2027 Climate Averages

Weather: Seoul — January

Conditions are pleasant for sightseeing, though you might encounter occasional showers.

👍 Climate Overview

January is a good time to visit Seoul. Expect cold weather with temperatures around 4°C during the day. With only around 10 hours of daylight, plan outdoor activities earlier in the day. Temperatures vary significantly between day and night—layering is recommended. Being off-peak, you'll find better deals and fewer crowds.

6
GoTripzi Score Good

Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options

Avg High

4°C

Avg Low

-6°C

Rainy days

4days

Daylight

9.8h

Feels like -1°C / -10°C — wind chill makes it feel cooler

Rainfall

29mm

Sunshine

7.4h/day

Humidity

65%

Humid
Sun Strength

3.8

Moderate
Wind

14 km/h (gusts 33)

Is January a good time to visit Seoul?

Conditions are pleasant for sightseeing, though you might encounter occasional showers.

Now

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Feels like --
Wind --
Humidity --
UV Index --
Local time —

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Quiet
  • Travel Costs Value Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

07:47

Sunset

17:37

9.8h daylight

Visiting Seoul in January: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Minimal rainfall — great for outdoor plans
  • Fewer crowds and better hotel deals

Cons

  • Very cold temperatures require heavy winter gear

Things to Do in January

Events & Festivals

🎊
Seollal (Lunar New Year)
January/February Holiday
🎉
Seoul Lantern Festival
December–January Festival

Recommended for This Weather

☕ Cozy cafes & local food scene
🏛️ Indoor attractions & shopping
🎭 Cultural tours & local experiences

Seoul Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan Current 4°C -6°C 4d (29mm) 7.4h
65% Humid
3.8 Moderate
Good
Feb 6°C -4°C 4d (23mm) 8.1h
65% Humid
5 Moderate
Good
Mar 14°C 2°C 6d (47mm) 9h
63% Moderate
6.7 High
Good
Apr 19°C 8°C 6d (61mm) 9.5h
62% Moderate
7.8 Very High
Excellent
May 23°C 13°C 9d (108mm) 9.7h
70% Humid
8.1 Very High
Excellent
Jun 28°C 19°C 10d (144mm) 9.7h
75% Humid
8.2 Very High
Good
Jul 30°C 24°C 17d (268mm) 8.2h
82% Very Muggy
6.6 High
Wet
Aug 30°C 24°C 16d (315mm) 8.1h
84% Very Muggy
5.9 High
Wet
Sep 27°C 19°C 10d (189mm) 8.1h
80% Very Humid
5.8 High
Excellent
Oct 20°C 11°C 7d (70mm) 7.7h
76% Humid
4.8 Moderate
Excellent
Nov 14°C 3°C 5d (48mm) 7.8h
71% Humid
3.9 Moderate
Good
Dec 4°C -5°C 5d (26mm) 7.4h
65% Humid
3.4 Moderate
Good

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3.8

Where to Stay

See hotels, apartments & rentals around Seoul – live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more

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Seoul

K-pop capital, including palaces, Gyeongbokgung Palace and Myeongdong shopping & street food, street food markets, and ultra-modern districts.

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What to Pack for January

Full winter gear is a must — insulated coat, thermal base layers, warm hat, gloves, and waterproof boots. Protect exposed skin from the cold.

Moderate Quiet

🎒Personalized Packing List

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📋Essentials
👕Clothing
👟Footwear
🎒Accessories
🧴Toiletries & Health

Planning a trip to Seoul?

💰 Off-peak — great deals available now

Frequently Asked Questions

Is January a good time to visit Seoul?
January is typically good for visiting Seoul, with average highs of 4°C and around 4 rainy days. Plan your activities accordingly—outdoor sightseeing is best on dry days, while rainy days are perfect for museums and indoor attractions.
Does it get cold at night in Seoul in January?
Yes, nights in Seoul during January are cold, averaging -6°C. Pack warm layers, a coat, and consider thermal underwear for extended outdoor evenings. Restaurants and cafés have indoor seating, and many museums stay open late.
What should I pack for Seoul in January?
With highs of 4°C and lows of -6°C in January, we recommend: Warm winter coat, Thermal base layers, Scarf and gloves, Comfortable walking shoes. Layering is key as temperatures can vary between air-conditioned interiors and outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets.
Does it rain a lot in Seoul in January?
Seoul typically sees around 4 rainy days in January. Rain is usually in the form of brief showers rather than all-day downpours, so a compact umbrella is sufficient. Mornings tend to be drier, making them ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
How many hours of daylight are there in Seoul in January?
In January, Seoul gets approximately 9.8 hours of daylight per day. This affects how much sightseeing you can fit in—longer days mean more time for outdoor activities, while shorter days are perfect for cozy museum visits and early dinners.
Is January peak season in Seoul?
No, January is not peak season in Seoul. Expect better value on accommodation, shorter queues at attractions, and fewer tourists at popular spots. This is an excellent time to experience the city like a local and enjoy a more authentic atmosphere.

Weather Data: Based on 2020–2025 historical climate data from Open-Meteo

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: Asia/Seoul)

Last Updated: February 2026

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