What January feels like in Seattle
For Seattle, January is the heart of winter. It is cold outside for most of the day; indoor breaks come as a relief. Little changes after sunset — nights are cold, only slightly below the daytime level. Damp air makes the cold feel rawer than the numbers alone suggest.
Rain in Seattle in January
January is persistently wet here: some rain falls on about every other day. Rain tends to come in heavy bursts: about 9.8 mm (0.4 in) on an average rainy day. The yearly figure is similar, around 8.3 mm per wet day. It is among the three wettest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in January
Mid-month, Seattle gets 8 h 50 min of daylight, from sunrise near 7:53 am to sunset near 4:43 pm. Days are getting longer: 22 min more daylight than in mid-December. About 49% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, sun and cloud share the day.
How January compares to the rest of the year
In Seattle's temperature order, January sits as the 2nd coolest month. Against December, the average high is 0.6°C (1.1°F) higher, with 2 mm less rain. Temperatures barely move from one month to the next here. February averages a high of 8.1°C (46.6°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.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
- 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 Seattle 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 Seattle in January?
Expect around 7.5°C (45.5°F) in the afternoon and 2.1°C (35.8°F) at night, which most visitors would call cold.
Does it rain a lot in Seattle in January?
It does: about 18 rainy days bring roughly 177 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Seattle in January?
Based on the averages: rain protection and warm layers. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is January or February better for visiting Seattle?
On our 12-month climate ranking, February comes out ahead (#8 of 12 vs #11). February has fewer rainy days.