Things to do in Vilnius in January

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Overview

January is a less popular time to visit Vilnius. The weather is usually freezing cold with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 14—24°F (-10—-4°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Vilnius during this time. Some of our top recommendations: visit the Museum of Genocide Victims (KGB Museum), experience a traditional Lithuanian sauna (pirtis), sample traditional Lithuanian winter dishes, and more!

Vilnius 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 Vilnius. 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 Vilnius 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 Vilnius in January

Top experiences in January
Visit the Museum of Genocide Victims (KGB Museum)
Gain insight into Lithuania's tumultuous history by visiting the Museum of Genocide Victims, also known as the KGB Museum. Housed in a former KGB headquarters, the museum provides a chilling and thought-provoking look at the country's dark past under Soviet occupation. Explore the exhibits, including prison cells, interrogation rooms, and displays documenting the atrocities committed during the Soviet era. It's a sobering and educational experience that offers a deeper understanding of Lithuania's struggle for independence.
Experience a traditional Lithuanian sauna (pirtis)
In January, there's no better way to warm up and relax than by indulging in a traditional Lithuanian sauna experience. Known as "pirtis," these saunas are an integral part of Lithuanian culture and offer a unique and rejuvenating experience. You can choose from various types of saunas, including wood-fired saunas, smoke saunas, and steam saunas. After a session in the sauna, cool off by rolling in the snow or taking a dip in an icy lake. It's a truly invigorating and authentic Lithuanian experience.
Sample traditional Lithuanian winter dishes
January is the perfect time to indulge in hearty and comforting Lithuanian winter dishes. Warm up with a bowl of delicious cepelinai (potato dumplings filled with meat), kugelis (potato pudding), or šaltibarščiai (cold beet soup). These traditional dishes are a true reflection of Lithuanian culinary heritage and are best enjoyed during the winter months. Pair your meal with a glass of mulled wine or a shot of krupnikas (Lithuanian honey liqueur) for a truly authentic dining experience.
Take a day trip to Trakai Island Castle
Just a short drive from Vilnius, Trakai Island Castle is a stunning medieval fortress situated on an island in Lake Galvė. In January, the castle and its surroundings are covered in a blanket of snow, creating a magical and ethereal atmosphere. Explore the well-preserved castle, learn about its rich history, and take in the breathtaking winter scenery. You can also enjoy outdoor activities such as ice skating on the frozen lake or taking a horse-drawn sleigh ride around the castle.
Go ice skating at the Vilnius Ice Rink
Embrace the winter season by hitting the ice at the Vilnius Ice Rink, located in the heart of the city. Open in January, the rink offers a fun and festive atmosphere, with music, lights, and a lively crowd. Whether you're a seasoned skater or a beginner, the rink provides a perfect opportunity to glide across the ice and enjoy the exhilarating experience of outdoor ice skating. Afterward, warm up with a cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine at the rink's cozy cafe.
Explore the snow-covered streets of Old Town
In January, Vilnius is transformed into a winter wonderland, with the historic streets of Old Town blanketed in snow. Take a leisurely stroll through the cobblestone streets, admiring the charming architecture and picturesque views. Stop by cozy cafes and restaurants to warm up with a hot drink and savor traditional Lithuanian cuisine. The serene beauty of Old Town in January is a sight to behold and offers a unique and enchanting experience.
Take a guided tour of the Vilnius University
Explore the historic Vilnius University, one of the oldest universities in Eastern Europe, on a guided tour. In January, the university's stunning architecture and rich history are even more captivating against the backdrop of the winter season. Learn about the university's
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Holidays in Vilnius in January
January
  • New Year's Day (January 1)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Vilnius in January

Temperatures on an average day in Vilnius in January

The average temperature in Vilnius in January for a typical day ranges from a high of 24°F (-4°C) to a low of 14°F (-10°C). Some would describe it as freezing cold with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Vilnius, July, has days with highs of 74°F (23°C) and lows of 55°F (13°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 24°F (-4°C) and lows of 14°F (-10°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Vilnius in January based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in January
24°F
highs
14°F
lows

General weather summary

Freezing cold with a gentle breeze
Feels like
22%
Chance of rain
0.070 in
Amount
14.1 mph
Wind speed
100%
Humidity
7.9 hrs
Daylight length
8:30 AM
Sunrise
4:24 PM
Sunset
23%
Cloud cover
Thick winter coat with gloves
What to wear
What to wear in January
With an average high of 24°F (-4°C) and a low of 14°F (-10°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 Vilnius in January

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Vilnius has to offer for travelers in January, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Vilnius 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 Vilnius for January.
Vilnius Old Town
1. Vilnius Old Town
Neighborhoods
Senamiestis, the lively, well-preserved Old Town, is renowned for historic buildings in a range of styles, from baroque and Gothic churches to the neoclassical Town Hall. Medieval Gediminas Castle Tower offers city views, and Vilnius University dates from the 16th century. Small shops on narrow streets sell amber jewelry, wood carvings, or Lithuanian cheese, while bars, clubs, and international eateries dot the area.
Gediminas Castle Tower
2. Gediminas Castle Tower
4.7
(9800)
History museum
Museums
This 3-story brick tower was originally part of a castle constructed in the 15th century.
Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights
3. Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights
4.6
(4193)
National museum
Museums
Museum in a former KGB headquarters & prison, honoring the Lithuanians killed there after WWII.
St. Anne's Church
4. St. Anne's Church
4.8
(3719)
Catholic church
Sights & Landmarks
Imposing, Gothic church originally built from bricks around 1500, with 2 tall towers.
Vilnius Cathedral
5. Vilnius Cathedral
4.8
(15238)
Catholic cathedral
Cathedral
Classical-style Roman Catholic cathedral on an old pagan temple site with 11 side chapels.
Užupis
6. Užupis
Neighborhoods
Bohemian Užupis is dotted with street murals and installations like a bronze angel, a riverbank mermaid sculpture, and the tongue-in-cheek constitution of the self-proclaimed “Republic of Užupis,” mounted on wall plaques. Artists’ studios line narrow streets alongside local-designer boutiques, hip cafes, and global eateries. Leafy Bernardine Cemetery, the burial place of numerous eminent locals, dates from 1810.
Gate of Dawn
7. Gate of Dawn
4.7
(11678)
Pilgrimage place
Sights & Landmarks
This 1500s city gate is a prominent landmark housing a chapel with an icon of the Virgin Mary.
Three Crosses Monument
8. Three Crosses Monument
4.7
(4533)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Circa-17th-century monument featuring 3 crosses on a hill & a lookout point with city views.
Church of Sts. Peter and Paul
9. Church of Sts. Peter and Paul
4.8
(4183)
Catholic church
Sights & Landmarks
This 17th-century baroque Roman Catholic church features 4 chapels & 5 ceiling frescoes.
Vilnius TV Tower
10. Vilnius TV Tower
4.5
(9089)
Sights & Landmarks
Architectural Buildings
Built in 1980, this TV tower features an observation deck & cafe 165 m. above the ground.
Faculty of Philosophy, VU
11. Faculty of Philosophy, VU
4.8
(52)
Academic department
Sights & Landmarks
Vilnius Museum of Illusions
12. Vilnius Museum of Illusions
4.6
(3804)
Museum
Science museum
Novel museum with exhibits involving optical tricks, an upside-down room & illusional artwork.
Gedimino pr.
13. Gedimino pr.
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania
14. Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania
4.7
(6794)
History museum
Museums
Museum featuring a variety of art, archaeology & history exhibits in a reconstructed palace.
Bernardine Garden
15. Bernardine Garden
4.8
(17051)
Park
Nature & Parks
Chess tables, a play area & musical fountain shows are some highlights of this riverfront park.
Money Museum of the Bank of Lithuania
16. Money Museum of the Bank of Lithuania
4.8
(1174)
Museum
Specialty Museums
This museum offers interactive exhibits on the history of money & currencies from around the world.

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Vilnius?

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

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