January weather - Winter 2024 - Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Jan Mayen

Weather in January
Frequently asked questions
Average temperature in January
Average rainfall in January
Average rainfall days in January
Average snowfall days in January
Average sea temperature in January
Average daylight in January
Average sunshine in January
Average UV index in January

The frozen Arctic Blue Sea overlooking the snow-covered mountains in the background in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, and Jan Mayen

Weather in January

Thriving in the heart of an Arctic winter, Longyearbyen experiences notably severe weather conditions in January. With a high temperature hovering at a practically constant -13°C (8.6°F) and lows plunging to an incredibly harsh -20°C (-4°F), frosty cold permeates every aspect of this month's weather. The city doesn't see any daylight, resulting in a hushed world populated by snowfall for 21 days. Rain is a rare sight, with a mere 2 days in the month featuring some precipitation. January's weather firmly establishes Longyearbyen as a harsh, yet intriguing winter wonderland.

Temperature

January through March, with an average high-temperature of -13°C (8.6°F), are marked as the coldest months.

Rainfall

In Longyearbyen, in January, during 2 rainfall days, 22mm (0.87") of precipitation is typically accumulated. In Longyearbyen, during the entire year, the rain falls for 86 days and collects up to 271mm (10.67") of precipitation.

Snowfall

Months with snowfall in Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Jan Mayen, are January through December. In Longyearbyen, during January, snow falls for 21 days. In Longyearbyen, during the entire year, snow falls for 176 days.

Sea temperature

In Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Jan Mayen, in January, the average water temperature is 2°C (35.6°F).
Note: In connection with swimming, this state is severely cold, hazardous, and lethal. Without protective insulated waterproof garments, hypothermia sets in rapidly.

Daylight

January, May through July, November and December, with an average of 0h and 0min of daylight, are months with the shortest days in Longyearbyen.

Sunshine

The months with the least sunshine are January, February, November and December, with an average of 0h of sunshine.

UV index

The months with the lowest UV index are January through March, October through December, with an average maximum UV index of 0. A UV Index of 2, and less, symbolizes a minimal health hazard from exposure to the Sun's UV rays for the average person.
Note: In January, the maximum UV index of 0 translates into these guidelines:
Extended sun exposure is not an issue for the majority. Children, infants, and fair-skinned individuals always need to be protected. Limiting exposure to the direct Sun during midday hours can help prevent harmful UV radiation effects. By wearing a generously brimmed hat, you can cut UV radiation exposure significantly. Consider this! The reflection from snow can almost double the intensity of the Sun's UV radiation.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the coldest month in Longyearbyen?

January through March in Longyearbyen are characterised by lowest temperatures, with an average high of -13°C (8.6°F).

How cold is it in Longyearbyen in January?

During January, Longyearbyen experiences an average high-temperature of -13°C (8.6°F) and a low-temperature of -20°C (-4°F).

How many days does it rain in January in Longyearbyen?

In Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Jan Mayen, in January, during 2 rainfall days, 22mm (0.87") of precipitation is typically accumulated.

How many days does it snow in January in Longyearbyen?

In January, snow falls for 21 days.

How cold is the water in January in Longyearbyen?

In Longyearbyen, the average seawater temperature in January is 2°C (35.6°F). For swimming, this is considered extremely cold, dangerous, and life-threatening. Unless suitably protected with insulated waterproof clothing, hypothermia quickly occurs.

What is the month with the shortest days in Longyearbyen?

January, May through July, November and December, with an average of 0h and 0min of daylight, are months with the shortest days.

How many hours of daylight does Longyearbyen have in January?

In Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Jan Mayen, the average day length in January is 0h and 0min.

What are the months with the least sunshine in Longyearbyen?

January, February, November and December, with an average of 0h of sunshine, are months with the least sunshine.

How long on average sun shines in January in Longyearbyen?

In January, the average sunshine duration in Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Jan Mayen, is 0h.

When is the lowest UV index in Longyearbyen?

January through March, October through December, with an average maximum UV index of 0, are months with the lowest UV index in Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Jan Mayen.

What is the UV index intensity in January in Longyearbyen?

In January, the average daily maximum UV index is 0. A UV Index reading of 2, and below, represents a minimal hazard to health from exposure to the Sun's UV radiation.

Today

Tomorrow

Long-term

Year January F M A M J J A S O N D

Dec

January

Feb

Average high temperature

-11°C 12.2°F

-13°C 8.6°F

Average low temperature

Average rainfall

Average rainfall days

Average snowfall days

Average sea temperature

Average daylight

Average sunshine

Average UV index

Average temperature in January
Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Jan Mayen

Average high temperature in January: -13°C

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (7°C).
The months with the lowest average high temperature are January, February and March (-13°C).

Average low temperature in January: -20°C

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (3°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is February (-21°C).

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Average rainfall in January
Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Jan Mayen

Average rainfall in January: 22mm

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (30mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is May (13mm).

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Average rainfall days in January
Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Jan Mayen

Average rainfall days in January: 2 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is August (18 days).
The months with the least rainy days are January, February and March (2 days).

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Average snowfall days in January
Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Jan Mayen

Average snowfall days in January: 21 days

The months with the highest number of snowfall days are November and December (22 days).
The month with the least snowfall days is July (1 days).

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Average sea temperature in January
Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Jan Mayen

Average sea temperature in January: 2°C

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (6°C).
The coldest months (with the lowest average sea temperature) are February and April (1°C).

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Average daylight in January /
Average sunshine in January
Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Jan Mayen

Average daylight in January: 0h and 0min

The month with the longest days is September (Average daylight: 14h and 30min).
The months with the shortest days are January, May, June, July, November and December (Average daylight: 0h and 0min).

Average sunshine in January: 0h and 0min

The month with the most sunshine is May (Average sunshine: 8h and 12min).
The months with the least sunshine are January, February, November and December (Average sunshine: 0h and 0min).

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Average UV index in January
Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Jan Mayen

Average UV index in January: 0

The months with the highest UV index are May, June and July (UV index 2).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, March, October, November and December (UV index 0).

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January weather forecast
Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Jan Mayen

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