How Many Days Until January?
January 2026 begins on Thursday, January 1, 2026.
About January
January is the first month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars and the first of seven months to have a length of 31 days. It is named after the Roman god Janus, who presided over beginnings and transitions—appropriately as January marks the transition to a new year.
January: The Beginning of the Year
Origin of the Month
January was named after Janus, the Roman god of doors, gates, and transitions. He is depicted with two faces—one looking backward to the past year and one looking forward to the new year.
Historical Significance
January wasn't always the first month. In the ancient Roman calendar, the year began with March. January and February were added to the end of the calendar around 713 BCE by Numa Pompilius. January officially became the first month in 153 BCE.
Weather & Climate
In the Northern Hemisphere, January is typically the coldest month of the year. In the Southern Hemisphere, January is a summer month, equivalent to July in the north.
Global Variation
While most of the world uses the Gregorian calendar (where January is first), many cultures have different new years. The Chinese New Year, for example, falls in January or February depending on the lunar calendar.
January Symbols
Birthstone
Garnet, known for its rich red color and associations with friendship and trust.
Astrological Signs
Capricorn (December 22 - January 19) and Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)
Flower
Carnation and Snowdrop, representing love, fascination, and hope.
January Holidays & Observances
New Year's Day
A global celebration marking the first day of the year according to the modern Gregorian calendar.
Epiphany / Three Kings' Day
Christian holiday celebrating the revelation of God incarnate as Jesus Christ and the visit of the Magi.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
American federal holiday honoring the civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Lunar New Year
A major festival celebrated in many East Asian countries; date varies based on the lunar calendar.
Burns Night
Scottish celebration of the poet Robert Burns, featuring traditional meals and poetry readings.
Australia Day
Australia's national day commemorating the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788.
January Month-Long Observances
National Soup Month
Celebrating nutritious and comforting soups during the cold winter season.
National Hot Tea Month
Recognizing the cultural and health benefits of hot tea.
National Book Month
Encouraging reading and promoting literacy.
Get Organized Month
Focusing on organization and new beginnings in the new year.
January Activities & Traditions
New Year's Resolutions
- Set realistic and achievable goals for the year
- Create a vision board for your aspirations
- Establish new routines and habits
- Review and reflect on the past year's accomplishments
Winter Activities
- Try winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, or ice skating
- Build a snowman or have a snowball fight
- Go sledding or tubing on snowy hills
- Take nature walks to observe winter landscapes
Fresh Start Habits
- Declutter your home and donate unused items
- Set up a new organization system
- Create a budget for the new year
- Plan out your calendar with important dates
Comfort Food & Drinks
- Host a soup or chili cook-off with friends
- Try recipes for warm beverages like hot chocolate
- Experiment with slow-cooker meals
- Bake bread or other hearty baked goods
Interesting January Facts
January is National Blood Donor Month in the United States, as winter weather and seasonal illness often lead to a decrease in donations.
In leap years, January has the same number of days as September, April, June, and November.
January's flower, the carnation, was originally from Eurasia but is now cultivated worldwide and represents fascination, distinction, and love.
According to a study by Strava, most New Year's resolutions are abandoned by the third week of January, often around the 19th, which has been dubbed "Quitter's Day."