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Weather Comparison

Athens vs Skopje

Side-by-side weather comparison for January

Athens: 12°CSkopje: 6°C488 km apart

January Weather: Athens vs Skopje

MetricAthensSkopjeBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer12°C (54°F)6°C (43°F)Athens
Average LowHigher is milder5°C (41°F)-2°C (28°F)Athens
Rain DaysFewer is drier8 days8 daysTie
PrecipitationLess is drier55 mm46 mmSkopje
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier7h/day6h/dayAthens
HumidityLower is more comfortable65%65%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer11Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better15 km/h9 km/hSkopje

Which City is Better in January?

Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Athens edges ahead as the better destination in January. Athens offers 7 hours of daily sunshine with only 8 rain days, while Skopje sees 6 sunshine hours and 8 rain days.

Athens is on the cooler side at 12°C, requiring warmer clothing. Skopje is cooler at 6°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, both cities are equally dry in January. Athens receives 1 more hour of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Temperature Comparison in January

Athens reaches an average high of 12°C (54°F) and drops to 5°C (41°F) at night during January. The daily temperature range is 7°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.

Skopje averages 6°C (43°F) for the high and -2°C (28°F) for the low, with a daily range of 8°C. There is a notable 6°C gap between the two cities, so expect a very different feel.

Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in January.

Rainfall Comparison in January

Athens receives approximately 55 mm of rainfall across 8 rain days during January. You can expect rain roughly every other day.

Skopje sees 46 mm over 8 rain days. Both cities are equally rainy this month.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.

What to Pack: Athens vs Skopje

Packing for Athens in January

Highs of 12°C, lows of 5°C, 8 rain days

  • warm layers
  • a mid-weight jacket
  • long trousers
  • a packable rain jacket
  • an umbrella
  • a warm scarf

Packing for Skopje in January

Highs of 6°C, lows of -2°C, 8 rain days

  • heavy winter coat
  • thermal base layers
  • warm gloves and hat
  • insulated boots
  • a packable rain jacket
  • an umbrella
  • a warm scarf

Pack for both: a packable rain jacket, an umbrella, a warm scarf. These items are useful in either destination during January.

Year-Round Comparison: Athens vs Skopje

The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month of the year, helping you find the best time to visit either city.January is highlighted for quick reference.

MonthAthensSkopje
HighRainHighRain
Jan12°C8d6°C8d
Feb13°C7d9°C8d
Mar16°C7d13°C9d
Apr20°C6d18°C10d
May25°C5d23°C10d
Jun30°C3d28°C8d
Jul33°C2d31°C5d
Aug33°C1d31°C4d
Sep28°C3d26°C6d
Oct23°C4d19°C7d
Nov18°C7d13°C8d
Dec13°C8d7°C9d
12°

Athens Weather in January

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

6°

Skopje Weather in January

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Athens warmer than Skopje in January?
Yes. In January, Athens is warmer with an average high of 12°C (54°F) compared to Skopje at 6°C (43°F), a difference of 6°C.
Which city gets more rain in January, Athens or Skopje?
Both cities average 8 rain days in January with similar precipitation levels.
Is it better to visit Athens or Skopje in January?
It depends on your preferences. Athens averages 12°C and 7 hours of daily sunshine with 8 rain days. Skopje averages 6°C with 6 sunshine hours and 8 rain days. If you prefer warmer weather, choose Athens. For fewer rain days, both are equal.
How far apart are Athens and Skopje?
Athens and Skopje are approximately 488 km (303 miles) apart. Athens is located in Greece (Europe) while Skopje is in North Macedonia (Europe).
What is the best month to visit Athens and Skopje?
For Athens, August tends to be the best month with 13 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 33°C. For Skopje, July is typically ideal with 13 sunshine hours and 31°C highs.

Compare Athens and Skopje in Other Months

Climate data sourced from the Open-Meteo Historical Weather API, using ERA5 reanalysis data covering 30-year normals from 1991 to 2020. All temperatures shown in Celsius with Fahrenheit equivalents. Rain days count days with 1 mm or more of precipitation. Sunshine hours represent average daily values. This comparison is generated from long-term climate averages and individual trips may vary.

Athens coordinates: 37.98°N, 23.73°E | Skopje coordinates: 42.00°N, 21.43°E