January weather forecast
Switzerland

January in Switzerland is characterized by its freezing conditions and stands as one of the coldest months of the year. The Central Plateau, encompassing major cities like Zurich and Bern, witnesses temperatures well below the freezing mark, although the chill is more pronounced in mountainous regions like the Jura and the Alps. In fact, La Brevine holds the record for the lowest temperature ever recorded in Switzerland during January, plummeting to an extreme -41.8°C (-43.2°F) in 1987.

The Alps and the Jura mountains receive significant snowfall during this month, ranging between 2540mm (100") to 5080mm (200"). In comparison, the Central Plateau receives a more modest range of 508mm (20") to 1524mm (60") of snow. The short days of January are further accentuated by the scant sunlight, often lasting no more than two hours, especially in areas with heavy snow cover. The Bise winds, originating from the north-east, are especially dominant, adding to the overall chill.

In terms of precipitation, January is relatively drier compared to the wetter months of summer. However, this month is more humid than February, with moisture levels often locked in by persistent cold conditions. Despite the cold and limited daylight, January is a favored month for winter sports enthusiasts, especially skiers who flock to the snowy terrains of the High Alps.

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• Zürich - January »
  The month with the least rainfall in Zürich is January, when the rain falls for 10.5 days and typically collects 63mm (2.48") of precipitation. In Zürich during January, snow falls for 4.8 days and regularly aggregates up to 184mm (7.24") of snow.
• Geneva - January »
  The month with the most snowfall in Geneva is January, when snow falls for 2.5 days and typically aggregates up to 108mm (4.25") of snow. The month with the most snowfall in Geneva is January, when snow falls for 2.5 days and typically aggregates up to 108mm (4.25") of snow.
• Basel - January »
  In Basel in January, snow falls for 3 days, with typically accumulated 89mm (3.5") of snow. January in Basel, Switzerland is characterized by its cold temperatures, with the month's high generally reaching 4.5°C (40.1°F) and the low plummeting to -1.1°C (30°F).
• Lausanne - January »
  In Lausanne, Switzerland, in January, during 10.3 snowfall days, 140mm (5.51") of snow is typically accumulated. In Lausanne in January, during 14.3 rainfall days, 66mm (2.6") of precipitation is typically accumulated.
• Bern - January »
  In Bern in January, during 4.1 snowfall days, 128mm (5.04") of snow is typically accumulated. In Bern in January, snow falls for 4.1 days, with typically accumulated 128mm (5.04") of snow.
• Winterthur - January »
  In Winterthur, during January, the rain falls for 11.3 days and regularly aggregates up to 65mm (2.56") of precipitation. In Winterthur, during January, the rain falls for 11.3 days and regularly aggregates up to 65mm (2.56") of precipitation.
• Lucerne - January »
  The month with the least rainfall in Lucerne is January, when the rain falls for 9.3 days and typically collects 51mm (2.01") of precipitation. In Lucerne in January, snow falls for 3.8 days, with typically accumulated 160mm (6.3") of snow.
• Lugano - January »
  The month with the least rainfall in Lugano is January, when the rain falls for 4.8 days and typically collects 7mm (0.28") of precipitation. January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index in Lugano, Switzerland.
• Biel/Bienne - January »
  The month with the most snowfall in Biel/Bienne is January, when snow falls for 4.1 days and typically aggregates up to 148mm (5.83") of snow. In Biel/Bienne, in January, snow falls for 4.1 days, with typically accumulated 148mm (5.83") of snow.
• Thun - January »
  In Thun during January, the rain falls for 13.8 days and regularly aggregates up to 76mm (2.99") of precipitation. In Thun, during January, snow falls for 11.8 days and regularly aggregates up to 191mm (7.52") of snow.
• Köniz - January »
  The months with the highest humidity in Köniz are January and February, with an average relative humidity of 85%. The months with the least sunshine in Köniz are January and December, with an average of 5.3h of sunshine.
• La Chaux-de-Fonds - January »
  The month with the most snowfall in La Chaux-de-Fonds is January, when snow falls for 9.3 days and typically aggregates up to 680mm (26.77") of snow. In La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, during January, the rain falls for 12.4 days and regularly aggregates up to 107mm (4.21") of precipitation.