Belfast Weather in January

With daytime temperatures of 9°C (48°F) and nighttime lows of 3°C (37°F), January in Belfast brings low temperatures during the day. Do keep in mind that quite a bit of rainfall is typical. Around 80 mm (3.1 in) falls on average.

Rainfall in Belfast in January

Historically, approximately 22 days this month are expected to have rain, averaging 80 mm (3.1 in). With rain spread across many days but low totals, showers are typically short and light rather than heavy.

Temperature in Belfast in January

January in Belfast sees highs of 9°C (48°F) and lows of 3°C (37°F) overnight. January is known for being in the winter season. Cold conditions persist throughout the day, so warm clothing is important from the moment you head outside. At 3°C (37°F) overnight, it gets properly cold after dark. On the bright side, cold nights tend to make for excellent sleeping conditions. It's generally the coldest month of the year, making it essential to pack warm layers and winter accessories.

Sunshine in Belfast in January

This month sees fewer sunny days, with about 45 hours of sunshine, perfect for those who enjoy cooler temperatures.

Wind Speed in Belfast in January

Wind speeds average 5 m/s (10 knots) during January. At this speed, gentle to moderate breezes make small trees sway and the wind creates whitecaps on water bodies. Daily variations range from moderate winds to stronger breezes, creating excellent conditions for sailing, kite flying and wind sports.

Average water temperature in January

At 8°C (46°F), the water is very cold. Most people find it too uncomfortable for anything beyond a brief wade.

If you prefer dry days with pleasant temperatures, January may not be the ideal month to visit Belfast. 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
• June
• July
• August

• September
• October
• November
• December

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

Belfast Temperature in January

Min Temperature 3°C (37°F)  

Max Temperature 9°C (48°F)  

Water Temperature 8°C (46°F)  

Chance of Rain 72%  

Precipitation 80 mm (3.1 in)  

Rainy days 22 days  

Humidity 89%  

Windspeed 5 m/s (10 knots)  

Sunshine 45 hours  

Percentage Sunshine 18%  

What to Wear in Belfast in January

We recommend to layer up for chilly conditions in Belfast in January. You could start with thermal underwear or a good base layer to keep your core warm on the cooler days this month. Maybe also add a sweater or fleece, and top it off with a windproof jacket. Rain is likely on several days, so bring a good rain jacket. With water temperatures around 8°C (46°F), the water is quite cold for swimming. You can skip the swimwear unless you're particularly tough. With limited sunshine expected, sunglasses aren't a priority for packing.

What To Do in Belfast 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

4/10

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 Ireland, check out our Belfast's climate page.

More climate data for Belfast

Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp

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