Engelberg

Obwalden Weather in January

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in Obwalden, Switzerland in January.

Considering a trip to Obwalden, Switzerland this January and wondering about the expected weather conditions? Find all the crucial information you need right here, addressing your question:

What to Expect in Obwalden in January

Obwalden, Switzerland is a region in Switzerland. January in Obwalden generally has very cold temperatures, with high precipitation. It's the height of winter.

Temperatures

The average maximum temperatures are very cold and range from -1°C (30°F) in Frutt to 1°C (34°F) in Sarnen. Nighttime temperatures generally drop to -5°C (23°F) in Sarnen and -8°C (18°F) in Frutt. Typically, it's the chilliest month of the year. Making it a great time for staying indoors and enjoying the warmth. Make sure you're prepared by packing the right winter outfits.

To learn more about the conditions in specific areas of Obwalden, Switzerland, check out the map below.

Precipitation

January is a rainy month with an average snowfall of around 125 mm (4.9 in) in Engelberg.

Average sunshine

Sunshine is quite limited in many locations during January. Engelberg receives roughly 48 hours of sunlight. For destinations with more sunshine, our weather planner offers alternatives worldwide.

Explore Obwalden by month

Best Places to Visit in Obwalden in January

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across Obwalden.

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).

Popular Destinations in Obwalden

What is the weather like in January for some of the most popular destinations in Obwalden, Switzerland?

Temperature range in Obwalden (January)

Precipitation variation in Obwalden (January)

Engelberg

In January Engelberg generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -1°C (30°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -8°C (18°F) and high monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
0°C (32°F)
-1°C (30°F)
0°C (32°F)
Min temperature
-7°C (19°F)
-8°C (18°F)
-8°C (18°F)
Monthly sun hours
36 hours
48 hours
86 hours
Monthly snowfall
139 mm (5.5 in)
125 mm (4.9 in)
124 mm (4.9 in)
Monthly rainy days
16 days
16 days
15 days
Weather conditions

Sarnen

In January Sarnen generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 1°C (34°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -5°C (23°F) and high monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
2°C (36°F)
1°C (34°F)
3°C (37°F)
Min temperature
-4°C (25°F)
-5°C (23°F)
-5°C (23°F)
Monthly sun hours
36 hours
48 hours
86 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
139 mm (5.5 in)
125 mm (4.9 in)
127 mm (5 in)
Monthly rainy days
15 days
15 days
14 days
Weather conditions

Frutt

In January Frutt generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -1°C (30°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -8°C (18°F) and high monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
-1°C (30°F)
-1°C (30°F)
0°C (32°F)
Min temperature
-7°C (19°F)
-8°C (18°F)
-8°C (18°F)
Monthly sun hours
36 hours
48 hours
86 hours
Monthly snowfall
141 mm (5.6 in)
127 mm (5 in)
125 mm (4.9 in)
Monthly rainy days
15 days
16 days
15 days
Weather conditions

Flüeli

In January Flüeli generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 1°C (34°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -6°C (21°F) and high monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
1°C (34°F)
1°C (34°F)
2°C (36°F)
Min temperature
-5°C (23°F)
-6°C (21°F)
-6°C (21°F)
Monthly sun hours
36 hours
48 hours
86 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
140 mm (5.5 in)
126 mm (5 in)
127 mm (5 in)
Monthly rainy days
15 days
15 days
14 days
Weather conditions

Giswil

In January Giswil generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 0°C (32°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -7°C (19°F) and high monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
1°C (34°F)
0°C (32°F)
1°C (34°F)
Min temperature
-6°C (21°F)
-7°C (19°F)
-7°C (19°F)
Monthly sun hours
51 hours
66 hours
78 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
139 mm (5.5 in)
125 mm (4.9 in)
125 mm (4.9 in)
Monthly rainy days
15 days
16 days
15 days
Weather conditions

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in Obwalden, in Switzerland.

In our records: Switzerland January extremes

Notable January records observed across cities in Switzerland in our climate database (1976 – 2026). Historic readings can vary in quality, so treat these as illustrative.

  • From our sources, the wettest January day in Switzerland brought 280 mm (11 in) in Ascona on January 30, 1996.

Popular cities in January

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in Obwalden in January.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Engelberg -1°C (30°F) -8°C (18°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Sarnen 1°C (34°F) -5°C (23°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Frutt -1°C (30°F) -8°C (18°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Flüeli 1°C (34°F) -6°C (21°F) 126 mm (5 in)
Giswil 0°C (32°F) -7°C (19°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Sachseln 1°C (34°F) -6°C (21°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)

Obwalden weather in January: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in Obwalden, Switzerland in January?

January in Obwalden, Switzerland brings poor weather. In Engelberg, daytime temperatures are typically around -1°C (30°F) and nighttime lows hover near -8°C (18°F).

What is the average temperature in Obwalden, Switzerland in January?

Average temperatures in Obwalden, Switzerland during January range from a nighttime low near -8°C (18°F) to a daytime high around -1°C (30°F) in Engelberg.

Does Obwalden, Switzerland get a lot of snow in January?

Obwalden, Switzerland sees substantial snowfall in January. Engelberg typically averages about 125 mm (4.9 in), a mix of wet and dry days, but bring an umbrella.

Is January a Good Time to Visit Obwalden, Switzerland?

In our view, January might not be the best time to travel to Obwalden, Switzerland with often poor weather in Engelberg.

On average, the best time to visit Obwalden, Switzerland is in September with generally unpleasant weather in Engelberg.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in Obwalden.

Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to Switzerland? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in Switzerland.

Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

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