UK weather in January 2025

Want to start the New Year with a bang? While no one goes away in January for the weather there are places dotted around the UK where you expect to find slightly drier conditions with a touch more daylight.

  • 7°C maximum daytime temperature in January in UK (London)7
    7°C max day temperature
  • 2 hours of sunshine per day
  • 16 days with some rainfall in January in UK (London)16
    16 days with some rainfall
  • 2°C minimum night-time temperature in January in UK (London)2
    2°C min night temperature
  • 8 hours of daylight per day in January in UK (London)8
    8 hours of daylight per day
  • No heat & humidity in January in UK (London)0
    No heat & humidity
  • 55 mm monthly rainfall in January in UK (London)55
    55 mm of monthly rainfall
  • UV (maximum) index 1 (Low) in January in UK (London)1
    1 (Low) UV index

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The January weather guide for UK (London) shows long term weather averages processed from data supplied by CRU (University of East Anglia), the Met Office & the Netherlands Meteorological Institute. Find out more about our data sources.

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Top 10 UK places to go in January

What better way to banish post-festive winter blues than with a January getaway? It's no great surprise that the weather in the UK isn't at its finest in first month of the year but it can be lively, dramatic and create the perfect setting for a secluded, snuggly stay somewhere interesting and off season.

Read on to see our pick of the best places to go in January for a UK break based on their range of attractions, activities and, in some cases, precious slices of extra daylight.

  1. Torquay, Devon
  2. Pembroke, South Wales
  3. Weymouth, Dorset
  4. Chichester, West Sussex
  5. Eastbourne, East Sussex
  6. Colchester, Essex
  7. Whitby, North Yorkshire
  8. Deal, Kent
  9. Salisbury, Wiltshire
  10. Alnwick, Northumberland

1. Torquay, Devon, England

The coming of the railway in the mid-19th century propelled the seaside resort of Torquay in South Devon into the mainstream, and it's been busy welcoming visitors ever since.

Although associated with sun, sea and sand in summer, this town along the English Riviera is also a delight in the winter months. January is a great time to get out and about along the coast and into the museums, shops, cafés and fine restaurants without the crowds.

Be sure to call by the Torquay Museum to gain a greater understanding of the town's history before enjoying a bracing seaside stroll wrapped up in your woolies along the Victorian Princess Pier.

Winter sunrise at Thatcher Point, Torquay
Winter sunrise at Thatcher Point, Torquay © Mathew - Adobe Stock Image

Nearby attractions include life in miniature at Babbacombe Model Village, the art collections and gardens at Torre Abbey, which dates from the 12th century and has excellent trails for families, and the neighbouring town of Paignton.

Literature lovers should check the seasonal opening times of Greenway, the much-loved home of Agatha Christie close to Torquay.

Meanwhile, those with an interest in geology will want to call by Kents Cavern, a series of prehistoric underground caves and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

If you're looking for a good gulp of sea air, head for the South West Coast Path, which snakes through Torquay and offers various sections to choose from, each with splendid views all year-round - just be sure to pack sturdy walking boots.

Torquay in January

  • Usually 8°C maximum daytime temperature in Torquay in January8
    8°C max daytime temperature
  • 2 hours of sunshine per day
  • Usually 19 days with some rainfall in Torquay in January19
    19 days with some rainfall
  • 134 mm monthly rainfall in Torquay in January134
    134 mm monthly rainfall

About Torquay >>

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2. Pembroke, South Wales

The medieval town of Pembroke in Pembrokeshire, southwest Wales, is a riot of history, culture and the great outdoors. Pembroke Castle, with its Great Keep and imposing walls, is the star of the show here.

While the oldest part dates from the 11th century, it was here in 1457 that the boy who would become Henry VII of England, or Henry Tudor, was born. Explore on your own or take a guided tour to discover the castle's many hidden secrets.

Wander the town's narrow alleyways, take in a tearoom or two and browse the various galleries and gift shops before stepping inside the town hall, which now houses the Pembroke Museum.

Once fully acquainted with the town's story, consider popping to neighbouring Lamphey to wander the largely 14th-century ruins of the Bishop's Palace before striking out into the wider Pembrokeshire Coast National Park which hugs the nearby coast.

Enjoy tackling sections of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path and visiting the UK's smallest city, St Davids. Stargazers will want to take their telescopes to make the most of the crisp, dark, light-pollution-free nights.

Pembroke in January

  • Usually 8°C maximum daytime temperature in Pembroke in January8
    8°C max daytime temperature
  • 2 hours of sunshine per day
  • Usually 20 days with some rainfall in Pembroke in January20
    20 days with some rainfall
  • 91 mm monthly rainfall in Pembroke in January91
    91 mm monthly rainfall

About Pembroke >>

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3. Weymouth, Dorset, England

Head for Weymouth in winter and, unlike in summer, you'll have much of the nearby UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast and the surrounding Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) to yourself.

The great sweeping arc of Chesil Beach calls to the west while the wintering birds can be spied to the east over in RSPB Arne Nature Reserve.

Closer to home, the Weymouth Museum charts the coastal town's growth from a major medieval trading port to a leading seaside resort. Admire the scenic harbour with its bobbing boats, 19th-century Nothe Fort and the splendid Georgian architecture before popping into one of the many olde worlde pubs.

There's ample to see and do within easy reach of Weymouth, too. From hilltop Corfe Castle close to Studland and the world's best collection of tanks at the Tank Museum to The Dinosaur Museum in Dorchester, there's something for everyone.

Some of Dorset's renowned towns are also worth visiting for the peace and quiet off-season; think Lyme Regis, Bridport and Charmouth, the latter's beach being the place to go fossil hunting.

Weymouth in January

  • Usually 8°C maximum daytime temperature in Weymouth in January8
    8°C max daytime temperature
  • 2 hours of sunshine per day
  • Usually 18 days with some rainfall in Weymouth in January18
    18 days with some rainfall
  • 90 mm monthly rainfall in Weymouth in January90
    90 mm monthly rainfall

About Weymouth >>

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4. Chichester, West Sussex, England

For an escape that will keep you good and busy, consider visiting West Sussex's only city, Chichester.

This former Roman settlement has plenty to interest those after a bit of history; start at the Novium Museum, which is built over the Roman Bath House and has some 350,000 artefacts detailing the evolution of the town and wider area.

On then to marvel at the 1970s' Marc Chagall stained glass window inside Chichester Cathedral, which has been an active place of worship since 1108.

Meander through the centre of town and make the most of the numerous independent shops and cafés before venturing out to the nearby ruins of Boxgrove Priory*.

Find more artistic creations at the Pallant House Gallery, which houses one of the UK's finest collections of contemporary art.

Winter walks can be found in the Chichester Harbour AONB (head to Dell Quay where the Crown & Anchor promises a warm welcome or the wild shores of East Sands) as well in the South Downs National Park, which has a variety of different trails.

The whole family, four-legged friends included, will enjoy Weald & Downland Living Museum. This expansive site aims to preserve traditions of rural life from the 1300s to the early 20th century. Expect all manner of events, activities, walks and exhibits.

Chichester in January

  • Usually 7°C maximum daytime temperature in Chichester in January7
    7°C max daytime temperature
  • 2 hours of sunshine per day
  • Usually 18 days with some rainfall in Chichester in January18
    18 days with some rainfall
  • 100 mm monthly rainfall in Chichester in January100
    100 mm monthly rainfall

About Chichester >>

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5. Eastbourne, East Sussex, England

As with other coastal destinations featured in our wintry top 10, Eastbourne serves up all the delights of a vintage seaside resort without hordes of other people to contend with. Or hot and sunny weather for that matter, but that's no great surprise.

What it lacks in high temperatures it makes up for with oodles of culture: you won't miss the bright stripes of Towner Eastbourne with its striking collection of modern art and you can get to know the town better on a self-guided heritage trail.

Get a taste of a century gone by wandering the Victorian streets of Little Chelsea, which is loaded with high street favourites. Meanwhile, the ornate Enterprise Centre inside a former Victorian railway building is the place to pick up independent treats from local boutiques.

Find the freshest of sea air on a walk along the seafront or make a day of it traversing the South Downs Way along the clifftop Seven Sisters path to Birling Gap*.

A visit to Pevensey Castle*, which was founded in the 4th century and saw William the Conqueror's army come ashore in 1066, is also another worthy excursion.

Eastbourne in January

  • Usually 7°C maximum daytime temperature in Eastbourne in January7
    7°C max daytime temperature
  • 2 hours of sunshine per day
  • Usually 17 days with some rainfall in Eastbourne in January17
    17 days with some rainfall
  • 83 mm monthly rainfall in Eastbourne in January83
    83 mm monthly rainfall

About Eastbourne >>

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6. Colchester, Essex, England

Book an Essex escape and you could be walking the streets of what's considered to be Britain's first city, courtesy of the Romans who made this their first capital. Delve into this fascinating past at Colchester Castle whose ruins also house a museum bursting with some objects dating from 2,500 years ago.

Meanwhile, relatively more modern exhibits can be seen at the Hollytrees Museum, which displays clothing and arts from the past three hundred years in a striking Georgian townhouse.

Colchester is said to be Britain's first city
Colchester is said to be Britain's first city © Diamond Geezer - Flickr CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Other historic remains can be seen at both the ruins of 12th-century St Botolph's Priory* and St John's Abbey Gate*, which dates from around 1400 and is beautifully embellished in traditional East Anglian flushwork.

Then there's the Natural History Museum and the ruins of a Roman theatre found in the city's old Dutch Quarter..

Stretch those legs with a walk at nearby Dedham Vale AONB or in the Suffolk Coast Heaths AONB, a short hop over the River Deben. You can take the ferry from Felixstowe to Bawdsey at weekends in winter and look for the scenes that so inspired John Constable at Flatford*.

The cities of Cambridge and Ipswich could also easily be combined with a break in Colchester.

Colchester in January

  • Usually 6°C maximum daytime temperature in Colchester in January6
    6°C max daytime temperature
  • 2 hours of sunshine per day
  • Usually 17 days with some rainfall in Colchester in January17
    17 days with some rainfall
  • 49 mm monthly rainfall in Colchester in January49
    49 mm monthly rainfall

About Colchester >>

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7. Whitby, North Yorkshire, England

Whitby, which straddles the River Esk on the wild North Yorkshire coast, is a wonderful place to visit in winter. While boat trips and beach time may be out of the question, there are plenty of museums and activities, not to mention pubs with welcoming roaring fires, to keep all ages entertained.

Get to know the spooky side of this seaside enclave on a guided ghost walk. You'll wind your way through the streets and snickets of the old town while hearing all about dark goings-on from days gone by.

Alternatively, be inspired as Bram Stoker was by the magnificent ruins of Whitby Abbey*, which also offers splendid sea views. Take time to clamber up the ancient stairs, all 199 of them, to St Mary's Churchyard, pausing for the obligatory pic at the top.

Back at sea level, fossil hunting is made easy in Saltwick Bay and the Captain Cook Memorial Museum is full of curiosities about grand voyages around the globe.

Whitby is also handy for exploring the North York Moors National Park, with its numerous walking trails for all abilities. See where Henry VIII wreaked havoc on the monasteries at the gigantic ruins of Rievaulx Abbey* or pay a visit to Eden Camp, a former WWII POW camp that has one the biggest collections dedicated to military history in the UK.

Just down the coast, dinky Robin Hood's Bay will evoke the days of smuggling long gone while Scarborough has a whole host of additional museums, galleries and historic attractions, too.

Whitby in January

  • Usually 6°C maximum daytime temperature in Whitby in January6
    6°C max daytime temperature
  • 2 hours of sunshine per day
  • Usually 18 days with some rainfall in Whitby in January18
    18 days with some rainfall
  • 67 mm monthly rainfall in Whitby in January67
    67 mm monthly rainfall

About Whitby >>

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8. Deal, Kent, England

With its trendy shops, stylish hotels and old smugglers' haunts, Deal on the Kent coast is the quintessentially cool seaside retreat.

There's a little something for everyone from the crafty galleries and foodie joints to the sparse Tudor artillery fort of Deal Castle*.

Once you've wandered the town's old streets, admired the cute cottages and had a refresher in The Ship Inn, surge seawards along Deal Pier, the only remaining intact leisure pier in the county. Venture out to the Deal Pier Kitchen for a bite surrounded by winter swells.

A lovely walk can be had by following the seafront path along to Walmer Castle and Gardens*, another creation of Henry VIII with exhibits dating from the 16th century onwards.

Hilltop Dover Castle*, historic Sandwich and the impressive ruins of Richborough Roman fort*, the port town of Ramsgate and boutiquey Broadstairs all offer easy day trips from Deal in the winter.

Deal in January

  • Usually 7°C maximum daytime temperature in Deal in January7
    7°C max daytime temperature
  • 2 hours of sunshine per day
  • Usually 17 days with some rainfall in Deal in January17
    17 days with some rainfall
  • 55 mm monthly rainfall in Deal in January55
    55 mm monthly rainfall

About Deal >>

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9. Salisbury, Wiltshire, England

Medieval Salisbury is known for its 13th-century cathedral with its extra tall spire and 14th-century clock. It's also where one of only four original copies of the Magna Carta from 1215 is kept under lock and key but can be seen in a special exhibition which details its significance.

Among the many other museums, there's the Salisbury Museum, which covers some 500,000 years of history and art, and 18th-century Mompesson House* with its period interiors.

Just north of the centre the Boscombe Down Aviation Collection tells the story of flight with many open cockpits that visitors can climb into.

Of course, one of Salisbury's greatest close attractions is Stonehenge*, roughly 10 miles from the centre, and, within two miles, the Iron-age hillfort and former site of the settlement that preceded Salisbury in Old Sarum*.

Walks aplenty can be enjoyed in the Cranborne Chase AONB and the New Forest National Park has a wealth of other days out and activities, including the chase to get to the coast if you should so desire some fresh sea air.

Salisbury in January

  • Usually 7°C maximum daytime temperature in Salisbury in January7
    7°C max daytime temperature
  • 2 hours of sunshine per day
  • Usually 17 days with some rainfall in Salisbury in January17
    17 days with some rainfall
  • 77 mm monthly rainfall in Salisbury in January77
    77 mm monthly rainfall

About Salisbury >>

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10. Alnwick, Northumberland, England

The market town of Alnwick in Northumberland offers the ideal combo of an interesting place to stay surrounded by even more interesting places to visit.

Within the town, the Bailiffgate Museum tells Alnwick's tale through the centuries. Of course, high-sided Alnwick Castle is hard to miss and makes for an excellent place to while away a few hours. A seat at the popular Treehouse restaurant in The Alnwick Garden is a prerequisite also.

A short hop from the centre is the wild expanse of the Northumberland coast with colourful Alnmouth and its array of cafés and indy shops a tempting detour. This village also sits within the Northumberland Coast AONB, something its beach makes obvious.

The wide, open sandy beaches of Northumberland are beguiling at any time of year and January is no exception. Encourage the kids, take the dog or enjoy some solitude; however you beach walk, wrap up and savour the invigorating sea breezes under imposing coastal castles such as Bamburgh or Dunstanburgh.

Alnwick in January

  • Usually 6°C maximum daytime temperature in Alnwick in January6
    6°C max daytime temperature
  • 2 hours of sunshine per day
  • Usually 19 days with some rainfall in Alnwick in January19
    19 days with some rainfall
  • 70 mm monthly rainfall in Alnwick in January70
    70 mm monthly rainfall

About Alnwick >>

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Planning holidays in the UK

About the UK seasons

More about the UK

How cold is it in the UK in January?

Daytime temperatures usually reach 7°C in London, UK in January, falling to 2°C at night.

How sunny is it in the UK in January?

There are normally 2 hours of bright sunshine each day in London, UK in January - that's 19% of daylight hours.

Does it rain in the UK in January?

There are usually 16 days with some rain in London, UK in January and the average monthly rainfall is 55mm.

UK January sunrise & sunset times

Browse the sunrise and sunset times for UK in January 2025. Select a month to view UK sunrise and sunset times for the next 12 months. The UK sunrise and sunset times shown below are for London.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Date Sunrise times Sunset times
Wednesday, 1st January 2025 08:06 16:03
Thursday, 16th January 2025 07:58 16:23
Friday, 31st January 2025 07:40 16:49

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