Weather in South Korea in January
January in South Korea is deep winter. Days are short. The outdoor plan is a window in the middle of the day or not at all.
A country pin in January is a warning: one region of South Korea will not match another. Use a city page if you already know where you are going. January is the cold side of the year in South Korea. Pack for that, not for a leftover summer photo.
- Average temp
- -1°C
-6–4°C
- Rainfall
- 27 mm
Not much rain
- Sunshine
- 5.4 h
hours per day
What to expect
Daytime
Days in South Korea in January are about getting between indoor places. The cold is the story. Gloves are not a fashion choice.
A clear spell is for a short walk, then back in. Do not plan a long outdoor day as the default. Night falls early and the cold deepens with it.
Rain
January is on the drier side of the year in South Korea. Showers are possible. They do not define the month.
A shell that lives in the bag is enough. This is not July, and it should not be packed as if it were.
Evening
Evenings are cooler. A layer helps after sunset.
What to pack
A layer for cooler evenings
Where to stay in South Korea
Featured stays on trip1. Dates are a starting point for January.
Travel guides for South Korea
What to read before you book.
Average weather in South Korea
TemperatureRainfall
Similar weather in January
Other destinations whose January averages sit close to this one.
Check another month
This is the month you are reading. Change either side to look at another.
FAQs about South Korea
Climate averages for South Korea, 1991–2020.
The best time to visit South Korea is between May and October, the most comfortable stretch of the year on these averages.
August is the hottest month, with an average around 27°C.
August is the wettest month, with about 315 mm of rain.
No. These are 1991–2020 climate normals from Meteostat, not a live forecast. Actual weather in any given week can differ.
