York Weather: What to Expect This January 2026

Understanding York’s Winter Weather Patterns

York weather remains a topic of crucial importance for residents, visitors and businesses planning their activities in this historic English city. As January 2026 unfolds, understanding current weather conditions and seasonal patterns helps people make informed decisions about travel, outdoor activities and daily routines. York’s 7 day weather forecast includes weather warnings, temperature, rain, wind, visibility, humidity and UV information provided by the Met Office, offering essential guidance for the local community.

Current January Weather Conditions

Daytime temperatures usually reach 7°C in York in January, falling to 2°C at night, creating typical winter conditions across the city. Daily high feels like temperature reaches 5°C whilst daily low feels like temperature drops to -1°C, with wind chill factors making it feel considerably colder than actual temperatures suggest. Heavy rain with 80% chance is expected at 3pm today, whilst daily highest wind gusts reach 39mph, creating breezy conditions throughout the region.

There are normally 2 hours of bright sunshine each day in York in January – that’s 19% of daylight hours, reflecting the limited winter sunlight characteristic of northern England. Humidity levels reach a daily high of 97% and low of 93%, contributing to the damp atmosphere typical of York’s winter months.

Precipitation and Seasonal Patterns

There are usually 16 days with some rain in York in January and the average monthly rainfall is 55mm, making it essential for residents and visitors to prepare for wet conditions. The city also experiences intermittent snowfall with approximately 18mm of snow spread across roughly three days, adding a picturesque winter element to York’s medieval architecture.

Mild temperatures with a maximum of 10°C on Sunday night and minimum of 0°C on Saturday night, with winds increasing from calm on Saturday afternoon to fresh winds from the south by Sunday afternoon demonstrate the variable nature of York’s winter weather patterns.

Planning for York Weather

Understanding York weather patterns proves vital for various sectors including tourism, agriculture and daily urban planning. January brings the lowest temperatures, with an average high of 5.7°C and an average low of 1.3°C, marking it as the coldest month of the year. Diminished daylight hours and the chilly breeze combined give York a quintessential winter atmosphere, creating the cosy ambiance for which the city is renowned during this season.

For residents and visitors planning activities, monitoring real-time weather updates remains essential. The Met Office provides continuous updates on York weather conditions, ensuring the community stays informed about potential weather warnings and changing conditions throughout January and beyond.