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Beijing Weather in January

Season: Winter
In short: cold with some winds; dry with only a few snowy days

Temperature

January has the lowest temperature all year round, which is -9 – 2°C (16 - 36°F) on average. Judging from that, the weather of Beijing this month is chilly overall, especially during the period before sunrise and after sunset, when the temperature can be as low as about -15°C (5°F) sometimes. Since Beijing also suffers from relatively strong winds this month, the apparent temperature may be even lower, so always remember to wear warm clothes when you go out.

Precipitation

The precipitation for January is only 3 mm on average and the weather is usually sunny. Due to the low temperature, it mainly reflects on snow instead of rain. Beijing may experience 2 snowy days on average this month. Accordingly, the humidity is low at about 44%. The air is dry, and you may need to take measures to moisturize your skin.

Badaling Great Wall in Winter

Daylight Hours/ Sunshine Hours

On average, from the sunrise time at 07:25 – 07:36 to the sunset time at 16:59 – 17:32, January has a bit short sunshine hours of no more than 10. During this period, the sunshine length occupies about 6 hours. As a result, some attractions will shift their closing time forward by 30-60 minutes, such as the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace. So, you’d better arrange a tight travel plan and fully use the time. The good news is that the sunshine is not intense at all this month.

Averages for Beijing Weather in January

Temperature: -4°C / 25°F

High Temperature: 2°C / 36°F

Low Temperature: -9°C / 16°F

Humidity: 44%

Rainfall: 3 mm

Rainy Days: 2 days

Sunrise: 07:25 ~ 07:36

Sunset: 16:59 ~ 17:32

Air Quality in January
Average AQI:70

Is January a Recommended Month to Visit Beijing?

January is not an ideal time in a year to visit Beijing. Although it is sunny most of the time, the weather is still bitterly cold and extremely windy and the temperatures sometimes can drop to below -10°C (14°F). What’s worse, compared with many other months, the daylight hours are not long enough for you to have a leisurely trip.

Sunny but Cold and Windy January

What to Wear in Beijing in January

Upper: January is cold with chilly winds, but the hotels, restaurants, buses, subways, waiting rooms, and other public places are all heated 24 hours a day. Therefore, to keep cozy in indoor places and warm when venturing outside, you’d better wear sweaters or hoodies as the inner layer and warm long down coats as the outer layer.

Bottoms: You are recommended to wear thermal pants plus thick jeans or sweatpants to keep warm. If you plan to go out in the early morning or stay out late, fleece outdoor pants may be a better choice.

Shoes: You are advised to pack thick and comfortable shoes like padded sneakers or snow boots, because the temperature is low this month and you may walk long during your trip. The shoes you bring better be non-slip, especially if you plan to climb the Great Wall, because there may be snowy days. Besides, long and thick socks are also necessary to keep warm.

Others:

1. Gloves, hats, and scarves are useful to keep you warm from the freezing Beijing climate of January. A relatively thick mask can protect your face from the cold winds.

2. Stock up on medication because the temperature difference between the inside and the outside is drastic, so the chances of catching a cold are high.

3. Skin is prone to drying out because of the wind chill, so a good moisturizer is advisable to bring. Also, a lip balm is needed.

Travel Recommendations and Tips in Beijing in January

Travel Recommendation Rate:

Travel Recommendations:

Despite the cold weather, you won’t want to miss the must-see attractions like the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and Tiananmen Square when you travel to Beijing this month. If you happen to visit on a snowy day, you will appreciate the unique beauty of these spots capped by snow. In addition, there are some more attractions recommended to visit this month if time permits.

1. The Chinese New Year Festival usually falls in January or February, when an abundance of colorful cultural activities, including the lion dances and lantern displays in the streets and the temple fairs in the Ditan Park, Grand View Garden, and the Old Summer Palace, are held.

Decoration of Chinese New Year Festival

Ski Resort in Winter

2. January is a good skiing season due to the low enough temperature. Houhai of Shichahai is a natural skate resort in winter, where facilities like ice skates and ice cars are provided and you can have fun with locals. Shijinglong Ski Resort and Nanshan Ski Resort are also good choices.

3. The National Museum is a good indoor place to visit if you encounter extremely cold days.

Travel Tips:

1. The number of tourists is not very large due to the unpleasant weather. However, to avoid any disappointments, always arrange your travel itinerary and make reservations in advance, because this time of year coincides with the beginning of winter vacation and the Spring Festival Travel Rush, and tickets for airplanes and trains are always in great demands.

Crowded Temple of Heaven

2. Remember to check the opening hours of attractions in advance, since some of them shorten their hours according to the daylight hours in winter. Moreover, finish your outdoor sightseeing early, so that you can go back to your hotel or sit in the warm restaurants and taste delicious food when the temperature drops at dusk.

3. Pay attention to the weather forecast and official information in advance if you plan to take cable cars in the Great Wall in January 2026, since they are inaccessible on some quite windy days.

7-Day Beijing Weather Forecast

What is the temperature in Beijing in January?

High/Low Temperatures of Beijing in January

Temperatures Graph of Beijing in January

Air Quality of Beijing in January

Historical Beijing Weather in January

Jan	Temperature		Sunrise / Sunset	Humi- dity (%)
Jan	High	Low	Sunrise / Sunset	Humi- dity (%)
1	3.2°C / 37.8°F	-5.1°C / 22.8°F	07:36 / 16:59	41
2	2.4°C / 36.3°F	-5.6°C / 21.9°F	07:36 / 17:00	44
3	-0.5°C / 31.1°F	-5°C / 23°F	07:37 / 17:01	23
4	0.9°C / 33.6°F	-8.4°C / 16.9°F	07:37 / 17:02	27
5	3.1°C / 37.6°F	-9.9°C / 14.2°F	07:37 / 17:03	36
6	-1.9°C / 28.6°F	-7.1°C / 19.2°F	07:37 / 17:04	47
7	-1.3°C / 29.7°F	-4.6°C / 23.7°F	07:37 / 17:05	70
8	2.1°C / 35.8°F	-4.7°C / 23.5°F	07:36 / 17:06	67
9	2.2°C / 36°F	-8.4°C / 16.9°F	07:36 / 17:07	65
10	4°C / 39.2°F	-8°C / 17.6°F	07:36 / 17:08	53
11	-0.4°C / °F	-10°C / 14°F	07:36 / 17:09	33
12	4°C / 31.3°F	-10.2°C / 13.6°F	07:36 / 17:10	44
13	4.9°C / 40.8°F	-6.8°C / 19.8°F	07:36 / 17:11	37
14	5.9°C / 42.6°F	-7°C / 19.4°F	07:35 / 17:12	36
15	3.2°C / 37.8°F	-5.4°C / 22.3°F	07:35 / 17:13	52
16	-0.5°C / 31.1°F	-5.6°C / 21.9°F	07:35 / 17:14	62
17	1.8°C / 35.2°F	-1.3°C / 29.7°F	07:34 / 17:15	64
18	0.4°C / 32.7°F	-2.7°C / 27.1°F	07:34 / 17:16	81
19	1.7°C / 35.1°F	-2.6°C / 27.3°F	07:33 / 17:18	71
20	-0.5°C / 31.1°F	-4.1°C / 24.6°F	07:33 / 17:19	24
21	-2.8°C / 27°F	-10.7°C / 12.7°F	07:32 / 17:20	17
22	-2.8°C / 27°F	-12.2°C / 10°F	07:32 / 17:21	21
23	-0.5°C / 31.1°F	-13.3°C / 8.1°F	07:31 / 17:22	26
24	-0.2°C / 31.6°F	-9.2°C / 15.4°F	07:30 / 17:23	16
25	2.6°C / 36.7°F	-12.5°C / 9.5°F	07:30 / 17:25	29
26	3.9°C / 39°F	-10.3°C / 13.5°F	07:29 / 17:26	35
27	1.3°C / 34.3°F	-9.8°C / 14.4°F	07:28 / 17:27	42
28	-0.6°C / 30.9°F	-6.7°C / 19.9°F	07:27 / 17:28	61
29	0.2°C / 32.4°F	-8.6°C / 16.5°F	07:27 / 17:29	39
30	-1.9°C / 28.6°F	-8.2°C / 17.2°F	07:26 / 17:30	62
31	0.3°C / 32.5°F	-7.3°C / 18.9°F	07:25 / 17:32	41

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- Last updated on May. 16, 2025 by Demi Li -