Things to do in Vienna in January

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Overview

January is a less popular time to visit Vienna. The weather is usually really cold and breezy, with temperatures ranging from 24—36°F (-4—2°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Vienna during this time. Some of our top recommendations: visit the Naschmarkt for winter delicacies and seasonal treats, take a day trip to the Vienna Woods for winter hiking and nature walks, visit the Vienna Ice World at Rathausplatz, and more!

Vienna 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 Vienna. 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 Vienna 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 Vienna in January

Top experiences in January
Visit the Naschmarkt for winter delicacies and seasonal treats
The Naschmarkt is Vienna's largest and most popular outdoor market, offering a wide variety of fresh produce, gourmet foods, and specialty items. In January, the market is filled with winter delicacies and seasonal treats, such as roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, and traditional Austrian pastries. Visiting the Naschmarkt is a great way to experience Vienna's culinary delights in the winter months.
Take a day trip to the Vienna Woods for winter hiking and nature walks
The Vienna Woods, located just outside the city, offer a peaceful and scenic escape from the hustle and bustle of Vienna. In January, the woods are covered in snow, creating a beautiful winter landscape that is perfect for hiking and nature walks. Visitors can explore the forest trails, enjoy the fresh air, and take in the serene beauty of the Vienna Woods in winter.
Visit the Vienna Ice World at Rathausplatz
In January, Vienna transforms Rathausplatz into a winter wonderland with the Vienna Ice World. This outdoor ice skating rink is surrounded by beautiful lights and festive decorations, making it a magical experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you're a seasoned skater or a beginner, the Vienna Ice World is a must-visit attraction in January.
Visit the Belvedere Palace to see the Winter Palace Stables
In January, the Belvedere Palace offers a unique experience with its Winter Palace Stables. Visitors can explore the historic stables and see the Lipizzaner horses, which are known for their graceful movements and elegant performances. This is a rare opportunity to witness the beauty and majesty of these magnificent horses in a winter setting.
Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the snow-covered streets of Vienna
In January, Vienna is often covered in a blanket of snow, creating a picturesque winter scene. One of the best ways to experience the city's winter charm is by taking a horse-drawn carriage ride through the snow-covered streets. This romantic and nostalgic experience allows you to see Vienna's landmarks in a whole new light.
Attend the New Year's Concert at the Vienna Philharmonic
The New Year's Concert is a traditional event in Vienna, featuring a selection of lively and celebratory classical music to ring in the new year. The concert is held at the Musikverein and is a highly sought-after event, so be sure to book your tickets well in advance.
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Holidays in Vienna in January
January
  • New Year's Day (January 1)
  • Epiphany (January 6)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Vienna in January

Temperatures on an average day in Vienna in January

The average temperature in Vienna in January for a typical day ranges from a high of 36°F (2°C) to a low of 24°F (-4°C). Some would describe it as really cold and breezy.

For comparison, the hottest month in Vienna, August, has days with highs of 81°F (27°C) and lows of 59°F (15°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 36°F (2°C) and lows of 24°F (-4°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Vienna in January based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in January
36°F
highs
24°F
lows

General weather summary

Really cold and breezy
Feels like
24%
Chance of rain
0.068 in
Amount
15.3 mph
Wind speed
90%
Humidity
8.8 hrs
Daylight length
7:38 AM
Sunrise
4:28 PM
Sunset
35%
Cloud cover
Jacket
What to wear
What to wear in January
With an average high of 36°F (2°C) and a low of 24°F (-4°C), it generally feels really cold and breezy. With that in mind, most people would dress in something warm like a jacket
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Best attractions for Vienna in January

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Vienna has to offer for travelers in January, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Vienna 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 Vienna for January.
Schönbrunn Palace
1. Schönbrunn Palace
4.7
(146736)
Castle
Nature & Parks
18th-century summer palace with tours of lavish rococo ceremonial rooms, plus gardens with a maze.
St. Stephen's Cathedral
2. St. Stephen's Cathedral
4.7
(105120)
Cathedral
Sights & Landmarks
Medieval Roman Catholic place of worship with an ornate spire, catacombs & a treasury museum.
Historisches Zentrum von Wien
3. Historisches Zentrum von Wien
4.8
(410)
Historic city center
Historic Sites
Area of elegant buildings, baroque castles & parks, plus the 19th-century Ringstrasse boulevard.
Belvedere Palace
4. Belvedere Palace
4.7
(67255)
Museum
Architectural Buildings
Baroque, 18th-century palaces housing art from Middle Ages to today, with notable Klimt collection.
Hofburg
5. Hofburg
4.7
(47506)
Historical place
Museums
Habsburg palace complex with ornate, baroque interiors, imperial apartments & a silver museum.
Schönbrunner Str.
6. Schönbrunner Str.
Nature & Parks
Historic Walking Areas
Extensive thoroughfare lined with shops, restaurants & hotels, plus historic buildings.
Schönbrunn Zoo
7. Schönbrunn Zoo
4.7
(50918)
Zoo
Outdoor Activities
500 species of animals, including giant pandas, Siberian tigers & elephants, in 18th-century zoo.
Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien
8. Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien
4.8
(25921)
Museum
Art museum
Imposing 19th-century museum with lavish interiors housing art collections & antiquities.
Prater
9. Prater
4.5
(115291)
Amusement park
Nature & Parks
Large park with old-time amusements, including a landmark giant wheel dating from 1897.
Vienna State Opera
10. Vienna State Opera
4.7
(50389)
Opera house
Concerts & Shows
World-famous opera house offering major productions, original decor & multilingual guided tours.
Albertina
11. Albertina
4.7
(27475)
Art museum
Museums
19th-century Habsburg palace with staterooms & collections of old master prints & 20th-century art.
Stephansplatz
12. Stephansplatz
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
A prominent 12th-century cathedral faces a postmodernist building in this central city square.
Rathaus der Stadt Wien
13. Rathaus der Stadt Wien
4.7
(2994)
City Hall
Sights & Landmarks
Massive municipal building built using some 30 million bricks & now hosting balls, markets & events.
Museum of Natural History Vienna
14. Museum of Natural History Vienna
4.8
(33703)
Natural history museum
Museums
Palatial, 19th-century museum with vast specimen collections, from dinosaur skeletons to meteorites.
St. Peter's Catholic Church (Peterskirche)
15. St. Peter's Catholic Church (Peterskirche)
4.7
(6565)
Catholic church
Sights & Landmarks
18th-century church featuring ornate baroque art & architecture & daily organ recitals.
MuseumsQuartier Wien
16. MuseumsQuartier Wien
4.6
(30313)
Art center
Museums
Restored area of historic & modern buildings containing many of the city's finest museums.

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Vienna?

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

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