What January feels like in Berlin
January is the coldest stretch of winter in Berlin. Midday brings little warmth — expect coat-and-scarf weather from morning to evening. Little changes after sunset — nights hover around freezing, so frost is common, only slightly below the daytime level. The air is damp, which makes cool temperatures feel colder, particularly in wind.
Rain in Berlin in January
Rain is part of normal life this month, falling on about one day in 2. Wet days average about 4.4 mm (0.2 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. That is close to Berlin's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 5 mm). It is among the three wettest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in January
On 15 January the sun rises at about 8:10 am and sets around 4:20 pm local time, giving 8 h 9 min of daylight. Days are getting longer: 27 min more daylight than in mid-December. About 38% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, skies are often cloudy.
How January compares to the rest of the year
January is the coolest month of the year in Berlin. Compared with December, afternoons are 1.4°C (2.5°F) cooler, with 8 mm more rain. This is the low point, and February starts to warm up. By February, typical highs are 5.1°C (41.2°F).
Who January suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — it is cold for long walks.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — warm places to spend the coldest part of the day.
Tips for visiting Berlin in January
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Warm Layers
A proper winter coat, with gloves and a hat for early starts.
Quick questions
How warm is Berlin in January?
Expect around 3.3°C (37.9°F) in the afternoon and -1.4°C (29.5°F) at night, which most visitors would call cold.
Does it rain a lot in Berlin in January?
It does: about 13 rainy days bring roughly 57 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Berlin 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 Berlin?
On our 12-month climate ranking, February comes out ahead (#9 of 12 vs #12). February is warmer and has fewer rainy days.