What January feels like in Zurich
Mid-winter arrives in Zurich with January. It is cold outside for most of the day; indoor breaks come as a relief. There is little difference between day and night: nights hover around freezing, so frost is common, and evenings feel much like the afternoon. Damp air makes the cold feel rawer than the numbers alone suggest.
Rain in Zurich in January
January is persistently wet here: some rain falls on about one day in 2. A rainy day brings about 6.6 mm (0.3 in) on average — steady rain rather than a passing shower. That is close to Zurich's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 7.4 mm).
Daylight and sunshine in January
On 15 January the sun rises at about 8:09 am and sets around 5:00 pm local time, giving 8 h 51 min of daylight. The days are stretching out — 22 min more daylight than mid-December. About 58% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, sun and cloud share the day.
How January compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, January comes out as the coolest month in Zurich. Afternoons run 0.6°C (1.1°F) cooler than in December, with 14 mm less rain. Temperatures keep climbing into February. February averages a high of 6.5°C (43.7°F).
Who January suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — it is cold for long walks.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Hiking: less ideal — trails are cool.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — warm places to spend the coldest part of the day.
Tips for visiting Zurich in January
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Warm Layers
A proper winter coat, with gloves and a hat for early starts.
Quick questions
How warm is Zurich in January?
Expect around 4.6°C (40.3°F) in the afternoon and -1.5°C (29.3°F) at night, which most visitors would call cold.
Does it rain a lot in Zurich in January?
It does: about 13 rainy days bring roughly 86 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Zurich in January?
The numbers point to rain protection and warm layers. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is January or February better for visiting Zurich?
February, narrowly: it ranks #10 of 12 among Zurich's months, against #12 for the other. February is warmer and has fewer rainy days.