Tehran in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in Tehran

8°C (47°F) High Temp

1°C (34°F) Low Temp

30 mm (1.2 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Clear mountain views - Alborz Mountains are visible 22-25 days in January due to reduced smog and crisp air, perfect for photography at Milad Tower or Tabiat Bridge
Indoor cultural sites at their best - Museums like Banjul and Golestan Palace are comfortable to explore when outdoor sightseeing is limited, with fewer crowds and 2-3°C (36-37°F) warmer indoor temperatures
Authentic winter food culture - Traditional stews like fesenjan and ghormeh sabzi are served at peak flavor in local restaurants, plus street vendors sell hot roasted chestnuts and beets throughout bazaars
Lower accommodation costs - Hotel rates drop 30-40% compared to spring/fall peak seasons, with luxury hotels in northern Tehran offering winter packages from $80-120 per night

Considerations

Limited outdoor activity time - Comfortable outdoor exploration window is only 11am-3pm when temperatures reach 6-8°C (43-46°F), requiring careful itinerary planning
Occasional transport disruptions - Snow occurs 3-5 days per month, potentially affecting flights and mountain road access to ski resorts for 24-48 hours
Shorter daylight for sightseeing - Sunset at 5:30pm means rushed afternoon schedules and limited golden hour photography opportunities at outdoor sites

Best Activities in January

Traditional Bazaar Cultural Tours

Grand Bazaar and Tajrish Bazaar are ideal in January's cold weather - covered walkways stay 5-7°C (9-13°F) warmer than outside streets. Tea houses within bazaars serve seasonal hot drinks, and carpet vendors have more time for detailed explanations during slower tourist season. Morning tours (10am-1pm) avoid afternoon temperature drops.

Booking Tip: Book covered bazaar tours 5-7 days ahead through cultural tour operators. Expect 3-4 hour guided experiences costing 800,000-1,200,000 IRR ($15-25). Look for guides who include traditional tea stops and craft demonstrations. See current cultural tour options in booking section below.

Museum and Palace Complex Visits

January is peak season for Tehran's world-class museums. Golestan Palace, Banjul, and Carpet Museum offer warm indoor exploration when outdoor temperatures drop below 3°C (37°F). Reduced crowds mean better photography opportunities and more personal interaction with guides. Combined tickets save 20-30% during winter months.

Booking Tip: Purchase combined museum passes for 500,000-800,000 IRR ($10-16) covering 3-4 major sites. Book guided museum tours 7-10 days ahead to secure English-speaking guides. Winter opening hours are 9am-4pm. Check current museum tour packages in booking section below.

Northern Tehran Mountain Viewpoint Tours

Clear January air provides exceptional Alborz Mountain views from Milad Tower, Tabiat Bridge, and Sa'Dabad Complex. Best visibility occurs on cold, dry days following overnight frost. Cable car rides to higher elevations offer snow-capped mountain panoramas impossible to see in smoggy warmer months. Dress warmly for 10-15°C (18-27°F) temperature drops at elevation.

Booking Tip: Book mountain viewpoint tours for clear weather days, typically 2-3 days after snowfall. Half-day tours cost 1,000,000-1,500,000 IRR ($20-30) including transport to multiple viewpoints. Reserve cable car tickets in advance during winter weekends. See current mountain tour options in booking section below.

Traditional Hammam and Spa Experiences

Historic bathhouses like Hammam-e Ganjali Khan offer authentic warm refuge from January cold. Traditional hot stone treatments and steam rooms maintain 35-40°C (95-104°F) temperatures. Many hammams serve traditional winter herbal teas and offer massage packages. Perfect activity for 2-3pm when outdoor temperatures are coldest.

Booking Tip: Reserve hammam sessions 3-5 days ahead, especially weekends. Full traditional treatments cost 1,200,000-2,000,000 IRR ($25-40) for 2-3 hours. Look for facilities offering English-speaking attendants and cultural context. Many require advance booking for mixed-gender hours.

Covered Food Market Walking Tours

January showcases Tehran's best winter comfort foods in covered markets. Tajrish and Darband markets feature seasonal specialties like ash-e reshteh soup, roasted nuts, and hot barbari bread. Indoor food courts stay warm while offering authentic local dining experiences. Night food tours (6-9pm) highlight illuminated market atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Book evening food tours through local culinary guides for 1,500,000-2,500,000 IRR ($30-50) including 6-8 tastings. Reserve 7-10 days ahead for English commentary. Tours typically last 3-4 hours with transport between covered markets. Check current food tour availability in booking section below.

Contemporary Art Gallery Tours

Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art and private galleries in Zafaraniyeh district provide warm cultural immersion during cold January days. Winter exhibitions often feature major pieces normally stored due to climate control requirements. Gallery districts have heated cafes for breaks between venues, and reduced crowds allow detailed artwork viewing.

Booking Tip: Purchase gallery district passes for 600,000-1,000,000 IRR ($12-20) covering 4-5 venues. Book private gallery tours 5-7 days ahead for curator insights. Most galleries offer heated spaces and winter hours 10am-5pm. See current art tour packages in booking section below.

January Events & Festivals

December 20-21 (extends into early January celebrations)

Yalda Night Celebrations

Persian winter solstice festival featuring poetry readings, pomegranate and watermelon sharing, and family gatherings in restaurants and cultural centers. Many hotels host traditional Yalda dinners with live music and storytelling.

Late January to early February

Fajr International Film Festival

Iran's premier film festival showcasing international and domestic cinema across Tehran venues. Public screenings, director Q&As, and cultural events provide indoor entertainment during coldest weeks. English subtitles available for select screenings.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated waterproof boots rated for 0°C (32°F) - Essential for walking on potentially icy sidewalks and accessing mountain viewpoints

Layered clothing system - Thermal base layer, wool sweater, and wind-resistant outer jacket for 7°C (13°F) temperature swings between indoor/outdoor

Warm hat covering ears - Temperature feels 3-5°C (5-9°F) colder due to wind chill in open spaces like Azadi Square

Lightweight gloves for phone use - Touchscreen-compatible for photography during short 15-20 minute outdoor photo sessions

Scarf or neck warmer - Protects against cold mountain air when visiting elevated areas like Sa'Dabad Complex at 1,200m (3,937 ft)

Lip balm and moisturizer - 70% humidity combined with indoor heating causes rapid skin drying

Umbrella or compact rain jacket - Light precipitation occurs 10 days monthly, often as mixed rain/snow

Sunglasses - Snow glare and clear mountain air create bright conditions despite low UV index of 2

Cash in small bills - Many indoor attractions, bazaars, and tea houses prefer cash transactions during slower winter season

Portable phone charger - Cold temperatures reduce battery life 20-30% during outdoor photography sessions

Insider Knowledge

Visit outdoor attractions between 12pm-2pm when temperatures peak at 6-8°C (43-46°F) and tourist crowds are minimal - locals prefer morning indoor activities during winter

Book accommodations in northern Tehran neighborhoods like Elahieh or Jordan for better air quality and mountain views during clear January days, plus easier access to covered shopping areas

Carry small denominations of Iranian Rial - winter vendors in bazaars often lack change for large bills, and tips for indoor attraction guides are appreciated during slow tourism season

Tehran's metro system runs 2-3°C (4-5°F) warmer than street level and connects major indoor attractions efficiently - purchase weekly passes for 200,000 IRR ($4) to avoid cold surface waiting

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating indoor-outdoor temperature differences - restaurants and museums maintain 18-22°C (64-72°F) while streets drop to 1-3°C (34-37°F), causing discomfort without proper layering

Scheduling too many outdoor activities after 3pm when temperatures drop rapidly and daylight fades by 5:30pm, leaving insufficient time for proper sightseeing

Assuming all attractions maintain summer hours - many outdoor sites like parks and mountain cable cars reduce winter operating schedules or close during snow days