Jinan Weather in January

 Season: Winter

January, the mid-winter in Jinan, is the coldest month of the year with frigid weather. One or two snowfalls can be expected. Chinese New Year may fall in late January, when you can experience traditional Chinese culture and customs.

 Average Temperature: -3℃ - 7℃ (27 - 45℉)
 Recorded Highest Temperature: 13 Degrees Celsius (55 Degrees Fahrenheit)
 Recorded Lowest Temperature: -12℃ (10℉)

As the coldest month of the year, Jinan sees freezing temperatures on most days in January. Highs are mostly below 10°C (50℉), never exceeding 13°C (55℉). Lows range from -3°C (27℉) to 1°C (34℉) at the beginning of the month, while dropping significantly in mid-to-late January, with around three days below -10℃ (14℉). As chilly winds often blow, the sensitive temperature can be around 5°C (41℉) lower. You will have frosty breath in the chilly air.
  Average Precipitation: 3mm

January is one of the months with the least precipitation in Jinan, typically less than 5mm, mostly in form of snow showers or light snowfalls. But as the amount is small, snow accumulation is thin and short-lived, typically melting after one or two days. Generally, your trip won’t be influenced by bad road conditions caused by snowfall a lot. 
  Sunrise time: 07:14 – 07:23
 Sunset time: 17:06 – 17:36

January in Jinan has shorter days and longer nights, with an average day length of only about 9 hours. The average daily sunshine duration is less than 7 hours, from approximately 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Most days are sunny, with clear skies, soft and bright sunshine and minimal fog. Even on occasional cloudy days, the sunlight won’t be completely blocked. In these weather conditions, it’s easier to take amazing travel photos. 
 With the Chinese New Year approaching in late January in some years, locals hold various temple fairs and lantern fairs in spring parks, and even trees along the streets are adorned with red lanterns, allowing tourists to experience local customs and the lively festival atmosphere of the city! What’s more, January is the off season on the whole if avoiding the 8-9 days’ Chinese New Year holiday, accommodation and dining are more affordable, the scenic spots are less crowded and you can still feel the festive atmosphere before and after the holiday as the city wears the new year makeup and fairs and activities last for the whole month.

If lucky, you may encounter captivating snowscapes. Ancient buildings with red walls are covered in white snow, giving the bald winter vibrant colors. The springs, gushing amidst the snow, emit white water steam, making them even more enchanting. 
 Travelers hesitate because of the freezing temperatures. Even on sunny days, the biting cold wind steals the warmth of the sun, making it hard to stay outdoor too long even when bundled up. Although the spring water remains super clear, the classic boat tours may be suspended due to low water levels. Furthermore, trees are bare and natural scenery is not attractive.
  Clothes: A thick and long down coat is a must for the bone-chilling weather. Thermal underwear and sweaters are necessary for inner layers. Wind-proof bottoms are better.

 Shoes: Waterproof snow boots are the best.

 Others: A warm hat, a scarf and a pair of gloves are essential. Some travelers may get their hands frostbitten.
 Titled “the city of a thousand springs”, Jinan boasts more than 1,000 natural springs. The Baotu Spring is the most famous and amazing one. The water temperature always remains around 18℃, so the steam is formed when the water vapor comes across the cold air, thus mist can always be seen over the spring in January, like a fairyland. 
 If you are after the traditional Chinese customs and culture, January is a good choice. Before the Chinese New Year, Daming Lake would hold the temple fair with festival markets for citizens to do shopping for the coming family reunion day, as well as lantern fairs. You can find every famous local snack there and the traditional handicrafts like paper cutting, sugar figures and dough figures, and shadow puppets which are on the Chinese intangible cultural heritage list. Other spring parks like Wulongtan and Baotu Spring are also decked out with colorful lanterns.
 1. If you want the best new year vibe during the Chinese New Year holiday, it’s advised to book everything in advance as attractions are packed, trains are hard-to-get, and flight ticket prices soar up during the holiday.
2. On snowy days, remember to brush off snowflakes on your clothes before entering warm indoor places to keep them dry.