What's the Weather like in Munich in January
Temperature
Air temperatures in Munich, Germany, are usually between -4C (24.8F) and 3C (37.4F) throughout January. Still, these limits tend to vary to a large extent. In general, daily lows may range from -12C (10.4F) to 3C (37.4F), while more extreme deviations are very rare. As for daily high temperatures, they remain between -4C (24.8F) and 10C (50F) most often. For comparison, Paris, the capital of France, has milder temperatures than the capital of Bavaria this time of year.
If you are highly sensitive to cold weather, plan your outdoor activities here from 12 pm to 7 pm in January. Temperatures during this time, on average, are between 0C (32F) and 7C (44.6F). Outside this interval, they are mostly freezing.
Based on earlier observations, January 23 is slightly colder than other days, which makes it the coldest day throughout the year.
Sunshine
The city of Munich features almost constant cloud cover this time of year. The possibility of cloudy weather any day throughout the month is around 60%. From the statistical point of view, January 10 has the biggest chances to be a clear day 41%. January 1 has a 61% chance to be overcast or mostly cloudy. Consequently, the city has 2 sunshine hours per day on average.
Rain
The probability of either rainfall or snowfall in the course of January is constantly at 27%. Of that percentage, the possibility of rain is between 21% and 16%. Mixed rain and snow are 5% likely, while the possibility of snowfall alone is 4%.
In general, the introductory days of the month are more likely to be wetter (37 mm/1.46 in) than the final ones (33 mm/1.3 in). The amount of snowfall is constantly around 7 mm/0.27 in.
In general, the likelihood of precipitation is much bigger anywhere between late evening and early morning than during the day.
Overall, the month of January receives around 50 mm/1.97 in of rainfall and snowfall combined on average. The number of rainy days is usually between 10 and 13.
Wind Speed
If we disregard subtle variations (measured in 0.1 m/s), the average wind speed in Munich, the capital city of Bavaria, is 3.4 m/s throughout January. In simple words, that is below the speed of gentle breeze (4 m/s). In general, the windiest time of the day, when the speed of the wind tends to rise to 3.8 m/s, is between noon and 1 pm. The calmest time of the day, with the speed of the wind decreasing up to 3.1 m/s, is past mid-afternoon, around 4 pm.
Humidity
Relative humidity in Munich throughout the month is around 83%. In this regard, the chances of a muggy, oppressive or miserable day remain next to 0%.
Sunrise and Sunset
Daylight in the Bavarian capital gets longer with the passage of time in January. January 1 has the shortest daylight (8:26 hours), with the sun rising at 8:04 am and setting at 4:30 pm. The last day of the month features 9:28 hours of daylight. On that day, sunrise takes place at 7:43 am while sunset occurs at 5:11 pm.
Extraordinary Weather Occurances
Albeit daily highs remain above freezing temperatures, eastern winds coming from Russia tend to change that. The same holds true for anticyclonic periods. When these conditions occur, it could get freezing for shorter or longer periods even past midday.
Western winds, on the other hand, have an opposite effect. These may increase daily lows around the point of freezing. As for warm Föhn winds, which blow from the nearby Alps, they tend to increase daily temperatures to a large extent. For a reference, they are capable of increasing even nighttime temperatures to the point of mildness. Still, they are not so frequent this time of year.
Munich Hotels in January
Hotel Monaco
Hotel Monaco is a 2-star hotel, located in the downtown area. Most top attractions of Munich are nearby, as well as train (U-Bahn and S-Bahn) and tram stations. Hotel's premises exude warmth, and you can choose among single, double and shared rooms. Each unit features free Wi-Fi, and the reception operates non-stop. The distance to Munich airport is around 30 kilometers/18.6 miles.
Hotel Uhland
Hotel Uhland is a 3-star property, located a short distance from most top attractions of the capital of Bavaria. It is particularly well situated in regard to the location of Oktoberfest, which is several minutes away by walking. The hotel has single, double and family rooms on offer, with all of them featuring TVs with flat screens and free Wi-Fi. The hotel's parking lot is limited with parking spaces, which are available for a surcharge. The distance from the airport is 30 kilometers/18.6 miles.
Novotal Hotel Muenchen City Arnufpark
4-star Novotel Hotel Muenchen City Arnulfpark is a few kilometers (miles) away from top city's attractions. But, the first-class public transport provides fast and efficient transfers. The hotel disposes of single rooms, double rooms and suites, which feature free Wi-Fi and modern amenities. Guests can make use of a fitness center and sauna. Novotel Hotel is especially suitable for families because 2 children up to 16 years stay for free. Check-in times are from 3 pm, while checkouts take place until noon. The airport is 30 kilometers/18.6 miles away.
The Charles Hotel
The Charles Hotel is a 5-star property, located next to the Old Botanical Garden. Other popular points of interest, such as Marienplatz, Frauenkirche and the Bavarian National Museum are less than 2 kilometers/1.25 miles away. Soundproofed accommodation units feature flat-screen TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi. Among other facilities, hotel disposes of an indoor pool, a spa and a gym. A lounge, bar, restaurant and a garage are also available. The distance between the airport and The Charles Hotel is 29 kilometers/18 miles.
Bars and Restaurants
Munich, Germany, has many restaurants serving local and international food. Options are available for gourmands, vegans and vegetarians. Thus, you are likely to find the desired type of food regardless of your dietary habits or needs here.
Schwarzreiter Tagesbar & Restaurant
Schwarzreiter Tagesbar & Restaurant is among top-rated dining venues in the Bavarian capital. More so, it is a Michelin-starred restaurant. The eatery specializes in Bavarian specialties, and you may find its dishes being modernized versions of classic meals. Dishes are of high standard, as well as wines. Szhwarzreiter's opening hours are from noon to midnight on a daily basis.
Atelier
Atelier (not to confuse with Atelier Gourmet) is the 2-starred Michelin restaurant. It serves international cuisine specialties in an intimate ambiance. The restaurant's chef, Jan Hartwig, won the "Cook of the Year 2016" award. For a dinner at Atelier, you should plan between 140 and 190. The restaurant is open from 7 pm to midnight from Tuesday to Saturday.
Restaurant Pils Corner
Restaurant Pils Corner is a mid-range restaurant, bar and beer garden. The eatery serves German and Croatian dishes, and is highly rated among former guests. Appropriate dress code is casual. Pils Corner's opening hours are from 5 pm to midnight daily except on Mondays, and from 11 am to 2:30 pm on Sundays.
Steinheil 16
Steinheil 16 is a restaurant that offers affordable and casual dining experience. According to reviews of their guests, their Schnitzel is both big and delicious. If you are limited with time, you might wish to make an upfront reservation. Steinheil 16 is open daily from 10 am to 1 am.
Things to do in Munich in January
Siegestor
The Siegestor, also known as Victory Gate, is a monumental arch commissioned by Ludwig I of Bavaria, the famous commissioner of Bavarian castles. The monument commemorates the successful ending of the Napoleonic Wars (1815). Like most of Germany, the city of Munich suffered greatly toward the end of the Second World War, when the Siegestor was badly damaged. Later restored, it features an inscription that translates like this "Dedicated to victory, destroyed by war, reminding of peace.
The German Museum of Science and Technology
The German Museum of Science and Technology is one of the largest technological museums in the world, suitable for visitors of all ages. Its exhibits span different areas, including aerospace, astronomy, telecommunication and electricity, to mention a few. There, you can take a look at various aircraft, attend electricity demonstrations that produce lightning, and partake in fun activities, such as hands-on-exhibits. The very first car ever produced, invented by Carl Benz and successfully advertised by his wife Bertha Benz, is among the museum's highlights.
Glockenspiel
Marienplatz is the center of Munich, the capital city of Bavaria. The magnificent neo-Gothic New Town Hall (Rathaus) dominates the square. The structure has many statues decorating its façade, but to the majority of visitors, the famous Glockenspiel is most interesting. A few times a day, its life-size figures perform shows recounting a wedding, a chivalry tournament and a strange dance. Feel free to go to the 3rd or 4th floor of Hugendubel bookstore, facing the Town Hall from the other side of the square, for a better look.
Fun on the Ice
The Nymphenburg (Nymph's) Palace used to be a summer residence of a wealthy aristocrat. Its rooms boast neoclassical, Baroque and Rococo (which is a lavish version of Baroque) styles. This time of year, the palace's garden is a great spot for having fun on the ice. Its frozen canal is perfect for ice-skating activities in a winter fairy-tale environment.
End of New Years Eve
New Year's Eve grants fireworks throughout the city while partying in clubs lasts until late (early) hours. Marienplatz and Friedensengel are a few especially good places for experiencing fireworks.
