South Korea

South Korea Weather in January

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in South Korea in January.

Considering a trip to South Korea this January and wondering about the expected weather conditions? Find all the crucial information you need right here, addressing your question:

What to Expect in South Korea in January

January in South Korea generally has temperatures that range from very cold to cold, with precipitation levels ranging from low to moderate. It's the height of winter.

Temperatures

Based on our climate data spanning from 1990-2020, the average maximum temperature is very cold in Pyeongchang at 1°C (34°F) to cold in Seogwipo at 9°C (48°F). Nighttime temperatures generally drop to 4°C (39°F) in Seogwipo and -10°C (14°F) in Pyeongchang . In general, this month stands out as the coldest period throughout the year. Given the lower temperatures, it's essential to be well-prepared. Packing the right winter clothing and necessary accessories can make a significant difference in ensuring your comfort and well-being during this chilly season.

To learn more about the conditions in specific areas of South Korea, check out the map below.

Precipitation

In January, precipitation varies across different areas. From low snow/rainfall in Ganghwa with an average of 19 mm (0.7 in) to moderate snow/rainfall in Jeju with 81 mm (3.2 in). Based on climate data from the last 30 years, Seoul typically sees the least rain in this month, making it the driest month of the year.

Average sunshine

Sunshine is moderately available across various locations. In Seoul, you can expect around 171 hours of sunlight in January, which gives a pleasant combination of sun and shade. For those who want maximum sunshine, our weather planner can point you toward the sunniest places on Earth.

Explore South Korea by month

Best Places to Visit in South Korea in January

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across South Korea.

perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

Popular Destinations in South Korea

What is the weather like in January for some of the most popular destinations in South Korea?

Temperature range in South Korea (January)

Precipitation variation in South Korea (January)

Seoul

In January Seoul generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 3°C (37°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -7°C (19°F) and low monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
5°C (41°F)
3°C (37°F)
6°C (43°F)
Min temperature
-5°C (23°F)
-7°C (19°F)
-5°C (23°F)
Monthly sun hours
163 hours
171 hours
172 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
25 mm (1 in)
21 mm (0.8 in)
30 mm (1.2 in)
Monthly rainy days
7 days
7 days
6 days
Weather conditions

Busan

In January Busan generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 9°C (48°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 1°C (34°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
11°C (52°F)
9°C (48°F)
10°C (50°F)
Min temperature
3°C (37°F)
1°C (34°F)
2°C (36°F)
Monthly sun hours
204 hours
204 hours
188 hours
Monthly rainfall
32 mm (1.3 in)
37 mm (1.5 in)
53 mm (2.1 in)
Monthly rainy days
5 days
6 days
7 days
Weather conditions

Jeju

In January Jeju generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 9°C (48°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 5°C (41°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
12°C (54°F)
9°C (48°F)
10°C (50°F)
Min temperature
7°C (45°F)
5°C (41°F)
5°C (41°F)
Monthly sun hours
83 hours
69 hours
105 hours
Monthly rainfall
75 mm (3 in)
81 mm (3.2 in)
77 mm (3 in)
Monthly rainy days
11 days
13 days
12 days
Weather conditions

Seogwipo

In January Seogwipo generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 9°C (48°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 4°C (39°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
12°C (54°F)
9°C (48°F)
10°C (50°F)
Min temperature
6°C (43°F)
4°C (39°F)
4°C (39°F)
Monthly sun hours
162 hours
152 hours
154 hours
Monthly rainfall
59 mm (2.3 in)
64 mm (2.5 in)
72 mm (2.8 in)
Monthly rainy days
11 days
12 days
11 days
Weather conditions

Incheon

In January Incheon generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 3°C (37°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -5°C (23°F) and low monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
6°C (43°F)
3°C (37°F)
5°C (41°F)
Min temperature
-3°C (27°F)
-5°C (23°F)
-3°C (27°F)
Monthly sun hours
178 hours
188 hours
189 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
27 mm (1.1 in)
22 mm (0.9 in)
30 mm (1.2 in)
Monthly rainy days
8 days
7 days
6 days
Weather conditions

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in South Korea.

In our records: South Korea January extremes

Notable January records observed across cities in South Korea in our climate database (1976 – 2026). Historic readings can vary in quality, so treat these as illustrative.

  • Based on our data, the coldest January night in South Korea dropped to -28°C (-18°F) in Sokcho on January 5, 1981.
  • In our records, the coldest January daytime high in South Korea was -14°C (7°F) in Gapyeong on January 5, 1986.

Popular cities in January

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in South Korea in January.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Seoul 3°C (37°F) -7°C (19°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Busan 9°C (48°F) 1°C (34°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Jeju 9°C (48°F) 5°C (41°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Seogwipo 9°C (48°F) 4°C (39°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Incheon 3°C (37°F) -5°C (23°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Sokcho 3°C (37°F) -5°C (23°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)

South Korea weather in January: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in South Korea in January?

January in South Korea brings poor weather. In Seoul, daytime temperatures are typically around 3°C (37°F) and nighttime lows hover near -7°C (19°F).

What is the average temperature in South Korea in January?

In Seoul, the average daytime high in January is 3°C (37°F), while nighttime temperatures drop to around -7°C (19°F).

Does South Korea get a lot of snow/rain in January?

Rain is generally moderate to light in South Korea during January, with Seoul averaging close to 21 mm (0.8 in).

Is January a Good Time to Visit South Korea?

In our view, January might not be the best time to travel to South Korea with often poor weather in Seoul.

Generally speaking, May and October provide perfect weather in Seoul. On the other hand, the weather in January, July and August tend to be poor.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in South Korea.

Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to South Korea? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in South Korea.

Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

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