What January feels like in Gothenburg
January is mid-winter in Gothenburg. Afternoons stay around freezing — the sort of cold that makes long outdoor stretches hard work. There is little difference between day and night: nights hover around freezing, so frost is common, and evenings feel much like the afternoon. The air is damp, which makes cool temperatures feel colder, particularly in wind.
Rain in Gothenburg in January
Dry days are the exception, with rain on about every other day. A rainy day brings about 5.8 mm (0.2 in) on average — steady rain rather than a passing shower. Across the year Gothenburg averages about 6.4 mm per rainy day, so January is typical.
Daylight and sunshine in January
On 15 January the sun rises at about 8:44 am and sets around 3:57 pm local time, giving 7 h 13 min of daylight. Days are getting longer: 36 min more daylight than in mid-December. About 40% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, sun and cloud share the day.
How January compares to the rest of the year
January is the coolest month of the year in Gothenburg. Afternoons run 1.5°C (2.7°F) cooler than in December, with 3 mm less rain. The cooling trend carries on into February. The next month's average high: 2.6°C (36.7°F).
Who January suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — it is cold for long walks.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- 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 Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg in January?
Afternoons average 2.1°C (35.8°F) and nights about -1.9°C (28.6°F) — freezing by most people's standards. It is the coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Gothenburg in January?
Quite a lot — 81 mm spread over about 14 days.
What should I wear in Gothenburg in January?
Pack rain protection and warm layers. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is January or February better for visiting Gothenburg?
February scores better on our climate ranking (#10 of 12 vs #11), rated Poor against Poor. February has fewer rainy days.