Belarus in January: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for January
Average temperature across Belarus in January.
City Weather in January
| City | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minsk | -3° | -8° | 38 mm | low | Freezing |
| Gomel | -2° | -8° | 34 mm | low | Freezing |
| Grodno | -1° | -6° | 35 mm | low | Freezing |
| Vitebsk | -3° | -9° | 39 mm | low | Freezing |
| Mogilev | -3° | -9° | 35 mm | low | Freezing |
| Brest, Belarus | -1° | -6° | 30 mm | low | Freezing |
| Babruysk | -2° | -8° | 34 mm | low | Freezing |
High / low are average daily temperatures (°C). “Feels” reflects how hot or cold it feels, allowing for humidity.
Minsk & Central Lowlands
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.
Brest & Southwestern Belovezhskaya Pushcha
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.
Grodno & Neman River Region (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.
Vitebsk & Northern Lakes (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.
Gomel & Southeastern Polesie (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.