January 20: What Happened on This Day in History

• 2022: As of January 20, 2022, the COVID-19 pandemic reached a significant global milestone with confirmed cases exceeding 338 million and total deaths surpassing 5.56 million. The pandemic continued to impact global health and policy, with notable developments including the British government's plan to remove most COVID-19 restrictions, Beijing's increased vigilance before the Winter Olympics, and the urgent need for approximately $5 billion to support worldwide vaccine distribution through GAVI.
• 2020: The Australian bushfire crisis of early 2020 was an unprecedented environmental disaster. By January 20th, the fires had claimed 20 lives, including three heroic volunteer firefighters. The scale of destruction was immense, with approximately 6 million hectares (14.8 million acres) of land scorched, causing massive ecological and economic damage. The fires devastated wildlife habitats, destroyed property, and created significant environmental and humanitarian challenges for Australia.
• 2019: A devastating attack by Islamist militants targeted a United Nations peacekeeping base in the northern Kidal Region of Mali, resulting in the deaths of ten peacekeepers and multiple injuries.
• 2007: A three-person team successfully completed a remarkable 1,093-mile (1,759 km) trek to the South Pole using only skis and human power. This achievement marks the first such unsupported expedition since 1958, demonstrating extraordinary human endurance and navigation skills in one of the world's most challenging environments.
• 2003: Bill Werbeniuk, a notable Canadian professional snooker player who was known for his significant contributions to the sport, passed away. Born in 1947, Werbeniuk was recognized for his unique playing style and memorable career in international snooker competitions.
• 2001: Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was sworn in as the 14th President of the Philippines by Chief Justice Hilario Davide following a nonviolent four-day revolution. Her ascension was precipitated by the withdrawal of support for President Joseph Estrada by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and several key cabinet members, marking a significant moment in Philippine democratic transition.
• 1996: WPAT FM radio station in New York City transitions to an English-Spanish bilingual broadcasting format, reflecting the city's diverse linguistic landscape.
• 1993: Admiral William O. Studeman served as the acting Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) during this period, maintaining continuity in national intelligence leadership during the presidential transition.
• 1979: On January 20, 1979, approximately one million Iranians gathered in Tehran to demonstrate overwhelming support for Ayatollah Khomeini, the exiled fundamentalist Muslim leader who would soon return and lead the Iranian Revolution, dramatically transforming the country's political and social landscape.
• 1973: Jalen Rose, who would later become an NBA guard playing for the Denver Nuggets, was born. Rose would go on to have a notable career in professional basketball and later become a sports commentator and analyst.

How to check someone's birthday?

If you’re looking for a person's birth date, have a look at our Birthday Search Guide

January 20th marks the 20th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar.

There are 345 days remaining until the end of the year (or 346 days in case of leap years).

January 20th is the 20th day of the month of January.

What day of the week is January 20?

On January 20th, 2025 the day of the week is Monday.

Holidays and Observances on January 20

The zodiac sign associated with January 20th is Aquarius according to the Western Zodiac.

More about January 20 zodiac

What is special about the Aquarius sign?

• Aquarius personality traits and attitude
• Aquarius most and least compatible signs
• Why January born are so special