Zurich vs Munich

Zurich and Munich are closely matched in January. Neither city has a clear advantage across all metrics. Your decision should come down to personal preference, cultural interests, and travel logistics rather than weather alone.

Zurich is on the cooler side at 5°C, requiring warmer clothing. Munich is cooler at 3°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Munich is the stronger choice in January. Zurich receives 1 more hour of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Zurich reaches an average high of 5°C (41°F) and drops to -1°C (30°F) at night during January. The daily temperature range is 6°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.

Munich averages 3°C (37°F) for the high and -4°C (25°F) for the low, with a daily range of 7°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.

Zurich receives approximately 77 mm of rainfall across 13 rain days during January. You can expect rain roughly every other day.

Munich sees 64 mm over 12 rain days. That makes Munich the drier option by 1 rain day and 13 mm of total precipitation.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.