South Korea (Seoul) · January
Low seasonSouth Korea · Asia
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 3° (37°)-5– (23–)9 (48) | 6° (43°)-4– (25–)13 (55) | 12° (54°)2– (36–)20 (68) | 18° (64°)10– (50–)27 (81) | 24° (75°)15– (59–)30 (86) | 28° (82°)21– (70–)33 (91) | 30° (86°)24– (75–)33 (91) | 31° (88°)24– (75–)35 (95) | 27° (81°)20– (68–)31 (88) | 21° (70°)12– (54–)27 (81) | 13° (55°)2– (36–)20 (68) | 4° (39°)-6– (21–)12 (54) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | -7° (19°)-14– (7–)1 (34) | -4° (25°)-12– (10–)3 (37) | 1° (34°)-6– (21–)7 (45) | 8° (46°)1– (34–)13 (55) | 13° (55°)7– (45–)18 (64) | 19° (66°)13– (55–)23 (73) | 23° (73°)18– (64–)26 (79) | 24° (75°)17– (63–)27 (81) | 18° (64°)12– (54–)22 (72) | 10° (50°)1– (34–)17 (63) | 3° (37°)-6– (21–)11 (52) | -5° (23°)-13– (9–)4 (39) |
☀️Sunshine | 7h UV 5 | 8h UV 6 | 9h UV 7 | 8h UV 7 | 9h UV 8 | 8h UV 8 | 6h UV 6 | 6h UV 6 | 7h UV 6 | 7h UV 6 | 6h UV 5 | 6h UV 4 |
🌧Rain Days | 3d42mm (1.6") | 3d36mm (1.4") | 4d65mm (2.6") | 6d87mm (3.4") | 6d122mm (4.8") | 7d154mm (6.0") | 12d475mm (18.7") | 12d365mm (14.4") | 7d178mm (7.0") | 5d83mm (3.3") | 6d75mm (3.0") | 3d31mm (1.2") |
Best travel time current monthØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Off-season — lowest travel prices with still acceptable climate.
January in South Korea (Seoul) is on the cool side — with highs around 3°C (37°F) it's less suited for a beach holiday, but good for sightseeing away from the high season.
Temperatures reach a maximum of 3°C (37°F) during the day and drop to -7°C (19°F) at night — warm layers recommended. Peaks reach around 9°C (48°F), the coldest nights around -14°C (7°F) — frost does occur. The sun shines an average of 7 hours per day; there are 3 rain days with 42 mm (1.7 in) total.
Pack warm clothing and sturdy footwear. Cool temperatures make hiking and cultural trips enjoyable — beaches are off the agenda.
Harsh, dry winter: highs only a little above freezing, nights drop to around -7°C (19°F), and the sun often shines in crisp cold. Heated floors, steaming broths and warm hotteok from street stalls make the cold bearable. The palaces lie quiet under snow, and the ski resorts in the surrounding hills are open.
Packing list for South Korea (Seoul) in January
- Winter coat
- Thermal clothing and warm layers
- Hat, scarf and gloves
- Warm, waterproof shoes
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Small umbrella (occasional showers possible)
- Travel first-aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is January a good time to visit South Korea (Seoul)?
- January is not an optimal month for South Korea (Seoul) (Score: 54/100), but it is manageable. For better conditions, consider June, July, August, and September.
- How warm is it in South Korea (Seoul) in January?
- In January, South Korea (Seoul) sees daily highs of 3°C (37°F). Nights cool to -7°C (19°F), with a daily average of -2°C (28°F). Peaks reach around 9°C (48°F), the coldest nights around -14°C (7°F) — frost does occur.
- How much rain falls in South Korea (Seoul) in January?
- In January, South Korea (Seoul) receives an average of 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain over 3 rain days. That is comparatively dry.
- How many sunshine hours does South Korea (Seoul) get in January?
- South Korea (Seoul) averages 7 sunshine hours per day in January — close to the annual average.
