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.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Belgium, check out our Ghent's climate page.
Ghent Temperature in January
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 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 →
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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.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Belgium, check out our Ghent's climate page.
See the full Ghent climate overview or explore weather in Belgium.