What January feels like in Hamilton
January is mid-winter in Hamilton, although winter here means mild days rather than cold ones. Daytime temperatures are mild — neither cold nor hot for walking around. The gap between afternoon and night is small, so nights stay mild and the temperature hardly changes after dark. Moist air is typical, yet it seldom feels heavy at this time of year.
Rain in Hamilton in January
Dry days are the exception, with rain on about every other day. Each rainy day adds about 8.2 mm (0.3 in), a proper wetting rather than a sprinkle. That is close to Hamilton's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 8.6 mm).
How January compares to the rest of the year
In Hamilton's temperature order, January sits as the 3rd coolest month. Compared with December, afternoons are 1.2°C (2.2°F) cooler, with 21 mm more rain. The cooling trend carries on into February. By February, typical highs are 19.4°C (66.9°F).
Who January suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — the weather rarely gets in the way of a city walk.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — comfortable for long walks and picnics.
Tips for visiting Hamilton in January
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Sunglasses
Plenty of sun, so bring sunglasses and a cap.
Quick questions
How warm is Hamilton in January?
Afternoons average 19.8°C (67.6°F) and nights about 17.4°C (63.3°F) — mild by most people's standards. It is the 3rd coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Hamilton in January?
Quite a lot — 114 mm spread over about 14 days.
What should I wear in Hamilton in January?
Pack rain protection and sunglasses. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is January or February better for visiting Hamilton?
February scores better on our climate ranking (#3 of 12 vs #9), rated Good against Good. February has fewer rainy days.

