January is one of the coldest months in Latvia: temperatures are frequently below freezing with regular snow cover in much of the country. Daylight hours are short, and many outdoor attractions are quieter.
SeasonLow SeasonTemperature −6 to 0°C (21 to 32°F)Crowds LowPrices Low
High seasonShoulderLow season
Weather by City in January
CityLow / highRain
Daugavpils
Freezing
-8°-2° 40 mm
Liepāja
Freezing
-5°0° 50 mm
Jelgava
Freezing
-5°-1° 33 mm
Jūrmala
Freezing
-5°-1° 36 mm
Ventspils Castle
Freezing
-4°0° 48 mm
Rēzekne
Freezing
-8°-4° 36 mm
Valmiera
Freezing
-8°-3° 39 mm
Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.
Temperature map
-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Average temperature across Latvia in January.
Where to Go in Latvia in January
Riga & Gulf Coast
Rīgas jūras līcis and Jūrmala
January: A persistent grey often hangs over the Riga skyline and Jūrmala’s boardwalk, with temperatures commonly between −5°C and 0°C; snow and icy sidewalks are the norm rather than heavy mountain drifts. Strong east or north-east winds can make the Gulf feel much colder, and occasional freeze-thaw means salted pavements in the city but slippery wooden promenades by the sea. Travelers should pack a warm windproof coat, hat and grippy boots - museum hopping in Riga is pleasant, but beach promenades are brisk and many seasonal tourist services at seaside resorts are reduced.
Kurzeme & West Coast
Liepāja, Ventspils, Cape Kolka and Kuldīga
January: Strong westerly or north-westerly winds make this the coldest-feeling part of Latvia despite similar temperatures to other regions, typically −5°C to 0°C, and sand-blown coasts can be raw. Liepāja’s wind plays up in winter and some beach promenades get icy; port operations continue but smaller marinas are quiet. Travellers should expect fewer amenities open and bring layered thermal clothing and a windproof shell for any shoreline walks.
Vidzeme Uplands & Gauja Valley
Sigulda, Cēsis, Valmiera
January: Snow commonly blankets the hills around Sigulda and Cēsis, with temperatures often −8°C to −2°C; the Gauja river valley can hold pockets of ice and hoar frost for much of the month. Small local ski runs in Sigulda may operate and the winter landscape suits sledging or short cross-country routes; bring crampons for icy walking trails. Town centres are quiet but atmospheric, ideal if you want winter castle photos without crowds.
Zemgale Plains & Southern Latvia
Jelgava, Bauska, Rundāle
January: Flat agricultural plains mean winter cold feels sharp and persistent, with typical temperatures around −8°C to −2°C and frequent frosty mornings. Historic sites like Rundāle Palace look striking with snow on their formal gardens, though some estate grounds may be icy. For travelers, museums and indoor attractions offer the easiest excursions; dress in insulated layers and expect shorter daylight for sightseeing.
Latgale & Eastern Lakes
Daugavpils, Rēzekne, Lake Rāzna, Lubāns
January: Deep winter is pronounced here-temperatures often dip below −10°C during cold spells and lakes freeze solid, creating still, snowy plains around Rēzekne and Daugavpils. Snowbound lakes and forest trails are excellent for winter solitude and cross-country skiing, but rural services may operate reduced hours. Visitors should pack warm insulated layers, a heavy coat, and recognize that short daylight limits long-distance travel across the region.
Events & Festivals in January
New Year's & Orthodox Christmas
New Year is widely celebrated; Orthodox Christmas (January 7) is observed with church services and family events.
Planning a trip to Latvia?
See how January compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.
