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Weather Comparison

Birmingham vs Galway

Side-by-side weather comparison for January

Birmingham: 7°CGalway: 8°C489 km apart

January Weather: Birmingham vs Galway

MetricBirminghamGalwayBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer7°C (45°F)8°C (46°F)Galway
Average LowHigher is milder2°C (36°F)4°C (39°F)Galway
Rain DaysFewer is drier12 days16 daysBirmingham
PrecipitationLess is drier55 mm102 mmBirmingham
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier4h/day3h/dayBirmingham
HumidityLower is more comfortable65%65%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer11Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better23 km/h25 km/hBirmingham

Which City is Better in January?

Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Birmingham edges ahead as the better destination in January. Birmingham offers 4 hours of daily sunshine with only 12 rain days, while Galway sees 3 sunshine hours and 16 rain days.

Birmingham is on the cooler side at 7°C, requiring warmer clothing. Galway is cooler at 8°C.

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

Temperature Comparison in January

Birmingham reaches an average high of 7°C (45°F) and drops to 2°C (36°F) at night during January. The daily temperature range is 5°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.

Galway averages 8°C (46°F) for the high and 4°C (39°F) for the low, with a daily range of 4°C. The two cities feel quite similar in terms of temperature.

Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in January.

Rainfall Comparison in January

Birmingham receives approximately 55 mm of rainfall across 12 rain days during January. You can expect rain roughly every other day.

Galway sees 102 mm over 16 rain days. That makes Birmingham the drier option by 4 rain days and 47 mm of total precipitation.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.

What to Pack: Birmingham vs Galway

Packing for Birmingham in January

Highs of 7°C, lows of 2°C, 12 rain days

  • heavy winter coat
  • thermal base layers
  • warm gloves and hat
  • insulated boots
  • waterproof jacket
  • compact umbrella
  • waterproof shoes
  • a warm scarf

Packing for Galway in January

Highs of 8°C, lows of 4°C, 16 rain days

  • heavy winter coat
  • thermal base layers
  • warm gloves and hat
  • insulated boots
  • waterproof jacket
  • compact umbrella
  • waterproof shoes
  • a warm scarf

Pack for both: heavy winter coat, thermal base layers, warm gloves and hat, insulated boots, waterproof jacket, compact umbrella, waterproof shoes, a warm scarf. These items are useful in either destination during January.

Year-Round Comparison: Birmingham vs Galway

The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month of the year, helping you find the best time to visit either city.January is highlighted for quick reference.

MonthBirminghamGalway
HighRainHighRain
Jan7°C12d8°C16d
Feb7°C10d9°C13d
Mar10°C11d10°C14d
Apr12°C12d12°C14d
May15°C12d15°C14d
Jun18°C12d17°C14d
Jul20°C12d18°C15d
Aug20°C11d18°C15d
Sep17°C10d16°C13d
Oct13°C11d13°C15d
Nov9°C12d10°C15d
Dec7°C12d8°C16d
7°

Birmingham Weather in January

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

8°

Galway Weather in January

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Birmingham warmer than Galway in January?
No. In January, Galway is warmer with an average high of 8°C (46°F) compared to Birmingham at 7°C (45°F), a difference of 1°C.
Which city gets more rain in January, Birmingham or Galway?
Galway gets more rain in January with 16 rain days and 102 mm of precipitation. Birmingham is the drier option with 12 rain days.
Is it better to visit Birmingham or Galway in January?
It depends on your preferences. Birmingham averages 7°C and 4 hours of daily sunshine with 12 rain days. Galway averages 8°C with 3 sunshine hours and 16 rain days. If you prefer cooler conditions, choose Galway. For drier weather, Birmingham is the better pick.
How far apart are Birmingham and Galway?
Birmingham and Galway are approximately 489 km (304 miles) apart. Birmingham is located in United Kingdom (Europe) while Galway is in Ireland (Europe).
What is the best month to visit Birmingham and Galway?
For Birmingham, June tends to be the best month with 11 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 18°C. For Galway, May is typically ideal with 10 sunshine hours and 15°C highs.

Compare Birmingham and Galway in Other Months

Climate data sourced from the Open-Meteo Historical Weather API, using ERA5 reanalysis data covering 30-year normals from 1991 to 2020. All temperatures shown in Celsius with Fahrenheit equivalents. Rain days count days with 1 mm or more of precipitation. Sunshine hours represent average daily values. This comparison is generated from long-term climate averages and individual trips may vary.

Birmingham coordinates: 52.49°N, -1.89°E | Galway coordinates: 53.27°N, -9.06°E