Seoul in January
In January, Seoul averages 2°C (36°F) during the day and -6°C (21°F) at night, with around 7 days of rain (20 mm total).
Off-peakConditions are cold — pack winter layers. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate. Snowfall occurs on roughly 3 days.
January in Seoul is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How January compares to the rest of the year in Seoul
January is one of the coolest months in Seoul (12th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (9th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 15°C below the annual average (17°C). January runs 2°C cooler than December (4°C) and warms a further 2°C into February (4°C).
January sunrise & sunset in Seoul
Times shown for Seoul local time (Asia/Seoul), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Seoul — January
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Seoul's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Seoul in January
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on January's tier (Off-peak) and Seoul's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — January in Seoul
This is off-peak for Seoul — the lowest prices of the year and the fewest crowds, but with real trade-offs: some restaurants, hotels, and beach businesses may close for the season; weather conditions can make outdoor activities unpredictable; and a handful of seasonal sights run reduced hours or close entirely. Great if you prefer a quiet local rhythm and don't mind the climate giving you reasons to choose indoor activities.
Why this tier: challenging tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — January in Seoul
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
🌨 Some snow — Seoul in January
Gear: Occasional snow, often slushy by afternoon. Waterproof boots, warm coat, hat and gloves.
Seoul in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 2°C / 36°F | -6°C / 21°F | 20 mm | 7 | 3 |
| February | 4°C / 39°F | -3°C / 27°F | 25 mm | 7 | 2 |
| March | 10°C / 50°F | 1°C / 34°F | 45 mm | 8 | — |
| April | 17°C / 63°F | 7°C / 45°F | 75 mm | 9 | — |
| May | 23°C / 73°F | 13°C / 55°F | 105 mm | 10 | — |
| June | 27°C / 81°F | 18°C / 64°F | 130 mm | 11 | — |
| July | 29°C / 84°F | 22°C / 72°F | 395 mm | 16 | — |
| August | 30°C / 86°F | 22°C / 72°F | 365 mm | 14 | — |
| September | 26°C / 79°F | 17°C / 63°F | 170 mm | 9 | — |
| October | 19°C / 66°F | 10°C / 50°F | 55 mm | 6 | — |
| November | 11°C / 52°F | 3°C / 37°F | 55 mm | 8 | 1 |
| December | 4°C / 39°F | -3°C / 27°F | 20 mm | 7 | 3 |
Other cities with similar January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Seoul in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Seoul in January?
In January, Seoul averages a high of 2°C (36°F) and a low of -6°C (21°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Seoul in January?
January sees occasional rain in Seoul, with about 7 rainy days on average and roughly 3 snow days.
Is January a good time to visit Seoul?
January is cold. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cold weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Seoul in January?
Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves. See the full January packing list for Seoul for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.