January Weather in Xining, China

Last updated: August 21, 2025

In January, Xining, China experiences a chilly winter climate, with temperatures ranging from a maximum of 9°C (49°F) to a minimum of -30°C (-21°F). The average temperature hovers around a brisk -8°C (18°F), ensuring that residents and visitors alike should bundle up warmly. With only 8 mm (0.3 in) of precipitation over just 2 days, January can be characterized as relatively dry, though the 74% humidity adds a touch of moisture to the cold air. This combination of low temperatures and occasional precipitation can create picturesque winter scenes, making Xining a unique destination during this chilly month.

January Temperature in Xining

In January, Xining, China, experiences a dramatic winter chill, with temperatures plunging as low as -30°C (-21°F) at night. The month averages around -8°C (18°F), only rising to a modest 9°C (49°F) during the day. This bone-chilling cold marks the peak of winter, yet hints at a gradual warming trend as February approaches, where temperatures begin to climb slightly, reaching an average of -5°C (23°F). The lingering cold gives way to more temperate conditions in March, with averages rising above freezing, signaling the onset of spring. As the months progress, Xining transitions from winter's grasp to the milder and more pleasant temperatures of late spring and summer, showcasing a clear seasonal evolution that transforms the landscape and the daily rhythms of life in this stunning region.

January Weather in Xining: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates January temperature patterns in Xining, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends. In Xining, January typically has an average temperature of {2}°C ({3}°F), with highs reaching up to {4}°C ({5}°F) and lows dropping to around {6}°C ({7}°F).
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec182335445258636154422919
Data source: Temperature data for Xining generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

January Precipitation in Xining

In January, Xining experiences a modest precipitation of 8 mm (0.3 in), spread over just two days. This early winter month showcases the city's typically dry climate, mirroring February's similar rainfall, but setting the stage for a gradual increase in moisture as the year unfolds. As spring approaches, precipitation rises sharply, with March receiving 17 mm (0.7 in) across five days, and April seeing a notable jump to 43 mm (1.7 in) over eight days. This upward trend continues through the warmer months, ultimately leading to peak rainfall in August. Overall, January marks the beginning of a seasonal transition, where the minimal rainfall hints at the forthcoming vibrancy of spring and summer in Xining.

January Precipitation Trends in Xining

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Xining, with values for each month alongside January’s data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the amount of precipitation, providing insights into how January’s conditions compare to those of other months. In Xining, January typically receives around {2} mm ({3} inches) of precipitation spread over approximately {4} days.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec8817436277761039649105
Data source: Precipitation data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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January Humidity in Xining

In Xining, China, January ushers in a humidity level of 74%, setting the stage for a month characterized by crisp winter air. As the year progresses, humidity steadily climbs, peaking in October at 85%, suggesting a trend towards increased moisture during the latter part of the year. Remarkably, the summer months—particularly August and September—experience elevated humidity levels of 82%, creating a distinctly humid atmosphere before a gradual decline in late autumn. Despite the fluctuations, January’s humidity is relatively moderate compared to the summer's sticky embrace, showcasing Xining’s varied climatic conditions throughout the year.

January Average Humidity in Xining

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Xining, with January’s data highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the fluctuation in humidity throughout the year, helping you understand how conditions vary by season. In January, average humidity in Xining is approximately {2}%, offering insight into how humid the weather typically is during this month.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec74%80%81%78%71%77%77%82%82%85%80%71%
Data source: Humidity data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

January UV Index in Xining

In Xining, China, January presents a moderate UV Index of 3, allowing for a burn time of approximately 30 minutes. This relatively gentle exposure hints at the overall trend for the winter months, where UV levels remain manageable. As we transition into February, the UV Index increases slightly to 5, still within the moderate category, reflecting a gradual approach to the more intense spring and summer months ahead. By March, the Index climbs sharply to 8, marking the start of very high UV exposure with a significantly reduced burn time of just 15 minutes. This upward trajectory continues, peaking in the summer months with extreme levels of 13 from May to July, where protection becomes essential with burn times dropping to 10 minutes. As autumn sets in, there’s a notable decrease, with the Index falling back to 5 in November and 3 in December, signaling a return to safer UV conditions. For more insights on UV levels throughout the year, visit the Xining UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Xining for January

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Xining in January, representing the highest UV radiation level. The UVI measures the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, indicating the potential risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues. In January, the maximum UV index in Xining typically reaches {2}, which falls under the {3} exposure category.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec358111313131210853
Data source: Xining January UVI data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

January Sunshine in Xining

In January, Xining basks in 231 hours of sunshine, setting the stage for brighter days ahead. As the months progress into February and March, the sunlight increases steadily, reaching 281 and 321 hours respectively, hinting at the gradual awakening of spring. April continues this trend, though with a slight dip to 306 hours, before May bursts forth with 332 hours of vibrant sunlight, marking the peak of early summer. June and July sustain this warmth, boasting 322 and 358 hours, the sunniest month of the year. As summer transitions to autumn, the sunlight begins to wane, with August and September delivering 323 and 289 hours respectively. Finally, as winter approaches, the sun graces Xining with 291 hours in October and 283 in November, before settling into December’s cool embrace with 284 hours. This yearly cycle reflects a beautiful rhythm, highlighting Xining’s dance between sun-drenched exhilaration and the serene embrace of winter.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Xining: January Highlighted

The January sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Xining experiences direct sunlight during the month of January, excluding cloudy or obstructed periods. This chart compares the sunshine duration of January with the other months of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec231h281h321h306h332h322h358h323h289h291h283h284h
Data source: Xining January Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Xining During January

In Xining, China, January boasts a 62% chance of sunny weather, making it one of the brighter months of the year. This promising outlook contrasts sharply with the following months, as February sees a notable drop to 52% and further descends in March, reaching 44%. The peak of sunny days seems to emerge again in November, where the likelihood soars to 79%, ushering in a string of clearer skies after the winter months. Overall, January stands out as a time when the sun shines more consistently, offering a vibrant start to the year amidst the varying fortunes of subsequent months.

Percentage of Sunny Days in January in Xining

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Xining throughout the year, with January highlighted. It highlights the variation in sunshine across each month and provides an overview of the typical frequency of sunny days, offering insights into how often Xining experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec62%52%44%40%44%31%53%43%46%40%79%64%
Data source: Xining January chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Xining in January

In Xining, China, the daylight duration in January marks the beginning of a gradual transition towards longer days. With 9 hours of daylight, this month sets the stage for a steady increase as we move into February, where daylight extends to 10 hours. This upward trend continues through the spring, peaking at an impressive 14 hours in both May and June. As summer wanes, daylight begins to taper off, descending to 12 hours in September and gradually reducing to 9 hours by December. This cyclical pattern highlights the seamless rhythm of seasonal change in Xining, offering residents a mix of longer days in the warmer months and shorter daylight in winter.

Average Daylight Hours in Xining for January

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Xining throughout the year, with January highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec9h 56m10h 49m11h 57m13h 8m14h 7m14h 37m14h 22m13h 30m12h 23m11h 13m10h 11m9h 40m
Data source: Xining daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

January Winds in Xining

In Xining, China, January ushers in a gentle breeze, with an average wind speed of 2.0 m/s (4 mph), making it one of the year’s windiest months. This slight increase sets a tone that contrasts with the lighter winds experienced in the summer months, where speeds dip to 1.4 m/s (3 mph) in July. Interestingly, as winter transitions into spring, wind speeds fluctuate slightly, peaking again at 2.1 m/s (5 mph) in April. The overall trend shows that while January enjoys a brisk start, winds typically soften in mid-year, only to revive slightly as autumn approaches. This rhythmic ebb and flow of wind across the seasons captures the dynamic climate of Xining, providing a refreshing backdrop to its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture.

Average January Wind Speed in Xining

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Xining, with values for each month shown alongside January's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It illustrates the average wind speed, offering insights into how January's wind conditions compare to the rest of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2.0 m/s1.81.82.11.81.51.41.51.51.51.61.6
Data source: Xining January wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How January Weather in Xining Compares to Other Months

Weather in Xining varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares January’s weather to other months in Xining, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.

In January, the weather is characterized by colder temperatures, with an average of -8°C (18°F) and a maximum of 9°C (49°F). The month sees minimal precipitation of 8 mm (0.3 in) over just 2 days, along with a humidity level of 74%. In contrast, February experiences slightly milder temperatures, averaging -5°C (23°F) and reaching a higher maximum of 15°C (59°F). The precipitation remains the same at 8 mm (0.3 in) and also occurs over 2 days, but humidity increases to 80%. This transition signals a gradual warming trend as winter progresses. For more detailed insights, check Xining weather in February.

January weather is characterized by frigid temperatures, with an average of -8°C (18°F) and a minimum plunge reaching -30°C (-21°F). The month sees limited precipitation, totaling only 8 mm (0.3 in) over just 2 days, and maintains a relative humidity of 74%. In contrast, March experiences a significant warming trend, with average temperatures rising to 2°C (36°F), and daytime highs reaching 20°C (68°F). Precipitation also increases to 17 mm (0.7 in) across 5 days, coupled with a slightly higher humidity level of 81%. For more details on the weather conditions in March, you can visit Xining weather in March.

In January, the weather is characterized by frigid temperatures, with a minimum of -30°C (-21°F) and an average of -8°C (18°F), whereas by April, temperatures rise significantly, ranging from a minimum of -10°C (15°F) to a maximum of 25°C (77°F), resulting in a much more temperate climate. While January sees only 8 mm (0.3 in) of precipitation over just 2 days, April experiences a notable increase, with 43 mm (1.7 in) of rainfall spread over 8 days, suggesting a shift towards a wetter season. Additionally, humidity levels are fairly high in both months, with January at 74% and April slightly higher at 78%. For those interested in exploring more about this seasonal transition, you can refer to Xining weather in April.

January and May present stark contrasts in weather. In January, temperatures plunge to a chilling minimum of -30°C (-21°F), with an average of -8°C (18°F) and a maximum reaching only 9°C (49°F). The month is characterized by low precipitation, averaging just 8 mm (0.3 in) over two days, alongside a humidity level of 74%. In contrast, May experiences significantly milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -4°C (25°F) to a comfortable maximum of 28°C (82°F) and an average of 11°C (52°F). Rainfall increases substantially to 62 mm (2.4 in) over nine days, accompanied by slightly lower humidity at 71%. For those interested in more details, check out Xining weather in May.

January and June present stark contrasts in weather patterns. In January, temperatures can plunge to a minimum of -30°C (-21°F) and typically hover around an average of -8°C (18°F), with rare highs reaching 9°C (49°F). The month is characterized by low precipitation, averaging just 8 mm (0.3 in) over two days, and a humidity level of 74%. Conversely, by June, temperatures rise significantly, with minimums at 3°C (37°F) and averages around 15°C (58°F), peaking at a maximum of 26°C (79°F). Precipitation in June escalates to 77 mm (3.0 in) over 12 days, accompanied by a slight increase in humidity to 77%. This dramatic shift from the frigid depths of January to the mild warmth of June illustrates the dynamic climate variations experienced in the region. For more details, you can check Xining weather in June.

In January, the weather is characterized by extreme cold, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -30°C (-21°F) to a maximum of 9°C (49°F) and an average of -8°C (18°F). The month sees minimal precipitation of only 8 mm (0.3 in) over just 2 days, with a high humidity level of 74%. In contrast, July brings a significant warmth to the region, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 6°C (44°F) to a maximum of 31°C (88°F), averaging around 17°C (63°F). This summer month experiences much higher precipitation at 76 mm (3.0 in) over 11 days, with humidity slightly elevated at 77%. For a more detailed look at the warm weather in July, check out Xining weather in July.

The weather in January is characterized by frigid temperatures, with a minimum of -30°C (-21°F) and an average of -8°C (18°F), promoting a stark, wintry landscape. In contrast, August brings a significant warming trend, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 5°C (41°F) to a maximum of 28°C (83°F), creating a much more temperate and inviting atmosphere. While January experiences only 8 mm (0.3 in) of precipitation over just 2 days, August sees a substantial increase, with 102 mm (4.0 in) of rainfall spread across 14 days, contributing to a humid environment with a humidity level of 82%. For more detailed information, you can check Xining weather in August.

In January, the weather is characterized by frigid temperatures, with minimums reaching -30°C (-21°F) and average highs only climbing to 9°C (49°F). Precipitation is low, averaging just 8 mm (0.3 in) over two days, while humidity levels sit at 74%. In contrast, September brings a significant warming trend, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 2°C (36°F) to a comfortable maximum of 26°C (78°F). The month experiences much higher precipitation, totaling 96 mm (3.8 in) across 16 days, and the humidity rises to 82%. For more detailed information about this month, check Xining weather in September.

In January, the weather is quite harsh, with temperatures plunging to a minimum of -30°C (-21°F) and averaging -8°C (18°F), while reaching a maximum of only 9°C (49°F). The month experiences low precipitation, totaling just 8 mm (0.3 in) over 2 days, and a humidity level of 74%. In contrast, October presents a much milder climate, where temperatures range from a minimum of -7°C (19°F) to a pleasant maximum of 22°C (72°F), with an average temperature of 6°C (42°F). Rainfall increases significantly, with 49 mm (1.9 in) falling over 11 days and humidity rising to 85%. For more detailed information, visit Xining weather in October.

January and November present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In January, temperatures plummet with a minimum of -30°C (-21°F) and an average of -8°C (18°F), while the maximum barely reaches 9°C (49°F). In contrast, November experiences milder temperatures, ranging from a minimum of -25°C (-14°F) to an average of -2°C (29°F), and a maximum temperature that can reach up to 15°C (60°F). Precipitation is also slightly higher in November at 10 mm (0.4 in) over three days, compared to January's 8 mm (0.3 in) over just two days. Moreover, humidity in November is a touch higher at 79%, compared to January’s 74%. For more details, you can check Xining weather in November.

In January, the weather becomes slightly colder than December, with average temperatures dropping to -8°C (18°F) compared to December's average of -7°C (19°F). The minimum temperatures also reflect this chill, dipping to -30°C (-21°F) in January versus -27°C (-16°F) in December. While both months are relatively dry, January sees a bit more precipitation with 8 mm (0.3 in) over 2 days, compared to December's 5 mm (0.2 in) over just 1 day. Humidity is slightly higher in January at 74%, compared to December's 71%. For more insights on December weather in Xining, visit Xining weather in December.

Compare Xining's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From January Weather in Xining

January in Xining presents a stark contrast to the milder months, showcasing the region's colder personality. With average temperatures dipping as low as –8°C (18°F) and occasional lows plummeting to –30°C (-21°F), it is undoubtedly the chilliest time of the year. Despite the biting cold, January’s precipitation remains minimal, with only 8 mm (0.3 in) spread across about two days, allowing for clear, crisp skies that often enhance the breathtaking mountain views. With a humidity level of 74%, the air feels quite cold, making warm layers a necessity for anyone stepping outside. For a deeper dive into the seasonal variations in Xining's climate, explore the full details at Xining Climate.