January weather forecast
Salem, MA

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The gray Witch House located in Salem Town, Massachusetts
The gray Witch House located in Salem Town, Massachusetts

Weather in January

January is the kickoff of Salem's winter season with low average temperatures ranging from 18°F (-7.8°C) to 36°F (2.2°C). While rare, significant snowfall can occur, blanketing the city with a layers of ice and snow. The daylight is short, fading rapidly in the late afternoon. Despite the chill, the winter atmosphere often brings a unique beauty to the city. With 11 rainy days on average and the sea temperature around 41°F (5°C), January is considered to be the harshest month for outdoor activities.

Temperature

Salem's January weather, with an average high temperature of 35.6°F (2°C) and an average low temperature of 17.6°F (-8°C), tends to be the coldest of the year.

Rainfall

In Salem, Massachusetts, during January, the rain falls for 11 days and regularly aggregates up to 3.66" (93mm) of precipitation. In Salem, during the entire year, the rain falls for 124 days and collects up to 43.03" (1093mm) of precipitation.

Ocean temperature

In Salem, in January, the average water temperature is 41°F (5°C).
Note: With an efficient thermal swimsuit, one can navigate 41°F (5°C) even if it's colder than 50°F (10°C); otherwise, rapid cold shock and breathlessness might set in. Barely wading at 55.4°F (13°C) feels chilly.

Daylight

In January, the average length of the day is 9h and 29min.
On the first day of January in Salem, sunrise is at 7:13 am and sunset at 4:20 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 6:58 am and sunset at 4:55 pm EST.

Sunshine

January, November and December, with an average of 5h of sunshine, are months with the least sunshine.

UV index

January and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index. A UV Index of 2, and less, symbolizes a minimal health vulnerability from exposure to the Sun's UV rays for ordinary individuals.
Note: In January, the average maximum UV index of 1 translates into the following recommendations:
Sun exposure does not present considerable issues for many, yet infants, fair-skinned people, and children necessitate constant protection. Limiting exposure to the direct Sun during midday hours can help prevent harmful UV radiation effects. For minimizing sun-related eye damage, always choose sunglasses with UVA and UVB coverage.
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Frequently asked questions

What is the coldest month in Salem?

The coldest period in Salem, Massachusetts, tends to be January, when average temperatures fluctuate between a high of 35.6°F (2°C) and a low of 17.6°F (-8°C).

How cold is it in Salem in January?

The high-temperature, in January, in Salem, records 35.6°F (2°C), while the low-temperature is 17.6°F (-8°C).

How much does it rain in Salem in January?

In Salem, Massachusetts, during January, the rain falls for 11 days and regularly aggregates up to 3.66" (93mm) of precipitation.

How cold is the water in January in Salem?

In Salem, the average seawater temperature in January is 41°F (5°C). Swimming in 41°F (5°C) is considered dangerous. Unprotected immersion in temperatures below 50°F (10°C) causes quickly maximum intensity cold shock with hyperventilation.

How many hours of daylight does Salem have in January?

In Salem, the average day length in January is 9h and 29min.

When is the sunrise / sunset in January in Salem?

On the first day of January in Salem, Massachusetts, sunrise is at 7:13 am and sunset at 4:20 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 6:58 am and sunset at 4:55 pm EST.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Salem?

The months with the least sunshine in Salem are January, November and December, with an average of 5h of sunshine.

How long on average sun shines in January in Salem?

The average sunshine duration in January is 5h.

What are the months with the lowest UV index in Salem?

January and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index in Salem, Massachusetts.

How high is the UV index in January in Salem?

In Salem, the average daily maximum UV index in January is 1. A UV Index reading of 2, and below, represents a minimal health vulnerability from unsafe exposure to Sun's UV rays.
Average high temperature
Average rainfall days
Average sea temperature
Average daylight
Average sunshine
Average UV index

Average temperature in January
Salem, MA

Average temperature in January - Salem, MA
  • Average high temperature in January: 36°F

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (82°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (36°F).

  • Average low temperature in January: 18°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (63°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (18°F).

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Average rainfall in January
Salem, MA

Average rainfall in January - Salem, MA
  • Average rainfall in January: 3.7"

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is November (4.6").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is July (3").

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Average rainfall days in January
Salem, MA

Average rainfall days in January - Salem, MA
  • Average rainfall days in January: 11 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is December (12 days).
The month with the least rainy days is September (8 days).

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Average sea temperature in January
Salem, MA

Average sea temperature in January - Salem, MA
  • Average sea temperature in January: 41°F

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (64°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is March (37°F).

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Average daylight in January /
Average sunshine in January
Salem, MA

Average daylight in January / Average sunshine in January - Salem, MA
  • Average daylight in January: 9h and 3min

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 18min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 6min).

  • Average sunshine in January: 5h

The months with the most sunshine are June, July and August (Average sunshine: 9h).
The months with the least sunshine are January, November and December (Average sunshine: 5h).

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Average UV index in January
Salem, MA

Average UV index in January - Salem, MA
  • Average UV index in January: 1

The months with the highest UV index are June and July (UV index 8).
The months with the lowest UV index are January and December (UV index 1).

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Salem, Massachusetts, USA

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