Weather in Katerini in January
Expect cold, fairly changeable weather in Katerini in January, the heart of winter. Expect highs of about 10°C / 49°F and overnight lows near 2°C / 36°F. Nights are chilly, so bring something warm for the evenings. The sea averages about 13°C / 55°F, too cold for most people to swim. Rain falls on around 5 days, adding up to about 28 mm over the month. Katerini sits on the plain between Mount Olympus and the sea, with beaches a short drive away. Northern Greece has proper winters, with cold northerly winds and the occasional snowfall. You get about 9½ hours of daylight a day, so plan sightseeing for the middle of the day. Bring a warm winter coat, a hat, gloves and sturdy, waterproof footwear. Weather can change quickly at this time of year, so check the forecast before a long day out. Make the most of the middle of the day, when it's warmest and brightest.
Swimming in Katerini in January
At around 13°C / 56°F, the sea in Katerini is too cold for most people to swim in January. Save swimming plans for July and August, when the water is much warmer. Beaches like Paralia Katerinis and Olympiaki Akti are still worth a visit for the scenery and a walk along the shore. Beaches are empty and unstaffed in winter, so swim only in calm conditions. If you do go in, a wetsuit is a good idea.
Crowds & Prices in Katerini in January
January is one of the quietest months in Katerini, with few visitors and a local, everyday feel. Prices are at their lowest of the year, although fewer hotels are open. Tavernas that stay open cater mainly to locals, which is often when the food is best. With so few visitors, the atmosphere is genuinely local, and people have time to chat. You can usually book at short notice.
What's Open in Katerini in January
Everyday life carries on in Katerini in January, as it does all year. Town hotels and tavernas stay open, but seaside resorts nearby close for the winter. Museums and archaeological sites are open on winter hours. Most sites close on 1 January. The mountain refuges on Olympus close for the winter. Public transport and services run as normal. It's a good time for museums and indoor sights, with few crowds.
Festivals & Holidays in Katerini in January
On 6 January, Epiphany, priests bless the waters, and young swimmers dive in to retrieve a cross thrown into the sea. New Year's Day is a public holiday, celebrated with family meals and vasilopita, a cake with a lucky coin baked inside. Locals in Katerini mark these dates in the traditional way, and visitors are welcome to join in. Beyond that, it's a month of everyday life, with locals filling the cafés and tavernas in the evenings.
Is January a Good Time to Visit Katerini?
January is worth it for Katerini if you're interested in culture, food and walking rather than beaches. Expect highs of around 10°C / 49°F, lows near 2°C / 36°F and rain on around 5 days. It's quiet, prices are low and the main town still has plenty going on, but the sea is cold and many resort businesses are closed. For beach weather, come in June, September or October instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the sun set in Katerini in January?
Sunset in Katerini is at around 5:15 pm at the start of January, around 5:25 pm in mid-January and around 5:45 pm by the end of the month, in Greek local time. With short days, plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning and early afternoon.
Does it snow in Katerini in January?
Sometimes. Northern Greece has proper winters, and cold northerly winds can bring snow for a day or two, although it rarely settles for long near the coast. The nearby mountains are usually snow-covered. Pack a warm coat, gloves and waterproof shoes.
Is January a good time for hiking on Mount Olympus?
Only the lower trails. Mount Olympus is snow-covered in January, and the high routes are for experienced mountaineers with winter gear. Forest walks near Litochoro and the lower Enipeas Gorge are the better options, in dry weather.
Do I need a car in Katerini in January?
Not for Katerini itself, which is easy to explore on foot. A car is the best way to reach Mount Olympus, Ancient Dion and the beaches, as bus connections are much less frequent in winter.
Is January or February better for visiting Katerini?
There's not much in it. Both are quiet winter months with cool, changeable weather. February has slightly longer days and often the start of carnival season, while January is the quietest month of the year. Either works for a relaxed, local-feeling trip.
Katerini Weather by Month
