Last updated: August 21, 2025
In Beijing, China, January often brings a chilly embrace, with temperatures fluctuating between a maximum of 12°C (54°F) and a minimum of -19°C (-2°F), while the average hovers around -4°C (26°F). Notably dry, the month sees minimal precipitation, with only 1 mm (0.0 in) of rain recorded and no rain days, contributing to a humidity level of 40%. This combination of cold air and dry conditions paints a vivid picture of winter in the capital, making warm clothing a necessity for those exploring the city.
In January, temperatures in Beijing can be quite stark, with minimums plunging to -19°C (-2°F), while the average hovers around a chilly -4°C (26°F). The month sees a maximum of 12°C (54°F), marking one of the coldest periods of the year. As the winter progresses into February, a gradual warming trend begins, where even the lows rise significantly to -12°C (10°F), and maximum temperatures can reach up to 23°C (74°F) by the end of the month. This shift continues into March, where average temperatures jump to a more comfortable 8°C (46°F), heralding the arrival of spring. Interestingly, this trend of warming is consistent as we move through the year, with temperatures consistently rising, peaking in the sweltering summer months of June and July, before gradually cooling again in autumn. The dramatic fluctuations showcase Beijing's continental climate, offering a dynamic temperature experience that captures the essence of each season.
In January, Beijing experiences remarkably dry conditions, with a mere 1 mm of precipitation recorded and not a single rainy day to break the winter chill. This stark contrast sets the tone for a month typically characterized by clear skies and frigid temperatures. As the season progresses into February, the frequency of precipitation begins to rise, albeit slightly, with just 7 mm falling over a single day. March ushers in a gradual increase with 15 mm spread across three days, hinting at the transition to spring. This upward trend continues through April and May, where monthly totals reach 19 mm each, indicating a shift towards a wetter climate. The true deluge arrives in the summer months, particularly in July, where 202 mm of rain can be expected over 14 days. This cyclical pattern showcases Beijing’s dry winter months giving way to increasingly wet conditions as the year progresses.
In January, Beijing experiences a relatively dry start to the year, with humidity levels at 40%—one of the lowest points in the annual cycle. This low humidity gradually rises through the winter months, reaching 41% in February, as the city prepares for the transition into spring. The most noticeable increase occurs as the temperatures warm up, with humidity climbing to 48% in March and further escalating to 61% in April. As summer approaches, humidity peaks in July and August at a significant 78%, creating a muggy atmosphere typical of the season. Following this peak, the air begins to dry out again, with September and October reflecting 66% and 70% respectively, before a gentle decline to 51% in December. Overall, January's humidity sets the stage for a gradual but marked increase as Beijing transitions from winter to the humid summer months.
In January, Beijing experiences a low UV Index of 2, allowing for a relatively safe outdoor experience with a burn time of up to 45 minutes. As the month progresses into February, the UV Index rises to 3, marking the beginning of a gradual increase in sun exposure; this hints at the impending warmth of spring. By March, the UV Index reaches 5, maintaining a moderate level that calls for some sun protection after about 30 minutes outdoors. The trend escalates dramatically as April arrives, introducing a very high UV Index of 8, significantly reducing safe sun exposure to just 15 minutes. This peak continues into May and June, where indices of 9 and summer days remind everyone to take extra precautions. The UV Index hits its maximum at 10 in July, underscoring the importance of sun safety amid intense sun exposure. The UV levels gradually decrease again towards autumn, with September and October seeing high levels of 7 and 6 respectively, while November and December return to a low of 2, allowing for extended safe outdoor activities. For more detailed insights, visit Beijing UV Index.
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In January, Beijing experiences a modest 211 hours of sunshine, signaling the city's cold, wintery grasp. However, as the months unfold, a noticeable trend emerges: the sun begins to shine brighter and longer, especially in March and April, both recording 294 hours. The peak arrives in May, when daylight reaches a glorious 326 hours, bathing the city in warmth and light. Following the peak, there's a gentle decline, yet the sunshine remains generous through the summer months, with July registering 289 hours and August slightly higher at 302 hours. As autumn approaches, the hours gradually wane to 238 hours in November and 255 hours in December, offering a beautiful cycle of seasonal change where each month builds upon the last, creating a vibrant tapestry of light and shadow across the city.
In January, Beijing basks in an impressive 81% chance of sunny weather, making it one of the sunniest months of the year. This bright start to the year contrasts sharply with the warmer summer months, where the likelihood of sunshine drops significantly, with July at just 30%. As winter transitions to spring, the sun reemerges, but the chance of sunny days fluctuates, lingering lower at around 51% in both March and August. Interestingly, the sun shines brightly again in the latter part of the year, with December and November enjoying 82% and 73% sunny days, respectively. This trend showcases Beijing's unique seasonal rhythm, where sunny days are a hallmark of the cold winter, gradually tapering off as the city warms up.
In January, Beijing experiences a modest 9 hours of daylight, marking the winter's grip on the city. As the calendar turns to February, the sun lingers a bit longer, bringing 10 hours of light and hinting at the approaching spring. March sees a steady increase, offering 11 hours of daylight, while April bursts forth with 13 hours, celebrating the renewal of nature. This trend continues into May, where daylight peaks at 14 hours. The summer months of June, July, and August maintain this high, enveloping the city in warmth and brightness. However, as the days shorten, September witnesses a decline to 12 hours, followed by October and its 11 hours. Finally, November and December return to the winter rhythm with only 9 hours of daylight, embracing the cyclical nature of Beijing's seasons. This ebb and flow of light underscores the vibrant changes throughout the year, inviting residents and visitors alike to revel in each phase.
In January, Beijing experiences a gentle breeze with an average wind speed of 2.3 m/s (5 mph), similar to the cozy winds of February and March. As spring approaches in April, the winds pick up slightly, reaching 2.7 m/s (6 mph), hinting at the seasonal transition. Notably, the summer months bring calmer conditions, with July and August seeing wind speeds drop to their annual lows of 1.8 m/s (4 mph) and 1.6 m/s (4 mph) respectively. This pattern of diminishing wind continues into September and October, before picking up again in November and December, echoing January's levels. Overall, the wind in Beijing transitions from a steady flow in the winter to a tranquil calm during the sweltering summer months, creating a dynamic contrast throughout the year.
Weather in Beijing varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares January’s weather to other months in Beijing, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
January typically experiences colder temperatures compared to February, with an average of -4°C (26°F) and a maximum of only 12°C (54°F), while February sees a rise in temperatures, averaging around 0°C (31°F) and peaking at 23°C (74°F). In terms of precipitation, January is remarkably dry with just 1 mm (0.0 in) and no rainy days, whereas February has slightly more moisture with 7 mm (0.3 in) and one day of precipitation. Additionally, humidity levels are quite similar in both months, hovering around 40-41%. For more detailed weather information, you can check Beijing weather in February.
In January, the weather is quite harsh in comparison to March, with temperatures ranging from a frigid minimum of -19°C (-2°F) to a maximum of 12°C (54°F) and an average temperature of -4°C (26°F). Precipitation is rare during this month, with no recorded rainy days and only 1 mm of precipitation. In contrast, March brings a noticeable warming trend, featuring temperatures that range from a minimum of -6°C (21°F) to a comfortable maximum of 27°C (80°F) and an average of 8°C (46°F). Additionally, March experiences more precipitation, with 15 mm falling over 3 days, and humidity levels increase slightly to 48%. For more details on the weather in March, you can refer to Beijing weather in March.
January and April present strikingly different weather patterns. In January, temperatures plunge with a minimum of -19°C (-2°F) and an average of -4°C (26°F), peaking at just 12°C (54°F). The month is notably dry, with only 1 mm of precipitation and no significant humidity, reaching around 40%. In contrast, April experiences a dramatic rise in temperatures, with a minimum of -2°C (29°F), an average of 16°C (60°F), and a maximum soaring to 35°C (95°F). This month also sees increased precipitation of 19 mm over two days and higher humidity levels at 61%. For more details on April weather, you can visit Beijing weather in April.
January and May present stark contrasts in weather. In January, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -19°C (-2°F), with an average around -4°C (26°F), and peak at 12°C (54°F). The month is characterized by dry conditions, with only 1 mm of precipitation and no rainy days, resulting in a humidity level of around 40%. In contrast, May experiences a significant warm-up, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 4°C (39°F) to a scorching maximum of 39°C (103°F) and an average of 22°C (72°F). This month sees more moisture, with about 19 mm of precipitation over four days and increased humidity at 58%. For a detailed look at the weather in May, visit Beijing weather in May.
In January, the weather is characterized by cold temperatures, with a minimum of -19°C (-2°F) and an average of -4°C (26°F), while the maximum reaches only 12°C (54°F). The month sees little precipitation, with only 1 mm recorded and no rainy days, resulting in a relatively dry atmosphere at 40% humidity. In contrast, June brings a dramatic shift to warm and humid conditions, featuring a minimum temperature of 13°C (55°F) and an average of 27°C (81°F), with a maximum soaring up to 42°C (107°F). June is also much wetter, receiving 43 mm of precipitation over 7 days and a higher humidity level of 64%. For more detailed insights on the summer climate, check out Beijing weather in June.
The weather in January is characterized by chilly temperatures, with a minimum of -19°C (-2°F) and an average of -4°C (26°F) while experiencing dry conditions with just 1 mm of precipitation over the entire month and low humidity levels at 40%. In stark contrast, July brings about a sweltering climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 17°C (63°F) to a scorching maximum of 40°C (105°F) and an average of 27°C (82°F). July is not only significantly warmer but also much wetter, receiving 202 mm (8.0 in) of precipitation across 14 days and maintaining a high humidity level of 78%. For more detailed information about the weather in July, you can visit Beijing weather in July.
In January, the weather is characterized by frigid temperatures, with a minimum of -19°C (-2°F) and an average of -4°C (26°F), peaking at 12°C (54°F). The month is notably dry, receiving only 1 mm of precipitation over 0 days and with a humidity level of 40%. In stark contrast, August brings warm and humid conditions, featuring a minimum temperature of 15°C (59°F) and an average of 26°C (79°F), soaring to a maximum of 38°C (101°F). This summer month is much wetter, with 128 mm of precipitation recorded over 11 days and a humidity level that rises to 78%. For more information on what to expect during this time, check out Beijing weather in August.
January and September present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plummet to a chilling minimum of -19°C (-2°F), with an average of -4°C (26°F) and a maximum of 12°C (54°F). The month is notably dry, with only 1 mm of precipitation over no rainy days and a relatively low humidity of 40%. In contrast, September sees a significant rise in temperature, with a comfortable average of 22°C (72°F), ranging from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) to a sweltering maximum of 36°C (98°F). This month also experiences increased precipitation, totaling 63 mm (2.5 in) spread across 5 days, along with higher humidity levels at 66%. For more detailed insights, you can check Beijing weather in September.
In January, the weather is markedly colder, with temperatures ranging from a frigid -19°C (-2°F) to a max of 12°C (54°F) and an average temperature of -4°C (26°F). Precipitation is virtually nonexistent, with only 1 mm recorded over the course of the month and the humidity sitting at a relatively low 40%. In contrast, October experiences a much milder climate, where temperatures can vary from a minimum of -1°C (31°F) to a sweltering maximum of 32°C (90°F), with an average of 13°C (56°F). This month sees more precipitation with 31 mm over 3 days and higher humidity at 70%. For more details on how October weather unfolds, you can visit Beijing weather in October.
January and November present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In January, the temperatures plummet, with a minimum of -19°C (-2°F) and an average of -4°C (26°F), while November sees milder conditions, with a minimum of -9°C (16°F) and an average of 5°C (41°F). January experiences virtually no precipitation at just 1 mm, resulting in dry air with humidity around 40%, whereas November receives significantly more precipitation at 14 mm over two days and exhibits higher humidity levels at 68%. These differences highlight November's more temperate and wetter climate compared to the frigid and dry conditions of January. For more detailed information, visit Beijing weather in November.
In January, temperatures drop further, experiencing a minimum of -19°C (-2°F) and an average of -4°C (26°F), compared to December, where the lowest temperature is slightly milder at -14°C (8°F) with an average of -2°C (28°F). The maximum temperatures are comparable, with January reaching up to 12°C (54°F) and December peaking at 13°C (55°F). Precipitation is minimal in both months, with January receiving just 1 mm (0.0 in) and December slightly higher at 2 mm (0.1 in), but both months experience no rainy days. Additionally, January has lower humidity at 40%, compared to December's higher level of 51%. For more information on December weather, you can visit Beijing weather in December.
January in Beijing presents a stark contrast to the milder months of the year. With chilling average temperatures plummeting to -4°C, the city transforms into a winter wonderland, making it one of the coldest periods compared to the warmer, more humid summers. Remarkably dry, January sees almost no precipitation, adding to the crisp, brisk atmosphere. The low humidity of 40% encourages a fresh yet frosty experience, perfect for bundled-up exploration of the city's iconic sights. For those wanting to understand more about the seasonal shifts in this vibrant capital, visit Beijing Climate for a comprehensive overview.