Weather in Rhodes in January

How January compares

January is the 12th warmest month of the year in Rhodes and ranks 77th of 134 destinations we compare for January - see where else is hot in January. Within Greece it is 12th of 44 (Greece in January). Against London's average high of 7.4°C in January, Rhodes is 6.8°C warmer by day and 9.1°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in January

The typical January day in Rhodes peaks at 14.2°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 16.5°C or more. Days over 25°C are rare. Nights average 11.3°C; one night in ten drops to 8.1°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings - it is genuinely cool after dark. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest January day here reached 18.6°C (2010-01-01) and the coldest night 2.6°C (2015-01-08).

Rain in January

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 12 days with 1 mm or more, 107 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest January was 2004 with 256 mm, the driest 1992 with 3 mm. Humidity averages 68%.

Sea temperature in January

The sea averages 17.9°C - too cold for most (under 18°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 17.1°C to 18.6°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (27.1°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 5.2 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 9.8 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 07:18 and sets about 17:14 local time in mid-January. Average cloud cover is 47%.

Is January a good time to visit Rhodes?

January is not the strongest month here: cool days and frequent rain. The best months for Rhodes on our scoring are July, August, June; months averaging 25°C or more: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.

Milder than London, but still winter

Rhodes is noticeably milder than London in January, with average daytime highs 6.8°C higher, but this is still the island's coldest month. Think comfortable walking weather with the right clothes rather than warmth for sitting outside in light summer clothing. The warmer days reach 16.5°C or more, while colder nights can drop to 8.1°C or below. Pack layers, long trousers and a jacket that works for both daytime outings and evenings. If you tend to feel the cold, keep a warmer layer handy after dark. The benefit is being able to stay active without planning around midday heat.

Leave room to change your plans

Rain is the main catch, so January works better for a flexible break than a tightly planned outdoor holiday. About 12 rainy days means waterproof outerwear and shoes that cope with wet ground deserve space in your bag. That does not mean every day is a washout: Rhodes averages about 5.2 hours of sunshine within 9.8 hours of daylight. Use brighter spells for longer walks, and avoid making every day's enjoyment depend on staying dry outside. Plan your main outdoor time during daylight rather than leaving it until late afternoon. You can get worthwhile time outdoors, but sunshine is not something to take for granted.

The sea is too cold for a relaxed swim

At an average 17.9°C, the sea is cold rather than comfortably swimmable. If your idea of a holiday involves lingering in the water and drying off in warm air, January is a poor match. Sea temperatures vary from 17°C to 19°C between years, so even a relatively mild January does not turn this into a warm-water trip. Treat time beside the sea as an opportunity for a walk in suitable layers, not as a dependable beach day. Travellers who enjoy cooler conditions may still appreciate being outdoors, but anyone prioritising warmth should look beyond January rather than hope for unusually hot weather.