as a stark contrast to the warmth of summer. This winter month marks the coldest point of the year, but even then, dramatic variations can occur, hinting at the broader climate dynamics in this region. The progression from January into February sees a slight easing of frost, encouraging a gradual rise in temperatures, evident in the increasing averages. Overall, January sets the stage for a winter landscape that paves the way for the gentle warm-up that follows, showcasing Durham's climatic extremes and transitions.
January in Durham typically brings 89 mm (3.5 in) of precipitation over about 9 days, marking the start of the year with a moderate amount of rainfall. While this is slightly lower than the precipitation witnessed in the following month, February, which sees an increase to 117 mm (4.6 in), January sets the stage for a trend of rising precipitation as winter transitions into spring. Notably, April and May experience similar totals around 116 mm (4.6 in) and 118 mm (4.6 in) respectively, emphasizing a consistent wet period. As spring unfolds into summer, the rainfall continues to climb, peaking in August at 128 mm (5.1 in), which coincides with the highest number of wet days. Conversely, November and December wrap up the year with a dip in both precipitation amounts and rainy days, illustrating a gentle tapering off towards winter. This pattern highlights Durham's climate rhythm, characterized by wet spring and summer seasons followed by milder, drier months in the fall.
In January, Durham experiences a notable average humidity level of 85%, setting a trend for a month characterized by damp and chilly air. As winter progresses into February, humidity slightly decreases to 82%, hinting at gradual seasonal shifts. This decline continues into March and April, where humidity stabilizes around the 80-81% range. The transition into spring sees little fluctuation in humidity, maintaining a consistent feel throughout the warmer months. Interestingly, the trend shifts again in November and December, where humidity levels rise back to 85% and 86% respectively, wrapping up the year with a return to the synonymous dampness of early winter. Overall, it’s clear that while January may be one of the most humid months, the pattern of high humidity persists throughout the year, particularly in the colder months.
In January, Durham experiences a moderate UV Index of 4, with an estimated burn time of 30 minutes under direct sunlight. This trend of moderate exposure sets the stage for a gradual increase in UV levels as the months progress. By February, the UV Index rises to 6, categorized as high, and continues climbing through to the extreme levels in May and June, now requiring a mere 10 minutes of exposure before burning occurs. Interestingly, while the index peaks at 11 during the summer months, it begins to gradually decline again in the fall, signaling a return to more moderate levels by November, which has an index of 5. Understanding these trends can help residents take necessary precautions year-round. For more detailed insights, visit Durham UV Index.
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In Durham, United States, the January sunshine brings an inviting 165 hours of daylight, a gentle start to the year. As the winter chill fades, the daylight steadily increases, peaking in July with a remarkable 352 hours of bright summer sunshine. This upward trend is particularly noticeable from March to June, where each month accumulates more sunlight—culminating in 323 hours in June. However, as autumn approaches, daylight begins to wane, dipping to 203 hours in December. Overall, this seasonal pattern reflects the dynamic rhythm of sunlight in Durham, highlighting the transition from the cozy winter months to the vibrant and sun-soaked summers.
In Durham, United States, January showcases a 48% chance of sunny weather, making it a relatively promising month for sunshine compared to the colder winter months that precede it. This optimism for sunlight, however, starts to fade in February, where the likelihood drops to 36%, before bouncing back slightly in March with a 43% forecast for clear skies. As the seasons transition, April boasts a 60% chance of sunny days, highlighting a significant upsurge as spring approaches. Notably, the overall trend indicates that while January offers decent sunshine opportunities, the warmer months ahead, especially in April and September, tend to favor higher probabilities of sun, with November reaching 63%, signaling the return of pleasant weather as winter recedes.
In Durham, United States, January marks the beginning of the year with a modest 10 hours of daylight, a duration that remains constant through February. As spring approaches, daylight begins to stretch, reaching 11 hours in March and blossoming into 13 hours by April. The trend continues, peaking at 14 hours in both May and June, creating long, vibrant days that beckon outdoor activity. As summer wanes, August sees a slight decline back to 13 hours, followed by a gradual reduction through September and October, where daylight dips to 11 hours. By the end of the year, November and December settle at just 10 and 9 hours, respectively, ushering in the shorter, cozier days of winter. This rhythmic cycle of daylight reflects the seasonal shifts, inviting both the sun seekers and the winter enthusiasts to find joy in each unique phase.
In Durham, January brings a gentle average wind speed of 2.7 m/s (6 mph), setting a calm tone for the new year. As winter progresses into February and March, the winds pick up slightly, reaching 3.2 m/s (7 mph), hinting at the transition towards spring. Interestingly, this uptick in speed is maintained through April, where a slight increase to 3.3 m/s (7 mph) suggests the arrival of more dynamic weather patterns. However, as the region heats up in May and through the summer months, the winds gradually subside, dipping as low as 2.0 m/s (5 mph) in August. A resurgence in wind strength appears in the fall, with November peaking at 3.0 m/s (7 mph). This cyclical trend reveals how January's serene breezes gradually evolve into stronger gusts, echoing the changing seasons in Durham.
The weather in Durham 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 Durham and find detailed weather information for every month.
When comparing the weather in January and February, a few notable differences emerge. January experiences a broader temperature range, with lows dipping to -15°C (6°F) and highs reaching 25°C (77°F), averaging around 6°C (43°F). In contrast, February sees milder temperatures, with minimums at -6°C (21°F) and maximums climbing to 27°C (81°F), averaging 9°C (48°F). Precipitation is also higher in February, with 117 mm (4.6 in) over 11 days compared to January's 89 mm (3.5 in) over 9 days, and humidity slightly decreases from January's 85% to February's 82%. For more detailed insights, check out Durham weather in February.
In January, temperatures in Durham can plummet as low as -15°C (6°F), with an average of 6°C (43°F) and a maximum reaching 25°C (77°F). The month sees a total precipitation of 89 mm (3.5 in) spread over 9 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 85%. In contrast, March offers a more moderate climate with a minimum temperature of -5°C (24°F) and an average of 11°C (53°F), peaking at 31°C (88°F). Precipitation slightly decreases to 84 mm (3.3 in) and occurs over 10 days, while humidity also drops to 81%. For a deeper look into what March entails, check out Durham weather in March.
In January, the weather is characterized by significantly colder temperatures, with a minimum of -15°C (6°F) and an average temperature of only 6°C (43°F). In contrast, April brings a noticeable warming trend, with minimum temperatures around -1°C (31°F) and an average of 16°C (62°F). Both months experience precipitation, but January sees 89 mm (3.5 in) over 9 days, while April has slightly higher precipitation of 116 mm (4.6 in) over 10 days. Additionally, the humidity in January is higher at 85%, compared to 80% in April, indicating a shift towards a fresher, more comfortable atmosphere as spring approaches. For more specifics on the weather conditions, check out Durham weather in April.
In January, the weather is notably cold, with temperatures ranging from a frigid minimum of -15°C (6°F) to a maximum of 25°C (77°F), resulting in an average of just 6°C (43°F). Humidity is relatively high at 85%, and precipitation occurs on about 9 days, totaling 89 mm (3.5 in). In contrast, May experiences much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 4°C (39°F) and a striking maximum of 36°C (97°F), yielding an average temperature of 21°C (70°F). While May also sees precipitation on 11 days and slightly more overall at 118 mm (4.6 in), the humidity is a bit lower at 81%. For more details on the weather during this month, you can check Durham weather in May.
In January, temperatures in Durham can drop as low as -15°C (6°F), with an average of 6°C (43°F) and highs reaching 25°C (77°F). The month sees about 89 mm (3.5 in) of precipitation across 9 days, accompanied by high humidity at 85%. In stark contrast, June offers much warmer weather, with minimum temperatures around 12°C (55°F) and average highs of 24°C (76°F), peaking at a scorching 36°C (97°F). The month experiences slightly more precipitation at 121 mm (4.8 in) over 13 days, but humidity drops to 81%. For further details about June conditions, check out Durham weather in June.
January and July present a stark contrast in weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plummet as low as -15°C (6°F), with an average of 6°C (43°F) and occasional highs reaching 25°C (77°F). The month experiences significant humidity at 85% and sees about 89 mm (3.5 in) of precipitation over approximately 9 days. In comparison, July boasts much milder conditions, with minimum temperatures starting at 16°C (61°F) and averaging 27°C (80°F), while maximum temperatures can soar to 37°C (99°F). Although it is warmer, July also brings more rainfall, totaling 114 mm (4.5 in) across about 14 days, coupled with slightly lower humidity at 81%. For a closer look at July specifics, you can check Durham weather in July.
January and August present stark contrasts in weather characteristics. In January, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -15°C (6°F) but average around a cooler 6°C (43°F), with maximums reaching 25°C (77°F). This month also sees significant precipitation, totaling 89 mm (3.5 in) over about 9 days, accompanied by high humidity levels of 85%. In contrast, August experiences much milder conditions, with minimum temperatures starting at 15°C (59°F) and averaging around 26°C (78°F), peaking at a maximum of 36°C (97°F). Precipitation increases to 128 mm (5.1 in) over 15 days, while humidity slightly decreases to 80%. For more detailed weather insights, check out Durham weather in August.
In comparing the weather between January and September, notable differences emerge. January experiences colder temperatures, with minimums reaching -15°C (6°F) and an average of 6°C (43°F), while September enjoys milder conditions, featuring minimums around 9°C (48°F) and an average of 23°C (74°F). Additionally, September boasts warmer maximum temperatures, peaking at 35°C (96°F) compared to January's maximum of 25°C (77°F). Precipitation levels are relatively similar, with January receiving 89 mm (3.5 in) and September slightly higher at 128 mm (5.1 in), but both months see precipitation on about 9 days. Humidity levels are also higher in January at 85%, dropping to 79% in September. For more details on September weather, check Durham weather in September.
January weather presents a stark contrast to that of October. In January, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -15°C (6°F), with an average of 6°C (43°F) and a maximum of 25°C (77°F). The month sees significant precipitation, totaling 89 mm (3.5 in) over about 9 days, coupled with high humidity levels at 85%. On the other hand, October experiences a milder climate, starting with a minimum temperature of 2°C (36°F) and reaching an average of 18°C (65°F), boiling up to a maximum of 36°C (98°F). Precipitation in October is slightly higher at 97 mm (3.8 in) over the same number of rainy days, but the humidity is marginally lower at 80%. For more details on October weather patterns, visit Durham weather in October.
January and November present contrasting weather patterns, despite having similar humidity levels of 85%. In January, temperatures can drop as low as -15°C (6°F), with an average of 6°C (43°F) and a maximum reaching 25°C (77°F). This month experiences slightly higher precipitation of 89 mm (3.5 in) across about 9 days. In comparison, November offers milder temperatures, with a minimum of -4°C (25°F), an average of 10°C (51°F), and a maximum of 29°C (84°F). Precipitation is slightly less at 81 mm (3.2 in) over 7 days. For more details on the weather in November, you can visit Durham weather in November.
In comparing the weather of January and December, January generally experiences colder temperatures, with a minimum of -15°C (6°F) and an average of 6°C (43°F), contrasting with December's milder minimum of -7°C (19°F) and an average of 8°C (46°F). Despite having similar total precipitation over nine days, January has slightly less at 89 mm (3.5 in) compared to December's 107 mm (4.2 in). Humidity levels remain close, with January at 85% and December at 86%. For a detailed overview of December weather, you can visit Durham weather in December.
January in Durham is a unique departure from the more temperate months that precede and follow it. Characterized by cool to cold temperatures, this winter month often ushers in chilly winds and brisk days, offering a stark contrast to the warmer climates of late spring and summer. With relatively high humidity levels and occasional rainfall, January may not be the most inviting time for outdoor activities, but it still adds a distinct charm to the city's seasonal beauty. For those seeking to understand the broader patterns and variations throughout the year, a deep dive into Durham Climate will illuminate the fascinating shifts each month brings.