Busan in January: properly cold,only a little rain
Busan, South Korea · Records from 2006 to 2025. Not a forecast.
Mean high8°Hottest day 17.2° (2020)
Mean low0°Coldest night −11.6° (2023)
Rain days3 days0-7 by year
Rainfall30mmDaylight 9.8 → 10.4 h
Busan's 12 months iBest: May, June and October
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Trip typesBeach Poorcool seaSightseeing on foot Finecold and mostly dry
Humidity50%0 muggy days
Clear days15 days5 overcast days
Mean wind13 km/hRarely windy
Sea temperature14.6°14-15.1° by year (last 6)
Sunrise / sunset (15th)07:31 / 17:34Daylight 9.8 → 10.4 h
Busan in January
The coldest month and the one with the fewest rainy days. Skies are often clear, but the air is dry and the beach wind is sharp, so pack gloves and lip balm. Before dawn on January 1, crowds gather at Haeundae and Gwangalli for the first sunrise. The Haeundae Polar Bear Festival was long held in early January, though some recent editions moved to December.
Daytime in Busan hovered around 8°C in January, cold enough to need a heavy coat. Out of 31 days, an average of 3 saw rain. In 2011, January had no rain day at all; in 2008 it had 7.
The month opened with 9.8 hours of daylight and closed with 10.4. Dusk came early. Nights dropped below 0°C on 17 days of the month on average, so early-morning paths could be icy. The warmest year was 2020, with highs averaging 10.7°C, 2.4°C above normal. The coldest night came in 2023, at −11.6°C.
How long it rained
On a rainy day it rained for about 4.4 hours. Rain came at any time of day.
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Typhoonsi No tropical storm passed within 300 km in this month over the last 20 years. Typhoons: July to October
Over the past 20 years January averaged 3 rain days (1 mm or more) out of 31. Individual years ran from 0 in the driest to 7 in the wettest.
What should I wear in Busan in January?
Days averaged 8°C and nights 0°C. Pack a warm coat and a compact umbrella.
Can you swim in Busan in January?
Sea surface temperature averaged 14.6°C in January, too cold for most people without a wetsuit. Year to year it ranged 14-15.1°C. Check local flags for waves and jellyfish on the day.
Is January a good time to visit Busan?
On warmth and rain days alone, Busan's easiest months were May, June and October. January ranked 9 of 12.
How many clear days does Busan get in January?
About 15 clear days (under 30% cloud on average) and 5 overcast days (80% or more).