Gold in January: seasonality and history
Since 2001, gold has risen in January in 65% of years (17 of 26), with an average return of +2.95% and a median of +3.21%. That makes January its #1 month of 12.
Average+2.95%
Years up65%
Best year2012 · +10.98%
Worst year2011 · −6.14%
The seasonal path through January
Cumulative sum of each day's average return through January, all years since 2001.
| Strongest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 19 | +0.55% | 71% |
| Jan 23 | +0.55% | 65% |
| Jan 20 | +0.52% | 64% |
| Weakest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 14 | −0.30% | 39% |
| Jan 27 | −0.30% | 33% |
| Jan 7 | −0.25% | 33% |
January in recent years
| Year | Gold in January |
|---|---|
| 2026 | +9.31% |
| 2025 | +6.49% |
| 2024 | −1.13% |
| 2023 | +5.66% |
| 2022 | −1.84% |
| 2021 | −2.52% |
| 2020 | +4.17% |
| 2019 | +3.24% |
| 2018 | +2.50% |
| 2017 | +5.10% |
Questions
Is January a good month for gold?
On average, yes: +2.95% since 2001, rising in 65% of years. But the range is wide, from −6.14% in 2011 to +10.98% in 2012, so an average is a tendency, not a forecast.
What are the strongest days in January?
Jan 19 (+0.55%, up 71% of years), Jan 23 (+0.55%, up 65% of years), Jan 20 (+0.52%, up 64% of years).