Riga weather in January
“A quiet, cold month. Beautiful for those who prefer it that way.”
Roughly 14 rainy days across the month, on average.
In january, Riga settles into its cold, contemplative stillness. The city keeps a different pulse than in summer or midwinter, and travellers who arrive with the right expectations are rewarded.
Days average around -0°C (32°F), cooling to -5°C after sunset. Rainfall is moderate — around 14 rainy days spread through the month. Daylight is short — the mornings arrive slowly and the evenings settle in early.
These figures are climatological averages, drawn from a decade of daily records via the Open-Meteo Archive — not a forecast. But they are honest, and they are the sort of thing a good travel guide ought to tell you before you book the flight.
What to pack for Riga in January
- •A properly warm coat — not a fashion piece
- •A merino base layer for the cold evenings
- •Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes
- •A small daypack that won't look like a tourist beacon
What to pack for Riga in January
- →Merino wool base layerAmazon · shop this
- →Insulated puffer jacketAmazon · shop this
- →Thermal glovesAmazon · shop this
- →Compact travel umbrellaAmazon · shop this
- →Universal travel adapterAmazon · shop this
- →Compression packing cubesAmazon · shop this
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Where to stay in Riga
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Riga in January — FAQ
Q01Should I visit Riga in January?
Should I visit Riga in January?
It is a challenging month — you may want to consider another time of year. In January, Riga averages a high of -0°C (32°F) and a low of -5°C (24°F), with 55mm of rainfall across roughly 14 rainy days.
Q02What temperatures should I expect in Riga during January?
What temperatures should I expect in Riga during January?
The average high temperature in Riga during January is -0°C (32°F), with an average low of -5°C (24°F). These figures are averaged from ten years of daily records (2015–2024, Open-Meteo Archive).
Q03Is January a rainy month in Riga?
Is January a rainy month in Riga?
Riga averages approximately 14 rainy days in January, with a total monthly rainfall of about 55mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04How should I dress for Riga in January?
How should I dress for Riga in January?
For Riga in January, pack a warm winter coat, a merino base layer for evenings, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on the ten-year weather averages for this specific month.
Q05Is January a busy travel month for Riga?
Is January a busy travel month for Riga?
Tourist crowds in Riga during January are typically low — winter is off-season, meaning quiet streets and better hotel deals. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely.