Mornings sit near the overnight low around 8°C with clear, cooler light — best for outdoor photos before crowds build.
Marseille Weather in January
Everything you need to know about Marseille weather in January
Updated September 10, 2026
France · Marseille
Marseille Weather in January
January in Marseille is mild, clear and pleasantly walkable. Expect daytime highs around 15°C (59°F), nights near 8°C, shifting seasonal light, and a calmer pace than peak season Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
- Avg high / low
- 15°C / 8°C
- 59F / 46F
- Precipitation
- 48mm
- 6 wet days
- Daylight
- 9.5 hrs
- near the annual low
Marseille average temperatures through the year
JanuaryRest of the year
15°
16°
18°
21°
25°
29°
32°
32°
29°
24°
19°
16°
JAN
6 wet
FEB
6 wet
MAR
7 wet
APR
6 wet
MAY
4 wet
JUN
2 wet
JUL
1 wet
AUG
1 wet
SEP
3 wet
OCT
5 wet
NOV
7 wet
DEC
7 wet
Daytime highs in Celsius with wet days per month for Marseille. January sits at 15°C with 6 wet days.
The short answer
January falls in Marseille's cool season. Daytime highs average 15°C (59°F) with nights near 8°C (46°F). Precipitation totals about 48mm across roughly 6 wet days. Settling snow is uncommon. Visiting works with flexible outdoor plans and a packing buffer Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
January climate in Marseille
Monthly averages for Marseille, France.
- Day high
- 15°C
- 59°F
- Night low
- 8°C
- 46°F
- Precipitation
- 48mm
- 1.9 in
- Wet days
- 6
- rain or drizzle
- Sunrise
- 7:15am
- mid-January
- Sunset
- 4:45pm
- near the annual low
- Daylight
- 9.5 hrs
- 5 hrs sunshine
Averages based on long-run monthly climate normals. Last updated September 10, 2026.
Real weeks swing around the 12°C mean. Early January often sits near 16°C while the final week lands closer to 14°C. Pack a spare layer for that 3° drift rather than dressing only for the monthly average Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Rain and drizzle usually arrive in pulses across the 6 wet days. Dry stretches between systems feel clearer and colder overnight. Use those gaps for outdoor sightseeing and keep indoor backups for the wetter clusters Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
What is the average temperature in Marseille in January?
The average temperature in Marseille in January is around 12°C (54°F), combining daytime highs of 15°C (59°F) with night lows of 8°C (46°F). The month cools steadily: the first days average highs near 16°C, while the final week typically tops out around 14°C with nights of 7°C.
Average daily high and low through January. The month cools by roughly 3 degrees start to finish.
How much does it rain in Marseille in January?
Marseille gets around 48mm (1.9in) of precipitation in January, spread over roughly 6 wet days. Wet spells typically last a day or two and clear to drier stretches in between Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
48
48
56
48
32
16
8
8
24
40
56
56
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Average precipitation by month in millimetres. January's 48mm sits near the annual rhythm.
Average precipitation by hour of day in Marseille
January precipitation in Marseille falls fairly evenly around the clock, with a mild overnight and early-morning peak. There is no predictable afternoon-downpour pattern — check the day's forecast rather than timing outings by the clock Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
12am6am12pm6pm12am
Relative share of January precipitation by hour of day. The distribution is fairly flat, with a mild overnight peak.
When is sunrise and sunset in Marseille in January?
January daylight in Marseille averages about 9.5 hours, near the annual low. Sunrise drifts from 7:15am to 7:31am across the month, while sunset holds near 4:45pm before edging toward 4:55pm. Plan outdoor sightseeing in the brighter midday window Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Sunrise and sunset through January. The shaded band is daylight Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
How humid is Marseille in January?
Relative humidity in Marseille in January averages around 65 percent. At 15°C that usually feels manageable outdoors. Temperature and wind still drive packing more than humidity alone Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
65
62
60
58
55
50
48
50
55
60
65
68
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Average relative humidity by month. January sits near 65%.
What is the weather like in Marseille the rest of the year?
Marseille moves from cooler months near 15°C highs through a warmer peak near 32°C. The best-weather stretch usually aligns with March and April. January sits in the cool season arc with 15°C highs Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Average high (coral) and low (navy) by month. The shaded band is the typical daily range; JAN is marked.
Is January a good time to visit Marseille?
Depends — weather works with flexible plans. Here is the honest trade-off.
OverallSolid with flexible plans
WeatherCool and clear
CrowdsLow
PricesBudget
Budget (per night)$80 to $140
Book ahead2 to 3 weeks
January in Marseille is defined by mild winter, fewer crowds and 15°C days. Stays often land in the $80–$140 range with budget season demand. The smartest move is to book about 2–3 weeks ahead and keep outdoor blocks in the brighter midday window Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Pros
- 15°C highs suit mild days in Marseille
- 5h average sunshine for daytime plans
- Low crowds shape the January pace
- Budget season rates for stays and flights
Cons
- 6 wet days can pause outdoor sightseeing
- Humidity at 65% can feel heavier than the air temp
- Some attractions keep shorter winter hours
- Daylight near 9.5 hrs shortens evening walks
Travelling to Marseille in January?
Book lodgings about 2–3 weeks ahead, then visit the busiest central sights right at opening on a weekday to skip the mid-afternoon crush first-timers always hit Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues. Compare months on our Best Time to Visit Marseille guide.
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What January actually feels like
January is Marseille's cool season in lived terms: mild winter, fewer crowds. Most days feel cold, dry and often clear, with damper grey stretches arriving in bursts rather than settling in for the whole month Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
The underestimated variable is short daylight. It truncates outdoor evenings and pushes dinner earlier. Build one indoor spare block every day Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Early January often starts near 16°C while the final week trends toward 14°C. That 3° drift is enough to change coat weight mid-trip. Recheck the forecast before packing day seven Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Afternoons reach 15–16°C before an early sunset near the 9.5-hour daylight limit — plan open-air stops then.
Evenings cool quickly toward 8°C; shift to indoor dining and illuminated streets once the light drops.
January in Marseille, week by week
Crowds and prices move more than the thermometer.
January 1–7
16°C (61°F)- Crowds
- Low
- Prices
- Budget season
- Best for
- Quieter weekday exploring
January 8–14
16°C (61°F)- Crowds
- Low
- Prices
- Budget season
- Best for
- Balanced weather window
January 15–21
15°C (59°F)- Crowds
- Low
- Prices
- Budget season
- Best for
- Steady mid-month pace
January 22–31
14°C (57°F)- Crowds
- Low
- Prices
- Budget season
- Best for
- Late-month flexible plans
Temperatures are Marseille monthly averages split across each window. Individual years vary by several degrees.
Marseille events in January
The fixtures worth timing your trip around, and how they move the crowds.
Through January
JAN
Low-season rates in France
Low-season rates reshapes costs and crowds for visitors.
Timing note
Exact dates shift each year. Check dates for your travel year, or let Holi-AI sequence them into your plan automatically.
What to pack and wear for Marseille in January
Layers for swingy days
Pack for Marseille in January around the 15°C / 8°C swing. The governing rule is stack thin layers. The one item worth buying before you fly is a breathable mid-layer Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Essential
- Light jacket
- Comfortable walkers
- Compact umbrella
- Merino mid-layer
Smart additions
- Scarf or buff
- Portable charger
- Clear tote for layers
- Lip balm SPF
Leave behind
- Thick parkas
- Wool sweaters
- Snow boots
Top places to visit in Marseille in January
Outdoor icons with shade breaks
City centre · Free
Marseille landmark walk
Go early on weekdays for quieter photos and softer light.
Add to your planWaterfront · Free
Harbour or river promenade
Golden hour is the calmest window Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Add to your planMuseum quarter · Paid
Flagship museum morning
Weekday openings beat weekend queues and wet-day backups.
Add to your planOld town · Free
Historic streets loop
Late morning light helps cold stone feel less harsh.
Add to your planPark · Free
Central green escape
Shade and benches make longer walks realistic Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Add to your planCovered market · Free
Indoor food hall backup
Ideal when wet days interrupt outdoor plans Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Add to your plan
Top places to stay in January
Base near the sights that matter in January
Best overall
Central core
Walkable to main sights with easier 9.5-hour daylight logistics Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Best value
One transit stop out
Lower rates than the core while staying close for low evenings.
Local feel
Neighbourhood streets
Quieter nights and easier restaurant bookings than the busiest tourist blocks.
Top restaurants to visit in January
Breezy rooms and light seasonal plates
Downtown · Classic
Marseille lunch counter
Hearty midday stop when outdoor plans run short on daylight.
Add to your planOld town · Cosy
Neighbourhood bistro
Low light and early dinners match short sunset windows Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Add to your planMarket · Casual
Covered market stalls
Fast warm food without a reservation on wet afternoons Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Add to your planRiverside · Scenic
Waterfront cafe
Daylight seating works best before the evening chill Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Add to your planArts district · Modern
Gallery-side kitchen
Pairs well with museum days when weather turns Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Add to your planResidential · Local
Corner noodle or soup spot
Simple, hot bowls that suit cold or humid evenings Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
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Marseille weather by month
How January compares. Every month links to its full weather guide.
| Month | Avg high | Wet days | Crowds | Cost | Overall | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15°C (59°F) | 6 | Low | Budget | Okay | Mild — this guide |
| February | 16°C (61°F) | 6 | Low | Budget | Okay | Off-season bargains |
| March | 18°C (64°F) | 7 | Medium | Mid | Great | Spring blooms, mild |
| April | 21°C (70°F) | 6 | High | High | Great | Ideal sightseeing |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 4 | High | High | Great | Warm and sunny |
| June | 29°C (84°F) | 2 | High | Peak | Great | Beach season begins |
| July | 32°C (90°F) | 1 | Very High | Peak | Okay | Peak summer heat |
| August | 32°C (90°F) | 1 | Very High | Peak | Okay | Crowded beaches |
| September | 29°C (84°F) | 3 | High | High | Great | Still warm, fewer crowds |
| October | 24°C (75°F) | 5 | Medium | Mid | Great | Perfect weather |
| November | 19°C (66°F) | 7 | Low | Mid | Great | Shoulder season |
| December | 16°C (61°F) | 7 | Medium | Mid | Okay | Mild winter festivities |
Temperatures shown as Marseille monthly averages.
January vs December: January averages 12°C versus 13°C in December — a 1°C cooldown. Crowds shift from Medium to Low while pricing moves into budget season. Pick January if you want mild winter, fewer crowds Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
January vs February: February trends to 13°C, 1°C warmer than January. Expect low crowds and budget season rates. Pick February if you prefer off-season bargains Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Want January sun instead?
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Marseille in January FAQ
Everything you need to know about Marseille weather in January
Daytime highs average 15°C (59°F) and nights fall near 8°C (46°F). The monthly mean sits around 12°C. Expect a 3° swing from early to late January Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
How we work this out
Temperature and rainfall figures are 30-year meteorological averages. Crowd levels come from national tourism arrival data. Price bands reflect mid-range accommodation and economy flights from major long-haul cities, sampled quarterly.
Last updated September 10, 2026 · Written by the Holicay travel team