Weather Comparison
Side-by-side weather comparison for January
| Metric | Riga | Helsinki | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average HighHigher is warmer | -1°C (30°F)▲ | -2°C (28°F) | Riga |
| Average LowHigher is milder | -5°C (23°F)▲ | -6°C (21°F) | Riga |
| Rain DaysFewer is drier | 12 days | 11 days▲ | Helsinki |
| PrecipitationLess is drier | 46 mm▲ | 50 mm | Riga |
| Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier | 2h/day | 2h/day | Tie |
| HumidityLower is more comfortable | 65% | 65% | Tie |
| UV IndexLower is safer | 1 | 1 | Tie |
| Wind SpeedCalmer is better | 24 km/h | 21 km/h▲ | Helsinki |
Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Helsinki edges ahead as the better destination in January. Helsinki offers 2 hours of daily sunshine with only 11 rain days, while Riga sees 2 sunshine hours and 12 rain days.
Riga is on the cooler side at -1°C, requiring warmer clothing. Helsinki is cooler at -2°C.
For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Helsinki is the stronger choice in January.
Riga reaches an average high of -1°C (30°F) and drops to -5°C (23°F) at night during January. The daily temperature range is 4°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.
Helsinki averages -2°C (28°F) for the high and -6°C (21°F) for the low, with a daily range of 4°C. The two cities feel quite similar in terms of temperature.
Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in January.
Riga receives approximately 46 mm of rainfall across 12 rain days during January. You can expect rain roughly every other day.
Helsinki sees 50 mm over 11 rain days. That makes Helsinki the drier option by 1 rain day and 4 mm of total precipitation.
Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.
Highs of -1°C, lows of -5°C, 12 rain days
Highs of -2°C, lows of -6°C, 11 rain days
Pack for both: heavy winter coat, thermal base layers, warm gloves and hat, insulated boots, waterproof jacket, compact umbrella, waterproof shoes, a warm scarf. These items are useful in either destination during January.
The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month. January is highlighted for quick reference.
| Month | Riga | Helsinki | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Rain | High | Rain | |
| Jan | -1°C | 12d | -2°C | 11d |
| Feb | 0°C | 10d | -3°C | 9d |
| Mar | 4°C | 10d | 1°C | 9d |
| Apr | 11°C | 10d | 7°C | 9d |
| May | 16°C | 10d | 13°C | 9d |
| Jun | 20°C | 11d | 17°C | 12d |
| Jul | 22°C | 12d | 21°C | 12d |
| Aug | 22°C | 13d | 20°C | 12d |
| Sep | 17°C | 11d | 15°C | 10d |
| Oct | 10°C | 14d | 8°C | 12d |
| Nov | 4°C | 13d | 3°C | 12d |
| Dec | 1°C | 12d | 0°C | 12d |
Riga Weather in January
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities
Helsinki Weather in January
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities