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Weather Comparison

Copenhagen vs Oslo

Side-by-side weather comparison for January

Copenhagen: 3°COslo: -2°C483 km apart

January Weather: Copenhagen vs Oslo

MetricCopenhagenOsloBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer3°C (37°F)-2°C (28°F)Copenhagen
Average LowHigher is milder0°C (32°F)-6°C (21°F)Copenhagen
Rain DaysFewer is drier12 days11 daysOslo
PrecipitationLess is drier51 mm71 mmCopenhagen
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier3h/day3h/dayTie
HumidityLower is more comfortable65%65%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer11Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better26 km/h14 km/hOslo

Which City is Better in January?

Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Oslo edges ahead as the better destination in January. Oslo offers 3 hours of daily sunshine with only 11 rain days, while Copenhagen sees 3 sunshine hours and 12 rain days.

Copenhagen is on the cooler side at 3°C, requiring warmer clothing. Oslo is cooler at -2°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Oslo is the stronger choice in January.

Temperature Comparison in January

Copenhagen reaches an average high of 3°C (37°F) and drops to 0°C (32°F) at night during January. The daily temperature range is 3°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.

Oslo averages -2°C (28°F) for the high and -6°C (21°F) for the low, with a daily range of 4°C. There is a notable 5°C gap between the two cities, so expect a very different feel.

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

Rainfall Comparison in January

Copenhagen receives approximately 51 mm of rainfall across 12 rain days during January. You can expect rain roughly every other day.

Oslo sees 71 mm over 11 rain days. That makes Oslo the drier option by 1 rain day and 20 mm of total precipitation.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.

What to Pack: Copenhagen vs Oslo

Packing for Copenhagen in January

Highs of 3°C, lows of 0°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 Oslo in January

Highs of -2°C, lows of -6°C, 11 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: Copenhagen vs Oslo

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.

MonthCopenhagenOslo
HighRainHighRain
Jan3°C12d-2°C11d
Feb3°C9d0°C9d
Mar6°C10d4°C8d
Apr11°C10d10°C9d
May15°C10d16°C11d
Jun18°C12d19°C12d
Jul21°C12d22°C13d
Aug21°C13d20°C14d
Sep17°C11d16°C11d
Oct12°C12d9°C12d
Nov7°C11d4°C12d
Dec4°C12d0°C11d
3°

Copenhagen Weather in January

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

-2°

Oslo Weather in January

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Copenhagen warmer than Oslo in January?
Yes. In January, Copenhagen is warmer with an average high of 3°C (37°F) compared to Oslo at -2°C (28°F), a difference of 5°C.
Which city gets more rain in January, Copenhagen or Oslo?
Copenhagen gets more rain in January with 12 rain days and 71 mm of precipitation. Oslo is the drier option with 11 rain days.
Is it better to visit Copenhagen or Oslo in January?
It depends on your preferences. Copenhagen averages 3°C and 3 hours of daily sunshine with 12 rain days. Oslo averages -2°C with 3 sunshine hours and 11 rain days. If you prefer warmer weather, choose Copenhagen. For fewer rain days, Oslo is the better pick.
How far apart are Copenhagen and Oslo?
Copenhagen and Oslo are approximately 483 km (300 miles) apart. Copenhagen is located in Denmark (Europe) while Oslo is in Norway (Europe).
What is the best month to visit Copenhagen and Oslo?
For Copenhagen, May tends to be the best month with 12 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 15°C. For Oslo, June is typically ideal with 13 sunshine hours and 19°C highs.

Compare Copenhagen and Oslo 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.

Copenhagen coordinates: 55.68°N, 12.57°E | Oslo coordinates: 59.91°N, 10.75°E