Galway
Weather by month
Current –

Galway Weather in January

With daytime temperatures of 10°C (50°F) and nighttime lows of 4°C (39°F), January in Galway brings low temperatures during the day. Do keep in mind that quite a bit of rainfall is typical. Around 108 mm (4.3 in) falls on average.

Rainfall in Galway in January

Historically, approximately 22 days this month are expected to have rain, averaging 108 mm (4.3 in). Wet weather is a regular and significant part of this month. Frequent days of rain combined with high totals means proper waterproofs are worth packing.

Temperature in Galway in January

Daytime highs in Galway in January reach 10°C (50°F), with nights around 4°C (39°F). January is part of the winter season. Even at the warmest part of the day, temperatures stay low. Dressing warmly from the start is the sensible approach. With overnight lows of 4°C (39°F), nights are cold. The cold air does make for deep, comfortable sleep if you have enough blankets. The city often sees its mildest temperatures during January.

Sunshine in Galway in January

The month is characterized by fewer sunny days, with roughly 45 hours hours of sunshine. Ideal for those who prefer a cooler, cloudier climate.

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

Galway Temperature in January

Min Temperature
4°C (39°F)
Max Temperature
10°C (50°F)
Chance of Rain
74%
Precipitation
108 mm (4.3 in)
Rainy days
22 days
Humidity
90% *
Sunshine
45 hours *
Percentage Sunshine
22% *
* Data from: Claremorris, Ireland (49 KM, 30 Miles).

Galway Weather by Month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Galway - and find the best time to visit.

Daily Historical Temperatures

50-year average (1976-2026)

Based on our historical records, temperatures in Galway 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

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

Historical weather records for Galway in January

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

Galway historical weather extremes in January

Based on 25 years of weather observations (2000-2025), these are the most extreme conditions recorded in Galway.

  • The warmest day in January was on January 1, 2022, with a maximum of 14°C (57°F).
  • The lowest daytime temperature in January was -1°C (30°F), recorded on January 8, 2010.
  • Nighttime temperatures dropped to -8°C (18°F) on January 9, 2010, marking the coldest January night on record.
  • Peak precipitation in January occurred on January 7, 2005, when 26 mm (1 in) of precipitation was measured.

Best Places in Ireland in January

Find out more about the weather in Ireland and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Ireland in January →

perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

What to Wear in Galway in January

Dress warmly and in layers for your trip to Galway in January. A good base layer system works wonders. Start with good thermal underwear, add something warm like a fleece sweater, then finish with a waterproof jacket on top. Expect heavy rainfall, so bring good rain protection and waterproof bags. You can probably leave your sunglasses at home, because sunny days are pretty rare this month.

What To Do in Galway 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

Galway 3-Day Forecast

More climate data for Galway

Popular in January

Where to go in January - average daytime high across popular destinations.

Bucket list

Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.