Glasgow in January
In January, Glasgow averages 7°C (45°F) during the day and 1°C (34°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 18 days of the month see precipitation (170 mm total).
ShoulderConditions 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 Glasgow. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How January compares to the rest of the year in Glasgow
January is one of the coolest months in Glasgow (11th of 12) and one of the wettest months (1st of 12). Daytime temperature runs 6°C below the annual average (13°C). January runs roughly the same as December (7°C) and warms a further 1°C into February (8°C).
January sunrise & sunset in Glasgow
Times shown for Glasgow 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 Glasgow — January
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Glasgow's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Glasgow 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 Glasgow's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — January in Glasgow
Glasgow 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 Glasgow
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.
Glasgow in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7°C / 45°F | 1°C / 34°F | 170 mm | 18 | 1 |
| February | 8°C / 46°F | 1°C / 34°F | 125 mm | 15 | 1 |
| March | 10°C / 50°F | 3°C / 37°F | 105 mm | 15 | 0 |
| April | 12°C / 54°F | 5°C / 41°F | 80 mm | 13 | 0 |
| May | 15°C / 59°F | 7°C / 45°F | 75 mm | 12 | 0 |
| June | 18°C / 64°F | 10°C / 50°F | 75 mm | 12 | 0 |
| July | 19°C / 66°F | 12°C / 54°F | 90 mm | 13 | 0 |
| August | 18°C / 64°F | 12°C / 54°F | 110 mm | 14 | 0 |
| September | 16°C / 61°F | 10°C / 50°F | 125 mm | 14 | 0 |
| October | 13°C / 55°F | 7°C / 45°F | 150 mm | 16 | 0 |
| November | 9°C / 48°F | 3°C / 37°F | 150 mm | 17 | 1 |
| December | 7°C / 45°F | 1°C / 34°F | 155 mm | 17 | 1 |
Other cities with similar January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Glasgow in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Glasgow in January?
In January, Glasgow averages a high of 7°C (45°F) and a low of 1°C (34°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Glasgow in January?
January is quite rainy in Glasgow, with about 18 rainy days on average and roughly 1 snow days.
Is January a good time to visit Glasgow?
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 Glasgow 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 Glasgow for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.