Marseille in January
In January, Marseille averages 11°C (52°F) during the day and 3°C (37°F) at night, with around 5 days of rain (55 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.
January in Marseille 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 Marseille
January is one of the coolest months in Marseille (12th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (5th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 9°C below the annual average (20°C). January runs 1°C cooler than December (12°C) and warms a further 1°C into February (12°C).
January sunrise & sunset in Marseille
Times shown for Marseille 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 Marseille — January
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Marseille's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Marseille 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 Marseille's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — January in Marseille
Marseille 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 Marseille
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.
Sea temperature in Marseille — January
Across the year Marseille's sea swings from 13.7°C (February) to 23.2°C (August) — January sits at 14.5°C.
Marseille in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 11°C / 52°F | 3°C / 37°F | 55 mm | 5 | 0 |
| February | 12°C / 54°F | 4°C / 39°F | 40 mm | 5 | 0 |
| March | 15°C / 59°F | 6°C / 43°F | 40 mm | 5 | 0 |
| April | 18°C / 64°F | 9°C / 48°F | 55 mm | 7 | 0 |
| May | 22°C / 72°F | 13°C / 55°F | 40 mm | 5 | 0 |
| June | 26°C / 79°F | 16°C / 61°F | 25 mm | 4 | 0 |
| July | 30°C / 86°F | 19°C / 66°F | 15 mm | 2 | 0 |
| August | 30°C / 86°F | 19°C / 66°F | 25 mm | 2 | 0 |
| September | 25°C / 77°F | 16°C / 61°F | 65 mm | 5 | 0 |
| October | 20°C / 68°F | 12°C / 54°F | 95 mm | 6 | 0 |
| November | 15°C / 59°F | 7°C / 45°F | 75 mm | 6 | 0 |
| December | 12°C / 54°F | 4°C / 39°F | 65 mm | 6 | 0 |
Other cities with similar January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Marseille in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Marseille in January?
In January, Marseille averages a high of 11°C (52°F) and a low of 3°C (37°F) — generally cool.
Does it rain a lot in Marseille in January?
January sees occasional rain in Marseille, with about 5 rainy days on average.
Is January a good time to visit Marseille?
January is cool and mostly dry. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cool weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Marseille in January?
Pack a warm jacket and layers. See the full January packing list for Marseille for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.