Weather Comparison
Vancouver vs Seattle
Side-by-side weather comparison for January
January Weather: Vancouver vs Seattle
| Metric | Vancouver | Seattle | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average HighHigher is warmer | 6°C (43°F) | 8°C (46°F)▲ | Seattle |
| Average LowHigher is milder | 2°C (36°F) | 2°C (36°F) | Tie |
| Rain DaysFewer is drier | 19 days | 18 days▲ | Seattle |
| PrecipitationLess is drier | 299 mm | 175 mm▲ | Seattle |
| Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier | 4h/day | 4h/day | Tie |
| HumidityLower is more comfortable | 65% | 65% | Tie |
| UV IndexLower is safer | 1 | 1 | Tie |
| Wind SpeedCalmer is better | 13 km/h▲ | 16 km/h | Vancouver |
Which City is Better in January?
Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Seattle edges ahead as the better destination in January. Seattle offers 4 hours of daily sunshine with only 18 rain days, while Vancouver sees 4 sunshine hours and 19 rain days.
Vancouver is on the cooler side at 6°C, requiring warmer clothing. Seattle is cooler at 8°C.
For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Seattle is the stronger choice in January.
Temperature Comparison in January
Vancouver reaches an average high of 6°C (43°F) and drops to 2°C (36°F) at night during January. The daily temperature range is 4°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.
Seattle averages 8°C (46°F) for the high and 2°C (36°F) for the low, with a daily range of 6°C. The 2°C difference is noticeable but not dramatic.
Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in January.
Rainfall Comparison in January
Vancouver receives approximately 299 mm of rainfall across 19 rain days during January. Rain is frequent, so waterproof gear is essential.
Seattle sees 175 mm over 18 rain days. That makes Seattle the drier option by 1 rain day and 124 mm of total precipitation.
Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.
What to Pack: Vancouver vs Seattle
Packing for Vancouver in January
Highs of 6°C, lows of 2°C, 19 rain days
- ✓heavy winter coat
- ✓thermal base layers
- ✓warm gloves and hat
- ✓insulated boots
- ✓waterproof jacket
- ✓compact umbrella
- ✓waterproof shoes
- ✓a warm scarf
Packing for Seattle in January
Highs of 8°C, lows of 2°C, 18 rain days
- ✓heavy winter coat
- ✓thermal base layers
- ✓warm gloves and hat
- ✓insulated boots
- ✓waterproof jacket
- ✓compact umbrella
- ✓waterproof shoes
- ✓a warm scarf
Pack for both: heavy winter coat, thermal base layers, warm gloves and hat, insulated boots, waterproof jacket, compact umbrella, waterproof shoes, a warm scarf. These items are useful in either destination during January.
Year-Round Comparison: Vancouver vs Seattle
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.
| Month | Vancouver | Seattle | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Rain | High | Rain | |
| Jan | 6°C | 19d | 8°C | 18d |
| Feb | 8°C | 16d | 9°C | 14d |
| Mar | 10°C | 19d | 11°C | 18d |
| Apr | 13°C | 17d | 14°C | 16d |
| May | 17°C | 12d | 18°C | 13d |
| Jun | 19°C | 11d | 21°C | 10d |
| Jul | 23°C | 7d | 25°C | 6d |
| Aug | 23°C | 7d | 25°C | 5d |
| Sep | 20°C | 10d | 21°C | 8d |
| Oct | 14°C | 16d | 15°C | 15d |
| Nov | 9°C | 20d | 10°C | 18d |
| Dec | 6°C | 19d | 7°C | 18d |
Vancouver Weather in January
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities
Seattle Weather in January
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities