January is mid-winter in Austria, and that's great news if you're a skier, as there are now excellent conditions at ski resorts in the Alps. At lower altitudes with milder climes, Vienna's galleries and museums make appealing indoor destinations. And whether you're a keen dancer or would just like to dress up and people-watch, Vienna's ball season is an event to behold. Read on for more information on traveling to Austria in January.

Weather

January is mid-winter in Austria. As a landlocked country in Central Europe, winters are cold and snowy but not usually extreme. Part of Austria is covered in mountains (the Alps!) but not the whole country—the north and the east are low-lying. Towns and ski resorts at higher altitudes tend to be colder and windier than the lower-lying cities. Snow may be on the ground in such cities like Vienna and Salzburg, and nighttime temperatures may dip below 32°F (0°C), but daytime temperatures are usually a bit warmer. 

Crowds & Costs

Austria is a popular destination for skiing in January, so expect high prices and full hotels in ski resort areas. You'll need to book accommodation in advance; this is peak season in the Alps. However, beyond the mountains, you won't find too many other visitors throughout Austria. If you're planning on traveling to the cities, you may be able to get a deal on accommodation. Some smaller towns, such as those in the Salzkammergut lake district, effectively shut up shop for winter, though.

It's also important to know that if you're planning on attending one of Vienna's famous balls (the most popular of which are on in January and February), you'll need to secure your ticket months in advance. Vienna's balls are a fixture of the local social and entertainment calendar, and the most popular balls sell out quickly. Most tickets go on sale in the fall before the event. 

Plan your trip to Austria
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Get Started

Where to Go

Vienna is one of the richest and most rewarding cities for travelers interested in history, architecture, and European art. January is a great time to visit because you won't have to jostle for space at the art galleries, museums, palaces, and other noteworthy public buildings. The enormous Schönbrunn Palace looks beautiful with a layer of snow around the grounds, even though it was the summer residence of the Habsburgs. When it's cold and snowy, head indoors to one of Vienna's many galleries and museums, such as the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the Belvedere Gallery, and the Hundertwasser House.

If you're spending time in Vienna, it's also easy to fit in a day or two of skiing. The Zauberg Semmering is a relatively small ski area, but it's popular with the Viennese because it's only a 75-minute drive from the capital. Don't have your own wheels? Ride there on the Semmeringbahn, a spectacular mountain railway. The skiing at Zauberg Semmering is best suited to beginners and intermediate skiers, but there's also a freestyle park, night skiing, ice skating, sledding, and more.

What to Do

While skiing can be enjoyed close to the capital, keen skiers might want to head deeper into the Austrian Alps. The western city of Innsbruck is a excellent base for skiing adventures because the Nordkette Cable Car takes passengers right up to the ski fields from the city. Ski areas near Innsbruck include Mayrhofen, Zillertal, Kitzbühel, and Hafelekar-Rinne, one of the steepest ski runs in Europe.

For a completely different kind of Austrian experience, January is peak ball season in Vienna (along with February). These formal dances are held in fabulous palaces, concert halls, theaters, and other public spaces and give you a glimpse into traditional Viennese culture. It helps if you can waltz, but it's not strictly necessary if you purchase a ticket that allows you to sit at a table. Dancers usually stick to their social group, and formal attire is required. 

Events in January

New Year's Day, nationwide. New Year's Day on January 1 is a public holiday in Austria.

Vienna Philharmonic New Year's Concert, Vienna. The Vienna Philharmonic plays a concert on the morning of January 1 at the Musikverein concert hall.

Epiphany, nationwide. The religious festival of Epiphany is held on January 6, and many businesses and offices around Austria are closed for a public holiday.

Mozart Week, Salzburg. This week-long classical music festival in late January and early February celebrates Austrian musician and composer Mozart in a series of concerts in Salzburg.

More Helpful Information

Austria in December
Austria in February
Best Time of Year to Visit Austria
How Many Days to Spend in Austria