Weather in Bodrum in January

How January compares

January is the 12th warmest month of the year in Bodrum and ranks 87th of 134 destinations we compare for January - see where else is hot in January. Within Turkey it is 8th of 18 (Turkey in January). Against London's average high of 7.4°C in January, Bodrum is 6.0°C warmer by day and 7.6°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in January

The typical January day in Bodrum peaks at 13.4°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 16.2°C or more. Days over 25°C are rare. Nights average 9.8°C; one night in ten drops to 5.5°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 19.1°C (2010-01-01) and the coldest night 0.0°C (2015-01-08).

Rain in January

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 12 days with 1 mm or more, 157 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest January was 2019 with 379 mm, the driest 1992 with 4 mm. Humidity averages 71%.

Sea temperature in January

The sea averages 16.9°C - too cold for most (under 18°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 16.2°C to 17.7°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (25.6°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 5.2 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 9.7 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 08:23 and sets about 18:16 local time in mid-January. Average cloud cover is 47%.

Is January a good time to visit Bodrum?

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

Expect useful sunshine, but keep plans flexible

January is wet enough that fixed outdoor plans could be frustrating. About 5.2 hours of sunshine within 9.7 hours of daylight still gives you reason to spend time outside, but that is not a promise of clear skies each day. Make the most of brighter spells and leave room to change plans when rain arrives. A waterproof jacket and shoes that cope with wet ground are more useful than packing mainly for sunshine. Aim to do your outdoor wandering during the warmer part of the day rather than relying on comfortable evenings. This is a month for taking opportunities as they come, not assuming every day will work for sitting outside.

Milder than home does not mean warm

Average daytime temperatures are 6°C higher than London's, which makes Bodrum a milder option without turning it into a winter-sun beach choice. January is its coolest month, with nights averaging around 10°C and the coldest nights dropping to 5.5°C or lower. Pack a warm layer for evenings as well as lighter layers you can adjust during the day. The warmer days can reach 16.2°C or more, so a sheltered spell outdoors may feel pleasant, but do not build the trip around that. The sea averages 16.9°C and remains cold across its recorded January range. For most travellers, time beside the water is a better fit than swimming in it.