What January feels like in Antwerp
Winter bottoms out in January, the coolest month of Antwerp's year. It is cold outside for most of the day; indoor breaks come as a relief. There is little difference between day and night: nights are cold, and evenings feel much like the afternoon. Moisture in the air gives the cold a damp edge.
Rain in Antwerp in January
Dry days are the exception, with rain on about one day in 2. Wet days average about 5.6 mm (0.2 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. Across the year Antwerp averages about 5.5 mm per rainy day, so January is typical. It is among the three wettest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in January
In mid-January, sunrise is at about 8:40 am and sunset at about 5:02 pm (local time) — 8 h 21 min of daylight. The days are stretching out — 26 min more daylight than mid-December. Measured sunshine covers about 46% of the daylight — sun and cloud share the day.
How January compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, January comes out as the coolest month in Antwerp. Compared with December, afternoons are 0.9°C (1.6°F) cooler, with 1 mm less rain. From here it only gets warmer, starting with February. The next month's average high: 7.6°C (45.7°F).
Who January suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — it is cold for long walks.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
Tips for visiting Antwerp in January
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Warm Layers
A warm jacket, a hat and gloves for cold mornings and evenings.
Quick questions
How warm is Antwerp in January?
Expect around 6.2°C (43.2°F) in the afternoon and 1.7°C (35.1°F) at night, which most visitors would call cold.
Does it rain a lot in Antwerp in January?
Quite a lot — 72 mm spread over about 13 days.
What should I wear in Antwerp in January?
Based on the averages: rain protection and warm layers. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is January or February better for visiting Antwerp?
February, narrowly: it ranks #9 of 12 among Antwerp's months, against #11 for the other. February is warmer and has fewer rainy days.