Denmark, Europe
Copenhagen in January
Quiet and cheaper, but dark and gray. Museums, restaurants, and saunas only.
The straight answer
January is a quiet, good-value month to visit Copenhagen. Quiet and cheaper, but dark and gray. Museums, restaurants, and saunas only.
- Weather
- Cold and damp, highs near 36F (2C), about 7 hours of daylight
- Crowds
- 1 of 5
- Prices
- 2 of 5
What January is like in Copenhagen
January in Copenhagen is cold, damp and dark. Highs sit near 36F (2C), and you get about seven hours of daylight, often under gray skies. Crowds are at their lowest and prices dip below the rest of the year. Tivoli's Christmas season wraps up in the first days of the month, then the park closes, so this is a museums, restaurants and saunas trip.
It suits food lovers, design fans and travelers who enjoy cozy cafes and candlelit dinners more than sightseeing outdoors. It is a poor pick for families wanting Tivoli or anyone hoping for harbor life. If you want the city at its best, aim for June to August, or May for lower prices.
Make the most of January
What is especially good about Copenhagen this month.
Museums to yourself
The National Museum's Viking rooms and the SMK's Danish Golden Age paintings are calm on winter weekdays.
Sauna and a cold plunge
Harborside saunas let you warm up and then dip into the icy water the way the locals do.
The last of the Christmas lights
In the first days of January, Tivoli's Christmas season is usually still on. Check the dates before you go.
What to pack for January
- A warm, windproof and waterproof coat
- Waterproof boots for wet streets
- A hat, gloves and a thick scarf
- Swimwear if you want to try a harbor sauna
Our timing tip
Plan outdoor walks for the middle of the day, since the light fades by mid afternoon, and save museums for the dark hours.
Book Copenhagen for January.
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- Hotels for January
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in CopenhagenOpens a hotel search for Copenhagen in January, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in CopenhagenWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in CopenhagenTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Copenhagen for January. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Things to do in Copenhagen
Tivoli Gardens
Opened in 1843, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. Best at dusk when the lights come on. Runs in seasons, not year-round.
Rosenborg Castle and the Crown Jewels
A Renaissance castle in the King's Garden holding the Danish crown jewels. Timed tickets in summer.
National Museum of Denmark
Vikings, Bronze Age treasures, and Danish history in one building. A strong rainy-day choice.
SMK, the National Gallery of Denmark
Danish Golden Age painting and a strong modern collection. Evening openings on some weekdays.
Nyhavn
The painted 17th-century harbor front. Photograph it at 8am, then eat elsewhere; the canal-side restaurants are overpriced.
Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
Forty minutes north by train, on the coast. The sculpture garden and sea views make it a summer half day.
Beat the crowds
- Visit Nyhavn and the Little Mermaid before 9am in summer. Cruise groups arrive mid morning.
- Rent a bike and head to Norrebro, Vesterbro, or the harbor districts instead of staying in the strip between Stroget and Nyhavn.
- Book popular restaurants and Rosenborg tickets ahead in July and August. Much of the rest of the city works as walk-in.
- For lower prices with summer weather, aim for early June or early September rather than July.
Know before you go
- Tivoli is seasonal: a summer season from around April to September, a Halloween season in October, and a Christmas season from mid November to early January. It is closed in between, including most of late winter.
- July is Denmark's main vacation month, and some independent restaurants and shops close for two to three weeks.
- Many museums close on Mondays. Check before planning around them.
- Harbor baths and beach life are summer only, roughly June to August, with daring locals swimming into September.
Copenhagen in January, quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Copenhagen?
January is a quiet, good-value month to visit Copenhagen. Quiet and cheaper, but dark and gray. Museums, restaurants, and saunas only.
What is the weather like in Copenhagen in January?
Cold and damp, highs near 36F (2C), about 7 hours of daylight.
Is Copenhagen crowded in January?
January is one of the quieter months in Copenhagen; most sights can be done without long waits.
Keep planning Copenhagen.
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