Cardiff Weather in January

With daytime temperatures of 9°C (48°F) and nighttime lows of 4°C (39°F), January in Cardiff brings low temperatures during the day. Do keep in mind that quite a bit of rainfall is typical. Around 105 mm (4.1 in) falls on average.

Rainfall in Cardiff in January

Typically, you can expect about 20 days of rain this month, with 105 mm (4.1 in) on average. This month brings frequent, heavy showers. Both the number of wet days and the rainfall totals are on the high side.

Temperature in Cardiff in January

Cardiff in January gets highs of 9°C (48°F) during the day and drops to 4°C (39°F) at night. January is known for being in the winter season. Even at the warmest part of the day, temperatures stay low. Dressing warmly from the start is the sensible approach. At 4°C (39°F) overnight, it gets properly cold after dark. On the bright side, cold nights tend to make for excellent sleeping conditions. This period often claims the chilliest monthly averages of the year.

Sunshine in Cardiff in January

This month is characterized by fewer sunny days, with about 53 hours of sunshine. It's great for those who appreciate cooler, less sunny days.

Wind Speed in Cardiff in January

January has wind speeds averaging 5 m/s (10 knots). You can expect gentle to moderate winds that move small trees and make flags wave steadily on typical days. Conditions typically range from light breezes to moderate winds.

Average water temperature in January

The water sits at 8°C (46°F) this month, which is well below what most people consider swimmable. Wetsuits help, but expect it to still feel cold.

January in Cardiff has its charm. However, if you're seeking pleasant, dry and sunny weather, our weather planner can help you explore other destinations in the world.

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• January
• February
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For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the United Kingdom, check out our Cardiff's climate page.

Cardiff Temperature in January

Min Temperature 4°C (39°F)  

Max Temperature 9°C (48°F)  

Water Temperature 8°C (46°F)  

Chance of Rain 68%  

Precipitation 105 mm (4.1 in)  

Rainy days 20 days  

Humidity 89%  

Windspeed 5 m/s (10 knots)  

Sunshine 53 hours  

Percentage Sunshine 20%  

Daily Historical Temperatures

51-year average (1976-2026)

Based on our historical records, temperatures in Cardiff typically stay consistent throughout January, with daily highs averaging around 9°C (48°F). Nights are cold, with lows around 3°C (37°F).

Average temperatures in January

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Daily Historical Precipitation

51-year average (1976-2026)

Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.

Average precipitation in January

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Historical weather for Cardiff in January

Browse day-by-day weather records for Cardiff spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.

Historical weather Temperatures Precipitation

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‹ January February March April May June July August September October November December ›

Cardiff historical weather extremes in January

According to our 49 years of weather records for Cardiff, the following extremes were recorded between 1976 and 2025.

• On January 1, 2022, temperatures climbed to 14°C (57°F), marking the warmest January day on record.
• The coldest January day was on January 12, 1987, with a maximum of -6°C (21°F).
• The coldest night in January in Cardiff was on January 13, 1987, with a minimum of -10°C (14°F).

What to Wear in Cardiff in January

Cold weather calls for smart layering in January. A thermal base layer makes a huge difference in staying warm. Add a wool sweater or fleece, then a wind-resistant outer jacket. Prepare for significant rainfall with proper waterproof clothing and shoes. The water temperature sits at about 8°C (46°F), which is too chilly for most people to enjoy swimming. Leave the swimsuit at home unless you love cold water. You can probably leave your sunglasses at home, because sunny days are pretty rare this month.

What To Do in Cardiff in January

We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.

Swimming

4/10

Cycling

4/10

Walking

4/10

Camping

3/10

Outdoor sports

4/10

Select a Month

Check the conditions for any month of the year.

• January
• February
• March
• April

• May
• June
• July
• August

• September
• October
• November
• December

For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the United Kingdom, check out our Cardiff's climate page.

More climate data for Cardiff

Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp

See the full Cardiff climate overview or explore weather in the United Kingdom.