Copenhagen in January
In January, Copenhagen averages 3°C (37°F) during the day and -1°C (30°F) at night, with around 12 days of rain (50 mm total).
Off-peakConditions are cold — pack winter layers. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear. Snowfall occurs on roughly 4 days.
January in Copenhagen is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How January compares to the rest of the year in Copenhagen
January is one of the coolest months in Copenhagen (11th of 12) and one of the wettest months (2nd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 9°C below the annual average (12°C). January runs 1°C cooler than December (4°C) and stays flat into February.
January sunrise & sunset in Copenhagen
Times shown for Copenhagen local time (Europe/Copenhagen), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Copenhagen — January
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Copenhagen's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — January in Copenhagen
This is off-peak for Copenhagen — 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 Copenhagen
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.
🌨 Some snow — Copenhagen in January
Gear: Occasional snow, often slushy by afternoon. Waterproof boots, warm coat, hat and gloves.
Sea temperature in Copenhagen — January
Across the year Copenhagen's sea swings from 2.7°C (February) to 18.9°C (August) — January sits at 2.8°C.
Copenhagen in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3°C / 37°F | -1°C / 30°F | 50 mm | 12 | 4 |
| February | 3°C / 37°F | -2°C / 28°F | 35 mm | 9 | 4 |
| March | 6°C / 43°F | 0°C / 32°F | 35 mm | 9 | 2 |
| April | 11°C / 52°F | 3°C / 37°F | 40 mm | 9 | 0 |
| May | 16°C / 61°F | 8°C / 46°F | 45 mm | 9 | 0 |
| June | 19°C / 66°F | 11°C / 52°F | 60 mm | 10 | 0 |
| July | 22°C / 72°F | 14°C / 57°F | 65 mm | 10 | 0 |
| August | 22°C / 72°F | 14°C / 57°F | 65 mm | 10 | 0 |
| September | 18°C / 64°F | 11°C / 52°F | 65 mm | 12 | 0 |
| October | 13°C / 55°F | 7°C / 45°F | 60 mm | 12 | 0 |
| November | 7°C / 45°F | 3°C / 37°F | 60 mm | 13 | 1 |
| December | 4°C / 39°F | 0°C / 32°F | 55 mm | 12 | 3 |
Other cities with similar January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Copenhagen in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Copenhagen in January?
In January, Copenhagen averages a high of 3°C (37°F) and a low of -1°C (30°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Copenhagen in January?
January can be fairly wet in Copenhagen, with about 12 rainy days on average and roughly 4 snow days.
Is January a good time to visit Copenhagen?
January is cold. 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 Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.