Cork Weather in January

During January, Cork experiences low daytime temperatures of 10°C (50°F) and cooler nights around 5°C (41°F). Expect quite a bit of rainfall. Around 96 mm (3.8 in) is typical.

Rainfall in Cork in January

Climate statistics over the past 30 years suggest around 21 days of rain, with 96 mm (3.8 in) average for the month. Rain is frequent but mostly light this month, with brief showers more common than heavy downpours.

Temperature in Cork in January

January in Cork sees highs of 10°C (50°F) and lows of 5°C (41°F) overnight. Cold conditions persist throughout the day, so warm clothing is important from the moment you head outside. Nights drop to 5°C (41°F). Cold nights like these are actually great for sleeping well, as long as you have a warm enough duvet. Expect the coolest temperatures of the year during January.

Sunshine in Cork in January

With limited sunshine this month, there are about 57 hours of sun. It's ideal for those who prefer a cooler, cloudier climate.

Wind Speed in Cork in January

Wind speeds average 6 m/s (12 knots) during January. At this speed, expect strong winds that make large branches move and create some resistance when walking. Since this is an average, some days have fresh winds while others have strong breezes that can make umbrellas tricky to control.

Average water temperature in January

The water temperature is only 9°C (48°F) this month — cold enough that most people will want to stay out. Hardy swimmers may manage a quick dip, but it won't be comfortable.

If you prefer dry days with pleasant temperatures, January may not be the ideal month to visit Cork. Our weather planner can help you explore destinations with more pleasant weather conditions.

Select a Month

Check the conditions for any month of the year.

• January
• February
• March
• April

• May
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• July
• August

• September
• October
• November
• December

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

Cork Temperature in January

Min Temperature 5°C (41°F)  

Max Temperature 10°C (50°F)  

Water Temperature 9°C (48°F)  

Chance of Rain 70%  

Precipitation 96 mm (3.8 in)  

Rainy days 21 days  

Humidity 83%  

Windspeed 6 m/s (12 knots)  

Sunshine 57 hours  

Percentage Sunshine 22%  

Daily Historical Temperatures

50-year average (1976-2026)

Based on our historical records, temperatures in Cork typically stay consistent throughout January, with daily highs averaging around 10°C (50°F). Nights are cold, with lows around 3°C (37°F).

Average temperatures in January

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Daily Historical Precipitation

50-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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Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

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

Historical weather for Cork in January

Browse day-by-day weather records for Cork 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 ›

Cork historical weather extremes in January

The extremes listed below come from historical weather data collected in Cork from 2000 through 2025.

• The warmest day in January was on January 26, 2003, with a maximum of 16°C (61°F).
• The coldest January day was on January 9, 2010, with a maximum of 0°C (32°F).
• The lowest overnight temperature recorded in January was -5°C (23°F) (January 9, 2010).

What to Wear in Cork 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. With water temperatures around 9°C (48°F), the water is quite cold for swimming. You can skip the swimwear unless you're particularly tough. You can probably leave your sunglasses at home, because sunny days are pretty rare this month.

What To Do in Cork in January

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

Swimming

4/10

Cycling

6/10

Walking

6/10

Camping

4/10

Outdoor sports

6/10

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 Ireland, check out our Cork's climate page.

More climate data for Cork

Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp

See the full Cork climate overview or explore weather in Ireland.