Deep winter
Thessaloniki in January
The coldest month, with empty sights, cheap rooms and a city that belongs to its residents again.
Temperature
10° / 3°
Rain
Moderate
Crowds
Low
Swimming
No
The weather
The coldest month of the year: average highs around 10 °C and lows near 3 °C. The Vardaris, the northerly wind funnelling down the Axios valley, makes it feel considerably colder than the thermometer suggests. Snow rarely settles in the centre, more often up in Panorama and Chortiatis.
What's on
The year opens with Epiphany, when the blessing of the waters takes place on the waterfront and swimmers dive into the winter Thermaic Gulf. The winter sales follow, along with a dense theatre and music season, January is one of the busiest months for performances.
What to do
This is the ideal month for museums without queues: the Archaeological, Byzantine Culture and MOMus. Warm bougatsa shops and cafés serve as refuges, and Ano Poli in clear winter air gives the sharpest view of the year toward Mount Olympus.
What to pack
A winter coat, a scarf and waterproof shoes. The pavements get slippery in the rain.