Leiden Weather in January
January in Leiden brings low temperatures, with highs of 7°C (45°F) and nights dropping to 3°C (37°F). Rainfall is on the higher side this month, averaging around 76 mm (3 in), so keep a rain jacket handy.
Rainfall in Leiden in January
Expect around 19 days of rain based on historical data, with 76 mm (3 in) average. Rain is frequent but mostly light this month, with brief showers more common than heavy downpours.
Temperature in Leiden in January
If you're visiting Leiden in January, expect highs of 7°C (45°F) and overnight lows around 3°C (37°F). During January, the winter season is in full swing. It stays cool throughout the day, so warm layers are a good idea from morning to evening. Nights drop to 3°C (37°F). Cold nights like these are actually great for sleeping well, as long as you have a warm enough duvet. This is usually the coldest month of the year, so be sure to prepare with plenty of winter gear.
Sunshine in Leiden in January
The area experiences limited sunny days, amounting to roughly 67 hours of sunshine. This makes it perfect for those who lean towards cooler, cloudier settings rather than intense sunlit days.
Wind Speed in Leiden in January
Wind speeds average 6 m/s (12 knots) during January. At this speed, expect strong winds that make large branches move and create some resistance when walking. Since this is an average, some days have fresh winds while others have strong breezes that can make umbrellas tricky to control.Our weather planner can help you find worldwide destinations with pleasant weather during this period. June, July, August and September typically offer the best weather for Leiden.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the Netherlands, check out our Leiden's climate page.
Leiden Temperature in January
Min Temperature
3°C (37°F)
Max Temperature
7°C (45°F)
Chance of Rain
64%
Precipitation
76 mm (3 in)
Rainy days
19 days
Humidity
86% *
Windspeed
6 m/s (12 knots) *
Sunshine
67 hours *
Percentage Sunshine
18% *
Daily Historical Temperatures
51-year average (1976-2026)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Leiden typically stay consistent throughout January, with daily highs averaging around 7°C (45°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 Leiden in January
Browse day-by-day weather records for Leiden spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Leiden historical weather extremes in January
Based on weather observations in Leiden between 1976 and 2025, these are the recorded extremes during January.
- The hottest January day on record in Leiden reached 14°C (57°F) (January 1, 2023).
- Leiden registered its coldest January night on January 5, 1985, with temperatures dropping to -14°C (7°F).
Best Places in the Netherlands in January
Find out more about the weather in the Netherlands and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of the Netherlands in January →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
What to Wear in Leiden in January
We recommend to layer up for chilly conditions in Leiden 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. You can probably leave your sunglasses at home, because sunny days are pretty rare this month.What To Do in Leiden 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 the Netherlands, check out our Leiden's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed
See the full Leiden climate overview or explore weather in the Netherlands.
