Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Berlin in January
This is the coldest month in Berlin: highs average 35°F (2°C) and lows 26°F (-3°C), with about 2.1 in (54 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 42/100 (11th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 35°F (2°C)
- Avg low
- 26°F (-3°C)
- Rain or snow
- 2.1 in (54 mm)
- Humidity
- 94%
- Cloud cover
- 80%
- Daylight
- ~7 h 56 min
- Comfort score
- 42/100 · Tough
What January feels like
Highs only reach about 35°F (2°C), so plan short stints outside between indoor stops.
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 26°F (-3°C), so expect frost and ice.
About 2.1 in (54 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with temperatures averaging below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 80%.
Only about 7 h 56 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May – September.
- Snow becomes likely from January, so check road and trail conditions.
- Comfort holds steady from December (42 → 42/100).
- Our Berlin, Potsdam & Dresden route recommends May – Sep, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 26°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Berlin in January
Cold days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Neues Museum
Rebuilt museum on Museum Island holding the bust of Nefertiti.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 35°F.
East Side Gallery
1.3 km of Wall covered in murals along the Spree.
Why now A way to spend part of a cold day out of the wind.
Curry 36
Long-running stand for currywurst and fries near Mehringdamm station.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 35°F.
Markthalle Neun
Restored 1891 market hall with Thursday Street Food night.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Tempelhofer Feld
Former airport turned huge public park; cycle or skate the old runways.
Nearby in January
- Potsdam in January~17 mi · highs 36°F, 2.1 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Dresden in January~103 mi · highs 36°F, 2.4 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Prague in January~175 mi · highs 35°F, 1.7 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Bamberg in January~212 mi · highs 36°F, 2.4 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Berlin in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Berlin?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 42/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are May – September. Expect highs of 35°F (2°C) and 2.1 in (54 mm) of rain or snow. Our Berlin, Potsdam & Dresden route recommends May – Sep, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Berlin in January?
Average highs are 35°F (2°C) and average lows 26°F (-3°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Berlin in January?
Not much: about 2.1 in (54 mm) of rain or snow falls across January on average, the 4th-wettest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 23.8 in (605 mm).
What should I pack for Berlin in January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 26°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Planning Berlin in January?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.