January Weather in Houston, United States

Last updated: February 24, 2025

Experience January in Houston, United States, where the weather showcases a dynamic range of temperatures. The month brings a maximum temperature of 28°C (83°F), contrasting sharply with a chilly minimum of -7°C (19°F), resulting in an average temperature of 13°C (55°F). Rainfall is a frequent visitor, with a total precipitation of 91 mm (3.6 in) spread over 9 days, contributing to a humidity level of 78%. This blend of warmth and moisture cultivates a unique winter atmosphere, making Houston a fascinating destination during this time of year.

January Temperature in Houston

In January, Houston experiences a notable range in temperatures, with minimums dipping to -7°C (19°F), while the averages sit comfortably at 13°C (55°F) and can peak at 28°C (83°F). This month serves as a transition in the city's climate, showing a gradual warming trend as it moves toward spring. As winter transitions through the months, February tends to showcase slightly colder temperatures with minimums of -12°C (11°F) but averages climb marginally at 14°C (58°F). By March, temperatures further rise, indicating the approach of warmer days, with minimums warming up and averages hitting 19°C (66°F). Overall, January in Houston represents a cool, yet dynamic start to the year, setting the stage for the milder and warmer months that follow.

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

The chart illustrates January temperature patterns in Houston, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec555866707782838380726258
Data source: Temperature data for Houston 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 Houston

In January, Houston experiences an average precipitation of 91 mm (3.6 in), occurring over 9 days, marking the month's trend of relatively low rainfall compared to the heavier downpours of later months. As spring approaches, precipitation begins to climb, peaking in May with an impressive 176 mm (6.9 in) over 16 days. The early months of the year typically see fewer rainy days, with January and December both averaging just 9 days, while summer months like August and September are significantly wetter, with 201 mm (7.9 in) and 202 mm (8.0 in) respectively, showcasing a clear shift towards heavy rainfall as the year progresses. Overall, the gradual increase in precipitation through the year reveals Houston's transition from relatively dry winter months to a lush, rain-soaked late summer.

January Precipitation Trends in Houston

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Houston, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec9295879417617114620120210482111
Data source: Precipitation data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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January Humidity in Houston

In January, Houston experiences an average humidity of 78%, setting the stage for a month characterized by noticeable moisture in the air. This level is slightly lower than February's peak at 81%, signaling that a gradual increase in humidity begins as winter transitions into spring. As the months progress, humidity fluctuates, with March dropping to 76% and April returning to 79%. A gradual decrease is observed during the summer, peaking in July at 71% before dipping further in August to 68%, marking the driest point of the year. Interestingly, as autumn approaches, humidity levels begin to rise again, culminating in December’s 84%, a stark contrast to January’s levels. Overall, the trend showcases Houston's dynamic humidity patterns, influenced by seasonal shifts, creating a unique climate that residents experience year-round.

January Average Humidity in Houston

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Houston, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec78%81%76%79%79%74%72%68%73%75%78%84%
Data source: Humidity data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

January UV Index in Houston

In January, Houston experiences a moderate UV Index of 5, allowing for about 30 minutes of sun exposure before risking skin damage. As the month transitions into February, the UV Index climbs significantly to 8, indicating a very high exposure risk with a reduced burn time of just 15 minutes. This trend continues into March with an even higher index of 9, and it peaks in April at 11, marking an extreme exposure level that demands caution. The summer months, from June through August, maintain these extreme levels at a UV Index of 12, where sun protection becomes crucial within only 10 minutes of exposure. After this peak, the UV Index gradually decreases as autumn approaches, falling to 7 in November and returning to 5 in December, bringing back the more moderate burn times. Navigating these fluctuations is essential for enjoying the sun safely throughout the year. For more detailed information, visit Houston UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Houston for January

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Houston 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec589111112121110975
Data source: Houston 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 Houston

January in Houston greets residents with 173 hours of sunshine, setting the stage for a gradual increase in daylight as the months progress. By February, the sun shines a bit brighter with 169 hours, hinting at an approaching trend. The real transformation begins in March, where sunshine surges to 255 hours, followed by April's 273 hours, heralding the arrival of spring. May and June continue this upward trajectory, with 310 and 317 hours respectively, making them luminous highlights of the year. The peak of sunshine occurs in July at 328 hours, before slightly tapering off in August with 322 hours. As autumn approaches, September and October maintain a healthy brightness, with 278 and 280 hours. However, as the year concludes, daylight diminishes, with November and December providing 253 and 223 hours of sunshine, reminiscent of the warm, vibrant days that precede the cooler months.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Houston: January Highlighted

The January sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Houston 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec173h169h255h273h310h317h328h322h278h280h253h223h
Data source: Houston January Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Houston During January

In Houston, Texas, January boasts a 47% chance of sunny weather, marking it as a promising month for sun-seekers. This figure stands out when compared to the following months; February dips to 34%, while March offers a slight recovery at 45%. The trend shows a consistent ebb and flow throughout the spring, with sunny probabilities hovering around 40% in April and dropping to a low of 29% in May. Interestingly, the likelihood of sunny weather rises again in the fall, reaching 57% in November. Overall, January serves as a gateway to the year, providing a decent start for those hoping to enjoy the sun before the Texas heat sets in later on.

Percentage of Sunny Days in January in Houston

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Houston 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 Houston experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec47%34%45%40%29%34%26%28%47%51%57%28%
Data source: Houston January chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Houston in January

In January, Houston enjoys about 10 hours of daylight, a modest illumination that gradually increases as the year progresses. By February, daylight extends to 11 hours, heralding the arrival of early spring. March and April each bask in 12 hours of sunshine, marking a delightful period of moderate temperatures and vibrant blooms. As we head into May and June, daylight peaks at 13 and 14 hours, respectively, inviting longer outdoor activities under Texas skies. The summer months of July and August maintain a steady 13 hours of light, offering ample time for leisure before the days begin to shorten again. September brings a slight decline to 12 hours, followed by 11 hours in October. Finally, November and December settle back to 10 hours of daylight, reminding Houstonians that even in the cooler months, the cycle of light and darkness persists, setting the stage for the next year's gradual return to those longer days.

Average Daylight Hours in Houston for January

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Houston throughout the year, with January highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec10h 27m11h 8m12h12h 54m13h 39m14h13h 48m13h 9m12h 17m11h 24m10h 38m10h 15m
Data source: Houston daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

January Winds in Houston

In Houston, January ushers in a gentle breeze with an average wind speed of 3.6 m/s (8 mph), setting the stage for a calm winter month. As the year progresses, wind speeds tend to slightly increase, peaking in February and remaining steady through March and April at around 4.0 m/s (9 mph). This early spring boost in wind adds a refreshing note to the warmer days ahead. However, by late spring and into summer, the winds begin to dwindle, reaching their lowest point in July, with an average of just 2.1 m/s (5 mph). This trend of lighter winds continues through August and into the fall months, punctuated by a gradual rise again in December to 3.7 m/s (8 mph). Overall, the January winds in Houston hint at a dynamic seasonal cycle, oscillating between briskness and calm, reflective of the city's unique climate.

Average January Wind Speed in Houston

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Houston, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec3.6 m/s4.03.94.03.82.72.12.22.52.93.03.7
Data source: Houston January wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How January Weather in Houston Compares to Other Months

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

In January, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -7°C (19°F) to a comfortable average of 13°C (55°F) and a high of 28°C (83°F). This month experiences around 91 mm (3.6 in) of precipitation over 9 days, with humidity levels averaging 78%. In contrast, February sees even cooler minimum temperatures at -12°C (11°F), with an average of 14°C (58°F) and a peak of 30°C (86°F). Precipitation slightly increases to 95 mm (3.8 in) across 14 days, accompanied by a rise in humidity to 81%. Overall, February is slightly wetter and more humid, despite having comparable high temperatures. For more detailed weather insights, check out Houston weather in February.

January weather in Houston is characterized by colder temperatures, with a minimum of -7°C (19°F) and an average of 13°C (55°F), while March brings warmer conditions, featuring a minimum of -1°C (31°F) and an average of 19°C (66°F). Both months experience similar levels of precipitation, with January receiving 91 mm (3.6 in) over 9 days and March slightly less at 86 mm (3.4 in) over 13 days. Humidity remains relatively high in both months, at 78% in January and slightly lower at 76% in March. For more details on the weather in March, you can visit Houston weather in March.

In comparison to January, April offers significantly warmer temperatures, with average highs rising from 13°C (55°F) to 21°C (70°F) and maximum temperatures reaching 32°C (90°F). January experiences colder lows, dropping to a minimum of -7°C (19°F), whereas April's minimum temperature is a milder 4°C (39°F). Precipitation levels are quite similar, with January seeing 91 mm (3.6 in) over 9 days compared to April's 94 mm (3.7 in) spread over 11 days, and the humidity levels remain relatively consistent, increasing slightly from 78% to 79%. For more information about this month, check out Houston weather in April.

In comparing the weather between January and May, it's evident that May is significantly warmer. January experiences a wider temperature range, with minimums plummeting to -7°C (19°F) and maximums reaching up to 28°C (83°F), while May has a milder minimum of 11°C (51°F) and highs soaring to 34°C (93°F). Additionally, May sees increased precipitation, with 176 mm (6.9 in) over 16 days compared to January's 91 mm (3.6 in) over just 9 days. Humidity levels are fairly similar, hovering around 78% in January and slightly increasing to 79% in May. For a detailed look at the climate specifics, check out Houston weather in May.

January and June present stark contrasts in weather patterns. In January, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -7°C (19°F) to a more pleasant maximum of 28°C (83°F), with an average of 13°C (55°F). The month experiences 91 mm (3.6 in) of precipitation over 9 days, contributing to a humid environment with an average humidity of 78%. In contrast, June brings a much warmer climate, with minimum temperatures starting at 18°C (65°F) and soaring to a maximum of 35°C (95°F), averaging 28°C (82°F). However, June is also wetter, with 171 mm (6.7 in) of precipitation over 17 days, leading to slightly lower humidity at 74%. For a more detailed look at June weather, you can explore Houston weather in June.

January and July present starkly contrasting weather patterns. In January, temperatures can dip as low as -7°C (19°F) at night, with an average of 13°C (55°F) and highs reaching up to 28°C (83°F). The month is characterized by a relatively high humidity of 78% and receives approximately 91 mm (3.6 in) of precipitation over about 9 days. In contrast, July's temperatures are much warmer, with minimums around 20°C (68°F), an average of 28°C (83°F), and maximums soaring to 37°C (99°F). Additionally, July experiences increased rainfall, totaling 146 mm (5.8 in) over 16 days, but lower humidity at 71%. For a deeper dive into the specifics of July, you can check out Houston weather in July.

January and August present starkly contrasting weather conditions. In January, temperatures can dip as low as -7°C (19°F) at night, with an average of 13°C (55°F) and a maximum of 28°C (83°F) during the day. The month experiences a significant amount of precipitation, totaling 91 mm (3.6 in) over about 9 days, coupled with high humidity levels at 78%. Conversely, August features much warmer temperatures, with nighttime lows of 21°C (70°F) and daytime highs reaching up to 38°C (100°F), averaging around 29°C (84°F). The summer month is also wetter, with 201 mm (7.9 in) of rainfall spread across 19 days, but it benefits from lower humidity at 68%. For those wanting to learn more about the hot weather in this month, check out Houston weather in August.

In January, the weather tends to be much cooler, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -7°C (19°F) to a pleasant average of 13°C (55°F) and a maximum reaching up to 28°C (83°F). The month experiences around 91 mm (3.6 in) of precipitation spread over approximately 9 days, contributing to a relatively high humidity of 78%. In contrast, September sees significantly warmer conditions, with minimum temperatures starting at 13°C (55°F) and soaring to an average of 27°C (80°F), peaking at 37°C (99°F). This month also brings increased precipitation, totaling 202 mm (8.0 in) over 15 days, while humidity slightly decreases to 73%. For more insights on September weather in Houston, visit Houston weather in September.

January and October present distinct contrasts in weather patterns. In January, temperatures can drop to a chilly minimum of -7°C (19°F), although the average temperature is a mild 13°C (55°F) and can reach a maximum of 28°C (83°F). This month sees around 91 mm (3.6 in) of precipitation over 9 days, with humidity levels at 78%. In stark contrast, October boasts a more temperate environment, with minimum temperatures of 2°C (37°F) and an average of 22°C (73°F), peaking at a warm 34°C (93°F). The precipitation increases slightly to 104 mm (4.1 in) spread over 12 days, while humidity is slightly lower at 75%. For more detailed insights, check out Houston weather in October.

When comparing the weather in January and November, January tends to be colder, with minimum temperatures reaching as low as -7°C (19°F) and daily averages around 13°C (55°F), while November offers milder conditions, with minimums of -1°C (30°F) and average temperatures of 17°C (63°F). Despite both months experiencing similar humidity levels at 78%, precipitation is slightly higher in January, with 91 mm (3.6 in) over about 9 days, compared to November’s 82 mm (3.2 in) across 10 days. Additionally, November sees maximum temperatures peaking at 31°C (88°F), which is notably warmer than January’s max of 28°C (83°F). For more detailed insights, you can check Houston weather in November.

In comparing the weather between January and December, January typically experiences colder nighttime temperatures, with a minimum of -7°C (19°F), compared to December's milder low of -2°C (29°F). Both months have similar maximum temperatures, reaching up to 28°C (83°F), but January has a slightly lower average temperature of 13°C (55°F) versus December's average of 14°C (58°F). Additionally, January sees a reduction in overall precipitation, with 91 mm (3.6 in) over 9 days, compared to December's 111 mm (4.4 in) over the same number of days. Humidity levels are also slightly lower in January at 78%, compared to December's 84%. For more detailed information, you can refer to Houston weather in December.

Compare Houston's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From January Weather in Houston

As January settles in, Houston experiences a distinct shift in weather compared to the milder months that precede and follow it. This month is marked by cooler temperatures, with average highs lingering around 28°C (83°F) while the lows can dip dramatically, reminding residents that winter is indeed here. Despite the chill, the city still sees significant humidity levels at 78%, and a noteworthy amount of precipitation over the month, averaging 91 mm across about nine days. This combination of cooler weather and moisture makes January uniquely refreshing yet varied, setting it apart from the typically warmer and drier months of the year. For a comprehensive understanding of Houston's climate trends, visit Houston Climate.