New year, new you, new passport stamp.
Traveling to Europe in January is great for chasing the winter sun, exploring snow covered landscapes, and taking advantage of a scarcity of tourists in major cities.
Or for flocking south to as warm of a destination as you can find on the continent.
Here are a few picks for the best places to visit in Europe in January.
Black Forest in Germany during winter. Image Credit: Getty Images, TimHalstenbach
Germany
Best for: the winter crowd
Wait…visit Germany after its Christmas markets close? Precisely. The mulled wine is empty but the magic is still everywhere, especially for those who love winter’s wonders. Snowshoe through the Black Forest. Photograph Neuschwanstein Castle in a snowy backdrop. Skate the frozen Alster Lake in Hamburg or find a shade of grün (plus great grub) at Berlin’s International Green Week.
Read also: From Hanseatic cities to holiday markets, the top destinations in Germany
Poland
Best for: foodies
Poland is cold, but it gives the warmest welcome in January. Hot off the heels of magical Christmas markets in cities like Krakow, Poland’s locals still invite visitors to warm up with its hearty cuisine. There’s no pressure to have a plan, as you’ll find delicious winter dishes everywhere. If you’ve ever eaten a pierogi, then you know that Polish food won’t let you down — and neither will its sights. Tour the Royal Castle in Warsaw then spoon a bowl of Żurek soup. Explore the Wieliczka Salt Mine then sprinkle salt on a bigos stew.
Road to Pico volcano on Azores islands in Portugal. Image Credit: Getty Images, Marco Bottigelli
Azores
Best for: sunseekers
Yes, Spain’s Canary Islands have the hottest temperatures in January; but if we’re letting islands off the coast of Africa into the mix, then allow us to propose a sunny vacation in the Azores. These Portuguese islands are cooler in the winter yet still warm enough to enjoy its amazing landscape. Drop your heels into a pair of hiking boots and hike through tea fields or to hot springs. If you’re here for a swell time, catch waves off of São Miguel at one of Europe’s best surf spots.
Luxembourg
Best for: budget travelers
A European holiday on the cheap? Head to Luxembourg. Everything you could want in a winter European vacation is in this quiet, often-skipped country. Ski the Ardennes. Eat at Michelin-starred restaurants like Fani, Eden Rose, and Ma Langue Sourit. Take advantage of shorter lines in the Mudam Museum of Modern Art and Musée Dräi Eechelen. Best of all, public transportation — including trains — is free for tourists within the country’s borders.
Spain
Best for: celebrating Three Kings Day
Christmas may be over but the holiday season is still going strong in Spain. January 6th is The Three Kings Day, also called The Epiphany. It celebrates the three wise men bringing gifts to the infant Jesus Christ. Colorful parades of Dia de los Reyes fill the streets and families exchange presents. Visit for the festivities and experience a magical side of Spain you won’t see in the hot summer.
Snow falling at Piazza Del Duomo in Milan, Italy. Image Credit: Getty Images, BrasilNut1
Weather in Europe in January
Bring a coat for your coat depending on where you travel in Europe during January. Average temperatures are just that: could be warmer, but err on the side of chilly caution and assume it might be colder. Here are a few numbers to crunch from Scotland to Spain:
- Inverness, Scotland: about 34℉
- Hamburg, Germany: about 39℉
- Paris, France: about 45℉
- Milan, Italy: about 40℉
- Bucharest, Romania: about 35℉
- Seville, Spain: about 60℉
Fleece-lined anything is your best friend in most of these countries. Protect those ears and digits, especially inland where winter tends to freeze in place. When visiting maritime climates, know that the wind, snow, and rain will warrant water-resistant gear. For the intrepid looking for a polar plunge, pack your swimsuit just in case.
Koscielisko village in Tatra Mountains, Poland. Image Credit: Getty Images, ewg3D
Is it worth going to Europe in January?
Yes, it’s worth booking the flight and going to Europe in January. It seems a little late, especially when your coworkers are returning to the office for the first time since the annual holiday party. But that’s why it’s the perfect time to visit. Crowds take a break from Europe in January; but the weather, attractions, and local life still keep business as usual. Take advantage of cheaper rates and less congestion — so long as you don’t mind packing an extra layer.
Where is warm and cheap in January?
Warmth is relative, as is cost — so if you’re looking for the cheapest European destinations in Europe with the highest temperatures possible, flock south to the beachy bastions of summer vacations. Think Sicily, or Portugal’s Algarve, the French Riviera, or Greek islands. These popular warm weather destinations may offer reduced rates once the mercury falls to not-so-summery temperatures. Be mindful, though, that resorts or hotels in “seasonal” towns — like the Amalfi Coast — might close for the winter months.
Snowy Tallinn, Estonia during winter. Image Credit: Getty Images, alekseystemmer
What is the snowiest city in Europe in January?
Two of the snowiest cities in Europe in January are Tallinn, Estonia, and Rovaniemi, Finland. Tallinn’s snowy season can start as early as October, but even in warmer years, January is always a safe bet for an average of five inches of snowfall. Rovaniemi, Finland, stays snowy for half of the year; in January, you can expect a good eight inches.
Read also: The best European city brrr-eaks for this winter
Best European cities to visit in January
For our practical planners, you can extend your holiday getaway and experience these festivals in European cities that end in early January:
- Edinburgh, Scotland: Dance into the New Year during Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, a four-day street party that celebrates New Year’s Eve with live music and fireworks.
- Bruges, Belgium: The annual Winter Glow festival takes over Bruges from November through the early days of January, offering you a chance to close out its skating rink, holiday markets, and light experience trail.
- Amsterdam, Netherlands: See Amsterdam in an explosion of effervescence during the Amsterdam Light Festival. Bonus points if you take a train to join the New Year’s Dive into the North Sea.
Better yet, see all three by train with Eurostar. We’ll help you plan: download the Trainline app and plan a winter trip to one of Europe’s best cities this January!
Snow in Rzeszow, Poland. Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Henryk Sadura
