Geneva in January
In January, Geneva averages 4°C (39°F) during the day and -2°C (28°F) at night, with around 11 days of rain (75 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 Geneva 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 Geneva
January is one of the coolest months in Geneva (12th of 12) and one of the wettest months (1st of 12). Daytime temperature runs 11°C below the annual average (15°C). January runs 1°C cooler than December (5°C) and warms a further 2°C into February (6°C).
January sunrise & sunset in Geneva
Times shown for Geneva 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 Geneva — January
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Geneva's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Geneva 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 Geneva's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — January in Geneva
This is off-peak for Geneva — 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 Geneva
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 — Geneva in January
Gear: Occasional snow, often slushy by afternoon. Waterproof boots, warm coat, hat and gloves.
Geneva in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4°C / 39°F | -2°C / 28°F | 75 mm | 11 | 4 |
| February | 6°C / 43°F | -1°C / 30°F | 70 mm | 10 | 3 |
| March | 11°C / 52°F | 2°C / 36°F | 75 mm | 10 | 1 |
| April | 15°C / 59°F | 5°C / 41°F | 80 mm | 10 | 0 |
| May | 19°C / 66°F | 9°C / 48°F | 90 mm | 11 | 0 |
| June | 23°C / 73°F | 13°C / 55°F | 95 mm | 10 | 0 |
| July | 26°C / 79°F | 15°C / 59°F | 80 mm | 9 | 0 |
| August | 25°C / 77°F | 15°C / 59°F | 90 mm | 10 | 0 |
| September | 21°C / 70°F | 11°C / 52°F | 90 mm | 9 | 0 |
| October | 15°C / 59°F | 7°C / 45°F | 95 mm | 10 | 0 |
| November | 8°C / 46°F | 2°C / 36°F | 90 mm | 11 | 1 |
| December | 5°C / 41°F | 0°C / 32°F | 80 mm | 11 | 3 |
Other cities with similar January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Geneva in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Geneva in January?
In January, Geneva averages a high of 4°C (39°F) and a low of -2°C (28°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Geneva in January?
January can be fairly wet in Geneva, with about 11 rainy days on average and roughly 4 snow days.
Is January a good time to visit Geneva?
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 Geneva 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 Geneva for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.