Zurich in January
In January, Zurich averages 3°C (37°F) during the day and -2°C (28°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 15 days of the month see precipitation (70 mm total).
Off-peakConditions are cold — pack winter layers. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear. Snowfall occurs on roughly 5 days.
January is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Zurich. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How January compares to the rest of the year in Zurich
January is one of the coolest months in Zurich (12th of 12) and one of the wettest months (1st of 12). Daytime temperature runs 11°C below the annual average (14°C). January runs 1°C cooler than December (4°C) and warms a further 2°C into February (5°C).
January sunrise & sunset in Zurich
Times shown for Zurich local time (Europe/Zurich), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Zurich — January
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Zurich's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Zurich 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 Zurich's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — January in Zurich
This is off-peak for Zurich — 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 Zurich
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.
🌨 Some snow — Zurich in January
Gear: Occasional snow, often slushy by afternoon. Waterproof boots, warm coat, hat and gloves.
Zurich in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3°C / 37°F | -2°C / 28°F | 70 mm | 15 | 5 |
| February | 5°C / 41°F | -1°C / 30°F | 60 mm | 13 | 4 |
| March | 10°C / 50°F | 2°C / 36°F | 70 mm | 14 | 1 |
| April | 14°C / 57°F | 5°C / 41°F | 85 mm | 14 | 0 |
| May | 19°C / 66°F | 9°C / 48°F | 110 mm | 14 | 0 |
| June | 22°C / 72°F | 12°C / 54°F | 145 mm | 14 | 0 |
| July | 25°C / 77°F | 14°C / 57°F | 135 mm | 13 | 0 |
| August | 24°C / 75°F | 14°C / 57°F | 135 mm | 12 | 0 |
| September | 20°C / 68°F | 11°C / 52°F | 95 mm | 11 | 0 |
| October | 14°C / 57°F | 7°C / 45°F | 80 mm | 11 | 0 |
| November | 8°C / 46°F | 2°C / 36°F | 75 mm | 13 | 1 |
| December | 4°C / 39°F | -1°C / 30°F | 75 mm | 14 | 4 |
Other cities with similar January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Zurich in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Zurich in January?
In January, Zurich averages a high of 3°C (37°F) and a low of -2°C (28°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Zurich in January?
January is quite rainy in Zurich, with about 15 rainy days on average and roughly 5 snow days.
Is January a good time to visit Zurich?
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 Zurich 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 Zurich for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.