One of the coldest months with consistent snow cover in most parts of the country and short daylight hours. Travel is possible but expect winter road conditions; central heating and winter clothing are essential.
Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.
Average temperature across Belarus in January.
Deep midwinter brings regular frosts across Minsk and the surrounding lowlands; daytime highs often sit around -4 to -8°C while clear nights can dip much lower. Snow covers city parks and the castles at Mir and Nesvizh take on a quiet, frozen look - good for photos if you can handle the cold. Streets are salted and icier side roads can be slippery, so bring warm boots and a windproof coat; indoor attractions and the metro are reliable refuges from the chill.
Midwinter often brings a thick, long-lasting snowpack to the forests around Brest and Belovezhskaya Pushcha, with daytime temperatures typically between -4 and -10°C. Walking the ancient bison forest in this white quiet can be magical but very cold; bring insulated boots and thermal layers. Some rural roads are only lightly salted, so travel to remote lodges can be slow and winter daylight is short.
Northwest
A hard winter lays snow along the Neman and in Grodno, with daytime temperatures usually around -3 to -8°C and colder snaps possible. Ice forms on smaller tributaries and the city’s historic streets get a dusting that softens the architecture; gloves, thermal boots and anti-slip soles are prudent. Some small rural roads toward the Lithuanian border are less frequently cleared, so guided tours of estates may be more comfortable than independent driving.
Braslav, Narach areas
Winter blankets the Braslav and Narach lake districts in quiet snow, with daytime temperatures commonly -4 to -8°C and clear, cold nights. Frozen waters allow ice-walking and, where local guides operate, ice-fishing; lakefront guesthouses shut or simplify services, so check openings before you go. Pack layers, a sturdy coat and insulated boots - the frozen lakescape is beautiful but very cold for extended outdoor stays.
Pripyat marshes
Deep winter brings persistent frosts across the Pripyat marshes and Gomel plains, with daytime temperatures often around -3 to -8°C and long nights. Snow lies on peatland and river floodplains, giving a stark, quiet landscape ideal for contemplative walks near Gomel’s parks - but low-lying areas can freeze unevenly, so avoid unsupported trekking on ice. Dress warmly and check rural road conditions, as smaller tracks are less reliably cleared.
Many Belarusians observe Orthodox Christmas on January 7 with church services and family gatherings.
See how January compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.