Situated in Northern Greece, Thessaloniki is relatively cold in January, especially when compared with the sunny province of Halkidiki, situated directly below the city. In January, temperatures can drop close to zero degrees Celsius, with an average of 6 degrees. In the daytime you can expect the temperature to be around 9 to 10 degrees Celsius. The city's port is situated in the Thermaikos gulf, which is quite windy this time of the year as the northern wind, Vardaris, is in full swing, cooling the area but dispersing cloud, resulting in relatively few rainy days (around 8).
Vardaris has its uses though and January is a great time for sailing in Thessaloniki and the surrounding areas. The Nautical Club of Thessaloniki, situated less than a kilometer from the city's center offers a host of fun sailing activities ranging from fun tours around the Termaikos gulf to professional sailing courses at very affordable prices.
At walking distance from the Nautical Club of Thessaloniki you can find one of the city's most famous hotels the Makedonia Palace. Praised for its amazing seaside view and its luxurious accommodations, Makedonia Palace is the hotel of choice for many a visitors with money to spare. The hotel is built on one of the most beautiful locations in the whole port and its bar and restaurants are open throughout the year.
For more economic accommodation you may opt for the Anatolia Hotel. The Anatolia is conveniently located on Lagkada Street, one of the major traffic arteries of the city, and it is considered the best valued hotel in Thessaloniki. Via Lagkada Street you can access the center of the city as well as quickly escape for a ski trip to famous ski resort Kaimaktsalan. There, a ski pass for the weekend costs only 17 (12 in weekdays). The resort is located 140 km from Thessaloniki and is best enjoyed in the winter months.
