Things to do in Dover in January

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Overview

January is a less popular time to visit Dover. The weather is usually cold and breezy, with temperatures ranging from 40—46°F (5—8°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Dover during this time. Some of our top recommendations: take a winter boat tour of Dover Harbor, explore Dover Castle in the winter, visit the Dover Museum and learn about local history, and more!

Dover has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your January trip to Dover. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to January. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Dover in January. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout January, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in Dover in January

Top experiences in January
Take a winter boat tour of Dover Harbor
In January, you can take a boat tour of Dover Harbor and admire the town's iconic white cliffs from the water. The winter months offer a unique perspective of the coastline, and you may even spot some local wildlife such as seals and seabirds. It's a memorable way to experience the beauty of Dover from a different vantage point.
Explore Dover Castle in the winter
Visiting Dover Castle in January allows you to experience the historic site without the crowds of the summer months. You can explore the medieval tunnels, admire the panoramic views from the battlements, and learn about the castle's fascinating history in a more peaceful and intimate setting.
Visit the Dover Museum and learn about local history
In January, you can delve into the fascinating history of Dover at the town's museum. Explore exhibits on the town's Roman and Saxon past, as well as its maritime heritage and role in World War II. The museum offers a comprehensive look at the area's rich and diverse history.
Take a winter walk along the White Cliffs of Dover
The White Cliffs of Dover are a stunning natural landmark, and taking a winter walk along them offers breathtaking views of the English Channel and the surrounding countryside. The crisp winter air and the dramatic scenery make for a truly memorable experience.
Go birdwatching at the RSPB Reserve at Langdon Cliffs
January is a great time to spot a variety of bird species at the RSPB Reserve, including peregrine falcons, kestrels, and skylarks. The reserve offers stunning coastal views and peaceful walking trails, making it a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts.
Sample traditional British comfort food at a local pub
January is the perfect time to indulge in hearty British dishes like beef and ale pie, bangers and mash, and sticky toffee pudding. Enjoying a meal at a cozy pub is a quintessentially British experience that will warm you up on a cold winter's day.
Take a day trip to the nearby city of Canterbury
In January, you can explore the historic city of Canterbury, just a short drive from Dover. Visit the iconic Canterbury Cathedral, stroll along the charming cobbled streets, and immerse yourself in the city's rich history and culture.
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Holidays in Dover in January
January
  • New Year's Day (January 1)
  • Twelfth Night (January 5)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Dover in January

Temperatures on an average day in Dover in January

The average temperature in Dover in January for a typical day ranges from a high of 46°F (8°C) to a low of 40°F (5°C). Some would describe it as cold and breezy.

For comparison, the hottest month in Dover, August, has days with highs of 67°F (20°C) and lows of 60°F (16°C). The coldest month, February has days with highs of 45°F (7°C) and lows of 40°F (4°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Dover in January based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in January
46°F
highs
40°F
lows

General weather summary

Cold and breezy
Feels like
39%
Chance of rain
0.104 in
Amount
21.3 mph
Wind speed
86%
Humidity
8.4 hrs
Daylight length
7:50 AM
Sunrise
4:16 PM
Sunset
33%
Cloud cover
Jacket
What to wear
What to wear in January
With an average high of 46°F (8°C) and a low of 40°F (5°C), it generally feels cold and breezy. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something warm like a jacket
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Best attractions for Dover in January

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Dover has to offer for travelers in January, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Dover that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Dover for January.
Dover Castle
1. Dover Castle
4.7
(14728)
Castle
Sights & Landmarks
Military museum, medieval underground works, labyrinthine war-time tunnels, with views and tours.
White Cliffs of Dover
2. White Cliffs of Dover
4.8
(1536)
Cliff
Nature & Parks
White chalk cliffs rise 350 feet from the sea, creating a dramatic vista along 8 miles of coastline.
P&O Dover Ferries
3. P&O Dover Ferries
3.9
(1915)
Transit stop
Transportation
Parkdean Resorts St Margaret's Bay Holiday Park, Kent
4. Parkdean Resorts St Margaret's Bay Holiday Park, Kent
4.1
(966)
Holiday park
Outdoor Activities
Unfussy resort offering relaxed hotel rooms & bungalows, plus pools, a restaurant & entertainment.
National Trust South Foreland Lighthouse
5. National Trust South Foreland Lighthouse
4.7
(1807)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Guided tours & a tearoom in a 19th-century lighthouse, the first to use an electric light.
Samphire Hoe
6. Samphire Hoe
4.7
(531)
Nature preserve
Nature & Parks
Walks, picnics and angling on a nature reserve created by the construction of the Channel Tunnel.
Dover Beach
7. Dover Beach
4.6
(433)
Outdoor Activities
Beach pavillion
Dover Museum and Bronze Age Boat Gallery
8. Dover Museum and Bronze Age Boat Gallery
4.5
(588)
Museum
Tourist information center
Museum telling the history of this important historic port town with a rare prehistoric boat.
Dover Transport Museum
9. Dover Transport Museum
4.8
(487)
Museum
Specialty Museums
Charming transportation museum with old-timey cars, buses & locomotives, plus a model train set.
Kearsney Abbey Gardens
10. Kearsney Abbey Gardens
4.7
(2067)
Park
Nature & Parks
Peaceful public park with many large mature trees, 2 ponds (1 used for model boats) & a tea room.
Fan Bay Deep Shelter
11. Fan Bay Deep Shelter
4.7
(120)
Museum
Sights & Landmarks
Tours of underground passages & gun positions dug into limestone cliffs for WWII coastal defence.
The Pines Garden, Tea Room & Museum
12. The Pines Garden, Tea Room & Museum
4.6
(418)
Garden
Event venue
Dover
13. Dover
4.2
(4305)
Ferry terminal
Transportation
Western Heights Of Dover
14. Western Heights Of Dover
4.6
(445)
Fortress
Sights & Landmarks
Vast hilltop fortifications from the 1800s, with sweeping views reaching France on clear days.
Roman Painted House
15. Roman Painted House
4.1
(48)
Charity
Sights & Landmarks
St Margaret's Museum
16. St Margaret's Museum
4.5
(18)
Museum
Specialty Museums

Top searches in Dover

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Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Dover?

Get inspired for your trip to Dover with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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