17 Best Places to Visit in Europe in January
Looking for the best places to visit in Europe in January? After spending a lot of time exploring Europe in the winter, here are my favourite 17 destinations.
If you’ve been following this blog for a while, you’ll know I always make a point of travelling in January. This is usually a little treat after the Christmas season! People seem to think that January is miserable and, as a January baby, I’m not a huge fan of that concept!
I don’t always go to warm places either. I tend to embrace the cold, either exploring cities that are nicer once the Christmas market crowds have left or heading into the wilder landscapes of Northern Europe—which I absolutely love!
For the last few years, I’ve explored quite a few places during January and had the absolute best time. So, if you want some honest opinions of the best places to visit in Europe in January, here are my favourite 17 destinations.
My Favourite Places to Visit in Europe in January
✅ Canary Islands: winter sun and beaches – Book a trip here!
✅ Edinburgh: for a historic city break – Book a trip here!
✅ Rovaniemi: for a beautiful winter wonderland – Book a trip here!
1. Stockholm, Sweden
Average Temperature: 0°C
This was one of our first-ever winter city breaks in Europe. We travelled in mid-January and it was honestly one of my favourite cities to visit during winter. Despite it being well past Christmas, there was still a lot of Christmas spirit in the air and on the streets.
It felt pretty odd walking past Christmas decorations a few weeks after taking the tree down, but Stockholm was just glowing in January. Plus, there weren’t half as many crowds as there would’ve been in December.
There’s also so much to do in Stockholm. You can wander the cobbled streets of the Old Town, explore the magnificent buildings, see some of the best museums in Europe, and explore the wonderful metro stations.
Whether you’re interested in culture, Swedish history, or just fancy dancing to ABBA, you’ll love is here!
2. Prague, Czechia
Average Temperature: 2°C
Prague has become one of the best Christmas cities in Europe. It’s another city with a gorgeous Old Town, cute cobbled streets, and lots of history.
You can explore the Prague Castle towering above the city, see the unique Golden Lane, and go on a boat cruise on the Vltava River. In January, the Christmas Markets are over, but the streets are just as beautiful, and often, dusted with snow.
This is also a great time to explore some of the city’s best bars and cosy pubs, where you’ll be served hearty Czech cuisine and pints of beer.
3. Reykjavik, Iceland
Average Temperature: 0°C
Iceland is one of my favourite countries in the world and the very first time we visited was in late December. Admittedly, this isn’t January, but the weather is very similar once the Christmas season is over.
Iceland’s January is often described as cold and dark, and it definitely is those things. December and January are Iceland’s darkest days with the sun only rising for 4 hours during certain times of the month.
But contrary to popular belief, this doesn’t make it miserable. In fact, you can often have the best time in Iceland in winter because you don’t have the crowds or the horrendous prices of the summer months.
You most certainly have to make the most of the daylight you do have. But there’s plenty of time to go on a tour of the Golden Circle, explore the south coast, or soak in the Blue Lagoon.
Plus, the dark nights are perfect for spotting the northern lights, one of the best things to do in Iceland.
4. London, England
Average Temperature: 6°C
Plenty of people dismiss London in January, saying that it’s cold and wet. And I would be lying if I said that London in winter was sunny. However, rainy days on London’s streets have a certain quality to them that I just love.
You’ll find plenty to do in London in January. All of the city’s top attractions are open all year round, so you can still spend your time exploring Westminster, Tower Bridge, The Tower of London, and the London Eye.
One of the things that makes London so great is the amount of free activities in the city. Since so many of these are indoor museums, if the weather does get a bit grotty, there’s still plenty to do.
Plus, if you love cheap eats, don’t forget to pop down to Camden Market or Borough Market for some of the best street food in the city.
5. The Algarve, Portugal
Average Temperature: 16°C
This is the first place on this list that’s perfect for winter sun. The Algarve is definitely one of the best places to visit in Europe in January, especially if you love beaches, coastal scenery, and warmer weather.
The Algarve is perfect for a road trip. There are just so many picture-perfect Portuguese towns to explore and you can easily drive the length of the coastline in just a few hours.
If you spend a week here in January, you can explore lots of these towns, like Sagres, Lagos, or Portimao. You could also explore many of Portugal’s best beaches including Praia da Rocha, Lagos Beach, and Praia da Marinha and Benagil.
Plus one of the main benefits of visiting the Algarve in January is how empty it is. January is considered the off-season for tourists, so the beaches are much quieter.
Admittedly, it’s much cooler as well, but, with the temperature at a comfortable 16ºC, I’d call it mild rather than cold. Perfect for coastal walks and exploring the small towns.
✅ These are some of my favourite places to stay in the Algarve
6. Rovaniemi, Finland
Average Temperature: -12°C
From a beachside trip to a winter wonderland, Rovaniemi is one of the best places to visit in Europe in January if you want to embrace the winter vibes.
Located in Arctic Finland, Rovaniemi is often known as the gateway to Santa Claus. In fact, you can actually visit Santa Claus Village here, which is a huge draw for families around the Christmas period.
But, once Christmas is over, the area is much quieter and more affordable too.
Since it’s in the Arctic, it’s a similar story to Reykjavik in terms of short days and little daylight. But you can still visit Santa Claus Village in January as well as go reindeer sledging through snowy forests, and chase the northern lights.
If you’re after a true winter wonderland, you can’t get much better than this.
7. Gdansk, Poland
Average Temperature: -1°C
We visited Gdansk very recently and loved it. It was our first time in Poland and I wasn’t really sure what to expect. But Gdansk was the perfect city for a weekend trip in January, and it surprised me just how much there was to do in this little Polish city.
We took a day trip to the snowy beach town of Sopot, explored the picturesque Old Town with its iconic crane, and visited some of the more impressive museums in Europe.
Gdansk’s museums are honestly amazing. There’s so much fascinating, but also pretty sobering, WWII history, and you can easily spend a full day exploring just museums.
As well as that, the food is spectacular and very affordable. We had pork knuckles and dumplings and drank mulled wine from little street stalls.
It also snowed on the second day we were in the city and we spent the evening having a snowball fight on the streets. It was so much fun.
8. Oslo, Norway
Average Temperature: -3°C
The Norwegian capital is one of the best places to visit in Europe in January. It’s the perfect combination of history and nature.
January in Norway can be a winter wonderland in the north. So, many people dismiss time in Oslo in favour of places like Tromso and Trondheim. And while these are certainly good options, Oslo is a great place to explore both the fjords and Norwegian history.
No, you likely won’t find snowy streets in Oslo, nor can you usually see the Northern Lights. However, you can see hundreds of years of Viking history, some seriously impressive museums, a huge ski jump, a cute old town, and go on a wintery fjord cruise.
We spent just a few days in Oslo and it was enough for me to fall in love with the city. I highly recommend it if you fancy heading north in January.
9. Malta
Average Temperature: 16°C
Malta is another great destination if you love winter sun. We visited Malta for New Year’s Eve and spent a few days there at the start of January before heading back home. We had the absolute best time.
Malta really surprised me because of just how much there is to do there. I spoke to a few people before we visited who said it’s a great place for beaches, but there’s not much else. They could not have been more wrong.
There certainly are some stunning beaches in Malta although January probably isn’t the best time to visit if you want to sunbathe. At the start of the year, you’ll find temperatures around 18°C, which is perfect for exploring the island without getting too hot
As well as beaches, you’ll find ancient temples, historic Old Towns, fascinating buildings, and some wonderful coastal walks. I also highly recommend taking a trip from Malta to Gozo – we spent a day in Gozo and it was one of our favourite days on the whole island.
10. Rome, Italy
Average Temperature: 10°C
If you want to visit one of the most historic cities in Europe, you can’t go wrong with Rome. Visiting the Italian capital is basically like walking through a humongous open-air museum. In January, you’ll get all the perks of visiting the city, but without the summer crowds.
January in Rome is mild and occasionally a little rainy. You’ll probably find temperatures in the mid-teens which is great for wandering around and exploring the ruins and ancient sites.
Of course, when in Rome, you can’t miss the Colosseum. This is one of the main reasons people visit the city and in winter, it’s always much quieter than during the summer months.
You can also enjoy many of the other sites including the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and the impressive Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II.
11. Canary Islands, Spain
Average Temperature: 20°C
While the high season in Europe is usually in the summer months, the Canary Islands are pretty much all year round!
Because of their location off the coast of Africa, these Spanish islands enjoy warmth all year. You will likely be enjoying temperatures of 22ºC or above during the daytime – you might even get a tan!
Christmas is a really busy time in the Canary Islands with thousands of people flocking here to escape the cold for Christmas. January is significantly quieter and you’ll likely find cheaper flights and accommodations during this month as well.
There’s a lot of variety within these islands. You’ll find volcanic landscapes, lava tunnels, impressive National Parks, black sand beaches, and the cutest little towns along the coast and in the mountains.
In my opinion, it’s one of the best times to explore the Canary Islands and definitely one of the best places to visit in Europe in January.
12. Hrensko, Czechia
Average Temperature: 0°C
If ever there was a hidden gem in Europe that deserves more recognition, it’s Hrensko. This cute little town is in Czechia, on the border with Germany and is such a beautiful place.
When we visited, we found cute multi-coloured buildings, a little river running through the centre of the village, the most delicious bakeries, and incredible rock formations all around.
There are some great hiking trails nearby including the famous Pravicka Brana, one of the filming locations for the first Narnia film. This trail isn’t too tricky to hike in the winter months either, as it’s mostly a flat path with a slight incline through the woodland.
However, the arch is sometimes covered in snow which makes the landscape look so magical. You can also visit several gorges nearby, although the boat rides aren’t running until the warmer months.
This is a wonderful place to visit if you want to get off the beaten path in Europe. It’s also not far from the German city of Dresden and the beautiful Bastei Bridge, which are also both well worth a visit.
13. Athens, Greece
Average Temperature: 10°C
The second historical city on this list, Athens is one of the best places to visit in Europe in January if you love ancient history. Just like Rome, this city is an open-air museum and you’ll see some of the best historical sites in all of Europe if you spend a few days here.
In January, the city is much quieter and the temperatures are mild. You can usually expect a temperature of around 15ºC. This is perfect for exploring the sights of Athens, like the famous Acropolis and the surrounding historical sites without the stifling heat of summer.
You can also get a little bit outside of the main city centre to Lycabettus Hill, a great place to climb up to for stunning views over Athens.
If you’re feeling adventurous, I also recommend a visit to Delphi and a trip to Corinth as well – these were some of the best places we visited while in Athens.
14. Grenoble, France
Average Temperature: 4°C
I couldn’t write a list of the best places to visit in Europe in January and not include Grenoble. If you love skiing or snowboarding, this city is well worth a visit.
Located in the French Alps, the city sits right at the foot of the mountains. It’s a haven for winter sports and many people come here in January purely to hit the slopes. However, if you’re not into sports, the city is also a haven for culture.
There are lots of great museums here including the Museum of Grenoble, the Dauphinois Museum, and the Archeological Museum. You can take the cable car and visit the Bastille of Grenoble, a historical fortress with views over the city.
It’s also just a beautiful city with the prettiest streets and beautiful mountain views.
15. Venice, Italy
Average Temperature: 5°C
You might not think that this is a good time to visit this famous Italian city. However, despite the cooler weather, I actually love Venice in January.
It’s much quieter than the summer when the crowds can make it slightly unbearable to visit. Instead, you’ll find quiet streets, misty mornings, and peaceful canals.
Plus, even though you’ll be a little early for Carnival, you’ll catch the pre-carnival festivities, particularly if you visit towards the end of the month.
Many of the top things to do in Venice are still possible to do in the winter. For instance, you can still visit Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica; you can still admire the Bridge of Sighs and go on a Gondola ride. It’ll just be cooler and much less crowded.
As such, it’s also less expensive to visit in January since it’s the off-season. So, overall, it’s a really lovely time to visit and one of the best places to visit in Europe in January.
16. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Average Temperature: 4°C
If you’ve ever wanted to see a city illuminated with lights outside of the Christmas season, you have to visit Amsterdam in January.
The Dutch capital holds an annual Light Festival from the end of November until mid-January and the whole city comes alive in the evenings with stunning light displays. As well as this, you’ll also find a lot of great things to do here.
The Rijksmuseum is one of the greatest museums in Europe. You can also explore the Heineken Exhibit, and the Van Gogh Museum, go on a cruise of the canals, and admire some of the beautiful architecture.
Just like Venice, I think Amsterdam is much nicer without the hoards of people that the summer months attract. It can be a really peaceful city to explore in the winter.
17. Edinburgh, Scotland
Average Temperature: 4°C
Last but not least, Edinburgh. Edinburgh is one of the most charming cities in Europe and without a doubt one of the best places to visit in Europe in January. If you’re visiting towards the end of the month, you’ll be in time for Burns Night.
This annual tradition celebrates the life and poetry of the poet Robert Burns. It usually involves an elaborate supper and parties throughout the whole of Scotland. It’s a wonderful tradition to be involved in and Edinburgh is one of the best places to see it.
As well as this, there are a lot of great things to do in Edinburgh in winter. You can visit the famous Edinburgh Castle, explore many of the museums in the city centre, and walk through the streets that look like they were plucked straight out of a Harry Potter film.
Even with the trees bare and the streets glistening with rain, January is a lovely time to visit Edinburgh.
Where can I go for winter sun in January?
If you prefer a milder climate, the Canary Islands, The Algarve, and Malta are excellent choices in January.
All have temperatures ranging from 16ºC to 24ºC, making them perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the history and natural beauty of these locations.
👉 If you want more ideas, here are my favourite warm places to visit in Europe in January.
Where can I go for winter sports in Europe during January?
Grenoble and Rovaniemi are ideal for winter sports and outdoor adventures in Europe.
Grenoble is a hub for skiing and snowboarding. It’s home to some of the best ski resorts in Europe.
On the other hand, Rovaniemi is a traditional winter wonderland. You’ll find unique winter experiences such as snowmobiling, husky sledging, and even visiting Santa Claus.
What should I pack for Europe in January?
This entirely depends on where you’re going.
If you’re heading to colder destinations like Stockholm, Oslo, or Rovaniemi, make sure to bring thermal layers, a warm coat, waterproof boots, gloves, and hats. Especially for Ronvaniemi, where you could experience temperatures as low as -16°C.
👉 Check out my winter packing list for more tips.
For milder destinations like the Algarve, Malta, or the Canary Islands, lighter layers and a good jacket should be fine. Even though the days are warm, the evenings can be much cooler. Don’t forget to pack a waterproof just in case.
I also recommend comfortable walking shoes no matter where you’re going; exploring Europe often involves a lot of walking!
Is January a good time to visit Europe?
Yes, January is a fantastic time to visit Europe. If you don’t mind colder weather and prefer fewer tourists, you can have a wonderful time during this month.
Many places remain open and it’s a nicer experience without the heat and crowds of peak summer. You’ll also find shorter lines at museums and attractions making it easier to explore.
Overall, I love January in Europe. There’s so much to see and with more affordable prices, it’s a much more peaceful time to visit.
👉 If you’re still unsure of when you want to visit Europe, also check out my favourite places to visit in February in Europe.
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