Davos in January: weather, clothing, ice, phones and money
Davos in January is cold, with frost on almost every night. The MeteoSwiss average for January is a low of -8.8 °C and a high of 0.0 °C, measured at about 1,600 m. Pack snow boots with a deep tread, ice grips and layers you can take off indoors. Switzerland is outside the EU roaming area, so arrange a Swiss SIM or eSIM, or check your plan before you travel.
January brings frost almost every night
MeteoSwiss runs its Davos weather station just above Davos Platz, at 1,594 m. Its averages for January, 1991 to 2020:
January in Davos | Average, 1991 to 2020 |
Daily low | -8.8 °C |
Daily high | 0.0 °C |
Monthly mean | -4.7 °C |
Coldest night of the month | -17.3 °C |
Precipitation | about 70 mm |
Sunshine | about 112 hours |
Over 1991 to 2020, an average of 30.8 of January's 31 nights fell below 0 °C, and on about 15 days the temperature stayed below zero all day. Recent winters vary. The average January low was -11.4 °C in 2017 and 2019 and -6.3 °C in 2018. In January 2026 it was -9.1 °C.
At 1,560 m, the first day is the hardest
Davos Platz is at about 1,560 m. In our experience, guests find the first day more tiring than the schedule suggests, and uphill walks between venues leave them short of breath. Drink water through the day, allow extra minutes for each walk and keep the first evening light.
Sunrise is about 08:00, sunset about 17:05
From 18 to 22 January 2027 the sun rises between 07:56 and 08:00 and sets between 17:03 and 17:09, according to the US Naval Observatory's calculation for Davos. Those times assume a flat horizon; the mountains around the valley cut direct sunlight shorter. First light comes at about 07:25, so a 07:00 breakfast starts in the dark.
Dress in layers you can take off indoors
You will move between heated rooms and the street many times a day. In our experience since 2015, guests are most comfortable with:
a warm coat that is easy to take off and carry
a light layer underneath, because hotel lobbies and meeting rooms are warm
gloves, a hat and a scarf for the walks between venues
indoor shoes in a bag for evening events, if the dress code calls for them
The air at altitude is dry, and heated rooms are drier still. Pack lip balm and hand cream.
Pavements are cleared, but ice remains
Pavements in Davos are cleared, but in our experience packed snow and ice remain, especially in the morning and after dark. Wear boots with a deep tread. Pull-on ice grips with small spikes slip over ordinary shoes and make the Promenade easier on foot. Buy them before you travel.
Road closures around the Congress Centre mean more walking than most visitors plan. Closures, shuttles and taxis are covered in getting around Davos in January.
EU roaming rules do not cover Switzerland
The EU's "roam like at home" rules cover the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Moldova and Ukraine. Switzerland is not on that list. Many operators include it in their plans anyway, so check yours before you leave. Otherwise:
buy an eSIM for Switzerland before you travel, or
buy a Swiss prepaid SIM or eSIM. Swiss law requires identification to register one: Swisscom asks for a valid passport or identity card and does not accept a driving licence.
Keep a power bank. Long days of maps, messages and RSVP confirmations drain phones.
Pay in Swiss francs, mostly by card
The currency is the Swiss franc, CHF. In our experience, cards and contactless payment are accepted almost everywhere in Davos. Carry some francs for small purchases.
Emergency numbers: 112, 117, 118, 144
The European emergency number 112 works in Switzerland, including from a foreign SIM card or a prepaid card with no credit. The Swiss numbers are 117 for police, 118 for the fire service and 144 for an ambulance.
Questions
How cold is Davos in January?
The MeteoSwiss average is a low of -8.8 °C and a high of 0.0 °C. The coldest night of the month averages -17.3 °C.
What shoes should I wear in Davos in January?
Snow boots with a deep tread, plus ice grips that slip over your shoes. Carry evening shoes in a bag.
Does my EU phone plan work in Switzerland?
Not automatically. Switzerland is outside the EU roaming rules, so charges depend on your operator. Check your plan, or use a Swiss SIM or eSIM.
Can I pay by card in Davos?
In our experience, yes, almost everywhere. The currency is the Swiss franc.
What is the altitude of Davos?
Davos Platz is at about 1,560 m.
Sources
Davos Villas & Apartments is an independent services provider and is not affiliated with the World Economic Forum.
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