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Weather Comparison

Jeju vs Seoul

Side-by-side weather comparison for January

Jeju: 7°CSeoul: 1°C455 km apart

January Weather: Jeju vs Seoul

MetricJejuSeoulBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer7°C (45°F)1°C (34°F)Jeju
Average LowHigher is milder4°C (39°F)-7°C (19°F)Jeju
Rain DaysFewer is drier9 days4 daysSeoul
PrecipitationLess is drier62 mm19 mmSeoul
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier5h/day7h/daySeoul
HumidityLower is more comfortable70%65%Seoul
UV IndexLower is safer21Seoul
Wind SpeedCalmer is better22 km/h15 km/hSeoul

Which City is Better in January?

Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Seoul edges ahead as the better destination in January. Seoul offers 7 hours of daily sunshine with only 4 rain days, while Jeju sees 5 sunshine hours and 9 rain days.

Jeju is on the cooler side at 7°C, requiring warmer clothing. Seoul is cooler at 1°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Seoul is the stronger choice in January. Seoul receives 2 more hours of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Temperature Comparison in January

Jeju reaches an average high of 7°C (45°F) and drops to 4°C (39°F) at night during January. The daily temperature range is 3°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.

Seoul averages 1°C (34°F) for the high and -7°C (19°F) for the low, with a daily range of 8°C. There is a notable 6°C gap between the two cities, so expect a very different feel.

Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in January.

Rainfall Comparison in January

Jeju receives approximately 62 mm of rainfall across 9 rain days during January. You can expect rain roughly every other day.

Seoul sees 19 mm over 4 rain days. That makes Seoul the drier option by 5 rain days and 43 mm of total precipitation.

Humidity also differs: Jeju averages 70% while Seoul sits at 65%. Jeju will feel muggier, especially at higher temperatures.

What to Pack: Jeju vs Seoul

Packing for Jeju in January

Highs of 7°C, lows of 4°C, 9 rain days

  • heavy winter coat
  • thermal base layers
  • warm gloves and hat
  • insulated boots
  • a packable rain jacket
  • an umbrella
  • a warm scarf

Packing for Seoul in January

Highs of 1°C, lows of -7°C, 4 rain days

  • heavy winter coat
  • thermal base layers
  • warm gloves and hat
  • insulated boots
  • a warm scarf

Pack for both: heavy winter coat, thermal base layers, warm gloves and hat, insulated boots, a warm scarf. These items are useful in either destination during January.

Year-Round Comparison: Jeju vs Seoul

The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month of the year, helping you find the best time to visit either city.January is highlighted for quick reference.

MonthJejuSeoul
HighRainHighRain
Jan7°C9d1°C4d
Feb8°C8d4°C4d
Mar11°C10d10°C6d
Apr16°C9d17°C7d
May20°C10d22°C8d
Jun23°C13d26°C9d
Jul27°C16d28°C17d
Aug28°C17d29°C16d
Sep25°C13d25°C8d
Oct20°C7d19°C5d
Nov15°C8d11°C7d
Dec10°C8d3°C5d
7°

Jeju Weather in January

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

1°

Seoul Weather in January

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Jeju warmer than Seoul in January?
Yes. In January, Jeju is warmer with an average high of 7°C (45°F) compared to Seoul at 1°C (34°F), a difference of 6°C.
Which city gets more rain in January, Jeju or Seoul?
Jeju gets more rain in January with 9 rain days and 62 mm of precipitation. Seoul is the drier option with 4 rain days.
Is it better to visit Jeju or Seoul in January?
It depends on your preferences. Jeju averages 7°C and 5 hours of daily sunshine with 9 rain days. Seoul averages 1°C with 7 sunshine hours and 4 rain days. If you prefer warmer weather, choose Jeju. For fewer rain days, Seoul is the better pick.
How far apart are Jeju and Seoul?
Jeju and Seoul are approximately 455 km (283 miles) apart. Jeju is located in South Korea (Asia) while Seoul is in South Korea (Asia).
What is the best month to visit Jeju and Seoul?
For Jeju, August tends to be the best month with 10 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 28°C. For Seoul, May is typically ideal with 10 sunshine hours and 22°C highs.

Compare Jeju and Seoul in Other Months

Climate data sourced from the Open-Meteo Historical Weather API, using ERA5 reanalysis data covering 30-year normals from 1991 to 2020. All temperatures shown in Celsius with Fahrenheit equivalents. Rain days count days with 1 mm or more of precipitation. Sunshine hours represent average daily values. This comparison is generated from long-term climate averages and individual trips may vary.

Jeju coordinates: 33.49°N, 126.50°E | Seoul coordinates: 37.57°N, 126.98°E