Great Wall of China Weather in January

Season: Winter 
In short: January marks the coldest month for the Great Wall, with a climate characterized by dry, frigid conditions, occasional snowfall, strong winds, and episodes of smog.
 January stands as the coldest month at the Great Wall, with average temperatures ranging from -12℃ to 1℃ (10℉ to 34℉), and the lowest temperature can drop to -16℃ (3℉). Over 20 days in the month see minimum temperatures dip below -10℃ (14℉). The diurnal temperature variation is substantial: on a sunny noon, temperature may climb to around 5℃, yet it drops below freezing shortly after sunset. Furthermore, due to the Great Wall’s high elevation, temperatures can remain below freezing throughout the day on cloudy or windy days, with the wind chill making it feel even colder. Such conditions occur for more than 10 days in January.
 

Snowy day at the Great Wall in January

 Average precipitation: 21 mm
Humidity: 44%, with dry air
 Yes, it does! The Beijing suburbs where the Great Wall is situated typically see subfreezing temperatures in January, with precipitation primarily falling as snow. January usually witnesses only 2 days of snowfall, but when it does, the snow-cloaked Great Wall takes on an even more breathtaking grandeur.
 Sunrise time: 07:25 - 07:36
Sunset time: 16:59 - 17:32 

The average daytime duration at the Great Wall in January is approximately 9.5 hours, which is relatively short. Consequently, the operating hours of Beijing’s Great Wall sections, such as Badaling and Mutianyu, are shorter than summer months: Badaling will operate from 07:30 to 17:00, while Mutianyu will be open from 08:00 to 17:30. It is advisable to plan your itinerary in advance to make the most of your visit. The average daily sunshine duration in January is around 5 hours, with sunlight offering a modicum of warmth amid the cold climate. Additionally, there are 2 to 3 days of smog in January, during which sunshine hours are further reduced.
   Given the low temperatures and strong winds, January is not ideal for a visit to the Great Wall. That said, such weather means fewer tourists and less crowding. Moreover, the snow-covered Great Wall is a rare spectacle not easily witnessed in other months. If you do decide to visit in January of 2026, ensure you take thorough precautions to stay warm.

A sunny day at the Great Wall in January

 Clothes: Woolen sweaters, windproof thick down jackets, thermal pants, windproof hiking pants

Shoes: Fleece-lined sports shoes. In snowy conditions, anti-slip hiking shoes are highly recommended.

Others: Cotton gloves, fleece scarves, woolen hats, and other warming accessories are essential. Carrying a thermos and heat packs can help maintain body warmth.
 For travelers planning a January visit, Mutianyu and Badaling Great Walls are the top choices. These are among the best-preserved and most imposing sections, and they appear even more spectacular when blanketed in snow. Both Badaling and Mutianyu are equipped with facilities like cable cars, enabling quick access to the wall’s summit and minimizing prolonged exposure to the cold outdoors. Additionally, there is a ski resort near Badaling Great Wall; combining a Great Wall visit with skiing can enrich your trip.
 1. While tourist numbers are generally lower in January, the New Year’s Day holiday (January 1st to 3rd) and the Spring Festival holiday at the end of the month are peak periods for domestic travelers. It is advisable to avoid these times.
2. Check the weather forecast beforehand. Cable car services may be suspended during strong winds or heavy snowfall.
3. During the hike, physical exertion may make you feel overheated, but refrain from removing your heavy coat. Sudden temperature changes may lead to catching a cold.

Jan	Temperature		Sunrise / Sunset	Humi- dity (%)
	High	Low
1	-2°C / 28°F	-15°C / 5°F	07:40 / 17:00	44
2	-2°C / 28°F	-16°C / 3°F	07:40 / 17:01	44
3	0°C / 32°F	-13°C / 9°F	07:40 / 17:01	49
4	-1°C / 30°F	-15°C / 5°F	07:40 / 17:02	42
5	-3°C / 27°F	-15°C / 5°F	07:40 / 17:03	36
6	-1°C / 30°F	-15°C / 5°F	07:40 / 17:04	37
7	-1°C / 30°F	-13°C / 9°F	07:40 / 17:05	45
8	-3°C / 27°F	-15°C / 5°F	07:40 / 17:06	41
9	-5°C / 23°F	-15°C / 5°F	07:40 / 17:07	34
10	2°C / 36°F	-15°C / 5°F	07:39 / 17:08	40
11	3°C / 37°F	-14°C / 7°F	07:39 / 17:09	40
12	3°C / 37°F	-10°C / 14°F	07:39 / 17:10	40
13	3°C / 37°F	-11°C / 12°F	07:39 / 17:11	31
14	3°C / 37°F	-14°C / 7°F	07:38 / 17:12	30
15	-5°C / 23°F	-16°C / 3°F	07:38 / 17:14	37
16	-1°C / 30°F	-14°C / 7°F	07:38 / 17:15	50
17	2°C / 36°F	-12°C / 25°F	07:37 / 17:16	51
18	4°C / 39°F	-12°C / 25°F	07:37 / 17:17	38
19	1°C / 34°F	-10°C / 14°F	07:36 / 17:18	61
20	2°C / 36°F	-12°C / 25°F	07:36 / 17:19	53
21	6°C / 43°F	-9°C / 16°F	07:35 / 17:20	79
22	7°C / 45°F	-9°C / 16°F	07:34 / 17:22	73
23	7°C / 45°F	-8°C / 18°F	07:34 / 17:23	70
24	2°C / 36°F	-10°C / 14°F	07:33 / 17:24	68
25	2°C / 36°F	-12°C / 10°F	07:32 / 17:25	67
26	2°C / 36°F	-11°C / 12°F	07:32 / 17:26	65
27	5°C / 41°F	-12°C / 10°F	07:31 / 17:28	43
28	3°C / 37°F	-10°C / 14°F	07:30 / 17:29	39
29	2°C / 36°F	-10°C / 14°F	07:29 / 17:30	38
30	0°C / 32°F	-13°C / 9°F	07:28 / 17:31	38
31	-2°C / 28°F	-13°C / 9°F	07:27 / 17:33	51

 Read more: 
Badaling Great Wall Weather
Mutianyu Great Wall Weather