Nanning Weather in January

 Season: Winter
Nanning’s weather in January is cold and humid, but midday hours feel a bit warm especially when sunshine throws on people. It is also the dry season, with occasional showers only. There are abundant sunshine hours but UV rays are not strong, suitable for outdoor sightseeing. Without long public holidays falling in, January can be considered a shoulder travel season. 

Damp Cold Overall, Occasional Warm Moments

January is the coldest month in Nanning. With daytime highs of 13-22 degrees Celsius (55-72 degrees Fahrenheit), it seems like it isn’t that cold. But as Nanning weather is humid, the perceived temperature is much lower than the temperature reading on the thermometer. If a cold snap hits, temperature can drop significantly, with daytime highs being only 5-10 degrees Celsius (41-50 degrees Fahrenheit). Although it doesn’t drop below zero, this bone-chilling, damp cold is unbearable even for people from northern regions. 

However, visitors don’t have to be anxious too much. Because when the sunlight throws on them, the weather feels so warm that it’s totally ok to wear T-shirts during midday hours. For your information, about 15 days of the month experiences the highest temperature exceeding 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit). And the highest temperature can reach as high as 27 degrees Celsius (81 degrees Fahrenheit), but it only lasts for a while. After sunsets, the temperature would drop significantly, with nighttime lows of 1-5 degrees Celsius (34-41 degrees Fahrenheit). 
 

Limited Rain

January is one of the driest months in Nanning, with an average monthly precipitation of 35 mm from over 6 rainy days. The rain is usually in the form of light shower, often following cold air masses, coupled with temperatures drop, and lasting for 2-3 days. It’s also possible to witness moderate rain or even heavy rain in certain areas of Nanning. Therefore, for a better travel experience, it is advised to check the weather forecast and avoid those overcast days. 
 

Humidity

Nanning’s climate in January is quite humid, with an average humidity level remaining about 78%. On sunny periods, the weather feels OK for outdoor sightseeing; on gray days, damp air makes the weather feel much colder. 

In addition, when warm and humid air masses meet, especially by the end of January, the humid level may soar a lot, leading to a unique climate phenomenon called “Huinantian”. In those days, roads become pretty wet, moisture seeps through walls, indoor spaces are extremely cold but the locals dare not to open the windows at all. 
 

Sunshine Hours and Daylight Hours

Sunrise Time: 6:28-6:37
Sunset Time: 18:35-19:04

Due to limited rainfall, Nanning in January enjoys considerable sunshine hours, about 6 hours per day averagely. What’s more, the UV rays are mild, with maximum UV index being only 7. Therefore, outdoor exploration is highly recommended. If you want to catch a perfect sunset view, January is a suitable month, considering there are many sunny days this month. It’s advisable to reach the spot around 17:30 so that you can see how sky turns the color. Yong River Bridge is a great place to watch the sunset view - not only is the view beautiful, but there is Three Street and Two Alleys nearby, which is very convenient for visitors who want to have a city walk tour. Qingxiu Mountain is also recommended, with overlap of green lawns and golden sun and shimmering water surface, 

Daytime length lasts 12-12.5 hours in January, so visitors can explore the city at a relaxing pace. 
 

Is January a Good Time to Visit Nanning?

It depends. Visitors can weight up the pros and cons of visiting Nanning in January. 

In terms of weather, Nanning in January enjoys frequent sunny periods, when the humidity level is acceptable, making it suitable for outdoor activities. Benefiting from its relatively warm temperatures in winter, Nanning enjoys various blooming flowers that most northern cities don’t have. But if the cold air strikes, the weather can be quite damp and cold. 

In terms of tourist numbers, January is a quiet month less crowded, hotel prices are reasonable, and train tickets are easy to book. Except that the Chinese New Year may fall in January in some years, when can be busy travel periods. 
 

What to Wear for Nanning Trip in January 2027

Nanning January Clothes
 Upper Clothing: Considering the variable weather in January, it’s essential to wear in layers. For inner layers, visitors can choose T-shirts or long-sleeved shirts. A special tip: clothes may be hard to dry out, so it’s best to pack extra inner layers. Recommended middle layers include a hoodie, knitwear, and a sweater. An outer layer jacket or a wool coat is also necessary at night or on rainy days. 

 Bottom Clothing: A pair of thin-fleeced-lined jeans or thermal underwear paired with hiking pants are both OK for January’ weather. Girls can wear a thick long dress paired with thick leggings, warm and stylish. 

 Footwear: Comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes are suitable choices. It would be better if they are non-slip, as roads can be slippery when the weather becomes extremely humid. 

 Accessories: 
Although the rain is light in most cases, it’s still advisable to pack a folding umbrella. 
A pair of sunglasses can help take impressive photos and protect eyes from direct sunlight during sunny periods. 
 

Travel Recommendations and Tips

1. In January, Nanning offers stunning seasonal scenes, especially Mount Qingxiu which boasts different kinds of flowers. 
(1) The firecracker flowers form an entire wall of orange-red bloom, and the sweet fragrance makes you feel as if you’ve stepped right into spring. 
(2) The Chrysanthemum Exhibition offers hundreds of varieties in a vibrant array of colors – red, white, yellow, pink, and green. It usually takes place in early January, but it’s best to check the specific dates in advance. 
(3) The bougainvilleas are in full bloom in the Leaf Garden, mostly in red color. It’s worth noting that they are beautiful even on cloudy days. 

2. As January is the coldest month, it is exactly the best time to watch rime ice on Daming Mountain. The best viewing period is before 10:00, as the rime melt down when temperatures rise.

3. January 1st is a day-off in China, so there are crowds everywhere in Nanning on that day and perhaps days around. The rest of the month remains peaceful and cost-effective. 
 

7-Day Nanning Weather Forecast

CityWeather
- Last updated on Sep. 30, 2026 by Rachel Hou -