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Beijing Weather in January

January is not the most ideal time of a year to visit Beijing. Although it is sunny most of the time, the weather is still bitterly cold and extremely windy and the temperatures sometimes can drop to below -10°C (14°F).

All the hotels, restaurants, buses, subways, waiting rooms and other public places are all heated 24 hours a day.

However, the frequent snow fall makes this month a good skiing season. In addition, the traditional Chinese New Year usually falls in January or February.

Jan.

Feb.

Averages for Beijing Weather in January

Temperature: -4°C / 25°F

High Temperature: 2°C / 36°F

Low Temperature: -9°C / 16°F

Humidity: 44%

Rainfall: 3 mm

Rainy Days: 2 days

Sunrise: 07:25 ~ 07:36

Sunset: 16:59 ~ 17:32

Air Quality in January
Average AQI:70

What to Wear in Beijing in January

Thanks to the extensive heating system, a thin sweater is usually enough if you are staying inside. If venturing outside you have to wear a thick sweater, a warm down-coat, cotton boots, gloves, hat and scarf to keep you warm from the freezing Beijing climate of January.

Where to Go in Beijing in January

For skiing enthusiasts, Shijinglong Ski Resort and Nanshan Ski Resort are good choices. If it snows, a visit to see the snow-capped Badaling Great Wall is a must and then you can also enjoy the Badaling Ski Resort.

The Chinese New Year is also worth a visit, with an abundance of colorful cultural activities including the lion dances and lantern displays in the streets and the temple fairs in the Ditan Park, Grand View Garden, and the Old Summer Palace.

Longqing Gorge Icefall

Temple Fairs

Badaling Great Wall

10 Popular Ski Resorts

Other Tips

Stock up on medication because the temperature difference between the inside and the outside is drastic, so chances of catching a cold are strong. Also skin is prone to drying-out because of the wind chill, so a good moisturiser is advisable. And finally, to avoid any disappointments, always arrange your travel itinerary in advance because this time of year is the busiest in China, as it is the winter vacation and the Spring Festival Travel Rush.

What is the temperature in Beijing in January?

High/Low Temperatures of Beijing in January

Temperatures Graph of Beijing in January

Air Quality of Beijing in January

Historical Beijing Weather in January

Jan	Temperature		Sunrise / Sunset	Humi- dity (%)
Jan	High	Low	Sunrise / Sunset	Humi- dity (%)
1	3.2°C / 37.8°F	-5.1°C / 22.8°F	07:36 / 16:59	41
2	2.4°C / 36.3°F	-5.6°C / 21.9°F	07:36 / 17:00	44
3	-0.5°C / 31.1°F	-5°C / 23°F	07:37 / 17:01	23
4	0.9°C / 33.6°F	-8.4°C / 16.9°F	07:37 / 17:02	27
5	3.1°C / 37.6°F	-9.9°C / 14.2°F	07:37 / 17:03	36
6	-1.9°C / 28.6°F	-7.1°C / 19.2°F	07:37 / 17:04	47
7	-1.3°C / 29.7°F	-4.6°C / 23.7°F	07:37 / 17:05	70
8	2.1°C / 35.8°F	-4.7°C / 23.5°F	07:36 / 17:06	67
9	2.2°C / 36°F	-8.4°C / 16.9°F	07:36 / 17:07	65
10	4°C / 39.2°F	-8°C / 17.6°F	07:36 / 17:08	53
11	-0.4°C / °F	-10°C / 14°F	07:36 / 17:09	33
12	4°C / 31.3°F	-10.2°C / 13.6°F	07:36 / 17:10	44
13	4.9°C / 40.8°F	-6.8°C / 19.8°F	07:36 / 17:11	37
14	5.9°C / 42.6°F	-7°C / 19.4°F	07:35 / 17:12	36
15	3.2°C / 37.8°F	-5.4°C / 22.3°F	07:35 / 17:13	52
16	-0.5°C / 31.1°F	-5.6°C / 21.9°F	07:35 / 17:14	62
17	1.8°C / 35.2°F	-1.3°C / 29.7°F	07:34 / 17:15	64
18	0.4°C / 32.7°F	-2.7°C / 27.1°F	07:34 / 17:16	81
19	1.7°C / 35.1°F	-2.6°C / 27.3°F	07:33 / 17:18	71
20	-0.5°C / 31.1°F	-4.1°C / 24.6°F	07:33 / 17:19	24
21	-2.8°C / 27°F	-10.7°C / 12.7°F	07:32 / 17:20	17
22	-2.8°C / 27°F	-12.2°C / 10°F	07:32 / 17:21	21
23	-0.5°C / 31.1°F	-13.3°C / 8.1°F	07:31 / 17:22	26
24	-0.2°C / 31.6°F	-9.2°C / 15.4°F	07:30 / 17:23	16
25	2.6°C / 36.7°F	-12.5°C / 9.5°F	07:30 / 17:25	29
26	3.9°C / 39°F	-10.3°C / 13.5°F	07:29 / 17:26	35
27	1.3°C / 34.3°F	-9.8°C / 14.4°F	07:28 / 17:27	42
28	-0.6°C / 30.9°F	-6.7°C / 19.9°F	07:27 / 17:28	61
29	0.2°C / 32.4°F	-8.6°C / 16.5°F	07:27 / 17:29	39
30	-1.9°C / 28.6°F	-8.2°C / 17.2°F	07:26 / 17:30	62
31	0.3°C / 32.5°F	-7.3°C / 18.9°F	07:25 / 17:32	41

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- Last updated on May. 30, 2022 -

Questions & Answers on Beijing Weather in January

Asked by Camille f. from PHILIPPINES | Dec. 11, 2018 23:25

Would it snow in Beijing from jan 19 to 22 since the temperature were very low?

Answers (2)

Answered by Kaitlyn from AUSTRALIA | Dec. 12, 2018 23:46

The previous weather statistics show that the temperature may range from -5C to 5C during that period of time. The possibility of snow would be high. Thus you can recheck the weather forecast before going there.

Answered by Camille f. from PHILIPPINES | Dec. 16, 2018 07:57

Thank you so much😊💕 I will recheck the forecast 👍

Asked by Lilian Chew from MALAYSIA | Dec. 11, 2018 20:53

Hi, I will reach Beijing on 6/1/19 and leaving on 12/1/19.

Will I get a chance to experience snow during these period?

Answers (1)

Answered by Ava from SINGAPORE | Dec. 11, 2018 23:02

Based on the previous weather statistics, the temperature may range from -10C to 0C at that time. Thus it would be possible to see snow. But I cannot make sure about this. You'd better recheck the weather forecast before going there. Remember to bring enough warm clothes. :)

Asked by Rm from USA | Oct. 11, 2018 15:08

Hi. I am planning a trip to Beijing with my parents and two lil’ ones in jan.

We planning staying at Grand Hyatt. Will that be a good central location? Any suggestions for vegetarians? Also what would be the best closest local- flee markets with walking distance. Would it be a good time to visit the neighborhood villages if we book tour? I have read in reviews that most houses or place in the villages are closed due to winter. Please advise. Any suggestions for his 4 days itinerary? will be highly appreciated

Answers (1)

Answered by Abel from USA | Oct. 15, 2018 23:20

1. Yes, it is a good central location. Within 5,000 meters, you can visit the Palace Museum, Tian’anmen Square, Prince Gong Mansion, Beihai Park，Prince Gong Mansion…

2. Best Vegetarian Restaurants in the city:
Merits and Virtues Vegetarian House, located at No.Jia-2, Qianmen East Avenue, Dongcheng District
Pure Lotus Vegetarian Restaurant, located at west side of China Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Lili Vegetarian Restaurant, located inside Baijiatong Residence Community, Wenquan Town, Haidian District

3. Don’t worry, some villages won’t be closed in winter and you can take a visit there, such as Cuandixia Village and Huangling West Village in Mentougou…

4. Day1: Tian’anmen Square, the Palace Museum, Beihai Park
Day2: Badaling Great Wall, Ming tombs
Day3: Cuandixia Village and Huangling West Village in Mentougou
Day4: Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, South Luogu Lane

Asked by carolyn from AUSTRALIA | Aug. 31, 2018 18:42

why is it hard to grow crops or food in the colder months in Beijing?

Answers (1)

Answered by Jude from ITALY | Sep. 02, 2018 22:56

Because it’s very cold and dry, and many crops can’t grow well under such circumstances. BTW, the wheat is still growing in winter.