January weather forecast
Washington, DC

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Rows of jacaranda trees in spring in the tidal basin of the Washington Monument in Washington city, DC, USA
Rows of jacaranda trees in spring in the tidal basin of the Washington Monument in Washington city, DC, USA

Weather in January

January in Washington, District of Columbia presents a sharp contrast between temperatures ranging from 27.5°F (-2.5°C) to 40.6°F (4.8°C). While the city is still bustling with winter life, cool days and cold nights set the tone for the month. The year begins with the crisp, invigorating air of a typical winter climate. Visitors who enjoy winter sports find conditions favorable, however, it is advisable to pack warm clothing. This month also experiences the lowest daylight hours, with a total of 9.8 hours.

Temperature

Washington's coldest month, January, registers temperatures that range from a high of 40.6°F (4.8°C) to a low of 27.5°F (-2.5°C).

Humidity

The average relative humidity in January in Washington is 72%.

Rainfall

The month with the least rainfall in Washington is January, when the rain falls for 9.3 days and typically collects 1.57" (40mm) of precipitation.

Snowfall

January through March and December are months with snowfall in Washington. The month with the most snowfall is January, when snow falls for 3.8 days and typically aggregates up to 2.17" (55mm) of snow.

Daylight

In January, the average length of the day is 9h and 49min.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 7:26 am and sunset at 4:56 pm. On the last day of January, in Washington, sunrise is at 7:15 am and sunset at 5:27 pm EST.

Sunshine

The months with the least sunshine are January, February and December, with an average of 5.1h of sunshine.

UV index

January and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index in Washington. A UV Index estimate of 2, and below, represents a minimal health vulnerability from unsafe exposure to UV radiation for the average person.
Note: The average daily UV index of 2 in January transforms into the following instructions:
Many can withstand an hour in the sun without burning, yet children must always have protection against sunlight. Protect yourself from the midday Sun's peak UV radiation by minimizing exposure. Boost your sun resistance with garments that are densely woven yet spacious. Take to heart! Snow reflection can almost magnify the Sun's UV radiation twofold.
Updated: Feb 10, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What time of the year is the coldest in Washington?

Washington's coldest temperatures are experienced in January, with average high temperatures of 40.6°F (4.8°C) and lows of 27.5°F (-2.5°C).

How cold is January in Washington?

The average high-temperature and low-temperature in Washington, District of Columbia, during January are 40.6°F (4.8°C) and 27.5°F (-2.5°C) respectively.

What is the average humidity in January in Washington?

In January, the average relative humidity in Washington is 72%.

What is the driest month in Washington?

The month with the least rainfall in Washington is January, when the rain falls for 9.3 days and typically collects 1.57" (40mm) of precipitation.

How much does it rain in Washington in January?

In Washington, District of Columbia, in January, during 9.3 rainfall days, 1.57" (40mm) of precipitation is typically accumulated.

What is the snowiest month in Washington?

January is the month with the most snowfall in Washington, District of Columbia. Snow falls for 3.8 days and accumulates 2.17" (55mm) of snow.

How many days does it snow in January in Washington?

In January, it is snowing for 3.8 days. Throughout January, 2.17" (55mm) of snow is accumulated.

How many hours of daylight does Washington have in January?

In January, the average day length in Washington, District of Columbia, is 9h and 49min.

When is the sunrise / sunset in January in Washington?

On the first day of January in Washington, sunrise is at 7:26 am and sunset at 4:56 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 7:15 am and sunset at 5:27 pm EST.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Washington?

The months with the least sunshine in Washington are January, February and December, with an average of 5.1h of sunshine.

How many hours of sunshine does Washington have in January?

In January, the average sunshine duration in Washington is 5.1h.

When is the lowest UV index in Washington?

January and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index in Washington, District of Columbia.

How high is the UV index in January in Washington?

In January, the average daily maximum UV index in Washington is 2. A UV Index reading of 2, and below, represents a minimal hazard to health from exposure to Sun's UV rays.
Average humidity
Average rainfall days
Average snowfall days
Average daylight
Average sunshine
Average sunshine days
Average UV index
Average cloud cover
Average visibility

Average temperature in January
Washington, DC

Average temperature in January - Washington, DC
  • Average high temperature in January: 40.6°F

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (88°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (40.6°F).

  • Average low temperature in January: 27.5°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (69.1°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (27.5°F).

Average pressure in January
Washington, DC

Average pressure in January - Washington, DC
  • Average pressure in January: 30.11"Hg

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (30.14"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.95"Hg).

Average wind speed in January
Washington, DC

Average wind speed in January - Washington, DC
  • Average wind speed in January: 7.6mph

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is March (7.9mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (5mph).

Average humidity in January
Washington, DC

Average humidity in January - Washington, DC
  • Average humidity in January: 72%

The month with the highest relative humidity is May (76%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are April and July (71%).

Average rainfall in January
Washington, DC

Average rainfall in January - Washington, DC
  • Average rainfall in January: 1.57"

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (3.46").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (1.57").

Average rainfall days in January
Washington, DC

Average rainfall days in January - Washington, DC
  • Average rainfall days in January: 9.3 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (16.4 days).
The month with the least rainy days is November (8.1 days).

Average snowfall in January
Washington, DC

Average snowfall in January - Washington, DC
  • Average snowfall in January: 2.17"

The month with the highest snowfall is January (2.17").
The months with the least snowfall are April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (0").

Average snowfall days in January
Washington, DC

Average snowfall days in January - Washington, DC
  • Average snowfall days in January: 3.8 days

The months with the highest number of snowfall days are January and February (3.8 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are April, May, June, July, August, September and October (0 days).

Average daylight in January /
Average sunshine in January
Washington, DC

Average daylight in January / Average sunshine in January - Washington, DC
  • Average daylight in January: 9h and 5min

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 54min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 30min).

  • Average sunshine in January: 5h and 1min

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 42min).
The months with the least sunshine are January, February and December (Average sunshine: 5h and 6min).

Average sunshine days in January
Washington, DC

Average sunshine days in January - Washington, DC
  • Average sunshine days in January: 18.2 days

The month with the most sunshine days is November (20 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is May (12.8 days).

Average UV index in January
Washington, DC

Average UV index in January - Washington, DC
  • Average UV index in January: 2

The month with the highest UV index is June (UV index 7).
The months with the lowest UV index are January and December (UV index 2).

Average cloud cover in January
Washington, DC

Average cloud cover in January - Washington, DC
  • Average cloud cover in January: 43

The month with the most cloud cover is March (Cloud cover 46).
The month with the least cloud cover is July (Cloud cover 30).

Average visibility in January
Washington, DC

Average visibility in January - Washington, DC
  • Average visibility in January: 6mi

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The month with the lowest visibility is May (5mi).

Washington, District of Columbia, USA

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