What January feels like in Vienna
January is the coldest stretch of winter in Vienna. Midday brings little warmth — expect coat-and-scarf weather from morning to evening. The gap between afternoon and night is small, so nights hover around freezing, so frost is common and the temperature hardly changes after dark. Moisture in the air gives the cold a damp edge.
Rain in Vienna in January
Expect a mix of dry and wet days, with rain about one day in 3. A rainy day brings about 4.5 mm (0.2 in) on average — steady rain rather than a passing shower. That is lighter than the city's yearly norm of about 5.8 mm per rainy day.
Daylight and sunshine in January
On 15 January the sun rises at about 7:40 am and sets around 4:26 pm local time, giving 8 h 45 min of daylight. Since mid-December the day has gained 22 min. The sun is out for roughly 53% of those daylight hours, so sun and cloud share the day.
How January compares to the rest of the year
January is the coolest month of the year in Vienna. Afternoons run 1.1°C (2°F) cooler than in December, with 1 mm more rain. This is the low point, and February starts to warm up. The next month's average high: 6.3°C (43.3°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 Vienna in January
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Warm Layers
A warm jacket, a hat and gloves for cold mornings and evenings.
Quick questions
How warm is Vienna in January?
It feels cold: typical highs are 3.8°C (38.8°F), with lows near -2°C (28.4°F).
Does it rain a lot in Vienna in January?
It does: about 9 rainy days bring roughly 40 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Vienna in January?
Based on the averages: rain protection and warm layers. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is January or February better for visiting Vienna?
On our 12-month climate ranking, February comes out ahead (#10 of 12 vs #11). February is warmer and has fewer rainy days.