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Weather Comparison

Brussels vs Paris

Side-by-side weather comparison for January

Brussels: 6°CParis: 7°C264 km apart

January Weather: Brussels vs Paris

MetricBrusselsParisBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer6°C (43°F)7°C (45°F)Paris
Average LowHigher is milder1°C (34°F)2°C (36°F)Paris
Rain DaysFewer is drier12 days12 daysTie
PrecipitationLess is drier63 mm52 mmParis
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier4h/day4h/dayTie
HumidityLower is more comfortable65%65%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer11Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better23 km/h20 km/hParis

Which City is Better in January?

Brussels and Paris are closely matched in January. Neither city has a clear advantage across all metrics. Your decision should come down to personal preference, cultural interests, and travel logistics rather than weather alone.

Brussels is on the cooler side at 6°C, requiring warmer clothing. Paris is cooler at 7°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, both cities are equally dry in January.

Temperature Comparison in January

Brussels reaches an average high of 6°C (43°F) and drops to 1°C (34°F) at night during January. The daily temperature range is 5°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.

Paris averages 7°C (45°F) for the high and 2°C (36°F) for the low, with a daily range of 5°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

Brussels receives approximately 63 mm of rainfall across 12 rain days during January. You can expect rain roughly every other day.

Paris sees 52 mm over 12 rain days. Both cities are equally rainy this month.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.

What to Pack: Brussels vs Paris

Packing for Brussels in January

Highs of 6°C, lows of 1°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 Paris 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

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: Brussels vs Paris

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.

MonthBrusselsParis
HighRainHighRain
Jan6°C12d7°C12d
Feb7°C11d8°C10d
Mar11°C12d12°C11d
Apr14°C11d15°C11d
May18°C12d19°C11d
Jun21°C12d22°C10d
Jul23°C12d24°C10d
Aug22°C12d24°C9d
Sep19°C11d21°C8d
Oct15°C11d16°C11d
Nov10°C12d11°C11d
Dec7°C13d7°C12d
6°

Brussels Weather in January

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

7°

Paris Weather in January

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brussels warmer than Paris in January?
No. In January, Paris is warmer with an average high of 7°C (45°F) compared to Brussels at 6°C (43°F), a difference of 1°C.
Which city gets more rain in January, Brussels or Paris?
Both cities average 12 rain days in January with similar precipitation levels.
Is it better to visit Brussels or Paris in January?
It depends on your preferences. Brussels averages 6°C and 4 hours of daily sunshine with 12 rain days. Paris averages 7°C with 4 sunshine hours and 12 rain days. If you prefer cooler conditions, choose Paris. For fewer rain days, both are equal.
How far apart are Brussels and Paris?
Brussels and Paris are approximately 264 km (164 miles) apart. Brussels is located in Belgium (Europe) while Paris is in France (Europe).
What is the best month to visit Brussels and Paris?
For Brussels, May tends to be the best month with 11 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 18°C. For Paris, August is typically ideal with 11 sunshine hours and 24°C highs.

Compare Brussels and Paris 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.

Brussels coordinates: 50.85°N, 4.35°E | Paris coordinates: 48.86°N, 2.35°E