Houston Weather in January
United States · Humid Subtropical climate · Data averaged from 2020-01-01 to 2024-12-31 (5 years)
January in Houston sees average temperatures ranging from a low of 8.1°C (46.6°F) to a high of 17.5°C (63.5°F), with a mean of 12.6°C (54.7°F). Compared to the annual average of 21.3°C (70.3°F), this month is 8.7°C cooler than the yearly norm. This is the coldest month of the year, with average lows of 8.1°C (46.6°F). Precipitation averages 182.2mm, making it approximately 21.0mm wetter than the monthly average of 162.0mm. The city receives an average of 6.8 hours of sunshine per day during January, with relative humidity averaging 73.6%. Wind speeds reach an average maximum of 22.1 km/h. For travelers, this month offers a coldest month of the year experience in Houston, with wetter-than-average conditions compared to the rest of the year.
If you're planning outdoor activities in Houston, accept that humidity is the third dimension of every weather reading. I ran Buffalo Bayou Park in May at 7am: 24°C but 90% humidity, like jogging through warm soup. June-September is genuinely oppressive — 34°C with 75% humidity, heat index pushing 40°C. Best outdoor windows: March-April and October-November, 22-26°C with manageable humidity. Hurricane season (August-September) can disrupt everything. Winter is mild but unpredictable — I once did a January bike ride in 25°C, then a February one in 5°C. Always check radar; Gulf storms intensify fast.
January vs Adjacent Months
| Metric | December | January | February |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Temp | 15.1°C (59.2°F) | 12.6°C (54.7°F) | 13.2°C (55.8°F) |
| Rainfall | 172.6mm | 182.2mm | 82.6mm |
| Sunshine | 7.2 hrs | 6.8 hrs | 7.0 hrs |
| Humidity | 76.9% | 73.6% | 76.4% |
| Wind | 19.8 km/h | 22.1 km/h | 23.2 km/h |
| Rainy Days | 15.2 | 14.6 | 15.2 |
| Snowfall | 0.0 cm | 0.0 cm | 1.0 cm |
Seasonal Context
January falls in Winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Winter is the coolest season with the shortest daylight hours. For travelers visiting Houston in January, the data indicates mixed conditions based on the combination of temperature, precipitation, and daylight hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average temperature in Houston in January?
The average temperature in Houston during January ranges from 8.1°C (46.6°F) to 17.5°C (63.5°F), with a mean of 12.6°C (54.7°F).
How much does it rain in Houston in January?
Houston receives an average of 182.2mm of precipitation in January, spread across approximately 14.6 rainy days.
What should I pack for Houston in January?
Based on January weather data, pack warm layers, a medium jacket, and waterproof outerwear. Rain gear is essential — this month averages 182.2mm of precipitation.
Is January a good time to visit Houston?
January is a cooler month, suitable for travelers who prefer mild weather and fewer crowds. Pack warm layers and enjoy indoor attractions.
Other Months for Houston
Cities with Similar January Climate (Humid Subtropical)
Data Source: Open-Meteo historical archive (2020-01-01 to 2024-12-31). Daily measurements aggregated into monthly climate normals. Coordinates: 29.76°, -95.37°. Timezone: America/Chicago. Last updated: 2026-07-30.