January · Switzerland
Best time to visit Basel in January Weather, crowds & prices
Weather in Basel in January
Average temperature 1°C, 63 mm of rain, about 0 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 90% humidity — based on the five most recent complete years of ERA5 data (2021–2025).
January score
3.8/10
Ranked #10 of 12 months
- Avg temp
- 1°C
- Rainfall
- 63 mm
- Humidity
- 90%
- Days with 6h+ sun
- 0
- Crowd Density
- Quiet / Uncrowded
- Average Expenses
- $$ · Moderate Cost ($$)
January in Basel scores 3.8/10 for sightseeing and cultural travel - ranked #10 of 12. Expect around 1°C, 63 mm of rain, and roughly 0 days with 6+ hours of sunshine this month.
Basel meets France and Germany on the Rhine, with a painted old town, world-class museums and Switzerland's oldest university.
January in Basel: expect compromises
January averages 1°C (33°F), cold enough that sightseeing works in bursts rather than in one long day on foot.
At 63 mm of water-equivalent precipitation this is a snowy month at resort level — that is snowpack, not lost days — with almost no days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 8.6 hours of daylight.
It scores 3.8/10 here, 10th of 12 months, against 8.5/10 in the destination's best month.
Pack insulated layers, a windproof shell, gloves and boots with grip, a packable rain layer.
Plan for mid-season pricing, with crowds are light for this destination.
Flexible dates? July scores 4.7 points higher here — enough to change the trip.
Frequently asked
- What is the weather like in Basel in January?
- In January, Basel averages 1°C, 63 mm of rain, and about 0 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Its climate-comfort score is 3.8/10.
- Is January a good time to visit Basel?
- January earns a 3.8/10 climate-comfort score. Use the year-round chart to weigh the weather against your budget and crowd preferences.
- How much does it rain in Basel in January?
- Expect about 63 mm of rain in January. Average humidity is 90% and there are about 0 days with 6+ hours of sunshine.
Curated in Basel
Tickets & experiences
Things to do in Basel
Basel, Switzerland. Live activities and tours from GetYourGuide, matched to this destination.