Weather Comparison
Side-by-side weather comparison for January
| Metric | Kyiv | Minsk | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average HighHigher is warmer | 0°C (32°F)▲ | -3°C (27°F) | Kyiv |
| Average LowHigher is milder | -12°C (10°F) | -7°C (19°F)▲ | Minsk |
| Rain DaysFewer is drier | 3 days▲ | 10 days | Kyiv |
| PrecipitationLess is drier | 33 mm▲ | 40 mm | Kyiv |
| Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier | 1h/day | 2h/day▲ | Minsk |
| HumidityLower is more comfortable | 65% | 65% | Tie |
| UV IndexLower is safer | 1 | 1 | Tie |
| Wind SpeedCalmer is better | 15 km/h▲ | 24 km/h | Kyiv |
Kyiv and Minsk are closely matched in January. Neither city has a clear advantage across all metrics. Your decision should come down to personal preference, cultural interests, and travel logistics rather than weather alone.
Kyiv is on the cooler side at 0°C, requiring warmer clothing. Minsk is cooler at -3°C.
For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Kyiv is the stronger choice in January. Minsk receives 1 more hour of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Kyiv reaches an average high of 0°C (32°F) and drops to -12°C (10°F) at night during January. The daily temperature range is 12°C, meaning significant temperature swings between day and night.
Minsk averages -3°C (27°F) for the high and -7°C (19°F) for the low, with a daily range of 4°C. The 3°C difference is noticeable but not dramatic.
Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in January.
Kyiv receives approximately 33 mm of rainfall across 3 rain days during January. Rain is occasional, so a light rain jacket should suffice.
Minsk sees 40 mm over 10 rain days. That makes Kyiv the drier option by 7 rain days and 7 mm of total precipitation.
Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.
Highs of 0°C, lows of -12°C, 3 rain days
Highs of -3°C, lows of -7°C, 10 rain days
Pack for both: heavy winter coat, thermal base layers, warm gloves and hat, insulated boots, 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 | Kyiv | Minsk | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Rain | High | Rain | |
| Jan | 0°C | 3d | -3°C | 10d |
| Feb | 5°C | 3d | -2°C | 10d |
| Mar | 11°C | 4d | 3°C | 10d |
| Apr | 17°C | 5d | 12°C | 10d |
| May | 21°C | 6d | 17°C | 13d |
| Jun | 23°C | 6d | 21°C | 13d |
| Jul | 21°C | 6d | 23°C | 13d |
| Aug | 17°C | 5d | 22°C | 11d |
| Sep | 11°C | 4d | 16°C | 10d |
| Oct | 5°C | 3d | 10°C | 11d |
| Nov | 0°C | 3d | 3°C | 10d |
| Dec | -1°C | 3d | -1°C | 10d |
Kyiv Weather in January
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities
Minsk Weather in January
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities