What January feels like in Gdansk
January is the coldest stretch of winter in Gdansk. Afternoons stay around freezing — the sort of cold that makes long outdoor stretches hard work. Little changes after sunset — nights hover around freezing, so frost is common, only slightly below the daytime level. Damp air makes the cold feel rawer than the numbers alone suggest.
Rain in Gdansk in January
Showers are a regular feature, arriving about one day in 3. Most wet days bring only light rain — about 3.9 mm (0.2 in) on a typical rainy day — the kind of drizzle or short shower that rarely stops plans for long. Across the year Gdansk averages about 4.8 mm per rainy day, so January is typical.
Daylight and sunshine in January
On 15 January the sun rises at about 7:58 am and sets around 3:50 pm local time, giving 7 h 51 min of daylight. Days are getting longer: 30 min more daylight than in mid-December. About 38% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, skies are often cloudy.
How January compares to the rest of the year
In Gdansk's temperature order, January sits as the coolest month. Compared with December, afternoons are 2°C (3.6°F) cooler, with 2 mm more rain. This is the low point, and February starts to warm up. By February, typical highs are 3°C (37.4°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 Gdansk in January
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Warm Layers
Insulated layers and warm shoes for the cold hours.
Quick questions
How warm is Gdansk in January?
Afternoons average 1.8°C (35.2°F) and nights about -2°C (28.4°F) — freezing by most people's standards. It is the coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Gdansk in January?
Not especially. There are about 12 rainy days (46 mm), mostly light rain.
What should I wear in Gdansk in January?
Pack rain protection and warm layers. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is January or February better for visiting Gdansk?
February scores better on our climate ranking (#10 of 12 vs #12), rated Poor against Poor. February is warmer and has fewer rainy days.