Ghent
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Ghent Weather in January

January in Ghent averages 8°C (46°F) during the day and 2°C (36°F) at night. Quite a bit of rainfall is typical this month, with around 66 mm (2.6 in) on average. An umbrella is a good idea.

Rainfall in Ghent in January

Records from the past 30 years suggest around 19 days of rain, with 66 mm (2.6 in) average for the month. Expect plenty of grey, overcast days rather than intense storms. The rain rarely amounts to much on any given day.

Temperature in Ghent in January

January in Ghent brings typical temperatures with highs around 8°C (46°F) and lows of 2°C (36°F). The winter season is characteristic of January. Temperatures remain on the cold side all day. A proper warm jacket is worth having, not just for evenings. Nights drop to 2°C (36°F). Cold nights like these are actually great for sleeping well, as long as you have a warm enough duvet. This month tends to bring the coldest weather of the year, so be sure to pack enough warm clothing to stay comfortable.

Sunshine in Ghent in January

The city usually sees around 61 hours of sunlight, indicating fewer sunny days.

January in Ghent 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.

Ghent Temperature in January

Min Temperature
2°C (36°F)
Max Temperature
8°C (46°F)
Chance of Rain
64%
Precipitation
66 mm (2.6 in)
Rainy days
19 days
Sunshine
61 hours
Percentage Sunshine

Ghent Weather by Month

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

Daily Historical Temperatures

51-year average (1976-2026)

Based on our historical records, temperatures in Ghent typically stay consistent throughout January, with daily highs averaging around 8°C (46°F). Nights are cold, with lows around 2°C (36°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 records for Ghent in January

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

Ghent historical weather extremes in January

Based on 49 years of weather observations (1976-2025), these are the most extreme conditions recorded in Ghent.

  • Ghent recorded its highest January temperature of 15°C (59°F) on January 1, 2023.
  • The lowest overnight temperature recorded in January was -16°C (3°F) (January 14, 1982).

Best Places in Belgium in January

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

Dress warmly and in layers for your trip to Ghent 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. Wet weather is likely, so pack waterproof gear for multiple rainy days. You can probably leave your sunglasses at home, because sunny days are pretty rare this month.

What To Do in Ghent 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

Ghent 3-Day Forecast

More climate data for Ghent

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.