Beijing Weather in January

Beijing New Year temple fair

Chinese New Year temple fair, Beijing

Weather: January is the coldest month in Beijing, it's freezing and windy. However, heating is supplied 24 hours a day, so it is warm inside the houses. It may snow a little this month, but otherwise it is very dry.

Clothing: A thin sweater is enough for indoors, but you need to bring warm clothes, such as thick sweaters, a down jacket, gloves and hat to keep warm outside.

Things to do: January is the best month to hit the slopes, as the skiing season is in full swing at the the best ski resorts near the city.

Be aware: Chinese New Year (the Spring Festival) takes places at the end of this month or early to mid-February. There are many cultural activities in the streets, such as lion dances, temple fairs, and displays of lanterns. This is the best time of the year to experience authentic Chinese culture.

However, the Spring Festival period is the busiest travel time all over the country, when trains and flights are fully booked days before departure. See Chinese New Year Travel Guide.

Also read 10 best places to see snow in Beijing.
Also read: Why Travel to Beijing in China's Winter Low Season?

Beijing Average Daily Temperatures Based on Historical Data

Date Average High Average Low
January   1 35 °F 1.67 °C 16 °F -8.89 °C
January   2 35 °F 1.67 °C 16 °F -8.89 °C
January   3 35 °F 1.67 °C 16 °F -8.89 °C
January   4 35 °F 1.67 °C 16 °F -8.89 °C
January   5 35 °F 1.67 °C 15 °F -9.44 °C
January   6 35 °F 1.67 °C 15 °F -9.44 °C
January   7 35 °F 1.67 °C 15 °F -9.44 °C
January   8 35 °F 1.67 °C 15 °F -9.44 °C
January   9 35 °F 1.67 °C 15 °F -9.44 °C
January   10 35 °F 1.67 °C 15 °F -9.44 °C
January   11 35 °F 1.67 °C 15 °F -9.44 °C
January   12 35 °F 1.67 °C 15 °F -9.44 °C
January   13 34 °F 1.11 °C 15 °F -9.44 °C
January   14 34 °F 1.11 °C 15 °F -9.44 °C
January   15 34 °F 1.11 °C 15 °F -9.44 °C
January   16 34 °F 1.11 °C 15 °F -9.44 °C
January   17 34 °F 1.11 °C 15 °F -9.44 °C
January   18 34 °F 1.11 °C 15 °F -9.44 °C
January   19 34 °F 1.11 °C 15 °F -9.44 °C
January   20 34 °F 1.11 °C 15 °F -9.44 °C
January   21 34 °F 1.11 °C 15 °F -9.44 °C
January   22 35 °F 1.67 °C 15 °F -9.44 °C
January   23 35 °F 1.67 °C 15 °F -9.44 °C
January   24 35 °F 1.67 °C 15 °F -9.44 °C
January   25 35 °F 1.67 °C 15 °F -9.44 °C
January   26 35 °F 1.67 °C 15 °F -9.44 °C
January   27 35 °F 1.67 °C 15 °F -9.44 °C
January   28 35 °F 1.67 °C 15 °F -9.44 °C
January   29 35 °F 1.67 °C 15 °F -9.44 °C
January   30 35 °F 1.67 °C 16 °F -8.89 °C
January   31 35 °F 1.67 °C 16 °F -8.89 °C

Beijing Climate Information by Month

Hi, I'm Candice Song
I updated this article on March 26, 2013
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Q: rakesh shrestha Asked on 2013-01-02 Reply
i m going to visit the great wall of china around january 20 to 30, 2013. Is it dangerous due to snow. I will leave china in february. I really want to climb it. Give me some suggestions.
Hi Rakesh, yes, it is dangerous to some extent. But it is okay. You can choose a day when the weather is excellent to clime it. Whitney Liao Replied on 2013-01-04
Q: Tarek Asked on 2012-12-29 Reply
Can we see great wall i mid of January,2013
Dear Sir or Madam, You could visit the Great Wall during the mid of January, but you need to wear the walking shoes and the warm clothes, such as sweater and down jacket. It will be very cold, especially in mountain area. We have some one-day Great Wall tour packages for reference. Please click: http://www.chinahighlights.com/beijing/day-trips/bjalc-25.htm http://www.chinahighlights.com/beijing/day-trips/bjalc-20.htm Lussie Lu Replied on 2012-12-30
Q: Amy Jeramy Asked on 2012-12-27 Reply
HI, I will be going to Beijing in Jan. 2013. However, instead of direct flight, we will transit in Shenzhen. Need your advice on the cheapest flight from Shenzhen to Beijing and what airlines so that I can check myself. I am from Malaysia.
Dear Sir or Madam, The rate of the flight ticket depends on which date you select, which airlines. I suggest you choose a good one and book it on our website directly. Please click: http://www.chinahighlights.com/china-flights/flight-list.asp?QueryID=4578440&fcook=2012122818060231&star=SZX&dest=PEK&rDate=2013-1-15 Lussie Lu Replied on 2012-12-28
Q: Mariesu Ang Asked on 2012-12-16 Reply
Hi! Just want to know if i ride a train how many hours of travel from Beijing to Xian?
Hi Mariesu Ang, If you take bullet train, it takes about 9.5-10 hours, this is the fastest train between Beijing and Xian. Lussie Lu Replied on 2012-12-16
Q: Gaye Asked on 2012-12-06 Reply
Hello... We are planning to go beijing on january 17-20 ....i want to know if we can see snow as i am excited to see especially in great wall.. Tnx.

Hi Gaye, it is very likely to see the snow during these days. January is the coldest month in Beijing.  Based on the former date, the average temperature is from -25°C to 2°C. Besides, the first snow fell on Nov.3 this year in Beijing. Here is also a website for you to check the weather information: http://www.weather.com.cn/english/

Whitney Liao Replied on 2012-12-07