Everything you need to know about visiting Beijing in January — temperatures, packing, activities and local tips.
-8°–2°C
Avg Temperature
2
Rainy Days
Low
Crowd Level
Low
Price Level
January is the coldest month in Beijing, with biting winds and occasional snow. It's a quiet time for tourism, but the dry, crisp air and fewer crowds can make iconic sites like the Forbidden City and Great Wall more enjoyable if you bundle up.
Pack heavy winter gear: a down jacket, thermal layers, insulated gloves, a hat, a scarf, and warm boots. Hand warmers and a moisturizer are also useful due to the dry cold.
Chinese New Year may fall in January or February, causing transport and attraction closures; check dates. Many smaller restaurants and shops close for the holiday, so plan meals around major hotels or open chains.