Denmark soaks through wettest January in over 150 years

Historical dating back to 1874 data shows that winters in Denmark are becoming, not only wetter, but warmer as well

Last year, January was among the warmest in history – a trend that seems to have continued with record January temperatures registered a few weeks back on New Year’s Day.

Well, now the month has another dubious honour. It was the wettest January ever registered – and data records go back to 1874.

Yesterday evening, precipitation figures reached 123.6 mm for the month, enough to surpass the previous record of 123 mm that was set not long ago in 2007.

READ ALSO: Days into 2023: Another weather record set 

The new norm
It was particularly the first half of the month that contributed to the new record.

It rained every day somewhere in the country and the 21.1 mm that fell on January 4 made it the wettest day in January history. That downpour led to several flooding incidents around Denmark.

Mid, west and south-Jutland were areas that saw the most rain – over 140 mm was registered. 

Denmark’s winters are getting warmer and wetter. An average January 150 years ago had 40 mm of rain, a figure that has risen to 65 mm now.

In fact, no January months with over 100 mm of rain had ever been recorded until after 1980. 




  • The Lynch Interviews: Fergal O’Byrne

    The Lynch Interviews: Fergal O’Byrne

    English-Australian writer and theatre director Stuart Lynch contributes a monthly column titled “The Lynch Interviews”. In this series, he engages with prominent internationals residing in Denmark or Danish individuals with a global perspective. For April, he interviews Irish playwright and writer Fergal O’Byrne, fresh from an acclaimed season of a new English-language play in Copenhagen.

  • Why your talented internationals aren’t moving up the ladder – and what to do about it

    Why your talented internationals aren’t moving up the ladder – and what to do about it

    Many internationals find it difficult to advance in their new workplaces, and some quietly leave. It’s not because they lack talent. In Denmark, careers are shaped not only by skills but also by cultural understanding, informal networks, and social signals. However, internationals may not be familiar with this system or know how to navigate it

  • The international behind Donkey Republic: how a Turkish systems thinker reimagined urban mobility in Denmark

    The international behind Donkey Republic: how a Turkish systems thinker reimagined urban mobility in Denmark

    Erdem Ovacık, co-founder of Donkey Republic, built one of Europe’s leading bike-sharing companies from Denmark — but success as an international entrepreneur hasn’t come easy

  • Denmark hits 66.2 million overnight stays: what’s fueling the rise?

    Denmark hits 66.2 million overnight stays: what’s fueling the rise?

    In 2024, Denmark saw 1.5 million more overnight stays than in 2023, bringing the total to 66.2 million staying in hotels, holiday centers, campsites, and youth hostels. It’s clear: after COVID-19, traveling is now back on the table. But the question is: why are people choosing Denmark?

  • World Cup in Ice Hockey will face off in Herning

    World Cup in Ice Hockey will face off in Herning

    As in 2018, Denmark will co-host the Ice Hockey World Championship. And once again, Herning and Jyske Bank Boxen will be the hosts. Denmark is in Pool B and starts tonight with a match against the USA, which, given the political tensions between the two countries, may be an icy affair.

  • Diplomatic tensions between US and Denmark after spying rumors

    Diplomatic tensions between US and Denmark after spying rumors

    A Wall Street Journal article describes that the US will now begin spying in Greenland. This worries the Danish foreign minister, who wants an explanation from the US’s leading diplomat. Greenlandic politicians think that Trump’s actions increase the sense of insecurity

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.