Hamburg in January

In January, Hamburg averages 5°C (40°F) during the day and 1°C (33°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 22 days of the month see precipitation (74 mm total).

Off-peak

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 Hamburg. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.

5°C
Avg high
1°C
Avg low
22
Rain days
74 mm
Rainfall

How January compares to the rest of the year in Hamburg

12th
warmest month of the 12
1st
wettest month of the 12
9%
of yearly rainfall falls in January
8 h 1 min
daylight on the 15th

January is one of the coolest months in Hamburg (12th of 12) and one of the wettest months (1st of 12). Daytime temperature runs 9°C below the annual average (14°C). January runs 1°C cooler than December (6°C) and warms a further 2°C into February (7°C).

January sunrise & sunset in Hamburg

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
8:28 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
4:29 PM
Day length
8 h 1 min

Times shown for Hamburg 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 Hamburg — January

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

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
7:28 AM – 8:08 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
8:08 AM – 9:08 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
3:49 PM – 4:49 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
4:49 PM – 5:29 PM

📅 When to book — Hamburg 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 Hamburg's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
3-6 weeks
Cheapest flights of the year. Last-minute deals are real if you can be flexible.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-4 weeks
Last-minute bookings work fine. Some seasonal properties close — call ahead if it's a small boutique or beach resort.
⚠ 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 Hamburg

Off-peak

This is off-peak for Hamburg — 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 Hamburg

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
2.3
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.

🍂 Cool — Hamburg in January

Snow days (typical)
0
days/month
Avg low
1°C
33°F
Avg day high
5°C
40°F

Gear: Cool to cold. Layered approach — sweater + jacket — works for most days.

Hamburg in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 5°C / 40°F 1°C / 33°F 74 mm 22
February 7°C / 44°F 1°C / 33°F 60 mm 17
March 10°C / 49°F 2°C / 35°F 55 mm 16
April 14°C / 56°F 4°C / 40°F 51 mm 17
May 18°C / 64°F 9°C / 47°F 59 mm 18
June 22°C / 72°F 13°C / 55°F 70 mm 18
July 23°C / 73°F 14°C / 58°F 84 mm 22
August 23°C / 73°F 14°C / 58°F 68 mm 20
September 19°C / 67°F 12°C / 53°F 56 mm 19
October 15°C / 58°F 9°C / 47°F 70 mm 20
November 9°C / 47°F 4°C / 39°F 61 mm 20
December 6°C / 43°F 2°C / 36°F 73 mm 20

Other cities with similar January weather

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

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Hamburg in January?

In January, Hamburg averages a high of 5°C (40°F) and a low of 1°C (33°F) — generally cold.

Does it rain a lot in Hamburg in January?

January is quite rainy in Hamburg, with about 22 rainy days on average.

Is January a good time to visit Hamburg?

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 Hamburg 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 Hamburg for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Hamburg on the interactive map

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