Washington Weather in January

January in Washington sees daytime temperatures around 6°C (43°F) and lows of -3°C (27°F) at night. With around 66 mm (2.6 in) of snow/rainfall expected, it's worth packing a rain jacket.

Rainfall in Washington in January

Historically, the month has about 10 days of snow/rain, averaging 66 mm (2.6 in) in total. A fairly balanced picture this month, some wet days but nothing too extreme in terms of intensity.

Temperature in Washington in January

Daytime highs in Washington in January reach 6°C (43°F), with nights around -3°C (27°F). The month of January belongs to the winter season. Even at the warmest part of the day, temperatures stay low. Dressing warmly from the start is the sensible approach. Nights drop below freezing to -3°C (27°F). An extra blanket is worth packing if you're unsure about the heating where you're staying. The coldest month of the year calls for plenty of warm layers. Be sure to pack your winter gear.

Sunshine in Washington in January

The area enjoys a balanced 144 hours of sunlight, ensuring it's neither too overcast nor too sunny.

Wind Speed in Washington in January

January has wind speeds averaging 5 m/s (10 knots). You can expect gentle to moderate winds that move small trees and make flags wave steadily on typical days. Conditions typically range from light breezes to moderate winds.

January in Washington 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.

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For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the United States of America, check out our Washington's climate page.

Washington Temperature in January

Min Temperature -3°C (27°F)  

Max Temperature 6°C (43°F)  

Chance of Rain 33%  

Precipitation 66 mm (2.6 in)  

Rainy days 10 days  

Humidity 62% *  

Windspeed 5 m/s (10 knots) *  

Sunshine 144 hours *  

Percentage Sunshine 48% *  

* Data from: Washington DC, the United States of America (5 KM, 3 Miles).

Daily Historical Temperatures

51-year average (1976-2026)

Based on our historical records, temperatures in Washington typically stay consistent throughout January, with daily highs averaging around 6°C (43°F). Nights are very cold, with lows typically ranging from -4°C (25°F) to 1°C (34°F).

Average temperatures in January

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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

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Historical weather for Washington in January

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

Historical weather Temperatures Precipitation

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‹ January February March April May June July August September October November December ›

Washington historical weather extremes in January

Based on weather observations in Washington between 1976 and 2025, these are the recorded extremes during January.

• The hottest January day on record in Washington reached 23°C (73°F) (January 8, 2008).
• Nighttime temperatures dropped to -20°C (-4°F) on January 19, 1994, marking the coldest January night on record.

What to Wear in Washington in January

We recommend to layer up for chilly conditions in Washington 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. Bring sunglasses since you'll have some sunny periods throughout the month

What To Do in Washington in January

We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.

Swimming

5/10

Cycling

4/10

Walking

4/10

Camping

1/10

Outdoor sports

4/10

Select a Month

Check the conditions for any month of the year.

• January
• February
• March
• April

• May
• June
• July
• August

• September
• October
• November
• December

For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the United States of America, check out our Washington's climate page.

More climate data for Washington

Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed

See the full Washington climate overview or explore weather in the United States of America.