China Weather in January

Based on the average temperature of China weather in January, you need to wear winter clothes to keep warm, such as long underwear, thick overcoat, thick sweater, winter pants, cotton wadded jacket, turtleneck shirts, down coat, snow boots, earmuff, hat, scarf and gloves. In northern areas of China, there is proper heating system installed and wearing a thin sweater is enough indoors. However, this is not always the case. What to wear in China in January mainly depends on the area or city you actually go to.

 

Tourism Rate: 
 

Harbin Ice and Snow Festival

January is the coldest time of China and there are two totally different kinds of travel destinations in China. Many tourists choose to visit some northern cities or areas, such as Harbin for Ice and Snow Festival and Snow Town for skiing, while some choose to enjoy themselves in warmer southern China like Hainan. 
 

If you go to the North China for snow view, take enough clothes to keep warm. The road in winter is more slippery, so you’d better wear antiskid shoes. IPhone and camera are easy to power off in the temperature of under 20°C (68°F) so remember to put them inside your coat in time to keep warm and take them out when you need them.

Read more about China’s Top 5 Places to Travel in January

 

Major Destinations: Beijing, Tianjin, Harbin, Dalian, Shenyang, Inner Mongolia…

Temperatures: -28 – -8°C (-18 – 18°F)
 

The weather in January is cold and dry in Northeast China, under zero temperature (32°F). The higher latitude is, the colder it is. Nevertheless, it is a good time for tourists to enjoy the snow view and skiing. 
 

Clothing: hat, gloves, earmuff, snow boot, cotton-padded clothes and trousers, down coat
 

Snow Covered Yellow Mountain

Major Destinations: Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Nanjing, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), Nanchang, Fujian, Shandong…

Temperatures: -5 – 5°C (23 – 41°F)
 

Generally, it is cold and humid in January in East China but most cities don’t reach below zero. It is an appropriate time to see the rime and the sea of clouds on Yellow Mountain. 
 

Clothing: down jacket, raincoat, waterproof shoes, umbrella
 

Major Destinations: Xi'an, Chengdu, Luoyang, Zhangjiajie, Wuhan, Yangtze River…

Temperatures: -3 – 2°C (26 – 35°F)
 

The climate in January in Central China is cold and dry and snow often falls in this month. You’d better visit some indoor attractions like Terracotta Army in Xi'an. If going outside, wear a mask as the air is sometimes heavily polluted this month. 
 

Clothing: winter warm clothes, gloves
 

Major Destinations: Guilin, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Yunnan, Guizhou, Hainan…

Temperatures: 10 – 12℃(50 – 53°F)
 

Yuanyang Rice Terraces

It is mild with less rain in January in South China. It is an ideal destination to escape winter coldness. In Sanya, you can even wear summer clothes. In Kunming, it is sunny with comfortable temperature and you can have a great view of Cuihu or feed blackheaded gulls at Dianchi Lake. Yuanyang Rice Terraces in Yunnan is also a good choice. In January, it is the irrigation time and you can witness the beauty of the glittering water; its sunrise and sunset are also popular among shutterbugs.
 

Clothing: wind coat, sweater, jacket, overcoat
 

Major Destinations: Tibet, Xinjiang, Gansu, Qinghai…

Temperatures: -12 - 5℃(10 – 41°F)
 

It is cold and dry in West China along with snowfalls. The temperature varies widely from day to night in January. It is not a good time for a visit. If going, prevent from getting cold by drinking more water and wear enough warm winter clothes.
 

Clothing: warm winter clothes