When to go · Gimje
Gimje in January
Good month. Outside the best window (Sep–Oct (Horizon Festival) and Apr–May for milder weather). Across South Korea: Cold and dry, low prices; ski in Gangwon; Seollal can fall late in the month — check.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Good
- Temperature
- −3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C) / −6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 7
- Crowds
- Low
- South Korea overall
- Prices
- Low
- South Korea overall
Verdict
Outside the best window (Sep–Oct (Horizon Festival) and Apr–May for milder weather). Across South Korea: Cold and dry, low prices; ski in Gangwon; Seollal can fall late in the month — check.
Is another month better than January?
January is rated good. These months rate higher:
- AprilGreatInside Gimje's best window: Sep–Oct (Horizon Festival) and Apr–May for milder weather.
- MayGreatInside Gimje's best window: Sep–Oct (Horizon Festival) and Apr–May for milder weather.
- SeptemberGreatInside Gimje's best window: Sep–Oct (Horizon Festival) and Apr–May for milder weather.
- OctoberGreatInside Gimje's best window: Sep–Oct (Horizon Festival) and Apr–May for milder weather.
Weather in January
- GimjeHighs around -3 °C (27 °F), lows around -6 °C (21 °F), rain on about 7 daysHighs around 27 °F (-3 °C), lows around 21 °F (-6 °C), rain on about 7 days
Festivals and holidays
Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.
Seollal (Lunar New Year) big impact
About 5–8 Feb 2027 (lunar; incl. substitute day — check) · South Korea
Three-plus days off: many restaurants and shops close, trains and buses sold out, palaces open (often free), Seoul quiet.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · South Korea overall
- Low
- Prices · South Korea overall
- Low
South Korea overall: Cold and dry, low prices; ski in Gangwon; Seollal can fall late in the month — check.
Compare two months
Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Gimje, side by side.
Verdict
Jan: Good
Apr: Great (better)
Daytime high
Jan: -3 °C (27 °F)27 °F (-3 °C)
Apr: 12 °C (54 °F)54 °F (12 °C)
Night low
Jan: -6 °C (21 °F)21 °F (-6 °C)
Apr: 4 °C (39 °F)39 °F (4 °C)
Rain days
Jan: 7 (better)
Apr: 9
Crowds
Jan: Low
Apr: High
Prices
Jan: Low
Apr: High
Festivals listed
Jan: 1
Apr: 0
January: Outside the best window (Sep–Oct (Horizon Festival) and Apr–May for milder weather). Across South Korea: Cold and dry, low prices; ski in Gangwon; Seollal can fall late in the month — check.
April: Inside Gimje's best window: Sep–Oct (Horizon Festival) and Apr–May for milder weather.
Gimje: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.
What to pack
- A warm coat, hat and gloves for mornings and evenings