January Weather in Nags Head, United States

Last updated: February 24, 2025

January in Nags Head, United States presents a chilly coastal climate, where temperatures typically reach a maximum of 18°C (65°F) and dip to a minimum of -5°C (23°F). The average temperature hovers around 8°C (47°F), offering a brisk experience for residents and visitors alike. This month sees 103 mm (4.1 in) of precipitation spread over about nine days, contributing to a notable humidity level of 84%. While the weather may be cool and damp, January can still charm those who seek a serene winter escape by the sea.

January Temperature in Nags Head

In January, Nags Head experiences a chill in the air, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -5°C (23°F) to a maximum of 18°C (65°F), offering an average of 8°C (47°F). This month marks the coldest point of the year, as the trend begins to shift toward warmer days in February, where temperatures slightly rise. The gradual increase continues into March and April, showcasing the arrival of spring with maximums climbing steadily to 21°C (71°F) by mid-April. January’s cool snap lays the foundation for the warming cycle that transforms Nags Head into a delightful coastal haven as the year progresses, making it a perfect destination for those who enjoy a brisk winter atmosphere followed by the promise of milder days.

January Weather in Nags Head: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates January temperature patterns in Nags Head, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec474850586674797976695952
Data source: Temperature data for Nags Head 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 Nags Head

In January, Nags Head experiences an average precipitation of 103 mm (4.1 in) over approximately 9 days, marking the start of the year with a moderate amount of rainfall. This sets a trend where precipitation is gradually increasing in the subsequent months, peaking in August with 134 mm (5.3 in) and often corresponding with increased rainfall days, such as 12 days in February and 13 days in August. While March and April see a slight dip, the overall trend indicates that the region tends to have wetter conditions during the summer months. Significantly, December wraps up the year with the highest precipitation, totaling 142 mm (5.6 in), which may leave a lingering sense of moisture as the New Year begins once again with January's refreshing but manageable rainfall.

January Precipitation Trends in Nags Head

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Nags Head, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec103121789210577921349796112142
Data source: Precipitation data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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January Humidity in Nags Head

In Nags Head, United States, January ushers in the year with a notable humidity level of 84%, setting the tone for a year characterized by relatively high moisture. As winter transitions into spring, humidity slightly dips, reaching 81% in February and maintaining a steady 80% through March and April. However, as summer approaches, the humidity begins to rise again, peaking at 83% in July before slightly retreating to 82% in August. The fall months show a gradual decline, culminating in October's lowest mark of 79%, while early winter returns the humidity to 84% in December. Overall, January’s humidity reflects a consistent pattern in Nags Head, where coastal influences create a steadily humid environment throughout the year, punctuated by minor fluctuations.

January Average Humidity in Nags Head

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Nags Head, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec84%81%80%80%81%82%83%83%80%80%83%84%
Data source: Humidity data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

January UV Index in Nags Head

In January, Nags Head experiences a moderate UV Index of 4, meaning sun exposure can lead to skin burns in about 30 minutes. As winter progresses, the UV Index steadily increases, peaking in May and July with an extreme rating of 11, where just 10 minutes of exposure can be harmful. This upward trend highlights the importance of sun safety as spring turns to summer, with the Index reaching very high levels in the months of March through September. However, come November and December, the Index drops back down to moderate levels, offering welcome relief for sun-sensitive skin. For more detailed insights and daily forecasts, check out Nags Head UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Nags Head for January

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Nags Head 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec46810111011109853
Data source: Nags Head 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 Nags Head

In Nags Head, United States, January ushers in a modest 166 hours of sunshine, setting the stage for a gradual increase as winter gives way to spring. As February unfolds, 201 hours of sunlight brings a hint of warmth, while March sees a substantial jump to 274 hours, signaling the onset of brighter days. This upward trend continues through April with 307 hours, blossoming into the fragrant days of May, which delight residents and visitors alike with 329 hours of golden sunshine. June and July peak with a remarkable 330 and 346 hours respectively, offering the quintessential beach experience. As summer fades into fall, the hours recede gradually; August still enjoys 334 hours before September drops to 297 hours, and October follows with 276 hours. By November and December, the days shorten further to 231 and 205 hours respectively, wrapping up the year with a cozy charm. This striking pattern highlights a vibrant seasonal cycle, making Nags Head a year-round destination for those seeking both sun and serenity.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Nags Head: January Highlighted

The January sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Nags Head 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec166h201h274h307h329h330h346h334h297h276h231h205h
Data source: Nags Head January Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Nags Head During January

Nags Head experiences a 43% chance of sunny weather in January, making it a relatively bright start to the year compared to other winter months. While February sees a dip to 34%, the sunlight starts to rebound in March at 37%, hinting at the approaching spring. As April arrives, the likelihood of sunshine climbs significantly to 55%, ushering in a season of warmth and outdoor activities. Interestingly, May holds steady at 50%, with a slow and steady increase towards sunnier months ahead. Overall, the trend suggests that while January may not be the sunniest, it's certainly a bridge to brighter skies just around the corner, especially as the seasons transition toward spring.

Percentage of Sunny Days in January in Nags Head

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Nags Head 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 Nags Head experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec43%34%38%55%50%34%50%48%59%48%53%45%
Data source: Nags Head January chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Nags Head in January

In Nags Head, United States, January marks the beginning of the year with 10 hours of daylight, a consistent figure echoed in February. As spring approaches, daylight begins to increase, with March offering an extra hour, bringing it to 11 hours. By April, the days stretch significantly longer, allowing for 13 hours of sunlight, and reaching a peak of 14 hours in both May and June. This abundance of daylight continues through July before gradually tapering off with August's 13 hours. As autumn sets in, daylight decreases to 12 hours in September and continues to decline toward winter, concluding the year with just 9 hours in December. Overall, Nags Head experiences a rhythmic ebb and flow of daylight throughout the year, with an unmistakable trend of increasing brightness from winter to summer, followed by a gentle retreat back into the shorter days of winter.

Average Daylight Hours in Nags Head for January

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Nags Head throughout the year, with January highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec10h 1m10h 52m11h 59m13h 7m14h 4m14h 32m14h 17m13h 26m12h 21m11h 13m10h 14m9h 44m
Data source: Nags Head daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

January Winds in Nags Head

In Nags Head, the January winds gently sweep through at an average speed of 6.7 m/s (15 mph), marking the beginning of a noticeable seasonal shift. As winter unfolds, February experiences a slight uptick to 7.6 m/s (17 mph), bringing brisk breezes that hint at the robust winds of spring. The transition continues into March with winds slightly easing to 7.0 m/s (16 mph) before tapering off in the warmer months; April and May see a gradual decline to 6.4 m/s (14 mph) and 6.2 m/s (14 mph), respectively. By summer, the winds mellow further, reaching a soft 5.5 m/s (12 mph) in both June and July, offering a calm reprieve. As autumn approaches, the winds regain their strength in November at 7.4 m/s (16 mph), reflecting a dynamic shift towards winter again, while December returns to moderate levels of 6.4 m/s (14 mph). This pattern illustrates a clear trend of stronger winds in winter and early spring, gradually easing into the calmness of summer, before picking up again in the fall.

Average January Wind Speed in Nags Head

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Nags Head, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec6.7 m/s7.67.06.46.25.55.54.76.06.37.46.4
Data source: Nags Head January wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How January Weather in Nags Head Compares to Other Months

The weather in Nags Head 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 Nags Head and find detailed weather information for every month.

In January, Nags Head experiences colder temperatures, with a minimum of -5°C (23°F) and an average of 8°C (47°F), while February sees a slight increase, with a minimum of -1°C (30°F) and an average of 9°C (48°F). Both months share a similar maximum temperature of 18°C (65°F). Precipitation is slightly higher in February, totaling 121 mm (4.8 in) over 12 days compared to January's 103 mm (4.1 in) over 9 days. Additionally, January's humidity level is higher at 84%, compared to February's 81%. For more detailed insights, check out Nags Head weather in February.

In January, temperatures in Nags Head vary significantly, with minimums dipping to -5°C (23°F) and averages around 8°C (47°F), while reaching a maximum of 18°C (65°F). The month also sees considerable precipitation, totaling 103 mm (4.1 in) over 9 days, accompanied by high humidity at 84%. In contrast, March brings slightly milder temperatures, with minimums at 0°C (31°F) and an average of 10°C (50°F), peaking at 19°C (66°F). Precipitation decreases to 78 mm (3.1 in) over the same number of days, and humidity levels are slightly lower at 80%. For a more detailed look at the weather during this time, check out Nags Head weather in March.

In January, the weather is significantly colder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -5°C (23°F) to a maximum of 18°C (65°F), and an average of 8°C (47°F). This month experiences a higher precipitation level of 103 mm (4.1 in) over 9 days, coupled with a humidity of 84%. In contrast, April brings milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 4°C (39°F) to a maximum of 21°C (71°F), and an average of 14°C (58°F). Although April has slightly less precipitation at 92 mm (3.6 in) over the same number of days, the humidity is slightly lower at 80%. For more detailed information, check out the Nags Head weather in April.

In January, the weather is significantly colder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -5°C (23°F) to a maximum of 18°C (65°F) and an average of 8°C (47°F). The month receives approximately 103 mm (4.1 in) of precipitation over nine days, accompanied by high humidity levels of 84%. In contrast, May brings a much milder climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 8°C (46°F) to a maximum of 28°C (82°F) and an average of 19°C (66°F). Although May sees a similar precipitation level of 105 mm (4.1 in) over nine days, the humidity slightly decreases to 81%. For more specifics on May conditions, you can check Nags Head weather in May.

The weather in January is notably colder compared to June, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -5°C (23°F) to a maximum of 18°C (65°F) and an average of 8°C (47°F). In contrast, June experiences much warmer conditions, with temperatures fluctuating between a minimum of 16°C (60°F) and a maximum of 29°C (85°F), along with an average temperature of 23°C (74°F). While January sees higher precipitation at 103 mm (4.1 in) over 9 days, June has less rain, totaling 77 mm (3.0 in) also spread over 9 days. Additionally, humidity levels remain relatively similar, at 84% in January and slightly lower at 82% in June. For a more detailed look at the climate during this vibrant summer month, check out Nags Head weather in June.

January and July present strikingly different weather conditions. In January, temperatures range from a chilly -5°C (23°F) at night to a milder 18°C (65°F) during the day, with an average of 8°C (47°F). The month also experiences significant precipitation, totaling 103 mm (4.1 in) over 9 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 84%. In contrast, July boasts much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 22°C (72°F) and a maximum of 30°C (86°F), averaging around 26°C (79°F). Precipitation is slightly lower at 92 mm (3.6 in), occurring over 11 days, while humidity remains relatively consistent at 83%. For more details on July weather, you can visit Nags Head weather in July.

When comparing the weather in January and August, it’s clear that these two months present stark contrasts. January experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -5°C (23°F) and an average of 8°C (47°F), while August enjoys warm conditions, with a minimum of 22°C (71°F) and an average of 26°C (79°F). Precipitation is slightly higher in August, totaling 134 mm (5.3 in) over 13 days, compared to January's 103 mm (4.1 in) over 9 days. Additionally, January's humidity level is slightly higher at 84%, while August maintains a relative humidity of 82%. For a closer look at the specifics, check out the Nags Head weather in August.

January and September present strikingly different weather patterns. In January, temperatures can dip as low as -5°C (23°F) and usually average around 8°C (47°F), with a maximum of 18°C (65°F). The month sees a fair amount of rainfall, totaling 103 mm (4.1 in) over about 9 days, and enjoys a high humidity level of 84%. In contrast, September is much warmer, with minimum temperatures around 18°C (65°F) and an average temperature of 24°C (76°F), peaking at 29°C (85°F). Precipitation in September is slightly less, at 97 mm (3.8 in) over 11 days, and with lower humidity at 80%. For more detailed insights, check out Nags Head weather in September.

In January, the weather is notably colder, with temperatures ranging from a chilling minimum of -5°C (23°F) to a more temperate maximum of 18°C (65°F), while October enjoys a milder climate with temperatures starting at 12°C (54°F) and peaking at 27°C (80°F). Precipitation levels are similar, with January seeing 103 mm (4.1 in) compared to October's 96 mm (3.8 in), but both months experience rain on about nine days. Additionally, January has a higher average humidity of 84%, making it feel even cooler, while October's humidity rests at a more comfortable 79%. For a more detailed look at what to expect, check out Nags Head weather in October.

In comparing the weather between January and November, January tends to be considerably colder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -5°C (23°F) to a maximum of 18°C (65°F), averaging around 8°C (47°F). In contrast, November enjoys milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 4°C (40°F) to a maximum of 24°C (75°F), and an average of 15°C (59°F). Both months experience similar precipitation levels, with January receiving 103 mm (4.1 in) and November slightly higher at 112 mm (4.4 in), although both see rain on about 9 days. Humidity levels are also comparable, with January at 84% and November at 83%. For more details on November weather specifically, you can check Nags Head weather in November.

In comparing the weather of January and December, we see notable differences in temperature and precipitation patterns. January tends to be colder, with minimum temperatures dropping to -5°C (23°F) and an average of 8°C (47°F), while December has milder temperatures, with a minimum of 0°C (33°F) and an average of 11°C (52°F). Precipitation levels are also higher in December, reaching 142 mm (5.6 in) over 10 days compared to January's 103 mm (4.1 in) across 9 days. Interestingly, both months share the same humidity level of 84%, creating a consistently damp atmosphere. For more detailed information on December conditions, you can check out Nags Head weather in December.

Compare Nags Head's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From January Weather in Nags Head

January in Nags Head offers a unique experience compared to the milder months of spring and summer. With cool temperatures that average around 8°C (47°F) and occasional lows dipping to -5°C (23°F), this winter month stands in stark contrast to the warm, sun-soaked days of the peak season. The increased humidity of 84% and nearly 103 mm (4.1 in) of precipitation over about nine days add to the atmosphere, making it a time for cozy indoor activities and fewer crowds. While the weather may be brisk, the tranquil beauty of the coastal landscape during January invites those looking for a peaceful retreat. For more insights on weather trends in the area, check out Nags Head Climate.