Yichang Weather in January
Season: Winter
In short: Yichang Weather in January is the coldest throughout the year, but tolerable. And the climate is changeable with rainy and probable snowy days.
Average Temperature: 2 - 11℃ (36 - 52℉)
Recorded Highest Temperature: 19℃ (66℉)
Recorded Lowest Temperature: -3℃ (27℉)
January, as the coldest month, is right the winter season of Yichang City. On most days, the lowest temperature stay at 2-5℃ (36 - 41℉) and highest at 11-18 degrees Celsius (… degrees Fahrenheit), thus it’s not a torturing month by and large. Due to the high humidity, the sensible temperature may be 2-3℃ (36 - 37℉) lower.
Average Precipitation: 35mm
Humidity: 51 - 95%, not comfortable on rainy days
For Yichang climate in January in terms of rainfall, it is much less than in summer. 2-4 rainy days are expected, along with the rising humidity. The snowfall doesn’t always happen every year but it’s probable. After rain or snow, fog often forms on the river surface, bringing a total of 1-5 foggy days which influence visibility and sightseeing. Other time, it's mostly cloudy.
Sunrise time: 07:26 - 07:32
Sunset time: 17:44 - 18:09
The average daylight hours are 10 hours, which is relatively short in the year. Accordingly, the opening hours of Three Gorges Dam is 08:30 - 16:30 from December 16 to February 28/29, half an hour shorter in comparison to 08:30 - 17:00 in other times.
The average sunshine hours are 5-6 hours. While overcast days are common, the clouds and mist may clear especially by midday, thus the full view of the Three Gorges Dam can still be seen and tourists can gaze down from the observation deck at the magnificent sight of the Yangtze River flowing through the city.
Cons: The weather is cold. Also, often covered by clouds or fog, the grand sight of the dam may not be seen clearly.
Pros: January is the off travel season to the Three Gorges Dam, so you can enjoy a quieter trip at a lower cost. Also, in the dry season, the Yichang section of the Yangtze River is calm and clear. With the river being green or blue and mist lingering above, the scenery is picturesque when you take a cruise on the quiet river and pass by the zigzag gorges.
Clothes: A down jacket is necessary for the wet and cold weather although the temperature is not typically low. For inner layers, sweaters and thermal underwear are needed. Besides, the wind on the river lowers the sensitive temperature and it’s windier on high like the observation decks, so it is best to wear windproof clothes. For pants, thick jeans or windproof pants are recommended.
Shoes: Comfortable sneakers with thick socks are comfortable and sufficient. Thick boots can be prepared for people sensitive to cold like seniors and children.
Others:
1. Umbrella or raincoat.
2. A hat and scarf are always advised in winter.
3. A portable power bank is necessary as you will be outdoors all days long if you choose to take the cruise for the Three Gorges Dam, Gezhou Dam as well as Xiling Gorge and the battery drains quickly in cold weather.
1. Yichang may welcome more tourists than usual during New Year’s Day Holiday which usually falls on January 1 - 3, so try to avoid this period for better travel experience.
2. Keep a close eye on the daily forecast and pick a sunny day or, take a step back, a not that bad day with good visibility to visit the Three Gorges Dam.
3. If you encounter rain, the indoor Yichang Museum can be an option.
In short: Yichang Weather in January is the coldest throughout the year, but tolerable. And the climate is changeable with rainy and probable snowy days.
Temperature



January, as the coldest month, is right the winter season of Yichang City. On most days, the lowest temperature stay at 2-5℃ (36 - 41℉) and highest at 11-18 degrees Celsius (… degrees Fahrenheit), thus it’s not a torturing month by and large. Due to the high humidity, the sensible temperature may be 2-3℃ (36 - 37℉) lower.
Rainfall, Snowfall & Humidity


For Yichang climate in January in terms of rainfall, it is much less than in summer. 2-4 rainy days are expected, along with the rising humidity. The snowfall doesn’t always happen every year but it’s probable. After rain or snow, fog often forms on the river surface, bringing a total of 1-5 foggy days which influence visibility and sightseeing. Other time, it's mostly cloudy.
Daylight Hours & Sunshine Hours


The average daylight hours are 10 hours, which is relatively short in the year. Accordingly, the opening hours of Three Gorges Dam is 08:30 - 16:30 from December 16 to February 28/29, half an hour shorter in comparison to 08:30 - 17:00 in other times.
The average sunshine hours are 5-6 hours. While overcast days are common, the clouds and mist may clear especially by midday, thus the full view of the Three Gorges Dam can still be seen and tourists can gaze down from the observation deck at the magnificent sight of the Yangtze River flowing through the city.
Pros and Cons of Visiting the Three Gorges Dam in Yichang in January


What to Pack for a Visit to Three Gorges Dam in January?
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1. Umbrella or raincoat.
2. A hat and scarf are always advised in winter.
3. A portable power bank is necessary as you will be outdoors all days long if you choose to take the cruise for the Three Gorges Dam, Gezhou Dam as well as Xiling Gorge and the battery drains quickly in cold weather.
Travel Tips for Yichang in January
2. Keep a close eye on the daily forecast and pick a sunny day or, take a step back, a not that bad day with good visibility to visit the Three Gorges Dam.
3. If you encounter rain, the indoor Yichang Museum can be an option.
Recommended Tours
7-Day Yichang Weather Forecast
- Last updated on Sep. 30, 2025 by Gabby Li -