What January feels like in Seoul
January is the coldest stretch of winter in Seoul. Days barely climb above freezing, so it feels properly wintry outdoors even at midday. Evenings bring a clear drop in temperature, and nights drop well below freezing. The air is damp, which makes cool temperatures feel colder, particularly in wind.
Rain in Seoul in January
January is a dry month in Seoul; rain falls about one day in 10. Wet days average about 5.1 mm (0.2 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. That is lighter than the city's yearly norm of about 12.8 mm per rainy day. January is Seoul's driest month of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in January
On 15 January the sun rises at about 7:46 am and sets around 5:36 pm local time, giving 9 h 50 min of daylight. Days are getting longer: 15 min more daylight than in mid-December. The sun is out for roughly 80% of those daylight hours, so skies are mostly clear.
How January compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, January comes out as the coolest month in Seoul. Against December, the average high is 1.3°C (2.3°F) lower, with 10 mm less rain. This is the low point, and February starts to warm up. February averages a high of 4.8°C (40.6°F).
Who January suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — it is cold for long walks.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — warm places to spend the coldest part of the day.
Tips for visiting Seoul in January
Versatile Layers
Mornings and evenings are cooler than midday, so dress in layers.
Warm Layers
A warm jacket, a hat and gloves for cold mornings and evenings.
Sunglasses
Plenty of sun, so bring sunglasses and a cap.
Quick questions
How warm is Seoul in January?
It feels freezing: typical highs are 1.8°C (35.2°F), with lows near -7.1°C (19.2°F).
Does it rain a lot in Seoul in January?
No — January is one of the drier times, with about 3 rainy days and 15 mm in total.
What should I wear in Seoul in January?
Based on the averages: versatile layers, warm layers and sunglasses. Add a layer for after dark.
Is January or February better for visiting Seoul?
January, narrowly: it ranks #8 of 12 among Seoul's months, against #9 for the other. February is warmer and has more rainy days.