Frankfurt in January

In January, Frankfurt averages 5°C (42°F) during the day and 1°C (33°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 21 days of the month see precipitation (72 mm total).

Shoulder

Conditions are cold — pack winter layers. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.

January is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Frankfurt. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.

5°C
Avg high
1°C
Avg low
21
Rain days
72 mm
Rainfall

How January compares to the rest of the year in Frankfurt

12th
warmest month of the 12
1st
wettest month of the 12
10%
of yearly rainfall falls in January
8 h 32 min
daylight on the 15th

January is one of the coolest months in Frankfurt (12th of 12) and one of the wettest months (1st of 12). Daytime temperature runs 10°C below the annual average (16°C). January runs 1°C cooler than December (6°C) and warms a further 2°C into February (8°C).

January sunrise & sunset in Frankfurt

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
8:18 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
4:50 PM
Day length
8 h 32 min

Times shown for Frankfurt local time (Europe/Berlin), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Frankfurt — January

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Frankfurt's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
7:18 AM – 7:58 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
7:58 AM – 8:58 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
4:10 PM – 5:10 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
5:10 PM – 5:50 PM

📅 When to book — Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
6-10 weeks
Sweet spot for value. Major fare-sales (US: Black Friday, EU: post-Easter) hit hardest in shoulder months for shoulder travel.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
4-8 weeks
Lots of selection. Look for shoulder-season packages — many hotels add value (free breakfast, spa credit) to fill rooms.
⚠ Christmas / New Year travel is a global premium-pricing event — many destinations 30-50% above normal. Book 4+ months ahead if your dates are Dec 20 - Jan 2.

Crowds & pricing — January in Frankfurt

Shoulder

Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
2.9
Low
Minimal sun protection needed for normal activity.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●○○○
Low
Mosquitoes present but manageable. Pack repellent (DEET 10-20%) for evenings near water.

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.

Frankfurt in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 5°C / 42°F 1°C / 33°F 72 mm 21
February 8°C / 46°F 0°C / 33°F 45 mm 16
March 11°C / 52°F 2°C / 36°F 51 mm 17
April 16°C / 60°F 5°C / 41°F 45 mm 16
May 20°C / 67°F 10°C / 49°F 65 mm 17
June 25°C / 76°F 15°C / 58°F 58 mm 16
July 26°C / 79°F 16°C / 61°F 63 mm 17
August 25°C / 78°F 16°C / 60°F 60 mm 18
September 21°C / 70°F 12°C / 53°F 52 mm 14
October 16°C / 60°F 8°C / 47°F 55 mm 18
November 9°C / 48°F 4°C / 39°F 64 mm 18
December 6°C / 44°F 2°C / 35°F 74 mm 19

Other cities with similar January weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Frankfurt in January →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Frankfurt in January?

In January, Frankfurt averages a high of 5°C (42°F) and a low of 1°C (33°F) — generally cold.

Does it rain a lot in Frankfurt in January?

January is quite rainy in Frankfurt, with about 21 rainy days on average.

Is January a good time to visit Frankfurt?

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 Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Frankfurt on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.