What January feels like in Salzburg
January is the coldest stretch of winter in Salzburg. Midday brings little warmth — expect coat-and-scarf weather from morning to evening. Evenings bring a clear drop in temperature, and nights drop well below freezing. The air is damp, which makes cool temperatures feel colder, particularly in wind.
Rain in Salzburg in January
Dry days are the exception, with rain on about every other day. A rainy day brings about 8 mm (0.3 in) on average — steady rain rather than a passing shower. That is close to Salzburg's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 8.8 mm).
Daylight and sunshine in January
Mid-month, Salzburg gets 8 h 48 min of daylight, from sunrise near 7:52 am to sunset near 4:41 pm. Days are getting longer: 22 min more daylight than in mid-December. About 57% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, sun and cloud share the day.
How January compares to the rest of the year
January is the coolest month of the year in Salzburg. Afternoons run 1.1°C (2°F) cooler than in December, with 12 mm more rain. This is the low point, and February starts to warm up. The next month's average high: 6.4°C (43.5°F).
Who January suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — it is cold for long walks.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Hiking: less ideal — trails are cool.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — warm places to spend the coldest part of the day.
Tips for visiting Salzburg in January
Versatile Layers
Days are noticeably warmer than nights — layers you can add or remove.
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Warm Layers
Insulated layers and warm shoes for the cold hours.
Quick questions
How warm is Salzburg in January?
Afternoons average 4.2°C (39.6°F) and nights about -4°C (24.8°F) — cold by most people's standards. It is the coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Salzburg in January?
Quite a lot — 120 mm spread over about 15 days.
What should I wear in Salzburg in January?
Pack versatile layers, rain protection and warm layers. Add a layer for after dark.
Is January or February better for visiting Salzburg?
February, narrowly: it ranks #10 of 12 among Salzburg's months, against #12 for the other. February is warmer and has fewer rainy days.