If you're looking for something out of the ordinary, a modern city steeped in history and art, head to Frankfurt am Main. It's the centre of constant business life. The windows of the office buildings burn around the clock, proving that the local businessmen are always on their toes. In this city, the joke that you can watch someone working endlessly takes on a life of its own. It's not for nothing that the Germans affectionately refer to Frankfurt am Main as 'Bankfurt'.
It is here that the country's financial artery is concentrated, its branches feeding Germany and the European Union. But for tourists, Frankfurt can be quite different: festive, chic and even romantic.
Frankfurt am Main in January: pros and cons
Reviews of holidays in Frankfurt am Main in January say that those who have worked hard can have a good holiday. Germans in general know how to relax, and the New Year holidays and the upcoming carnival season are their favourites.
Frankfurt am Main comes to a standstill in January as tired and stressed people enjoy a fun and relaxing break, only to return to the working world a little later. What's good about the city for tourists at this time of year:
- Decorations and festive lights are everywhere.
- The city hosts many exhibitions and tours by artists of various genres.
- The festive lights make you forget the unpleasant elements of the weather for a while.
- You can enjoy the atmosphere of January — skating rinks, decorated Christmas tree in the city centre, the scent of pine needles and the spirit of celebration.
- Sales start in the shops
But there are nuances to be aware of in January as well:
- It's winter outside, so you need to dress warmly.
- Not the best weather for travelling with small children.
- Flights this month are the most expensive of the year.
- The Frankfurt Card can help you save some money.
Weather in Frankfurt am Main in January
January and February are some of the most unpleasant months of the year. January tops the list of the three coldest and tops the list of the three windiest months of the year. The weather at the beginning of the month is less worrying because of the festive tinsel that brightens up both the slush and the frost.
On these days, you don't really care what's going on outside because you're immersed in the atmosphere of festivity and celebration. The temperatures in Frankfurt am Main in mid-January, on the other hand, are a welcome break from the festivities and a chance to look forward to the arrival of spring.
And it's not just the cold — well, not just the cold — it's the unbelievable desire for sunshine. At the end of January, the weather in Frankfurt am Main gets a degree warmer, because the following February, the average temperatures will also be higher on the threshold of spring.
Air temperature
The city does not have the mildest climate compared to other German cities. Despite being much further south than the capital, the temperature in Frankfurt am Main in January is lower than in Berlin. This is due to all the other factors that influence the weather: the distance from very large waterways, the terrain and the altitude.
Winters are mild, but it's still not a good idea to take young children on a trip in January. It is better to wait for the warmer months. If you're travelling with older children, think carefully about your clothing to make sure you're warm enough and their feet don't get wet or cold.
Air temperature in Frankfurt am Main in January
The temperature in Frankfurt am Main stays about the same throughout January — +3,5°C during the day and 0 to -3°C at night. On sunny and rainy days, daytime temperatures can rise to +6°C. Snow is more likely to fall during the darkest hours of the day when the thermometer is below freezing. During the rest of the month, temperatures fluctuate by a few degrees.
Towards the end of the month, the air becomes about 1 degree warmer than the monthly average. This usually happens in the last week of January.
Amount of precipitation
January is somewhere in the middle of the rainfall chart. There are about three days of rain and one day of snow. The average rainfall is 50,3 mm. Frankfurt am Main also experiences the popular German phenomenon of freezing rain, which falls to the ground in the form of crumbling ice flakes. They are too light and flat to be called hail, and too unkempt and translucent to be called snow. They crunch mysteriously underfoot, as if you're stepping on broken glass.
Sunny, cloudy and overcast days
The most common type of weather in January is cloudy. It accounts for 57% of the month. These days are also more likely to see precipitation, either rain or snow. The sun is least likely to shine in January, with clear skies on only 20% of the days.
The remaining 23% of days are cloudy. Cloudy differs from overcast in that in some places there is a patch of blue in the sky and the day is slightly brighter than overcast.
Tour Holidays
Frankfurt am Main is a city of striking contrasts between the modern and the old. The banking district is as popular a symbol of the city as the old town. Here, on top of the Meinthauer skyscraper, is the city's main viewing platform. But in early January you can only get here if the weather is clear and calm — any other day is considered unsafe, and visibility is very limited in the thick clouds.
Another interesting spot in the business district is the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Just look at the two powerful figures of a bull and a bear, symbolising the stock market players!
Even in mid-January you can see the number of people wanting to get rich — both statues of animals have their horns, ears and noses rubbed to a shine. Some rub them for luck, some for wealth, and some to make their wishes come true. And how enthusiastically the children take part in this ritual!
A popular old building in Frankfurt am Main is the Alte Oper. It hosts many concerts this month, so it's easy to appreciate its interior if you buy a ticket. But be prepared for this unusual triviality — you'll have to pay €1 to leave things in the cloakroom.
In the historic centre of the city, called Remberberg, which translates as 'Roman City', you can see many interesting buildings. These include the Gothic town hall and the statue of the Goddess of Justice.
When winter finally leaves at the end of January and you're looking forward to a few hours of spring, head to the Palmengarten, Europe's finest botanical garden.
Its special feature is that it is open all year round, as most of the plants are indoors. The air in the garden is filled with the scent of exotic flowers, and in some of the rooms you can find representatives of the animal world — turtles, butterflies and birds.
In the Post and Communication Museum you can see the development of the telephone. The Senckenberg Museum surprises adults and children alike with the world's largest collection of dinosaur skeletons, giving you the perfect opportunity to appreciate the true size of these extinct giants.
Holidays, events and festivals
The festivities in Frankfurt am Main in January are not as pronounced as in some other months. This is the peak time for attending cultural events. During this month, the city becomes a magnet for a variety of touring performances. Many artists, singers, theatre companies, ballet and opera stars visit the city.
January is often an exciting time for circus performances. It's a good idea to book tickets for a concert or play and take a tour of the local theatres and concert halls.
Frankfurt also hosts a number of diverse exhibitions in January, providing an opportunity to discover all kinds of innovations in industry, creativity and the arts. In the Palmengarten, a camellia exhibition is held in January, the time of year when their beautiful blossoms are in full bloom.
Shopping
It's sales season and Frankfurt's popular Skyline Plaza and MyZeil shops are packed with brands to suit all tastes and budgets. January is a great time to shop as bargains can be up to 80% off. For trendy and expensive brands, head to Göthe Street. Another popular shopping street for locals and tourists alike is the Zeil, where you'll find shops selling clothes as well as other goods.
Frankfurt am Main is not the cheapest city to shop in, but during the discount season it is a bargain and, most importantly, convenient, as many German shopaholics prefer to travel to other major German cities to do their shopping.
Cost of vacation
Airfares to Frankfurt am Main in January are not the cheapest. Flights in this month are the most expensive of the year, costing around 10-15% more than the average price. Hotels also increase in price by up to 15% during the holiday season.
One particular expense is food. A cheap snack can be found in fast food restaurants for around 10-15 euros, a meal in a local tavern will cost twice as much — around 20-30 euros, and dinner in a restaurant for one person will cost around 50 euros including drinks.
Tips for families travelling with children
Younger children should not be taken on this trip as the cold winter is not a good option for outings. It's worth exploring the town on your own for now, so you can come back here with your kids in the warmer months. Children of secondary school age will still appreciate the city's festive decorations and interesting museums. But even they should dress carefully to avoid coming back with a cold.
If you do decide to visit Frankfurt in January with the kids, combine outdoor adventures with fascinating museums or enjoying time in a cosy café with a delicious dessert.
Frankfurt am Main is Germany's financial hub, so don't expect to spend your holiday on a budget. But it is a city worth seeing for the financial potential of Europe's leaders and the historical backbone on which a giant of the European Union like Germany rests. A trip in January will be an exquisite pleasure with its festive atmosphere and cultural life.
