What January feels like in Hamburg
January is the coldest stretch of winter in Hamburg. Daytime temperatures stay cold, and a warm coat is needed even in the middle of the day. The gap between afternoon and night is small, so nights hover around freezing, so frost is common and the temperature hardly changes after dark. The air is damp, which makes cool temperatures feel colder, particularly in wind.
Rain in Hamburg in January
January is persistently wet here: some rain falls on about one day in 2. Wet days average about 5.4 mm (0.2 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. Across the year Hamburg averages about 5.3 mm per rainy day, so January is typical.
Daylight and sunshine in January
In mid-January, sunrise is at about 8:29 am and sunset at about 4:28 pm (local time) — 8 h of daylight. Days are getting longer: 29 min more daylight than in mid-December. The sun is out for roughly 36% of those daylight hours, so skies are often cloudy.
How January compares to the rest of the year
January is the coolest month of the year in Hamburg. Compared with December, afternoons are 1.2°C (2.2°F) cooler, with 5 mm more rain. This is the low point, and February starts to warm up. By February, typical highs are 5.5°C (41.9°F).
Who January suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — it is cold for long walks.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — warm places to spend the coldest part of the day.
Tips for visiting Hamburg in January
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Warm Layers
Insulated layers and warm shoes for the cold hours.
Quick questions
How warm is Hamburg in January?
Afternoons average 4.2°C (39.6°F) and nights about 0°C (32°F) — cold by most people's standards. It is the coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Hamburg in January?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about one day in 2 and totals about 71 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Hamburg in January?
The numbers point to rain protection and warm layers. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is January or February better for visiting Hamburg?
February, clearly: it ranks #9 of 12 among Hamburg's months, against #12 for the other. February is warmer and has fewer rainy days.