Last updated: February 24, 2025
In January, Olympia, United States, experiences a cool and damp climate characterized by a maximum temperature of 14°C (57°F) and an average of 5°C (42°F). Minimum temperatures can drop to a chilly -6°C (21°F), showcasing the winter chill. This month is also marked by significant precipitation, with 197 mm (7.8 in) falling over 16 days, contributing to the region's lush environment. The humidity level remains high at 86%, creating a crisp atmosphere that is typical of the Pacific Northwest during this time of year.
In January, Olympia, United States, experiences a crisp winter chill, with temperatures ranging from a brisk minimum of -6°C (21°F) to a comfortable maximum of 14°C (57°F). This month typically sees an average temperature of 5°C (42°F), setting the tone for a slightly cool start to the year. As winter progresses into February, temperatures remain relatively stable, hovering around similar averages, but the city begins to see a gradual trend toward milder conditions. Notably, the consistent minimum temperatures suggest a persistent cold snap, while the max temperatures hint at the potential for welcome warmth as spring approaches. Overall, January's chilly climate serves as a stark contrast to the more temperate months that follow, making it a key month to observe the transitional weather patterns in Olympia.
January in Olympia sets a wet tone for the year, with an impressive 197 mm (7.8 in) of precipitation falling over 16 days. This month typically sees the highest rainfall in the region, often leaving residents to brace for soggy weather as winter lingers. Following January, precipitation gradually decreases, with February recording 155 mm (6.1 in), suggesting a trend towards drier conditions as spring approaches. Interestingly, while the rainfall tapers off significantly in the summer months—plummeting to a mere 9 mm (0.4 in) in July—this increase in drier days offers a welcome respite. As the year progresses, a notable pattern emerges: the wetter months tend to cluster in the colder periods, highlighting Olympia's characteristic Pacific Northwest climate.
In January, Olympia experiences a notably high humidity level of 86%, which sets the tone for the city's cool and moist winter months. This trend of elevated humidity persists into November, where it also reaches 86%, indicating a consistent maritime influence throughout the colder part of the year. Interestingly, February and March see a slight dip to 84% and 85%, respectively, but the overall pattern remains stable. As the seasons transition to spring and summer, humidity levels gradually decrease, peaking in August with a more comfortable 73%. This trend of decreasing humidity continues into early fall, with September providing a modest rise. By the end of the year, humidity climbs back up to 87% in December, reminding residents of Olympia's constant embrace of moisture year-round.
In January, Olympia experiences a low UV Index of 2, which means outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy around 45 minutes of sun exposure without significant risk of burning. As winter fades into February, the UV Index increases to 3, marking the start of moderate exposure levels. This upward trend continues into March, where the UV Index reaches 5, suggesting that with a typical burn time of just 30 minutes, some caution is warranted. The transition to spring in April escalates the UV Index to 6 and introduces a high exposure category, followed by a sharp rise in UV levels through the summer months. By May, the index spikes to 8 and reaches a peak of 9 in both June and July, indicating very high risk and a burn time of just 15 minutes. As summer winds down in August and September, the UV Index gradually declines, but remains in the high category, before tapering off to moderate levels in October and November. The cycle completes in December with a return to a low UV Index of 2, reminding residents of Olympia to stay mindful of sun safety throughout the year. For more detailed information, check out Olympia UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
January in Olympia may start off on a rather quiet note with just 83 hours of sunshine, but as the months progress, light and warmth steadily increase. By February, the sun shines for 129 hours, hinting at the promise of spring. March brings a notable leap to 209 hours, and by April, this upward trend continues with 231 hours of radiant sunshine. The arrival of May ushers in a vibrant 300 hours, marking the transition into the heart of spring and early summer. June and July are the pinnacle of brightness, boasting 318 and 362 hours, respectively, before August sees a slight drop to 330 hours. As summer fades into fall, sunlight dwindles to 257 hours in September, leading into the cooler months of October with 199 hours, and the year closes with the more muted tones of November and December, at 121 and 97 hours respectively. This seasonal progression showcases the dynamic beauty of Olympia's climate, where the dance of sunlight reflects nature's cycles.
In Olympia, the likelihood of enjoying sunny weather in January stands at a modest 13%, reflecting the city's typical winter gloom. As the months progress, there's a notable upward trend, with February slightly increasing to 20% and March making a more significant leap to 31%. As spring approaches, April brings a brighter 47%, heralding a more cheerful outlook. This gradual enhancement of sunny days continues into the summer, peaking in July at 60%, before the likelihood begins to wane again in the fall and winter months. Overall, while January offers limited sunshine, the shifting patterns in Olympia's weather hint at a brighter horizon just around the corner.
In Olympia, United States, January ushers in a modest 8 hours of daylight, a stark contrast to the longer days that follow. As the year progresses into February, daylight stretches to 10 hours, hinting at the approaching spring. By March, the sun graces the sky for 11 hours, and the days continue to lengthen, peaking at a glorious 15 hours in both May and June. This trend of increasing daylight fosters a vibrant energy, giving way to summer's warmth. As the summer months transition into fall, daylight gradually recedes, dropping back to 12 hours in September and down to 8 hours by December. This rhythmic cycle not only influences the landscape but also shapes the rhythm of life in Olympia, creating an engaging tapestry of seasonal change.
January in Olympia, United States, ushers in calm breezes with an average wind speed of 2.6 m/s (6 mph). This sets the tone for a generally tranquil month, reflecting a slight dip compared to the increasingly breezy February, which rises to 3.4 m/s (8 mph). Interestingly, March returns to a gentler pace akin to January, hinting at the region's variability in wind patterns as spring approaches. As we progress through the year, wind speeds fluctuate modestly, with summer months showing a consistent low of 2.4 m/s (5 mph), offering a serene backdrop for outdoor activities. However, the autumn months bring a refreshing change, with November and December experiencing a notable uptick to 3.1 m/s (7 mph) and 3.2 m/s (7 mph), reflecting a seasonal shift towards brisker winds. Overall, January's gentle winds establish a quiet start to the year, paving the way for the dynamic weather patterns to follow.
The weather in Olympia 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 Olympia and find detailed weather information for every month.
In comparison to January, February experiences slightly milder conditions, with minimum temperatures averaging at -5°C (23°F) compared to January's -6°C (21°F). Both months maintain the same average maximum temperature of 14°C (58°F), but February’s overall average temperature drops to 5°C (41°F), mirroring January. Precipitation in February is lower at 155 mm (6.1 in), although it does fall on 17 days compared to 16 days in January, indicating a similar pattern in wet weather. Additionally, February's humidity is slightly lower at 84% compared to January's 86%. For more detailed information, check out Olympia weather in February.
January and March present a noticeable transition in weather patterns. January typically boasts colder temperatures, with a minimum of -6°C (21°F) and an average of 5°C (42°F), while March sees milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -1°C (30°F) to an average of 7°C (45°F). Precipitation is more prevalent in January, totaling 197 mm (7.8 in) over 16 days, compared to March's 134 mm (5.3 in), also over 16 days. Despite this slight decrease in rainfall, humidity levels remain quite similar, with January at 86% and March at 85%. For more detailed information, check out Olympia weather in March.
In January, the weather is notably colder, with temperatures ranging from a chilly -6°C (21°F) to a maximum of 14°C (57°F) and an average of 5°C (42°F). Precipitation is quite high at 197 mm (7.8 in) over 16 days, and humidity levels hover around 86%. In contrast, April brings milder temperatures, with a minimum of -1°C (31°F) and a maximum of 25°C (78°F), resulting in an average of 10°C (50°F). The month sees a reduction in precipitation to 117 mm (4.6 in) over 14 days, and humidity levels decrease slightly to 83%. For a more detailed look at the weather in April, you can visit Olympia weather in April.
January and May present a striking contrast in weather conditions. In January, the temperatures range from a chilly -6°C (21°F) at their lowest to a mild 14°C (57°F) at their highest, with an average of 5°C (42°F). This month also experiences significant precipitation, totaling 197 mm (7.8 in) over 16 days, coupled with high humidity at 86%. In contrast, May sees a much warmer climate, with temperatures reaching a minimum of 4°C (40°F) and soaring to a maximum of 29°C (85°F), leading to a pleasant average of 13°C (56°F). Additionally, May experiences considerably less rainfall, with only 65 mm (2.6 in) falling over 9 days, and humidity slightly lower at 84%. For more details on what to expect during the warmer months, check out Olympia weather in May.
January and June present a striking contrast in weather conditions. In January, temperatures range from a chilly -6°C (21°F) at night to a mild 14°C (57°F) during the day, with an average of 5°C (42°F). This month also experiences significant precipitation, totaling 197 mm (7.8 in) over 16 days, while humidity remains quite high at 86%. In contrast, June boasts much warmer temperatures, with nighttime lows of 7°C (44°F) and daytime highs soaring up to 40°C (104°F), averaging 16°C (61°F). Rainfall is considerably less in June, with only 51 mm (2.0 in) over just 7 days, and humidity slightly lower at 84%. For more insights into June weather, you can check Olympia weather in June.
January and July present striking contrasts in weather. In January, temperatures can drop as low as -6°C (21°F), with an average of 5°C (42°F) and highs reaching 14°C (57°F). This month also sees significant precipitation, totaling 197 mm (7.8 in) over 16 rainy days and high humidity at 86%. Conversely, July boasts much warmer temperatures, with minimums of 10°C (49°F), averages around 18°C (65°F), and maximums soaring to 33°C (92°F). The month is relatively dry, with only 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain falling over just 2 days, and humidity is slightly lower at 82%. For a more detailed look at July weather patterns, you can visit Olympia weather in July.
The weather in January and August presents a stark contrast. In January, temperatures typically range from a chilly -6°C (21°F) to a mild 14°C (57°F), with an average temperature of around 5°C (42°F). The month is characterized by significant precipitation, totaling 197 mm (7.8 in) over about 16 days, along with high humidity levels at 86%. In comparison, August enjoys a much warmer climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 9°C (49°F) to a maximum of 34°C (93°F) and an average of 19°C (66°F). This summer month experiences far less rainfall, with only 12 mm (0.5 in) over just 2 days and a lower humidity level of 73%. To explore more about the pleasant weather in August, check out Olympia weather in August.
January and September present stark contrasts in weather patterns. In January, temperatures range from a chilly -6°C (21°F) at their lowest to a maximum of 14°C (57°F), with an average temperature of 5°C (42°F). The month is quite wet, featuring 197 mm (7.8 in) of precipitation over 16 days and a high humidity level of 86%. In contrast, September offers a much warmer climate, with temperatures varying from a minimum of 6°C (43°F) to a balmy maximum of 31°C (88°F) and an average temperature of 16°C (61°F). Precipitation significantly decreases to 88 mm (3.5 in) over just 10 days, and humidity levels drop to 74%. For more details on weather conditions specific to this month, visit Olympia weather in September.
In January, temperatures can drop as low as -6°C (21°F) and rarely rise above 14°C (57°F), with an average of 5°C (42°F). This month also experiences significant precipitation, totaling 197 mm (7.8 in) over 16 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 86%. In contrast, October brings milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 1°C (34°F) to a maximum of 24°C (75°F), averaging 11°C (52°F). Precipitation decreases to 133 mm (5.3 in) over just 12 days, along with slightly lower humidity at 83%. For more details about the weather during this month, visit Olympia weather in October.
In comparing the weather of January and November, we see some notable differences and similarities. January typically features colder temperatures, with a minimum of -6°C (21°F) and a maximum of 14°C (57°F), while November is milder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -1°C (30°F) to a maximum of 17°C (62°F). Precipitation levels are relatively similar, with January receiving 197 mm (7.8 in) over 16 days and November slightly less at 192 mm (7.5 in) over 17 days. Both months experience high humidity levels at 86%, contributing to a damp climate. For more detailed weather information, you can check Olympia weather in November.
In comparing the weather of January and December, we find that both months experience similar temperature ranges, with January slightly cooler at a minimum of -6°C (21°F) compared to December's -5°C (23°F). The average temperatures remain constant at 5°C (42°F), while January peaks at 14°C (57°F) and December at 13°C (56°F). Precipitation levels are comparable as well, with January receiving 197 mm (7.8 in) over 16 days and December slightly higher at 203 mm (8.0 in) over 18 days. Humidity levels are nearly identical, with January at 86% and December at 87%. For more detailed insights into the weather patterns, visit Olympia weather in December.
As January unfolds in Olympia, the weather takes a distinct turn, showcasing cooler temperatures and increased precipitation compared to other months. With an average temperature that dips significantly and brings a chill to the air, the city experiences frequent rainy days, contributing to a higher humidity level that often blankets the landscape. This month stands out as a time when layers become essential, and the vibrant greens of the surrounding nature are brought to life by the persistent rainfall. To explore more about how Olympia's weather shapes its climate throughout the year, visit Olympia Climate.