Things to Do in Brno in January

January Weather in Brno

2°C (35°F) High Temp

-4°C (25°F) Low Temp

23mm (0.9 inches) Rainfall

88% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Spilberk Castle and underground tunnels are atmospheric in winter fog, with zero tourist crowds and dramatic lighting for photography
Christmas markets extend through mid-January with svařák (mulled wine) at 80-120 CZK and traditional trdelník pastries still available
Hotel rates drop 40-60% from December peaks - luxury properties like Hotel Continental average 2,800-3,500 CZK versus 5,000+ CZK in summer
Authentic local experience - restaurants serve hearty winter specialties like goulash and svíčková, while locals gather in wine cellars for tastings

Considerations

Daylight lasts only 8.5 hours (sunrise 7:45am, sunset 4:15pm) severely limiting outdoor sightseeing time
Many outdoor attractions like Moravian Karst caves operate reduced schedules or close entirely due to freezing conditions
Public transport delays increase 30% due to ice and snow, particularly affecting tram lines to outer districts

Best Activities in January

Historic Underground Brno Tours

January is perfect for exploring Brno's 15km (9.3 miles) of medieval cellars and tunnels beneath the old town. The constant 8-10°C (46-50°F) underground temperature provides welcome warmth, and winter atmosphere makes the historical narratives more immersive. Underground ossuary at St. James Church is particularly atmospheric.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead as group sizes are limited to 15 people. Tours typically cost 200-350 CZK and run year-round. Look for certified guides who speak English fluently. See current underground tour options in the booking section below.

South Moravian Wine Cellar Experiences

January is traditional wine tasting season in Moravian cellars. Local winemakers open their private cellars for intimate tastings of Grüner Veltliner and Riesling. The cold weather makes the warm, candlelit cellars especially inviting, and this is when locals celebrate wine harvest results.

Booking Tip: Book through wine tourism operators 10-14 days ahead. Full-day experiences typically cost 1,500-2,500 CZK including transportation to wine villages 20-30km (12-19 miles) from city center. Look for tours that include traditional wine cellar meals.

Villa Tugendhat Architecture Tours

Mies van der Rohe's UNESCO masterpiece offers heated indoor tours perfect for January weather. Winter light through the iconic floor-to-ceiling windows creates unique photographic opportunities. Limited visitor numbers in winter mean more intimate access to this architectural landmark.

Booking Tip: Mandatory advance booking up to 3 months ahead - January slots open in October. Tours cost 350 CZK and run Tuesday-Sunday. English tours available at 11am and 2pm. Architecture enthusiasts should book immediately upon planning trip.

Traditional Czech Spa Experiences

January is peak season for thermal spa treatments in nearby Lednice-Valtice region. The contrast between frigid outdoor temperatures and warm spa waters (36-40°C/97-104°F) provides authentic Central European winter wellness experience that locals cherish.

Booking Tip: Day spa packages typically cost 2,000-4,000 CZK including transportation. Book 7-10 days ahead as weekends fill quickly with locals escaping winter weather. Look for packages combining spa with castle visits in Lednice-Valtice UNESCO area.

Moravian Museum Winter Collections

Brno's premier museums showcase special winter exhibitions only available January-March. The Moravian Museum's ethnographic collections highlight traditional winter crafts and folklore. Heated indoor spaces with world-class collections provide cultural immersion during short daylight hours.

Booking Tip: Museum passes cost 200-300 CZK and provide access to multiple locations. Special winter exhibitions typically require separate tickets at 150-250 CZK. Check opening hours as some locations close Mondays in winter.

January Events & Festivals

January 6th

Three Kings Day Celebrations

Traditional Czech celebration on January 6th with door-to-door carol singing and chalk house blessings. Experience authentic folk customs as local children dress as the Three Wise Men and collect donations for charity while singing traditional songs.

Throughout January

Winter Wine Festival Continuation

Extended celebration of St. Martin's wine continues through January in Moravian wine cellars. Private tastings and special winter wine releases happen throughout the month in villages surrounding Brno.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated waterproof boots rated for -10°C (14°F) - cobblestone streets become treacherously icy and salt damage is common

Wool base layers and thermal underwear - indoor heating in older buildings is inconsistent, and you'll spend significant time walking between tram stops

Heavy winter coat rated for -5°C (23°F) with hood - wind chill factor makes temperatures feel 5-8 degrees colder

Waterproof gloves and warm hat - 88% humidity makes cold feel more penetrating, and you'll be handling cold metal door handles and tram rails

Lip balm and heavy moisturizer - low UV index doesn't prevent wind and dry indoor heating from causing skin damage

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains battery life 30-40% faster, critical for navigation in shortened daylight

Umbrella and light rain jacket - 10 rainy days means frequent brief showers mixed with sleet

Wool socks (multiple pairs) - feet stay wet longer in cold, humid conditions, and having dry backup pairs prevents discomfort

Sunglasses - rare bright winter days create intense glare off snow and ice, particularly around Spilberk Castle grounds

Small daypack with waterproof cover - for carrying layers as you move between heated indoor spaces and frigid outdoors

Insider Knowledge

Tram line 4 to Mendlovo náměstí runs most reliably in winter weather - locals avoid lines 1 and 9 which suffer frequent delays on hillier routes when icy

Restaurant kitchens serve larger portions of traditional dishes like svíčková and goulash in January - it's cultural norm to offer hearty winter comfort food, often 20-30% larger than summer portions

Book accommodations near city center rather than outer districts - heating costs cause some budget hotels in residential areas to reduce overnight heating, and tram delays to center increase significantly

Municipal heating system reaches peak efficiency in January, so older buildings with central heating are actually warmer than modern hotels with individual room units - prioritize established properties built during socialist era

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how early darkness falls - tourists plan full sightseeing days but lose outdoor photo opportunities after 4:15pm, missing golden hour lighting at major attractions

Wearing cotton layers instead of wool or synthetic materials - cotton retains moisture in 88% humidity and provides no insulation when damp from brief rain showers

Booking accommodations without checking heating systems - some budget properties reduce heating overnight to cut costs, leaving guests uncomfortable in sub-freezing temperatures