Seoul Weather in January: What to Expect
In January, Seoul averages highs of 2°C and lows of -6.6°C, with about 3 rainy days (~18 mm). Verdict: Cold — pack heavy — daytime highs average just 2°C. That makes it the 5th hottest of South Korea's 6 main cities this month.
January in Seoul presents a distinctly cold experience for Indian travellers, with daytime highs around 2°C feeling truly frosty, and nights plummeting to a biting -6.6°C. While it's relatively warmer than some other Korean cities, the cold is significant. The best time for exploring magnificent sites like Changdeokgung or Gyeongbokgung is definitely the late morning or early afternoon when the sun offers some slight warmth. Expect only about three days of precipitation, likely snow, so pack thermal innerwear and a heavy, waterproof jacket.
Seoul vs other South Korea cities in January
South Korea is not one climate. In January, Jeju runs to 7.7°C while Incheon sits at 2°C — a 6°C spread. Here is where Seoul falls:
What to pack for Seoul in January
With highs near 2°C and lows around -6.6°C, pack warm layers, a proper jacket, and closed shoes, a warm fleece or down layer for cold nights.
What to do in Seoul in January
January's weather suits sightseeing through the day. Top sights:
Public holidays in South Korea, January
- 2026-01-01 — New Year's Day
- 2027-01-01 — New Year's Day
Seoul in January — FAQs
What is the weather like in Seoul in January?
In January, Seoul averages daytime highs of 2°C and overnight lows around -6.6°C, with roughly 3 rainy days and about 18 mm of rain across the month. Cold — pack heavy — daytime highs average just 2°C.
Is January a good time to visit Seoul?
Cold — pack heavy. January is comfortable enough for full-day sightseeing in Seoul. Among South Korea's cities, Seoul is the 5th hottest this month.
What should I pack for Seoul in January?
For January (-6.6–2°C), pack warm layers, a proper jacket, and closed shoes, a warm fleece or down layer for cold nights.
What is there to do in Seoul in January?
Seoul's main sights include Changdeokgung, Gyeongbokgung, Hwaseong Fortress, Namsan Seoul Tower. The weather suits visiting these comfortably through the day.
Are there public holidays in South Korea in January?
Yes — New Year's Day (2026-01-01), New Year's Day (2027-01-01). Sites can be busier or closed around these dates.
Seoul weather by month: