Datong Weather in January

Season: winter
 Average temperature: -18 ~ -2℃ (-0.4 – 28.4℉)

Datong experiences the coldest weather in January. The high temperature generally remains -11 ~ 0 degrees Celsius (12 - 32 degrees Fahrenheit) during the daytime, which feels frigid. When the sun shines, it can reach about 4℃ (39.2℉), releasing the feeling of cold. However, it’s only applied in the downtown area. At the high-altitude Hanging Monastery and Yungang Grottoes, where huge wind blows, the perceived temperature drops to -15℃ (5℉). Without enough warm clothes, you can easily feel uncomfortable after walking for a while. At night, the low temperature remains below -20℃ (-4℉), so it’s almost impossible to see anyone outside. 
January sees the least precipitation, with a total amount of only 3 mm (0.1 in) distributed over 2 days. It appears in the form of light or moderate snow. Dry snowflake is the common type, which doesn’t accumulate to form a snow cover, unless it snows heavily. On the basis, the climate of Datong is dry in January, with a low humidity of 46%. 
 Although cold, it’s sunny mostly. More than 20 days in January are sunny, bringing 7 hours of sunshine per day on average. However, the late sunrise at 7:36 - 7:48 and early sunrise at 17:11 - 17:44 create a short daylight of 10 hours. Tourists need to hurry up a little bit, or choose some highlights to visit.
 There are 4 - 6 hazy days in Datong in January when both the air quality and visibility are poor. Travelers are advised to check the forecast 1 day before setting off and avoid hazy days if possible. If you have to, wear a protective mask all the time during outings.
  Clothes: A warm long down coat is a necessity for outdoor sightseeing in Datong in January 2026. Sweat-absorbing clothes are advised as the inner layer, for example, a pure cotton bottoming shirt. Then, either a sweater or hoodie is OK; turtleneck is not advised at indoor spots with strong heating equipment. As for the bottom, thermal long johns and wind-proof winter pants are good matches.

 Shoes: You need to walk a long distance at most attractions in low temperatures, so warm shoes are necessary. Snow boots are a good choice, and walking boots can be an alternative. They can also prevent you from slipping if you meet snowfall when visiting spots in mountainous areas. Meanwhile, wear warm socks. 

 Accessories: Remember to add hat, gloves, and scarf for visiting Mt. Hengshan, Yungang Grottoes, unless other clothes have wrapped yourself completely.
 1. Considering the cold climate, it’s not advised to arrange all outdoor sightseeing in one day. Alternate indoor and outdoor attractions can help your body stay energetic. Besides, choose warm periods from 10:00-15:00 for sightseeing in mountainous spots.

2. People who are afraid of cold can prepare some heating pads in your backpack, which are also useful for malfunctioning phones in extremely low temperatures.

3. If it snows the day before you go to mountainous destinations, be careful not to slip. There may be snow accumulation on the mountain road.

4. In the low travel season, you don’t need to spend much time queueing up or transferring between scenic spots, and then you can fully enjoy your trip.

5. In some years, the Chinese New Year falls in January, when the number of tourists in Datong increases greatly. But during the festival, you have the chance to appreciate or participate in various folk performances and activities in Datong Ancient City.