Things to Do in Latvia in January

January Weather in Latvia

-2°C (28°F) High Temp

-8°C (18°F) Low Temp

35mm (1.4 inches) Rainfall

85% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Spectacular winter landscapes with 15-20cm (6-8 inches) of snow creating picture-perfect scenery in Gauja National Park and Sigulda
Cheapest accommodation rates of the year - luxury hotels in Riga's Old Town cost 40-60% less than summer prices
Authentic winter cultural experiences including traditional Latvian winter solstice celebrations and ice fishing on frozen lakes
Minimal tourist crowds at major attractions - you'll have Rundale Palace and Riga's Art Nouveau district virtually to yourself

Considerations

Extremely short daylight hours with sunrise at 8:45am and sunset at 4:15pm, limiting outdoor sightseeing time
Many coastal attractions and outdoor adventure activities are completely closed or weather-dependent
Sidewalks and cobblestones in Old Riga become treacherous with ice - expect slower walking and potential mobility challenges

Best Activities in January

Riga Old Town Winter Walking Tours

January transforms Riga's medieval center into a winter wonderland. The Gothic spires dusted with snow and warm amber light from traditional streetlamps create magical photography conditions. Indoor portions include heated stops at St. Peter's Church viewing platform and traditional craft workshops. Best experienced 10am-2pm during precious daylight hours.

Booking Tip: Book guided tours 5-7 days ahead through licensed operators. Tours typically cost €25-40 per person and include indoor warming stops. Look for operators offering small groups (under 12 people) and traditional Latvian winter treats. See current tours in the booking section below.

Traditional Latvian Sauna and Wellness Experiences

January is peak season for Latvia's ancient sauna culture. Traditional pirtis (Latvian saunas) with birch branch treatments are essential for surviving the -8°C (18°F) temperatures. Many authentic bathhouses offer packages including traditional herbal teas and local honey treatments. Locals consider this the perfect antidote to winter depression and a core cultural experience.

Booking Tip: Reserve authentic sauna experiences 3-5 days ahead. Traditional pirtis sessions cost €35-65 per person for 2-3 hours. Look for facilities offering traditional birch branch treatments and avoid tourist-focused spa hotels. Many authentic saunas are located 15-30km (9-18 miles) outside Riga.

Sigulda Winter Adventure Activities

The 'Switzerland of Latvia' becomes a winter sports playground in January. Fresh powder snow creates ideal conditions for cross-country skiing through Gauja National Park's 920-square-kilometer (355-square-mile) wilderness. The famous Sigulda bobsled track operates in winter, and the medieval castles covered in snow offer dramatically different perspectives than summer visits.

Booking Tip: Book winter activities 7-10 days ahead as equipment rental is limited. Cross-country ski packages cost €20-35 per day including equipment. Bobsled rides are €15-25 per person. January conditions are weather-dependent, so choose operators offering flexible rescheduling policies.

Jurmala Winter Beach and Spa Retreats

While swimming is impossible, January offers a unique perspective on Latvia's premier resort town. The frozen Baltic Sea creates stunning ice formations along the 33km (20.5-mile) coastline. Historic wooden architecture looks particularly striking against snow. Many luxury spas offer winter wellness packages combining thermal treatments with dramatic seaside views.

Booking Tip: Winter spa packages cost €80-150 per person for full-day treatments. Book 5-7 days ahead as many facilities reduce winter capacity. Choose treatments scheduled for 11am-3pm to maximize limited daylight for coastal walks. Look for packages including traditional amber therapy.

Traditional Latvian Winter Cuisine Experiences

January is prime season for hearty Latvian winter specialties like grey peas with bacon, blood sausage, and warming honey liqueurs. Traditional smoke saunas often include communal meals featuring preserved foods essential for surviving harsh winters. Cooking classes focus on historical preservation techniques and warming spice combinations developed over centuries.

Booking Tip: Traditional cuisine experiences cost €45-75 per person including full meals. Book 3-5 days ahead as many authentic venues operate reduced winter schedules. Look for experiences including traditional bread baking and fermented food preparation. See current culinary tours in booking section below.

Latvian Castle and Museum Indoor Tours

January's harsh weather makes heated castle interiors particularly appealing. Rundale Palace offers special winter exhibitions with dramatically reduced crowds. The Latvian National Museum of Art showcases traditional winter folk art collections. Medieval heating systems in restored castles provide fascinating insights into historical winter survival strategies.

Booking Tip: Castle tours cost €8-15 per person with winter discounts available. Many offer combination tickets for €20-30 covering multiple sites. Book online 1-2 days ahead for guaranteed entry. Choose afternoon tours (12pm-4pm) to maximize indoor comfort during coldest periods.

January Events & Festivals

Early January

Latvian Orthodox Christmas Celebrations

Orthodox Christmas on January 7th features traditional midnight services at Riga's Orthodox Cathedral with beautiful choral music and candlelit processions through Old Town's snowy streets

Early to Mid January

Ziemassvētki Traditional Winter Solstice Celebrations

Extended traditional celebrations continuing into January featuring authentic Latvian winter folk music, traditional craft demonstrations, and seasonal foods in cultural centers throughout Riga

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated waterproof boots rated to -15°C (5°F) with aggressive tread - Riga's cobblestones become lethal ice rinks

Thermal underwear base layers - indoor heating varies dramatically and you'll spend significant time walking between heated spaces

Wind-resistant outer shell jacket - Baltic coastal winds create feels-like temperatures of -15°C (5°F) or lower

Waterproof gloves plus liner gloves - you'll need dexterity for photography but protection from freezing temperatures

Warm hat covering ears completely - frostbite risk is real during 4+ hour outdoor sightseeing

Wool or synthetic insulation socks (avoid cotton) - feet stay wet from snow penetration and indoor/outdoor temperature changes

Portable phone battery pack - cold weather drains batteries 50-70% faster than normal

Lip balm with SPF - reflection from snow creates unexpected UV exposure despite low winter sun

Traction devices (microspikes) for shoes - essential for castle visits and park walking where ice persists

Layering fleece or wool sweater - indoor temperatures vary from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) requiring constant adjustment

Insider Knowledge

Riga's central heating system dates to Soviet era - many buildings overheat to 25°C (77°F) while others barely reach 18°C (64°F). Locals dress in easily removable layers and always carry a light sweater.

The best photography light occurs during the brief 'golden hour' from 2:30-4:00pm when low winter sun creates dramatic shadows on snow-covered medieval architecture. Plan your outdoor sightseeing accordingly.

Many restaurants reduce hours or close entirely on weekdays in January - always call ahead. However, this creates opportunities to experience authentic local pubs (alus bārs) where locals gather to escape winter weather.

Latvian State Railways offers heated train compartments perfect for day trips to castles and Sigulda. January schedules are reduced but trains are nearly empty, creating private tour experiences for standard ticket prices.

Avoid These Mistakes

Attempting to walk long distances in Old Town without proper footwear - tourists regularly slip on icy cobblestones and medieval surfaces become extremely hazardous

Planning full outdoor itineraries without accounting for 4:15pm sunset - you'll find yourself sightseeing in complete darkness by late afternoon

Assuming all attractions maintain summer hours - many museums, castles, and outdoor sites operate reduced schedules or close entirely on certain weekdays in January