Europe Tours in January 2026

What our customers ask about Europe Tours in January 2026

• What is the weather like in Europe during January?

  varies significantly by region. Northern cities like Paris and Amsterdam experience winter temperatures between 2-7°C (35-45°F) with occasional snowfall. Southern destinations such as Rome and Florence offer a gentler winter at 7-13°C (45-55°F). The Swiss Alps maintain winter conditions ideal for snow sports with temperatures staying below freezing. Recent travelers emphasize the importance of adaptable clothing "Pack layers! We went from snowy mountains in Switzerland to relatively mild weather in Italy all in the same trip." Winter accommodations like the Hotel Eiger in Grindelwald provide warmth and comfort during the cold season.

• How much do Europe tours cost in January compared to peak season?

  January presents substantial savings with tour prices running 20-30% below peak summer rates. A 10-day European Horizon tour starts at USD 1805 while a fuller 25-day European Quest costs USD 4719. One traveler noted "Traveling in January meant better deals on everything from tours to hotels to flights plus smaller crowds at major attractions." Hotels such as Amsterdam's Leonardo Royal Hotel offer reduced winter pricing making it an economical time to explore Europe.

• What special winter activities are available in Europe during January?

  The winter calendar fills with seasonal activities across Europe. Visitors can ski the Swiss Alps glide across Amsterdam's Museumplein ice rink sample wines in Germany's Rhine Valley or spend evenings in Vienna's traditional coffee houses. A recent review highlights "Skiing in Switzerland was incredible - even as a beginner the views were worth it!" Properties like the Hotel Eiger in Mürren connect directly to winter sport areas making access simple and convenient.

• What are the best European cities to visit in January?

  Winter transforms European cities into less crowded more intimate destinations. Vienna's coffee houses offer warm respites while Prague's Castle District takes on a different character under snow. Paris maintains its appeal with ice skating near the Eiffel Tower and Copenhagen's Nyhavn harbor shows its winter beauty. Lucerne from the historic Hotel des Alpes provides easy access to winter activities. Barcelona offers milder conditions around 13°C (55°F) with shorter lines at popular sites like Sagrada Familia.

• What unique northern lights experiences are available in January?

  January stands out as an excellent month for aurora viewing in Scandinavia. Tromsø Norway combines northern lights tours with dog sledding and snowmobile adventures. The Radisson Blu Tromsø specializes in aurora packages while Finnish Rovaniemi offers glass igloos for bedside viewing. One visitor observed: "January provided perfect clear skies for Northern Lights viewing especially during our snowmobile tour in Tromsø."

• Are restaurants and tourist attractions open regular hours in January?

  Most major attractions maintain standard operating hours during January though some adjust to winter schedules. While metropolitan restaurants continue normal service smaller tourist-focused establishments might limit hours or close temporarily. One traveler shared: "While some small restaurants were closed in Venice we found plenty of authentic local places that stayed open year-round." Checking specific opening times before visiting remains advisable.

• What special events and festivals happen in Europe during January?

  January brings distinct cultural celebrations throughout Europe. The Musikverein in Vienna starts the year with its New Year's Concert while Berlin transforms Potsdamer Platz into "Winter World." Munich celebrates traditional Bavarian winter festivals and Amsterdam lights up with art installations during its Light Festival. A recent visitor shared: "The Vienna New Year's Concert was absolutely spectacular definitely worth planning your trip around."