Lyon in January
In January, Lyon averages 7°C (45°F) during the day and 1°C (34°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 19 days of the month see precipitation (77 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 Lyon. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How January compares to the rest of the year in Lyon
January is one of the coolest months in Lyon (12th of 12) and one of the wettest months (1st of 12). Daytime temperature runs 11°C below the annual average (18°C). January runs 1°C cooler than December (8°C) and warms a further 3°C into February (10°C).
January sunrise & sunset in Lyon
Times shown for Lyon local time (Europe/Paris), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Lyon — January
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Lyon's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Lyon 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 Lyon's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — January in Lyon
Lyon 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 Lyon
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.
Lyon in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7°C / 45°F | 1°C / 34°F | 77 mm | 19 | — |
| February | 10°C / 50°F | 1°C / 35°F | 45 mm | 15 | — |
| March | 14°C / 56°F | 4°C / 39°F | 60 mm | 15 | — |
| April | 17°C / 62°F | 7°C / 44°F | 61 mm | 15 | — |
| May | 21°C / 69°F | 11°C / 51°F | 81 mm | 17 | — |
| June | 26°C / 79°F | 16°C / 60°F | 81 mm | 16 | — |
| July | 28°C / 83°F | 17°C / 63°F | 64 mm | 13 | — |
| August | 27°C / 81°F | 17°C / 62°F | 65 mm | 11 | — |
| September | 24°C / 74°F | 13°C / 56°F | 59 mm | 14 | — |
| October | 18°C / 64°F | 10°C / 49°F | 110 mm | 14 | — |
| November | 11°C / 52°F | 5°C / 41°F | 91 mm | 17 | — |
| December | 8°C / 47°F | 2°C / 36°F | 71 mm | 15 | — |
Other cities with similar January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Lyon in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Lyon in January?
In January, Lyon averages a high of 7°C (45°F) and a low of 1°C (34°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Lyon in January?
January is quite rainy in Lyon, with about 19 rainy days on average.
Is January a good time to visit Lyon?
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 Lyon 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 Lyon for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.