Beijing Weather in January
January in Beijing brings low temperatures, with daytime highs of 3°C (37°F) and nights around -8°C (18°F). Rainfall is at its lowest this month, making it one of the more reliable months to be outdoors.
Rainfall in Beijing in January
The month is known for having the least rain of the year. The dry conditions are worth making the most of, even if you'll want a warm layer. This month experiences about 2 days of snow/rain according to historical data, averaging 4 mm (0.2 in). Any rain that does arrive is likely to be light drizzle rather than a proper shower.
Temperature in Beijing in January
In January, Beijing sees low temperatures, with highs of 3°C (37°F). Nights drop to around -8°C (18°F). January is a notable month of the winter season. Expect a distinctly cold feel throughout the day, not just overnight. With overnight lows of -8°C (18°F), temperatures fall below freezing at night. An extra thick blanket can make a real difference if your accommodation runs cold. It's generally the coldest month of the year, making it essential to pack warm layers and winter accessories.
Sunshine in Beijing in January
The area enjoys a balanced 186 hours of sunlight, ensuring it's neither too overcast nor too sunny.If you prefer dry days with pleasant temperatures, January may not be the ideal month to visit Beijing. Our weather planner can help you explore destinations with more pleasant weather conditions.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit China, check out our Beijing's climate page.
Beijing Temperature in January
Min Temperature
-8°C (18°F)
Max Temperature
3°C (37°F)
Chance of Rain
6%
Precipitation
4 mm (0.2 in)
Rainy days
2 days
Humidity
44%
Sunshine
186 hours
Percentage Sunshine
65%
Daily Historical Temperatures
51-year average (1976-2026)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Beijing typically stay consistent throughout January, with daily highs averaging around 3°C (37°F). Nights are very cold, with lows around -8°C (18°F).
Average temperatures in January
Daily Historical Precipitation
51-year average (1976-2026)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in January
Historical weather for Beijing in January
Browse day-by-day weather records for Beijing spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Beijing historical weather extremes in January
Our historical data for Beijing spans 1976 to 2025, revealing these weather extremes.
- The hottest January day on record in Beijing reached 14°C (57°F) (January 4, 2002).
- The lowest overnight temperature recorded in January was -23°C (-9°F) (January 7, 2021).
Best Places in China in January
Find out more about the weather in China and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of China in January →
perfect weather
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What to Wear in Beijing in January
Dress warmly and in layers for your trip to Beijing in January. A good base layer system works wonders. Start with good thermal underwear, add something warm like a fleece sweater, then finish with a waterproof jacket on top. Dry conditions mean you won't need to worry about rain protection. It won't hurt to bring your sunglasses along, as you'll see some sunny periods.What To Do in Beijing in January
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit China, check out our Beijing's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity
See the full Beijing climate overview or explore weather in China.
