What January feels like in Houston
January is the coldest stretch of winter in Houston. Daytime feels cool and fresh rather than cold. Evenings bring a clear drop in temperature, and nights are cool. Moisture in the air gives the cold a damp edge.
Rain in Houston in January
Expect a mix of dry and wet days, with rain about one day in 3. Rain tends to come in heavy bursts: about 12.8 mm (0.5 in) on an average rainy day. The yearly figure is similar, around 10.9 mm per wet day.
Daylight and sunshine in January
In mid-January, sunrise is at about 7:17 am and sunset at about 5:43 pm (local time) — 10 h 26 min of daylight. The days are stretching out — 11 min more daylight than mid-December. Measured sunshine covers about 67% of the daylight — there are plenty of bright spells.
How January compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, January comes out as the coolest month in Houston. Against December, the average high is 1.9°C (3.4°F) lower, with 4 mm more rain. This is the low point, and February starts to warm up. February averages a high of 18.9°C (66°F).
Who January suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — the weather rarely gets in the way of a city walk.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — comfortable for long walks and picnics.
Tips for visiting Houston in January
Versatile Layers
Days are noticeably warmer than nights — layers you can add or remove.
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Light Jacket
Bring a sweater or light coat for cool afternoons.
Sunglasses
Bright days make sunglasses worth packing.
Quick questions
How warm is Houston in January?
Afternoons average 16.7°C (62.1°F) and nights about 7.3°C (45.1°F) — cool by most people's standards. It is the coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Houston in January?
Quite a lot — 128 mm spread over about 10 days.
What should I wear in Houston in January?
Pack versatile layers, rain protection, a light jacket and sunglasses. Add a layer for after dark.
Is January or February better for visiting Houston?
February scores better on our climate ranking (#2 of 12 vs #4), rated Great against Good. February is warmer.