What January feels like in Marseille
January is the coldest stretch of winter in Marseille. Afternoons feel chilly — fine for exploring on foot if you are dressed for it. Little changes after sunset — nights are cold, only slightly below the daytime level. Moisture in the air gives the cold a damp edge.
Rain in Marseille in January
Wet days are occasional rather than regular, about one day in 4. Each rainy day adds about 7.6 mm (0.3 in), a proper wetting rather than a sprinkle. The yearly figure is similar, around 8.4 mm per wet day.
Daylight and sunshine in January
In mid-January, sunrise is at about 8:08 am and sunset at about 5:26 pm (local time) — 9 h 18 min of daylight. Days are getting longer: 18 min more daylight than in mid-December. Measured sunshine covers about 78% of the daylight — there are plenty of bright spells.
How January compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, January comes out as the coolest month in Marseille. Against December, the average high is 1°C (1.8°F) lower, with 7 mm less rain. This is the low point, and February starts to warm up. February averages a high of 12.1°C (53.8°F).
Who January suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — comfortable enough to explore on foot all day.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
Tips for visiting Marseille in January
Warm Layers
A warm jacket, a hat and gloves for cold mornings and evenings.
Sunglasses
Frequent sunshine — sunglasses and a light hat.
Quick questions
How warm is Marseille in January?
It feels chilly: typical highs are 11.3°C (52.3°F), with lows near 5.5°C (41.9°F).
Does it rain a lot in Marseille in January?
Not especially. There are about 7 rainy days (53 mm), mostly moderate rain.
What should I wear in Marseille in January?
Based on the averages: warm layers and sunglasses. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is January or February better for visiting Marseille?
On our 12-month climate ranking, February comes out ahead (#8 of 12 vs #12).