Switzerland weather in January
Planning a journey to Switzerland this January and curious over the weather conditions to await? Your essential details are found on this page, answering your query:
What is the weather like in Switzerland in January?
The weather in Switzerland in January can be quite varied, with temperatures that range from very cold to cold and precipitation levels ranging from moderate to high. During January, winter is in full swing.
The average maximum daytime temperatures vary from very cold in Arolla at -7°C to cold in Balerna at 7°C. Nighttime temperatures generally drop to 0°C in Balerna and -15°C in Arolla. On average, January is the coldest month of the year in Switzerland. So be prepared and make sure to pack winter cloths.
In January, precipitation varies across different areas. From moderate snowfall in Sta Maria Val Müstair with an average of 59 mm to high snowfall in Adelboden with 155 mm. Most cities witness limited sunny days, expect roughly 86 hours of sunlight in Zermatt. This low amount of sunlight is perfect for those who lean towards dimmer, cloudier weather rather than intense sunny days.
For specific regional insights in Switzerland for January, refer to the map provided below. For an in-depth overview of the yearly weather conditions, do visit our Switzerland climate page.
Where to go in Switzerland in January
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Popular destinations in Switzerland
What is the weather like in January for the 5 most popular destinations in Switzerland?
Average weather in Zermatt
In January Zermatt generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -7°C, minimum nighttime temperatures around -15°C and high monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.
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Average weather in Grindelwald
In January Grindelwald generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -4°C, minimum nighttime temperatures around -11°C and high monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.
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Average weather in Nendaz
In January Nendaz generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -4°C, minimum nighttime temperatures around -13°C and high monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.
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Average weather in Zürich
In January Zürich generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 5°C, minimum nighttime temperatures around -1°C and moderate monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.
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Average weather in Davos
In January Davos generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -4°C, minimum nighttime temperatures around -13°C and moderate monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.
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Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at other destinations in Switzerland.
Is January the best time to visit Switzerland?
In our view, January might not be the best time to travel to Switzerland with often poor weather in Zermatt.
On average, the best time to visit Switzerland is in August with generally unpleasant weather in Zermatt.
Interested in more climate information?
We have much more information about the climate in Switzerland.
Interested in the weather conditions in a specific month? Select the month below.
Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to Switzerland? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in Switzerland.
Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal climate conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.