Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Riga in January
This is the coldest month in Riga: highs average 28°F (-2°C) and lows 20°F (-7°C), with about 2.3 in (59 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 39/100 (10th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 28°F (-2°C)
- Avg low
- 20°F (-7°C)
- Rain or snow
- 2.3 in (59 mm)
- Humidity
- 96%
- Cloud cover
- 85%
- Daylight
- ~7 h 06 min
- Comfort score
- 39/100 · Tough
What January feels like
Real cold sets in, with afternoon highs around 28°F (-2°C).
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 20°F (-7°C), so expect frost and ice.
Expect about 2.3 in (59 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because the average temperature is below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 85%.
Daylight is short, roughly 7 h 06 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May & June and August & September.
- Comfort holds steady from December (39 → 39/100).
- Our Tallinn & Riga route is planned for Late Nov – Dec, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — January falls outside it.
What to pack for January
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 20°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Riga in January
With highs near 28°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Black Magic
Dark wood cafe-bar on Kaļķu iela pouring Riga Black Balsam cocktails, with handmade chocolates.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 28°F.
Riga Christmas Market
Red-and-white striped stalls and a tall tree on Dome Square, beside Riga Cathedral, selling mittens, honey and hot food.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 28°F.
St Peter's Church
Gothic church whose 123 m spire has a lift to a viewing gallery over the Old Town and the Daugava.
Why now A way to spend part of a cold day out of the wind.
Riga Art Nouveau Museum
Restored 1903 apartment at Alberta iela 12 with original furniture and a painted spiral staircase.
House of the Blackheads
Ornate Dutch Renaissance guild house of the Brotherhood of Blackheads, rebuilt in 1999 after wartime destruction.
Nearby in January
- Tallinn in January~173 mi · highs 28°F, 2.0 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Helsinki in January~225 mi · highs 29°F, 2.2 in rain or snow · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Stockholm in January~275 mi · highs 30°F, 1.9 in rain or snow · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Riga in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Riga?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 39/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are May & June and August & September. Expect highs of 28°F (-2°C) and 2.3 in (59 mm) of rain or snow.
How cold is Riga in January?
Average highs are 28°F (-2°C) and average lows 20°F (-7°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Riga in January?
Not much: about 2.3 in (59 mm) of rain or snow falls across January on average, the 6th-driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 30.1 in (764 mm).
What should I pack for Riga in January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 20°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Riga
Planning Riga in January?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.