Warsaw in January

In January, Warsaw averages 0°C (32°F) during the day and -5°C (23°F) at night, with around 9 days of rain (30 mm total).

Off-peak

Conditions are cold — pack winter layers. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate. Snowfall occurs on roughly 7 days.

January in Warsaw 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.).

0°C
Avg high
-5°C
Avg low
9
Rain days
30 mm
Rainfall
7
Snow days

How January compares to the rest of the year in Warsaw

12th
warmest month of the 12
8th
wettest month of the 12
5%
of yearly rainfall falls in January
8 h 14 min
daylight on the 15th

January is one of the coolest months in Warsaw (12th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (8th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 13°C below the annual average (13°C). January runs 1°C cooler than December (1°C) and warms a further 2°C into February (2°C).

January sunrise & sunset in Warsaw

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
7:38 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
3:51 PM
Day length
8 h 14 min

Times shown for Warsaw local time (Europe/Warsaw), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Warsaw — January

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

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
6:38 AM – 7:18 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
7:18 AM – 8:18 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
3:11 PM – 4:11 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
4:11 PM – 4:51 PM

📅 When to book — Warsaw 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 Warsaw'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 Warsaw

Off-peak

This is off-peak for Warsaw — 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 Warsaw

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
2.5
Low
Minimal sun protection needed for normal activity.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●○○○○
Minimal
Occasional mosquitoes possible near standing water. Repellent rarely needed.

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.

❄️ Snowy — Warsaw in January

Snow days (typical)
7
days/month
Avg low
-5°C
23°F
Avg day high
0°C
32°F

Gear: Frequent snowfall. Waterproof boots and a real insulated coat are essential — not a fashion peacoat.

Warsaw in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 0°C / 32°F -5°C / 23°F 30 mm 9 7
February 2°C / 36°F -4°C / 25°F 25 mm 8 6
March 7°C / 45°F -1°C / 30°F 30 mm 9 3
April 14°C / 57°F 3°C / 37°F 40 mm 10 0
May 20°C / 68°F 8°C / 46°F 55 mm 11 0
June 23°C / 73°F 11°C / 52°F 70 mm 11 0
July 24°C / 75°F 13°C / 55°F 75 mm 11 0
August 24°C / 75°F 13°C / 55°F 65 mm 10 0
September 18°C / 64°F 8°C / 46°F 50 mm 9 0
October 12°C / 54°F 4°C / 39°F 40 mm 9 0
November 5°C / 41°F 0°C / 32°F 40 mm 10 2
December 1°C / 34°F -3°C / 27°F 40 mm 11 5

Other cities with similar January weather

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

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Warsaw in January?

In January, Warsaw averages a high of 0°C (32°F) and a low of -5°C (23°F) — generally cold.

Does it rain a lot in Warsaw in January?

January sees occasional rain in Warsaw, with about 9 rainy days on average and roughly 7 snow days.

Is January a good time to visit Warsaw?

January is cold. 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 Warsaw in January?

Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves. See the full January packing list for Warsaw for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Warsaw on the interactive map

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