After the New Year's Eve fireworks have gone off, it's time to take a little tour around Europe and add to your collection of experiences. Hospitable Düsseldorf does the job. There are plenty of museums to keep you entertained, and even school children can enjoy the weather outside, as most sightseeing is done inside the warm confines of a building.
Holidays in Düsseldorf in January: pros and cons
If you're planning a trip in January, be prepared for some unseasonably warm weather. But Düsseldorf doesn't get bitterly cold, and the city itself is beautiful and full of things to see. You won't get bored here, so there's no bad news about Düsseldorf in January.
It's a good idea to visit Düsseldorf because:
- At the beginning of the month, the city is still full of festive lights and the streets are full of happy people. You too can enjoy the festive atmosphere.
- Services in local churches are richly decorated and full of energy.
- Sales are brisk in the many local boutiques, and no one will be left out of the shopping.
- Between New Year's Eve and Carnival in February, the city offers the opportunity to visit its many museums without the hustle and bustle.
Düsseldorf in January also has a few nuances, so it's worth bearing these in mind:
- Dress warmly — it's not spring outside.
- For a successful sightseeing programme in January, it is advisable to travel in comfortable rather than fancy shoes.
- Airfares for this month are not cheap, but they are not the most expensive. Try to 'catch' a good fare in advance.
- It often rains outdoors — pack an umbrella.
Düsseldorf weather in January
The weather in January and February often plunges Düsseldorf into a nasty slush. The weather in early January brings fine rain, but temperatures do not drop below freezing.
It's important to make sure your shoes are suitable for wading in puddles. Children should bring an extra pair of boots.
Temperatures in Düsseldorf drop only slightly in mid-January, but a light frost can sting your nose and ears at night. So don't stay out too late, especially if you're travelling with children. Children have a weaker immune system than adults and a cold will not make your trip any more enjoyable.
The weather in Düsseldorf at the end of January can greet the city with fluffy snow, but it often melts quickly, so be sure to take some photos. The snow-covered architecture of Düsseldorf looks particularly majestic and mysterious.
Air temperature and precipitation
The temperature in Düsseldorf in January is more like a late autumn: slushy, overcast and no frost except at night. It's not uncommon to see locals strolling the streets in their exclusive rubber boots or designer mackintoshes; the local fashion boutiques know all about Düsseldorf's winter weather.
The climate isn't exactly harsh, but it's far from the mildest in Germany. But there's no other Düsseldorf in the world like it. So wrap up warm and enjoy the experience that only this city can offer.
Air temperature in Düsseldorf in January
The average day temperature in January is +4,4°C and the average night temperature is around +1,9°C. January is considered to be the coldest month of the year in this city. However, as the average daytime temperature in January is often below freezing in other German cities, Düsseldorf can hardly be described as having a harsh winter. In fact, Düsseldorf has a mild winter. Temperatures are usually around +8°C at the beginning of the month, +2°C in mid-January and +5°C at the end, as February is the warmer month of the year.
Amount of precipitation
January is the second wettest month of the year after July and June. The average rainfall for the month is around 66-67 mm. There are about 5 days of rain and 1 day of snow. Most of the time it does not fall all at once, but is spread over a larger number of days during the month. January is not characterised by heavy downpours; it is most often a dull, fine drizzle.
Sunny, cloudy and overcast days
Due to the rainy weather in Düsseldorf, there are only 7 sunny days in January. The weather has divided the days of the month in this way: 22% of January has clear and sunny weather, 28% has cloudy skies and 50% has overcast days. This shouldn't scare travellers as it can easily make things right with an umbrella.
Tour Holidays
Düsseldorf has so many attractions that it's impossible to see them all in a week. So it's best to skip the standard historical sights, museums and churches in the city and list the most interesting things that will appeal to adults and children alike.
As for museums, the Mustard Museum is worth a visit if it's raining in early January. It's unique and you won't find it anywhere else in the world. In Düsseldorf you can see about 70 types of mustard! They will tell you and show you how mustard powder is turned into an exquisite sauce and how it is accompanied by many interesting spices, pieces of fruit and, of course, beer. At the end of the tour, all visitors are invited to taste and buy their favourite variety.
One of the most popular museums in Düsseldorf is the FilmMuseum, where you can not only see the outfits of popular film characters, but also a wide range of posters from world cinema from different eras. The girls will love admiring the costumes of their idols, while the boys will get to know the various cameras and accessories that make films possible.
If you want to marvel at German ingenuity, feel like you've stepped into the future and take your kids for a ride, try the Düsseldorf Skytrain that runs between the airport and the train station. Do it in mid-January, when the tourist crowds have died down a bit.
The Rheinturm television tower on Düsseldorf's waterfront deserves special attention. It looks a bit like an alien saucer with neon lights. Its levels have a viewing platform with spectacular views of the city and a revolving restaurant.
At the end of the promenade is the Architectural Zoo, a concentration of quirky buildings housing corporate offices, tourist centres and other facilities. Even at the end of January, these structures cheer up tourists and provide bright pictures.
For the children, there are also a few more interesting options:
Holidays, events and festivals
The festivities in Düsseldorf in January are still full of Christmas spirit. The first week of the month has a festive atmosphere. New Year's Eve illuminations are hung all over the city, enhancing the scenery of the beautiful city.
The most popular feature of the month is the International Boat Show, where all manner of yachts and boats from the basic to the more luxurious are on display. All lovers of this mode of transport from around the world are honoured to show off their beauties at this exhibition.
This is a fun event for adults and children alike, especially as there's no need to get cold — it takes place under the roof of the exhibition centre. The city then comes to a standstill in anticipation of the city's main events, which take place as early as February — Neanderthal Day and Carnival.
Shopping
January is characterised by a shopping frenzy, with discounts reaching an all-time high of -70-90%, including luxury brands. Many Germans look for items in the shops beforehand and then run out on sale days to get them at a low price.
By the way, Düsseldorf is one of the best shopping centres in Germany, on a par with Berlin.
The famous Königsallee, home to hundreds of boutiques of the world's best-known and most popular brands, attracts millions of shoppers every year. The largest outlet stores can also be found in the suburbs of Düsseldorf. Free shuttle buses run from the station all day, as the sales never end.
Cost of vacation
Prices in Dusseldorf are up 10-15% for the January holidays, which is not much compared to the rest of Germany's popular tourist destinations. Airfares are about 5-10% higher than in December and 3-5% higher than in February.
As for hotels, there is not much of a rush in January, except for the first week of the month, but within 10%. Some travel agencies offer shopping tours to Düsseldorf at ridiculous prices — it's a good way to see the city and buy quality clothes "on the cheap". Eating out in restaurants in Düsseldorf is unreasonably expensive, so there are alternative places all over the city, such as bistros or knaip, where tourists can get a hearty and tasty meal for 10-12 euros per person.
Tips for parents
A trip in January is a good idea for a holiday on your own, as a couple, or with children, as there's plenty to do under the warm rooftops of the city. For outdoor walking and sightseeing, young children are best left at home.
For the passive option, you just need to take the weather and temperature into account and dress warmly to avoid getting cold. Düsseldorf is a great option for school holidays and the city has plenty of exhibitions and museums to keep the youngest guests entertained. It's not quite as glamorous as Berlin, Hamburg or Munich, but that's the beauty of Düsseldorf. Get to know it better and let January help you do just that.
