Weather Comparison
Side-by-side weather comparison for January
| Metric | Seoul | Jeju | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average HighHigher is warmer | 1°C (34°F) | 7°C (45°F)▲ | Jeju |
| Average LowHigher is milder | -7°C (19°F) | 4°C (39°F)▲ | Jeju |
| Rain DaysFewer is drier | 4 days▲ | 9 days | Seoul |
| PrecipitationLess is drier | 19 mm▲ | 62 mm | Seoul |
| Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier | 8h/day▲ | 5h/day | Seoul |
| HumidityLower is more comfortable | 65%▲ | 70% | Seoul |
| UV IndexLower is safer | 1▲ | 2 | Seoul |
| Wind SpeedCalmer is better | 15 km/h▲ | 22 km/h | Seoul |
Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Seoul edges ahead as the better destination in January. Seoul offers 8 hours of daily sunshine with only 4 rain days, while Jeju sees 5 sunshine hours and 9 rain days.
Seoul is on the cooler side at 1°C, requiring warmer clothing. Jeju is cooler at 7°C.
For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Seoul is the stronger choice in January. Seoul receives 3 more hours of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Seoul reaches an average high of 1°C (34°F) and drops to -7°C (19°F) at night during January. The daily temperature range is 8°C, meaning moderate variation throughout the day.
Jeju averages 7°C (45°F) for the high and 4°C (39°F) for the low, with a daily range of 3°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.
Seoul receives approximately 19 mm of rainfall across 4 rain days during January. Rain is occasional, so a light rain jacket should suffice.
Jeju sees 62 mm over 9 rain days. That makes Seoul the drier option by 5 rain days and 43 mm of total precipitation.
Humidity also differs: Seoul averages 65% while Jeju sits at 70%. Jeju will feel muggier, especially at higher temperatures.
Highs of 1°C, lows of -7°C, 4 rain days
Highs of 7°C, lows of 4°C, 9 rain days
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.
The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month. January is highlighted for quick reference.
| Month | Seoul | Jeju | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Rain | High | Rain | |
| Jan | 1°C | 4d | 7°C | 9d |
| Feb | 4°C | 4d | 8°C | 8d |
| Mar | 10°C | 6d | 11°C | 10d |
| Apr | 17°C | 7d | 16°C | 9d |
| May | 22°C | 8d | 20°C | 10d |
| Jun | 26°C | 9d | 23°C | 13d |
| Jul | 28°C | 17d | 27°C | 16d |
| Aug | 29°C | 16d | 28°C | 17d |
| Sep | 25°C | 8d | 25°C | 13d |
| Oct | 19°C | 5d | 20°C | 7d |
| Nov | 11°C | 7d | 15°C | 8d |
| Dec | 3°C | 5d | 10°C | 8d |
Seoul Weather in January
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities
Jeju Weather in January
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities