CLIMATE NOTES · January
37.57°N 126.98°E · Asia/Seoul
CLIMATE NOTES · January
Seoul · 🇰🇷 South Korea

Seoul Weather in January: Climate, Temperature & Travel Tips

Avg -1.8°C · 18mm rain — January is winter in Seoul.

AT A GLANCE
Avg High
-6° Avg Low
18 Rain mm
Winter Season
January climate normals
Avg high
2.0 °C
Avg low
-5.5 °C
Avg
-1.8 °C
Precipitation
18 mm
ANNUAL CLIMATE
Seoul · Annual Climate 0 -15°35° °C 0211422 mm JFMAMJJASOND TEMP RANGE · AVG · RAINFALL

Source: Open-Meteo Archive 2014–2023 · 10-year climate normals

Climate Overview

January in Seoul, South Korea brings winter conditions: average temperature -1.8°C, average high 2.0°C, average low -5.5°C. Monthly rainfall averages 18mm, making it a very dry time of year.

Pack winter clothing to stay comfortable during outdoor excursions.

What to Pack

  • Heavy winter coat, thermal layers, gloves, hat
  • Insulated waterproof boots

Best Things to Do

  • Indoor museums, markets, and cafes
  • Hot springs or indoor thermal facilities
  • Evening illuminations and festivals (if any)

Pros and Cons of Visiting in January

Pros:

  • Low rainfall — minimal disruption to outdoor plans

Cons:

  • Cold conditions require winter gear

Climate source: Open-Meteo Archive (2014–2023).

PACKING ESSENTIALS
01 Heavy winter coat Down or synthetic insulation rated below −10 °C
02 Thermal base layers Merino wool or moisture-wicking fleece
03 Insulated boots Waterproof, rated for snow and ice
04 Knit hat & gloves Cover extremities; wind chill bites hard
05 Lip balm & hand cream Cold air strips moisture quickly
YEAR AT A GLANCE
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Colour = avg temperature · blue = cool · orange = warm

HOTTEST MONTHS
  1. 1 August 26.6°C
  2. 2 July 25.4°C
  3. 3 June 23.2°C
COOLEST MONTHS
  1. 1 January -1.8°C
  2. 2 December 0.2°C
  3. 3 February 1.2°C
Q&A

FAQ

01 What is the average temperature in Seoul in January?
+

The average is -1.8°C, with a high of 2°C and a low of -6°C.

02 What is Seoul like to visit in January?
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It is winter in Seoul, which is cool — bring warm clothes.

03 Does it rain often in Seoul during January?
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Average rainfall is 18mm, which is very dry.

04 What should I pack for Seoul in January?
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Heavy winter coat, thermal layers, gloves, hat; Insulated waterproof boots.

05 Is January a peak travel season for Seoul?
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It is closer to off-season, with more reasonable prices and fewer crowds.

06 Where does this climate data come from?
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Monthly averages computed from Open-Meteo Archive 2014–2023 daily observations.

Sources
Open-Meteo Archive 2014-2023
Updated
2026-04-17

Climate normals are averages; individual years vary.