Closed snow cover, frost and sun with overtime - Thuringia's January 2025 brought wild swings from frost to sunshine
Thuringia experienced a January of extremes in 2025, with sharp temperature swings and unusually dry conditions. While frost gripped the region for much of the month, snow remained even in lowland areas despite below-average rainfall.
The month began with dramatic shifts in weather. Temperatures ranged from a bitter -17.6°C in Olbersleben, Sömmerda, to a mild +13.1°C in the same location. These fluctuations marked an early period of instability before settling into a milder pattern.
Overall, January averaged around -1.6°C, slightly cooler than the long-term mean of -1.3°C. However, compared to the 1961–1990 reference period, the month still ended 1.44°C warmer than the old norm of -0.5°C.
Rainfall was scarce, with only 37 litres per square metre recorded—well below the typical 51 litres. Yet sunshine was abundant, totaling roughly 70 hours, a 63% increase over the usual January average. Snow persisted on the ground for about 18 days, covering both highlands and lowlands.
The month's weather defied expectations in several ways. Despite the cold snaps, January 2025 ultimately ranked as warmer than historical averages. The mix of prolonged frost, limited rain, and extra sunshine left a distinct mark on Thuringia's winter season.
