What January feels like in Glasgow
For Glasgow, January is the heart of winter. Daytime temperatures stay cold, and a warm coat is needed even in the middle of the day. Little changes after sunset — nights are cold, only slightly below the daytime level. The air is damp, which makes cool temperatures feel colder, particularly in wind.
Rain in Glasgow in January
Dry days are the exception, with rain on about every other day. Each rainy day adds about 7.1 mm (0.3 in), a proper wetting rather than a sprinkle. That is close to Glasgow's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 6.5 mm).
Daylight and sunshine in January
In mid-January, sunrise is at about 8:38 am and sunset at about 4:13 pm (local time) — 7 h 35 min of daylight. Since mid-December the day has gained 33 min. The sun is out for roughly 44% of those daylight hours, so sun and cloud share the day.
How January compares to the rest of the year
January is the coolest month of the year in Glasgow. Compared with December, afternoons are 0.5°C (0.9°F) cooler, with 15 mm less rain. Temperatures keep climbing into February. By February, typical highs are 6.8°C (44.2°F).
Who January suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — rain falls on more than half the days.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Hiking: less ideal — trails are cool.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — with rain on most days, galleries and museums make easy plans.
Tips for visiting Glasgow in January
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Warm Layers
A warm jacket, a hat and gloves for cold mornings and evenings.
Quick questions
How warm is Glasgow in January?
Afternoons average 5.9°C (42.6°F) and nights about 1.3°C (34.3°F) — cold by most people's standards. It is the coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Glasgow in January?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about every other day and totals about 114 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Glasgow 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 Glasgow?
February, narrowly: it ranks #9 of 12 among Glasgow's months, against #11 for the other. February has fewer rainy days.