Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Tallinn in January
Tallinn cools off: highs slip to 28°F (-2°C), from 33°F in December, with lows of 22°F (-6°C) and about 2.0 in (52 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
- 22°F (-6°C)
- Rain or snow
- 2.0 in (52 mm)
- Humidity
- 94%
- Cloud cover
- 89%
- Daylight
- ~6 h 30 min
- Comfort score
- 39/100 · Tough
What January feels like
It's cold: daytime highs average just 28°F (-2°C), so build the days around warm stops.
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 22°F (-6°C), so expect frost and ice.
Expect about 2.0 in (52 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because the average temperature is below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 89%.
It's breezy, with average winds near 13 mph (5.6 m/s) at ground level.
Only about 6 h 30 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are June – August.
- Comfort holds steady from December (38 → 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 22°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Windproof shellaverage wind 13 mph
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Tallinn 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.
St Nicholas' Church
Medieval church now run as a museum of sacred art, home to Bernt Notke's Danse Macabre painting.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 28°F.
Rataskaevu 16
Small Old Town restaurant serving modern Estonian food, known for its braised elk roast.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 28°F.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Onion-domed Russian Orthodox cathedral from 1900 on Toompea, opposite the Estonian parliament in Toompea Castle.
Why now A way to spend part of a cold day out of the wind.
Tallinn Christmas Market
Wooden stalls, a tall fir and mulled-wine counters fill Town Hall Square, where Tallinn says a tree stood as early as 1441.
Olde Hansa
Candlelit medieval-themed restaurant in a merchant's house off Town Hall Square, serving game, honey beer and spiced almonds.
Nearby in January
- Helsinki in January~51 mi · highs 29°F, 2.2 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Riga in January~173 mi · highs 28°F, 2.3 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Stockholm in January~235 mi · highs 30°F, 1.9 in rain or snow · 1°C (2°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.
Tallinn in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Tallinn?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 39/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are June – August. Expect highs of 28°F (-2°C) and 2.0 in (52 mm) of rain or snow.
How cold is Tallinn in January?
Average highs are 28°F (-2°C) and average lows 22°F (-6°C), making it the 2nd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Tallinn in January?
Not much: about 2.0 in (52 mm) of rain or snow falls across January on average, the 5th-driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 26.9 in (684 mm).
What should I pack for Tallinn in January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 22°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), windproof shell (average wind 13 mph) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Tallinn
Planning Tallinn 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.