Houston in January
In January, Houston averages 17°C (63°F) during the day and 7°C (45°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 15 days of the month see precipitation (118 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
January is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Houston. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How January compares to the rest of the year in Houston
January is one of the coolest months in Houston (12th of 12) and one of the driest months (11th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 9°C below the annual average (26°C). January runs 2°C cooler than December (19°C) and warms a further 2°C into February (19°C).
January sunrise & sunset in Houston
Times shown for Houston local time (America/Chicago), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Houston — January
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Houston's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Houston 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 Houston's popularity.
January in United States — events that affect travel
Known cultural, religious, or national events that surge prices, fill hotels, or close businesses during this month. Plan around them, or build your itinerary around the ones you'd like to see.
Major travel surge plus widespread Dec 24-26 and Jan 1 business closures.
Plan: Book flights and hotels well ahead; expect many restaurants/shops closed Dec 25 and Jan 1.
Crowds & pricing — January in Houston
Houston 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.
Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — January in Houston
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.
Houston in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 17°C / 63°F | 7°C / 45°F | 118 mm | 15 | — |
| February | 19°C / 66°F | 10°C / 49°F | 95 mm | 17 | — |
| March | 22°C / 72°F | 13°C / 56°F | 135 mm | 19 | — |
| April | 25°C / 78°F | 16°C / 61°F | 164 mm | 20 | — |
| May | 29°C / 84°F | 21°C / 69°F | 206 mm | 22 | — |
| June | 32°C / 89°F | 24°C / 74°F | 180 mm | 23 | — |
| July | 33°C / 91°F | 25°C / 76°F | 145 mm | 23 | — |
| August | 33°C / 92°F | 25°C / 77°F | 185 mm | 23 | — |
| September | 31°C / 87°F | 23°C / 73°F | 190 mm | 21 | — |
| October | 27°C / 80°F | 18°C / 64°F | 140 mm | 16 | — |
| November | 21°C / 70°F | 12°C / 54°F | 110 mm | 15 | — |
| December | 19°C / 66°F | 10°C / 50°F | 145 mm | 16 | — |
Other cities with similar January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Houston in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Houston in January?
In January, Houston averages a high of 17°C (63°F) and a low of 7°C (45°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in Houston in January?
January is quite rainy in Houston, with about 15 rainy days on average.
Is January a good time to visit Houston?
January is mild and pleasant but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Houston in January?
Pack a warm jacket and layers, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full January packing list for Houston for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.