Last updated: October 30, 2025
January in Seoul, South Korea presents a captivating winter experience, with temperatures ranging from a brisk -18°C (1°F) to a comfortable 13°C (55°F). The average temperature settles around -2°C (28°F), providing a chill that underscores the city's frosty charm. With only 19 mm (0.8 in) of precipitation over 2 days, the month remains predominantly dry, allowing for clear views of the striking winter landscapes. Relative humidity sits at 71%, enhancing the cold air’s sharpness while offering a unique opportunity to embrace Seoul's seasonal activities against a backdrop of crisp, wintry days.
In January, Seoul experiences a chilly embrace, with temperatures often plunging to a minimum of -18°C (1°F). The cold can be biting, but it averages around -2°C (28°F), making layering essential for staying warm. On more fortunate days, the temperature may reach a mild 13°C (55°F), offering brief reprieves from the winter chill. As the month transitions to February, we see a gradual improvement, with minimums rising to -14°C (7°F) and average temperatures at 0°C (32°F). This upward trend continues into March, where temperatures start to hint at spring, showcasing a minimum of -7°C (20°F) and an average of 7°C (44°F). Overall, January marks one of the coldest months in Seoul, setting the stage for the slow but exciting approach of warmer days ahead.
January in Seoul, South Korea, witnesses a relatively dry spell with only 19 mm (0.8 in) of precipitation spread over just 2 days. This marks a transition into the winter months, where the city begins to experience colder temperatures and minimal rainfall. As the year progresses, precipitation levels rise significantly, peaking in the summer months of July and August, with 252 mm (9.9 in) and 269 mm (10.6 in) respectively. This pattern indicates a distinct shift in weather, where the dry and chilly winter gives way to a humid and rain-soaked summer. Notably, January's low precipitation lays the groundwork for a gradual increase, culminating in the wetter months ahead, highlighting the typical seasonal rhythm of Seoul's climate.
In January, Seoul experiences a relatively high humidity level of 71%, setting the stage for a winter characterized by a crisp, cool atmosphere blanketed in moisture. As winter progresses into February and March, humidity remains stable at 65%, providing a reprieve from the wilder swings of seasonal change. However, as warmer months approach in April, humidity levels begin to rise again, peaking at 85% in the sweltering summer months of July and August. This trend underscores the transition from the dry winter months through a spring with increasing humidity, culminating in the muggy heat of summer. As autumn settles in, humidity levels begin to taper off, with November seeing 80% and dropping to 74% by December. Overall, January serves as a pivotal point, marking the shift from winter dryness to the impending warmth and moisture of spring and summer.
In January, Seoul experiences a moderate UV Index of 3, with a recommended burn time of 30 minutes for unprotected skin. As the month transitions to February, the UV Index rises slightly to 4, maintaining the same exposure category and burn time. This trend continues into March, where the index jumps to 6, indicating a high exposure risk with a burn time of only 25 minutes. As spring unfolds, April and May see significant increases, with the UV Index soaring to 8 and then 9, both categorized as very high and reducing burn time to just 15 minutes. The peak intensity is reached in July and August, registering an extreme UV Index of 11, necessitating a mere 10-minute exposure limit to avoid skin damage. Following these months, the fall brings a decline, with September dropping to 9, then gradually decreasing to 3 by December, cycling back to a more moderate exposure. Overall, the UV Index in Seoul highlights a clear seasonal pattern, peaking during the summer months. For more detailed information, check the Seoul UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In January, Seoul experiences about 199 hours of sunshine, marking the start of the year with a gentle, albeit chilly, glow. As winter transitions into spring, the city begins to bask in more light—February sees a significant jump to 242 hours, hinting at the warming trends ahead. By March and April, the sunlight becomes even more abundant, peaking at 287 hours in April, just as cherry blossoms start to emerge, creating a vibrant backdrop. The summer months continue this trend, with June basking in 317 hours of sun. However, as temperatures rise, the hours gradually tapered, with July and August delivering 294 and 289 hours respectively. As autumn approaches, sunlight in September starts to decline, with 262 hours gracing the city, before tapering further to 231 hours in November. The cycle concludes with December bringing back a modest 235 hours, highlighting Seoul’s distinct seasonal rhythms, where each month unfurls a unique chapter of sunshine.
In January, Seoul experiences a 55% chance of sunny weather, a figure that mirrors the likelihood of sunshine in the subsequent month, February. However, as spring approaches, the chances gradually decline, hitting 43% in March and 44% in April. This trend of decreased sunshine continues into the warmer months, where June and July see a drop to around 36% and 30% respectively. Interestingly, the likelihood of clear skies starts to rebound in the fall, peaking again in November at 58%, and December brings even more sunshine with a 64% chance. Overall, January stands as a promising month for sun-seekers, though the trend suggests a seasonal fluctuation that ultimately leaves room for brighter days ahead.
In Seoul, South Korea, January marks the beginning of a gradual increase in daylight, with the city basking in 9 hours of daylight as the year unfolds. As February transitions in, the days lengthen to 10 hours, hinting at the impending arrival of spring. March continues this trend, adding an extra hour of sunlight with 11 hours to enjoy. By April, daylight reaches 13 hours, showcasing the vibrant energy of the blossoming season. This peak carries into the summer months, where June, July, and August hold steady at 14 hours of bright, sunny skies. As autumn sets in, daylight begins to wane, falling to 12 hours in September, and subsequently tapering to 10 hours in November. Finally, December circles back to 9 hours, bringing the year full circle. Overall, this dynamic pattern reflects the enchanting rhythm of seasonal change in Seoul, inviting residents and visitors alike to relish the varying lengths of daylight throughout the year.
In January, Seoul experiences an average wind speed of 2.8 m/s (6 mph), setting the tone for the winter months with a brisk yet manageable breeze. This initial gust of winter air is followed by a slight increase in February, where winds pick up to 3.1 m/s (7 mph), invigorating the city as it moves toward spring. As March arrives, wind speeds dip again to 2.5 m/s (6 mph), revealing a trend of fluctuating winds that generally ease into the warmer months. By April and May, the average stays around 2.7 to 2.6 m/s (6 mph), creating a gentle, refreshing atmosphere. However, the heat of summer sees a notable decrease, with July's winds dropping to only 1.8 m/s (4 mph), which is characteristic of the still, warm days typical of this season. As autumn approaches, the winds gradually regain strength, settling around 2.4 m/s (5 mph) in September and November, before closing the year at 2.7 m/s (6 mph) in December. This cyclical pattern of wind speeds showcases the dynamic interplay between the seasons in Seoul, offering a unique perspective on winter's crisp embrace and the subtle shifts towards spring’s warmer embrace.
Weather in Seoul varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares January’s weather to other months in Seoul, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In January, temperatures can dip as low as -18°C (1°F) and average around -2°C (28°F), with a maximum reaching 13°C (55°F). The month is characterized by relatively high humidity at 71% and limited precipitation of 19 mm (0.8 in) over just 2 days. In contrast, February sees slightly milder temperatures, with minimums settling at -14°C (7°F) and averages climbing to 0°C (32°F). The maximum temperature can rise to 18°C (65°F). February also experiences a bit more precipitation at 22 mm (0.8 in) but over a longer duration of 4 days, and humidity decreases to 65%. For more detailed information, you can visit Seoul weather in February.
In comparison to January, March experiences a significant rise in temperatures, with average highs reaching 21°C (70°F) as opposed to January's average of just -2°C (28°F). The minimum temperature also improves, rising from January's chilly -18°C (1°F) to a milder -7°C (20°F) in March. Precipitation increases as well, with March seeing 46 mm (1.8 in) over five days compared to January's 19 mm (0.8 in) over just two days. Additionally, humidity levels are slightly lower in March at 65%, compared to January’s 71%. For more detailed weather information, you can check Seoul weather in March.
In January, the weather is quite cold, with temperatures averaging around -2°C (28°F) and a minimum plunging to -18°C (1°F). Precipitation is minimal, totaling only 19 mm (0.8 in) over just two days, while humidity levels hover at 71%. In contrast, April ushers in a significant warming trend, with average temperatures rising to 12°C (54°F) and peaking at 28°C (82°F). The month experiences considerably more precipitation, with 55 mm (2.2 in) falling over six days, and humidity levels slightly higher at 75%. This transition from the harsh winter chill of January to the milder, wetter conditions in April is quite notable. For more detailed insights, you can check Seoul weather in April.
In January, the weather is notably cold, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -18°C (1°F) to a maximum of 13°C (55°F) and an average of -2°C (28°F). The level of precipitation is relatively low, totaling 19 mm (0.8 in) over just two days, and the humidity sits at 71%. In stark contrast, May experiences much warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 6°C (43°F) to a peak of 32°C (89°F) and an average of 18°C (64°F). May also sees a significant increase in precipitation, totaling 111 mm (4.4 in) across nine days and a higher humidity level of 81%. For more detailed insights on May weather, you can explore Seoul weather in May.
The weather in January starkly contrasts with that of June. January experiences frigid temperatures, with average lows around -2°C (28°F) and maximums reaching only 13°C (55°F), alongside low precipitation and moderate humidity levels at 71%. In contrast, June features significantly warmer temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 12°C (54°F) to a sizzling maximum of 35°C (94°F), combined with higher precipitation levels of 86 mm (3.4 in) over eight days and increased humidity at 85%. For more detailed insights into June weather conditions, you can refer to Seoul weather in June.
The weather in January contrasts sharply with that of July. In January, temperatures range from a chilly -18°C (1°F) to a maximum of 13°C (55°F), with an average of -2°C (28°F). Precipitation is minimal at just 19 mm (0.8 in) over two days, and the humidity sits at 71%, creating a crisp and cold atmosphere. In contrast, July brings much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 18°C (64°F) and a scorching maximum of 36°C (97°F), averaging around 26°C (79°F). The month is also characterized by high humidity levels at 91% and significant precipitation of 252 mm (9.9 in) across 15 days, leading to a more tropical feel. For a detailed overview of July's climate, check out Seoul weather in July.
January and August present stark contrasts in weather. In January, temperatures hover between a frigid -18°C (1°F) and a mild 13°C (55°F), with an average of -2°C (28°F). This month experiences low precipitation, averaging just 19 mm (0.8 in) over the course of only 2 days, and humidity levels at 71%. In contrast, August is characterized by much warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 16°C (61°F) to a scorching maximum of 38°C (101°F), and an average temperature of 26°C (80°F). The month is also significantly wetter, receiving 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain over 16 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 91%. For more details, visit Seoul weather in August.
January and September present a stark contrast in weather conditions. January typically experiences frigid temperatures, ranging from a minimum of -18°C (1°F) to a maximum of 13°C (55°F), with an average around -2°C (28°F). The month sees little precipitation, totaling just 19 mm (0.8 in) over two days, accompanied by a humidity level of 71%. In contrast, September offers a much warmer climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 10°C (50°F) to a maximum of 31°C (88°F), and an average of 21°C (70°F). This month also witnesses significantly higher precipitation, averaging 133 mm (5.2 in) over nine days, and a slight increase in humidity to 77%. For further details, check out Seoul weather in September.
In January, the weather is notably cold, with temperatures ranging from a chilling -18°C (1°F) to a mild 13°C (55°F), and a minimal amount of precipitation at just 19 mm (0.8 in) over two days. The humidity stands at a relatively low 71%, contributing to the crisp winter air. In contrast, October experiences a more temperate climate, where temperatures span from a cool 0°C (32°F) to a warm 28°C (83°F). The month sees a higher precipitation of 63 mm (2.5 in) across six days, and the humidity rises to 79%, bringing a feeling of dampness to the mild autumnal days. For more details on the October weather in Seoul, you can visit Seoul weather in October.
January and November exhibit contrasting weather patterns that highlight the transition from winter to late autumn. In January, temperatures can plunge as low as -18°C (1°F), with an average around -2°C (28°F), making it a notably colder month. Precipitation is limited to just 19 mm (0.8 in) over two days, while humidity settles at 71%. In stark contrast, November showcases milder temperatures, with a minimum of -7°C (21°F) and a pleasant average of 7°C (45°F), peaking at 21°C (70°F). Additionally, November experiences more rainfall, totaling 54 mm (2.1 in) over five days, accompanied by higher humidity at 80%. For more detailed insights into November weather, you can visit Seoul weather in November.
In January, the weather tends to be slightly colder compared to December, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of -18°C (1°F) to a maximum of 13°C (55°F), while December sees a milder average range with a minimum of -15°C (5°F) and a maximum of 12°C (54°F). Precipitation is also less frequent in January, accumulating to 19 mm (0.8 in) over just 2 days, as opposed to December, which has 22 mm (0.9 in) spread across 4 days. Additionally, humidity levels are slightly lower in January at 71%, compared to December’s 74%. For more detailed information on December’s climate, you can check Seoul weather in December.
In January, Seoul transforms into a winter wonderland, with temperatures dipping significantly below the annual average, creating a striking contrast to the milder months. The chilly air, combined with a humidity level of 71%, can make outings feel brisk and invigorating. While snowfall may be limited, with only a couple of precipitation days, the cold can reach lows of -18°C (1°F), contrasting sharply with the more temperate and humid conditions seen in spring and summer. This winter chill invites cozy indoor activities, making it a unique time to experience the city's charm. For those curious about the broader climate patterns, explore Seoul Climate for insights into how January stands out amid the year's changing seasons.