Things to do in Veliky Novgorod in January

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Overview

January is a less popular time to visit Veliky Novgorod. The weather is usually freezing cold with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 10—20°F (-12—-7°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Veliky Novgorod during this time. Some of our top recommendations: take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snow-covered countryside, attend a traditional Russian banya (sauna) experience, sample traditional Russian winter dishes at a local restaurant, and more!

Veliky Novgorod has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your January trip to Veliky Novgorod. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to January. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Veliky Novgorod in January. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout January, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in Veliky Novgorod in January

Top experiences in January
Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snow-covered countryside
In January, the countryside around Veliky Novgorod is transformed into a winter wonderland, with pristine snow-covered landscapes that are perfect for a magical horse-drawn sleigh ride. This traditional mode of transportation allows visitors to experience the beauty of the winter scenery in a unique and memorable way. The rhythmic sound of the horse's hooves against the snow, the crisp winter air, and the stunning views make for an unforgettable experience.
Attend a traditional Russian banya (sauna) experience
In January, a visit to a traditional Russian banya is a unique and invigorating experience. The banya is a quintessential part of Russian culture, and offers a relaxing and rejuvenating way to warm up during the cold winter months. Visitors can enjoy the heat of the sauna, followed by a refreshing plunge into icy water, and then relax with a cup of hot tea. This traditional ritual is a great way to unwind and recharge in the midst of winter.
Sample traditional Russian winter dishes at a local restaurant
Winter in Veliky Novgorod is the perfect time to indulge in hearty and warming Russian cuisine. Local restaurants offer a variety of traditional winter dishes, such as borscht, pelmeni, and hearty stews, which are sure to satisfy your taste buds and warm you up on a cold winter day. Sampling these authentic Russian dishes is a delicious way to experience the local culture and culinary traditions of the region.
Explore the frozen Lake Ilmen
In January, Lake Ilmen, the largest lake in the Novgorod Oblast, freezes over, creating a stunning natural spectacle. Visitors can take a walk or go ice skating on the frozen lake, surrounded by the serene beauty of the winter landscape. The icy expanse of the lake offers a peaceful and tranquil setting for outdoor activities, and the opportunity to witness the unique phenomenon of a frozen lake in person.
Visit the Novgorod Kremlin at night
In January, the Novgorod Kremlin is beautifully illuminated at night, creating a magical and enchanting atmosphere. The ancient fortress and its surrounding area are much quieter and less crowded in the winter, allowing for a more peaceful and intimate experience. The snow-covered grounds and the twinkling lights create a picturesque scene that is truly unique to the winter months.
Visit the Yuriev Monastery in the snow
The Yuriev Monastery, one of the oldest and most important monasteries in Russia, is a must-visit in January. The monastery's ancient buildings and picturesque grounds take on a whole new level of beauty when covered in a blanket of snow. Visitors can explore the peaceful and serene surroundings, and admire the stunning winter views of the monastery and its surroundings.
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Holidays in Veliky Novgorod in January
January
  • New Year's Day (January 1)
  • New Year Holiday (January 23)
  • New Year Holiday (January 6)
  • Orthodox Christmas Day (January 7)
  • New Year Holiday (January 8)
  • New Year's Day (January 1)
  • New Year Holiday (January 2)
Other notable holidays
  • New Year Holiday (December 3031)
  • Defender of the Fatherland Day (February 2324)
  • International Women's Day (March 8)
  • Day off for International Women's Day (March 10)
  • Spring and Labor Day (May 1)
  • Victory Day (May 9)
  • Russia Day (June 12)
  • Unity Day (November 4)
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Weather in Veliky Novgorod in January

Temperatures on an average day in Veliky Novgorod in January

The average temperature in Veliky Novgorod in January for a typical day ranges from a high of 20°F (-7°C) to a low of 10°F (-12°C). Some would describe it as freezing cold with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Veliky Novgorod, July, has days with highs of 74°F (24°C) and lows of 57°F (14°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 20°F (-7°C) and lows of 10°F (-12°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Veliky Novgorod in January based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in January
20°F
highs
10°F
lows

General weather summary

Freezing cold with a gentle breeze
Feels like
23%
Chance of rain
0.071 in
Amount
11.1 mph
Wind speed
100%
Humidity
7.1 hrs
Daylight length
9:29 AM
Sunrise
4:37 PM
Sunset
23%
Cloud cover
Thick winter coat with gloves
What to wear
What to wear in January
With an average high of 20°F (-7°C) and a low of 10°F (-12°C), it generally feels freezing cold with a gentle breeze. With that in mind, most people would dress in something toasty like a thick winter coat with gloves
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Best attractions for Veliky Novgorod in January

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Veliky Novgorod has to offer for travelers in January, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Veliky Novgorod that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Veliky Novgorod for January.
Kreml'
1. Kreml'
Monument
Sights & Landmarks
Vitoslavlitsy Museum
2. Vitoslavlitsy Museum
4.4
(5299)
Heritage museum
Museums
Lakeside, open-air history museum of folk wooden architecture, with temporary exhibits & events.
Monument Millennium of Russia
3. Monument Millennium of Russia
4.9
(3699)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Big bronze monument with historical figures, built in 1862 to honor the start of Russian statehood.
Saint Sophia Cathedral in Novgorod
4. Saint Sophia Cathedral in Novgorod
4.9
(3160)
Cathedral
Sights & Landmarks
Historic frescoes, icons, mosaics & graffiti in an 11th-century church with 5 domes.
The St. George's (Yuriev) Monastery
5. The St. George's (Yuriev) Monastery
4.8
(2294)
Monastery
Sights & Landmarks
Restored medieval Russian Orthodox monastery with silver domes, part of the Novgorod UNESCO site.
Peshekhodnyy Most
6. Peshekhodnyy Most
Sights & Landmarks
Bridges
Episcopal (Faceted) Chamber
7. Episcopal (Faceted) Chamber
4.7
(264)
Historical place museum
Sights & Landmarks
Striking Gothic building dating to 1433, with exhibits of religious & historical artifacts.
Tserkov' Spasa Preobrazheniya Na Il'ine Ulitse
8. Tserkov' Spasa Preobrazheniya Na Il'ine Ulitse
4.8
(503)
Heritage museum
Sights & Landmarks
Paraskeva Church At The Marketplace
9. Paraskeva Church At The Marketplace
Museums
History Museums
Beeline
10. Beeline
3.9
(67)
Mobile network operator
Nature & Parks
Sofiyskaya Zvonnitsa
11. Sofiyskaya Zvonnitsa
4.8
(129)
Museum
Specialty Museums
Veliky Novgorod
12. Veliky Novgorod
Museums
Specialty Museums
Veliky Novgorod, also known simply as Novgorod, is the largest city and administrative centre of Novgorod Oblast, Russia. It is one of the oldest cities in Russia, being first mentioned in the 9th century. Wikipedia.
Saint Nicholas Cathedral, Novgorod
13. Saint Nicholas Cathedral, Novgorod
4.8
(339)
Russian Orthodox church
Sights & Landmarks
Novgorod State Museum-Reserve
14. Novgorod State Museum-Reserve
4.8
(148)
Historical place museum
Museums
Sergey Rachmaninoff Monument
15. Sergey Rachmaninoff Monument
4.8
(420)
Sculpture
Sights & Landmarks
Tourist Information Centre "Red Izba"
16. Tourist Information Centre "Red Izba"
4.7
(209)
Tourist information center
Internet marketing service

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Veliky Novgorod?

Get inspired for your trip to Veliky Novgorod with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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