Belfast in January
In January, Belfast averages 7°C (45°F) during the day and 3°C (38°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 14 days of the month see precipitation (76 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cold — pack winter layers. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
January is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Belfast. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How January compares to the rest of the year in Belfast
January is one of the coolest months in Belfast (12th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (8th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 5°C below the annual average (13°C). January runs 1°C cooler than December (8°C) and warms a further 1°C into February (8°C).
January sunrise & sunset in Belfast
Times shown for Belfast local time (Europe/London), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Belfast — January
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Belfast's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Belfast in January
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on January's tier (Shoulder) and Belfast's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — January in Belfast
Belfast is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Sun & mosquito risk — January in Belfast
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Belfast in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7°C / 45°F | 3°C / 38°F | 76 mm | 14 | — |
| February | 8°C / 46°F | 3°C / 38°F | 85 mm | 15 | — |
| March | 9°C / 49°F | 4°C / 38°F | 76 mm | 16 | — |
| April | 11°C / 52°F | 5°C / 41°F | 54 mm | 12 | — |
| May | 14°C / 58°F | 8°C / 46°F | 74 mm | 14 | — |
| June | 17°C / 63°F | 11°C / 51°F | 83 mm | 14 | — |
| July | 18°C / 65°F | 12°C / 54°F | 96 mm | 17 | — |
| August | 18°C / 64°F | 12°C / 54°F | 100 mm | 17 | — |
| September | 16°C / 61°F | 11°C / 51°F | 82 mm | 14 | — |
| October | 13°C / 56°F | 9°C / 47°F | 94 mm | 15 | — |
| November | 10°C / 50°F | 6°C / 42°F | 97 mm | 15 | — |
| December | 8°C / 47°F | 4°C / 40°F | 99 mm | 15 | — |
Other cities with similar January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Belfast in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Belfast in January?
In January, Belfast averages a high of 7°C (45°F) and a low of 3°C (38°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Belfast in January?
January can be fairly wet in Belfast, with about 14 rainy days on average.
Is January a good time to visit Belfast?
January is cold but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cold weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Belfast in January?
Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full January packing list for Belfast for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.