Seattle · January
Run in the midday.
Cold: average high 47°F, low 37°F. Layering becomes the workout. Humidity averages 84% — the limiting factor on most runs. Expect 19 rain days — plan around the radar. Cold mornings warm into runnable midday hours — the windows around noon catch the warmest temperatures.
Avg high / low
47° / 37°F
Humidity
84%
Rain days
19/mo
Wind
12 mph
What January feels like in Seattle
Sunrise
08:50
Mid-month average
Sunset
17:47
Mid-month average
Time-of-day breakdown
Morning
Coolest, driest air of the day. The window before sunrise is the most reliable comfortable hour.
Midday
Mild but UV and traffic peak. Workable if you don't mind shifting your pace.
Evening
Warm and runnable. Crowded routes but the air's typically calm.
What to wear running in Seattle in January
The kit for January in Seattle: a long-sleeve or light jacket for the first mile, a water-resistant cap or jacket on standby.
January vs the surrounding months
vs December
+2° avg high
-2 rain days
Seattle in December →
January
47°F avg high
19 rain days
Best: midday
vs February
0° avg high
0 rain days
Seattle in February →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of day to run in Seattle in January?+
Midday. Cold mornings warm into runnable midday hours — the windows around noon catch the warmest temperatures.
What's the average temperature in Seattle in January?+
Average high 47°F, average low 37°F.
How does January compare to surrounding months in Seattle?+
Compared to December (avg high 45°F), January is warmer. Compared to February (avg high 46°F), January is warmer.
Does it rain often in Seattle in January?+
Expect about 19 measurable rain days in January, on average.