China Weather in January

In January in China, the temperature gets lower and lower from the south to the north. In the same month, there are big temperature differences in different regions.

Areas north of the Qinling-Huaihe River are usually much colder than those to the south, and the clothes people wear are also different. In the north, you have to dress very thickly, like a big steamed bun, while in the south, you can dress more lightly.

Should You Go to China In January

January is the coldest month in China. If you don't mind the cold wind biting your face and love snowy scenery, then this month is quite suitable for you to visit China.

It's better not to come on New Year's Day. It's a legal holiday in China, and people get a 3-day break. Everyone will go out traveling, so scenic spots and restaurants will be even more crowded than usual.

China Weather in January in the Northeast Regions

In January, the average temperature in Northeast China ranges from -8℃ to -28℃. From Liaoning to Heilongjiang, the higher the latitude, the lower the temperature. Located inland, without warm and humid air currents bringing rain, it has little precipitation, mostly snow.

What to Wear in the Northeast Part of China

For the upper body, first put on thermal underwear, then slip on a fleece jacket, followed by a down vest, and finally add a long down coat. For the lower body, first wear thermal pants, then put on a pair of cotton-padded trousers, and it's best to choose windproof pants for the outer layer.

What to Bring to the Northeast Part of China

• Phone warm case and power bank: Phones drain battery fast in low-temperature environments.
• Moisturizing products: The climate is dry, so skin is prone to cracking.
• Sunglasses: To prevent snow blindness.
• Waterproof gloves: To protect fingers from frostbite when taking part in snow activities.
• Hat: It can keep warm and also prevent snow from falling on hair.
• Frostbite cream: To relieve symptoms like redness, swelling, and blistering on hands and feet caused by the cold.
• Snow boots: Snowy roads are slippery; they offer both slip resistance and warmth.

China Weather in January in North Regions

Although North China isn't as cold as Northeast China, influenced by the cold air from Siberia moving south, its average temperature is between 0℃ and -8℃. Winters here often see strong winds, with cold and dry conditions, and there's less snowfall compared to Northeast China.

What to Wear in North Part of China

You can wear thermal underwear and a sweatshirt for your upper body, and then put on a down jacket over them. For your lower body, wear long johns and put a pair of jeans over them.

What to Bring to the North Part of China

• Moisturizing products: The weather is dry and windy, so they can prevent skin from cracking.
• Gloves: Fingers can easily feel painful when exposed to the cold air for a long time.

China Weather in January in the Northwest Regions

In January, temperatures in northwest China range from 0℃ to -18℃. The temperature gradually drops from Shaanxi to Xinjiang.

Since Xinjiang is located across multiple temperature zones, there are significant temperature differences between its northern and southern parts. Northern Xinjiang has temperatures between -8℃ and -16℃, while southern Xinjiang ranges from 0℃ to -16℃.

This region is deep in China's interior and blocked by mountains from warm, moist air currents, resulting in scarce precipitation, mostly snowy.

What to Wear in the Northwest Part of China

For the upper body, first put on thermal underwear, then wear a knitted sweater, followed by a hoodie, and finally top it off with a short down jacket. For the lower body, first put on a pair of thermal pants, and then wear a pair of windproof trousers on the outside.

What to Bring to the Northwest Part of China

• Moisturizing skincare: Prevent skin from drying and cracking.
• Phone warming cases and power banks: Avoid rapid battery drainage due to low temperatures.
• Gloves: Reduce the risk of frostbite.
• Snow boots: Slip-resistant and warm.

China Weather in January in Central Regions

Central China is located south of the 0℃ isotherm, and the temperature usually doesn't drop below 0℃. However, it's in the transitional zone between the subtropical and temperate regions.

It's affected by the moist air from the ocean and also prone to attacks from cold air from the north, so the rainfall is relatively abundant.

What to Wear in the Central Part of China

When you're in Henan Province, you should wear thermal underwear on the upper body, then a long-sleeved T-shirt, and finally wrap yourself in a down jacket. For the lower body, first put on thermal pants, and then add a pair of fleece pants.

In the other three provinces, you don't need to wear thermal underwear. If you plan to go hiking, bring an additional windbreaker.

What to Bring to the Central Part of China

• Moisturizing products: Prevent skin from drying and cracking.
• Gloves: Protect fingertips from frostbite.

China Weather in January in Southern Regions

What to Wear in the South Part of China

In Guilin, you can wear a fleece-lined hoodie on the upper body and then put on a down jacket over it, and wear windproof cotton trousers for the lower body.

If you go to Guangzhou or its nearby cities, wear a long-sleeve shirt on the upper body and a windbreaker outside, and jeans for the lower body. It's best to bring a slightly thicker coat as well, because it's a bit chilly in the morning and evening.

In Sanya, you can wear shorts and a short-sleeve shirt, but it's better to bring a thin coat and long trousers too, as it's also a bit cool in the morning and evening.

What to Bring to the South Part of China

• Moisturizing cream: Used in Guangxi and Guangdong to prevent skin from drying out.
• Sunscreen: Used in Hainan. The sun is quite strong at noon, to prevent getting tanned.

China Weather in January in the Southwest Regions

In the southwest region, except for Tibet, western Sichuan, and northern Yunnan, where temperatures can drop below 0℃, the temperatures in other places are all above 0℃.

This is because these areas are inland and have plateaus blocking the warm and moist air currents, so there's little rainfall.

What to Wear in the Southwest Part of China

For the upper body, first put on thermal underwear, then layer it with a sweater, and finally wear a down jacket as the outermost layer. For the lower body, start with thermal pants and add a pair of cotton-padded trousers on top. If you're planning to go hiking, bring along an additional windbreaker jacket.

Xishuangbanna has a pretty warm climate. In the middle of the day, you can just wear a short-sleeve shirt with jeans or casual pants. But it gets a bit cooler in the morning and evening, so you'll need to wear a long-sleeve shirt and throw on a thin jacket.

What to Bring to the Southwest Part of China

• Moisturizing products and snow boots: Tibet, western Sichuan, and northern Yunnan are quite dry, so you need to keep your skin moist. Also, these places have low temperatures and may see snow, with icy roads. So, you should wear slip-resistant and waterproof shoes.
• Anti-altitude sickness pills and cold medicine: Shangri-La is at a high altitude, making it prone to altitude sickness. Anti-altitude sickness pills can ease this condition. Cold medicine is for preventing colds caused by big temperature differences.
• Sunglasses: Whether it's snowy or sunny, wearing sunglasses can protect your eyes.
• Sunscreen: You should take it when going to Xishuangbanna. The sun is strong at noon, and applying sunscreen can prevent your skin from getting tanned.

China Weather in January in the East Regions

In East China, the temperature gradually decreases from south to north. Except for Shandong Province, other places rarely see temperatures drop below 0℃. However, since most of these areas are close to the sea, they are easily influenced by warm and moist air currents, so there's also a lot of rainfall.

What to Wear in the Eastern Part of China

For your upper body, first put on a long-sleeve T-shirt, then wear a hoodie, and wrap a trench coat outside. For your lower body, just wear a pair of pants with fleece lining.

What to Bring to the Eastern Part of China

• Moisturizing skincare products: Keep skin from getting dry.
• Umbrella or portable raincoat: Avoid travel disruptions on rainy days.
• Waterproof shoe covers or waterproof shoes: Shoes get wet easily on rainy days. Either wear waterproof shoe covers or put on waterproof shoes directly.

Where Can You go to see the Snow Scenery in January

If you are fond of exciting snow activities, you can travel to North and Northeast China, where ice-snow festivals are held annually during this month.

Harbin

Harbin is deservedly a winter paradise for tourists, thanks to its stunning snow and ice landscape. Tourists can appreciate the Ice Lantern Exhibition, admire Snow Sculptures on Sun Island, watch Winter Swimming Performances, and take part in the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival.

The most attractive festival, the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, is officially opened every year and lasts about 3 months, consisting of 5 parts and over 100 activities.

There are also some snow resorts welcoming you in January, such as Yabuli Ski Resort, Grand World of Ice and Snow, Sun Island Scenic Area, and Moon Bay Ski Resort. Thus, if you don't fear the cold and love the world of snow, Harbin is a good choice.

Beijing

As the capital city of China, Beijing not only boasts places of historic interest and scenic beauty but also abounds with many ski resorts suitable for winter activities, such as Badaling Ski Resort, Huaibei Ski Resort, Jindinghu Ski Resort, Jundushan Ski Resort, Lingshan Ski Resort, Nanshan Ski Resort, Pinggu Ski Resort, Shijinglong Ski Resort, Yunju Ski Resort, and Xueshijie Ski Resort.

Where Can You Go to Escape the Cold in January

If you are afraid of the cold and prefer to enjoy the relatively warm weather, you can visit South China, such as Yunnan and Hainan.

Sanya

Sanya is celebrated as oriental Hawaii and the natural oxygen bar, becoming a famous tourist resort for its beautiful beaches, warm sunshine, and convenient weather conditions. The weather in January in Sanya is pleasant with no frost or snow.

Various flowers are in full bloom all year round. For years, Sanya has been a preferred resort for people living in North and Central China to keep away from the chilly winter. In These years, an increasing number of tourists at home and abroad come to Sanya to spend their winter holidays.

Xishuangbanna

Xishuangbanna has China's only tropical rainforest reserve. There are many kinds of living things, and the local culture is also diverse. You can see the unique buildings, enjoy the special songs and dances, and take a look at the distinctive costumes of ethnic minorities like the Dai people.

Xishuangbanna is in a tropical area. Even in cold winter, the climate is very pleasant. And it's the dry season at this time, so it's very suitable for escaping the cold and taking a holiday.

Booking Your China Tour with Us

Are you still unsure which city to choose as your winter travel destination? Just contact your personal travel advisor. We will recommend a suitable place based on your interests, so you can have an unforgettable winter trip!

• 4-day Beijing Skiing Tour
• 5-day Classic Beijing Winter Tour
• 4-day Yabuli Skiing Tour

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