Guilin Weather in January

 Season: winter
 Overview: 
Unlike the dry weather of northern China, like Beijing, Guilin's weather in January is characterized by low rainfall but high humidity, with frequent overcast and foggy conditions. The high humidity and relatively low temperatures lead to clammy weather. But don’t worry: you will not feel very cold, and you may even feel quite warm during the sunny midday. January is not a bad month to visit Guilin, with nice and tranquil natural views, fewer tourists, and lower travel costs, as long as you wear proper clothing. 
 January is the coldest month in Guilin, but it’s still milder than most northern cities in China. On sunny days, daytime highs range from 16 to 21°C (61-70°F), and the highest temperature can reach 23°C (73°F). When the sunlight falls on your body, you would feel a bit warm, and it’s totally ok to wear a sweater with a wool coat. But if you encounter rainy days in a row, the weather becomes significantly colder, with daytime highs of 6-14°C (43-57°F). When the cold air masses strike, daytime temperatures can even drop to only 1-3°C (34-37°F). Moreover, strong winds and humid air can make you feel much colder than the weather prediction.  

Visitors should also be aware of the considerable temperature difference between day and night, with nighttime lows of 3-7 degrees Celsius (37-45 degrees Fahrenheit). So don’t forget to wear an extra layer for outdoor activities at night.

Besides, high-altitude areas experience colder temperatures than urban areas, especially in northern areas. Mao’er Mountain, 2100 meters (7,000 feet) high, has a much lower daytime high temperature: 4-10°C (40-50°F). Cold air masses possibly bring a spectacular winter view: rime ice, icicles, and the sea of clouds. But you are also advised to take care of icy roads during the journey. 

A Sunny Day in January

 

Low-level Water Season

January is one of the driest months in Guilin, with an average precipitation of 63 mm over 16 rainy days, and the rain usually appears as light showers. So your outdoor explorations may be only affected a bit, whether taking boats or enjoying natural attractions. It’s possible to experience freezing rain and sleet in mountainous areas. 

Due to the low precipitation, river water levels will also drop, and you may notice pebbles becoming exposed. This might affect the scenic appeal of the landscape and the river tourist route. 
 Guilin’s climate in January is quite humid, and the average humidity level remains about 73%. The wet air can cause condensation to form on walls and make it difficult for clothes to dry. More noticeably, the damp air results in a lower perceived temperature like mentioned above. 
 

Elephant Trunk Hill

Daylight hours are short at 10.5 – 11 hours in Guilin in January, indicating that you have relatively limited time to travel around and need to plan a more compact itinerary for your trip.

In January, foggy days are relatively common. A light mist can add a dreamlike quality to natural landscapes, like Elephant Trunk Hill and Li River, while heavy fog significantly reduces visibility, lowering your travel experience and necessitating extra caution for traffic safety. Besides, gray days are quite frequent. Therefore, though the rainfall is not very high this month, you’ll only enjoy 3 sunshine hours per day on average.

Guilin boasts an abundance of excellent natural resources, making it an ideal destination for sunrise viewing. Consider heading to Mao’er Mountain to catch the sunrise, as it takes only half an hour to reach the summit. If you are lucky, you might even catch the sun rising above the sea of clouds from the mountaintop. One bonus: Guilin in January is quiet with fewer tourists, so you don’t need to arrive early to secure the best viewing spot.