Bern Weather in January
Thinking of visiting Bern in January? Expect low temperatures reaching 5°C (41°F) during the day, dropping to -2°C (28°F) at night, with the driest conditions of the year.
Rainfall in Bern in January
This is the driest month, making it a great choice for planning outdoor excursions, even if the weather is on the cooler side. Based on our climate data of the past 30 years, about 15 days of snow/rain are anticipated, with 92 mm (3.6 in) on average. Expect a fairly normal spread of rainfall this month, with no particular pattern of very heavy or very persistent showers.
Temperature in Bern in January
January in Bern brings low temperatures, with highs of 5°C (41°F) and nights around -2°C (28°F). The winter season is characteristic of January. Cold conditions persist throughout the day, so warm clothing is important from the moment you head outside. Nights are well below freezing at -2°C (28°F). An extra blanket is a good idea if you feel the cold, especially in older or less well-heated accommodation. This month tends to bring the coldest weather of the year, so be sure to pack enough warm clothing to stay comfortable.
Sunshine in Bern in January
This month is characterized by fewer sunny days, with about 66 hours of sunshine. It's great for those who appreciate cooler, less sunny days.January in Bern has its charm, but if you're looking for destinations with pleasant temperatures and sunny skies, our weather planner can help you explore other options in the world.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Switzerland, check out our Bern's climate page.
Bern Temperature in January
Min Temperature
-2°C (28°F)
Max Temperature
5°C (41°F)
Chance of Rain
49%
Precipitation
92 mm (3.6 in)
Rainy days
15 days
Humidity
84%
Sunshine
66 hours
Percentage Sunshine
27%
Daily Historical Temperatures
51-year average (1976-2026)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Bern typically stay consistent throughout January, with daily highs averaging around 5°C (41°F). Nights are very cold, with lows around -3°C (27°F).
Average temperatures in January
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
Historical weather for Bern in January
Browse day-by-day weather records for Bern spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Bern historical weather extremes in January
Based on 25 years of weather observations in Bern between 2000 and 2025, these are the recorded extremes.
- On January 10, 2015, temperatures climbed to 15°C (59°F), marking the warmest January day on record.
- Bern experienced its chilliest January day on January 25, 2000, reaching only -8°C (18°F).
- Nighttime temperatures dropped to -14°C (7°F) on January 7, 2017, marking the coldest January night on record.
- The wettest day in January Bern was on January 25, 2017 with 41 mm (1.6 in) of precipitation.
Best Places in Switzerland in January
Find out more about the weather in Switzerland and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Switzerland in January →
perfect weather
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What to Wear in Bern in January
We recommend to layer up for chilly conditions in Bern 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. High rain levels are expected, so pack waterproof gear and an umbrella or poncho. You can probably leave your sunglasses at home, because sunny days are pretty rare this month.What To Do in Bern in January
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Switzerland, check out our Bern's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity
See the full Bern climate overview or explore weather in Switzerland.
