Bern in January
In January, Bern averages 4°C (39°F) during the day and -3°C (27°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 14 days of the month see precipitation (94 mm total).
Off-peakConditions are cold — pack winter layers. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
January is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Bern. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How January compares to the rest of the year in Bern
January is one of the coolest months in Bern (12th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (4th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 10°C below the annual average (14°C). January runs 1°C cooler than December (5°C) and warms a further 2°C into February (6°C).
January sunrise & sunset in Bern
Times shown for Bern local time (Europe/Zurich), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Bern — January
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Bern's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Bern 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 (Off-peak) and Bern's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — January in Bern
This is off-peak for Bern — the lowest prices of the year and the fewest crowds, but with real trade-offs: some restaurants, hotels, and beach businesses may close for the season; weather conditions can make outdoor activities unpredictable; and a handful of seasonal sights run reduced hours or close entirely. Great if you prefer a quiet local rhythm and don't mind the climate giving you reasons to choose indoor activities.
Why this tier: challenging tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — January in Bern
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.
🥶 Bitter cold — Bern in January
Gear: Snow rare but air is freezing. Insulated coat, hat, and gloves still required — wind chill is the real enemy.
Bern in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4°C / 39°F | -3°C / 27°F | 94 mm | 14 | — |
| February | 6°C / 44°F | -2°C / 29°F | 73 mm | 12 | — |
| March | 10°C / 50°F | 0°C / 32°F | 73 mm | 13 | — |
| April | 14°C / 56°F | 3°C / 38°F | 91 mm | 12 | — |
| May | 17°C / 62°F | 7°C / 45°F | 138 mm | 17 | — |
| June | 22°C / 71°F | 12°C / 54°F | 126 mm | 15 | — |
| July | 24°C / 75°F | 14°C / 57°F | 129 mm | 15 | — |
| August | 23°C / 74°F | 14°C / 56°F | 115 mm | 14 | — |
| September | 19°C / 67°F | 10°C / 50°F | 80 mm | 11 | — |
| October | 15°C / 59°F | 6°C / 43°F | 91 mm | 12 | — |
| November | 9°C / 47°F | 1°C / 34°F | 101 mm | 13 | — |
| December | 5°C / 42°F | -1°C / 30°F | 104 mm | 14 | — |
Other cities with similar January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Bern in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Bern in January?
In January, Bern averages a high of 4°C (39°F) and a low of -3°C (27°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Bern in January?
January can be fairly wet in Bern, with about 14 rainy days on average.
Is January a good time to visit Bern?
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 Bern 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 Bern for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.