Interlaken weather in January
“Cool and moody. Best paired with warm rooms and long lunches.”
Roughly 16 rainy days across the month, on average.
January in Interlaken is cold and wet, with average highs of 6.2°C (43°F) and lows of 0.6°C (33°F). Expect around 17 rainy days and 160mm of precipitation, so wet weather is frequent. Sunshine is limited at just 5.6 hours per day, creating grey, overcast conditions typical of Swiss winter. Snow occasionally falls at higher elevations, but the valley itself usually sees rain rather than snow.
This is low season in Interlaken, meaning fewer tourists and quieter streets compared to summer and winter sports peaks. The town takes on a peaceful, local atmosphere. While some cultural events and indoor activities continue, the focus shifts to winter sports enthusiasts heading to nearby ski resorts. The festive holiday season has passed, leaving a calm, introspective mood.
January 2026 suits travelers seeking solitude and lower prices. Pack waterproof gear and warm layers—you'll need them. If you're interested in skiing or snowshoeing in the surrounding peaks, this month offers excellent conditions. However, if you prefer hiking and outdoor exploration, consider visiting during warmer months instead.
What to pack for Interlaken in January
- •A properly warm coat — not a fashion piece
- •A compact travel umbrella — one you'll actually carry
- •A merino base layer for the cold evenings
- •Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes
- •A small daypack that won't look like a tourist beacon
What to pack for Interlaken in January
- →Lightweight fleeceAmazon · shop this
- →Merino travel socksAmazon · shop this
- →Packable rain jacketAmazon · shop this
- →Compact travel umbrellaAmazon · shop this
- →Waterproof dry bagAmazon · shop this
- →Universal travel adapterAmazon · shop this
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Where to stay in Interlaken
We don't review individual hotels — plenty of people do that well. What we do is send you to compare rooms in Interlaken across trusted platforms.
Compare hotels on Booking.com→Things worth doing
Skiing and snowboarding at nearby Jungfrau resorts, snowshoeing through forest trails, visiting indoor museums and galleries, relaxing in thermal spas.
Other places with a similar climate right now
Interlaken in January — FAQ
Q01Is January a good time to visit Interlaken?
Is January a good time to visit Interlaken?
It is a challenging month — you may want to consider another time of year. In January, Interlaken averages a high of 6°C (43°F) and a low of 1°C (33°F), with 150mm of rainfall across roughly 16 rainy days.
Q02What is the average temperature in Interlaken in January?
What is the average temperature in Interlaken in January?
The average high temperature in Interlaken during January is 6°C (43°F), with an average low of 1°C (33°F). These figures are averaged from ten years of daily records (2015–2024, Open-Meteo Archive).
Q03How many rainy days does Interlaken have in January?
How many rainy days does Interlaken have in January?
Interlaken averages approximately 16 rainy days in January, with a total monthly rainfall of about 150mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04What should I pack for Interlaken in January?
What should I pack for Interlaken in January?
For Interlaken in January, pack a warm winter coat, a merino base layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on the ten-year weather averages for this specific month.
Q05How crowded is Interlaken in January?
How crowded is Interlaken in January?
Tourist crowds in Interlaken during January are typically low — winter is off-season, meaning quiet streets and better hotel deals. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely.