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Jeju, South Korea · Temperate oceanic

Jeju in January: go or not?

Tough period. Jeju in January only reaches 0.9/10.

📅 Updated August 2026 🛰️ ERA5 · 10 years 📍 33.50°N · 126.53°E
⚡ This month's verdict
Avoid
Jeju · January
0.9
3–8°
Temperature
46%
Rain
4h
Sun
🌊 Seaside☀️ Bright🍴 Gastronomy
Photo : Ethan Brooke via Unsplash
The month in detail

What to expect in January

Winter in Jeju is cool (8.0°C during the day). Days are short (4.0h of sunshine) but the city reveals a different side. With 46.0% of rainy days, always have indoor alternatives planned.

January ranks 12 out of 12 months in Jeju. Compared to December: −2°C daytime.

This month's conditions

What it's like in January

UV index
3 · moderate
protect during midday hours
Feels like
dry air
Sea
17°C
cold, for the brave
Daylight
10.0h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 35
Compare

Is January the right month?

The best month in Jeju is May (7.7/10), 6.8 pts higher than January.

See May →See all 12 months →
Context

Our verdict

Jeju (Jeju-do), volcanic island of South Korea 100 km south of the mainland: 670,000 inhabitants over 1849 km² (Korea's largest island), UNESCO-listed 2007 (lava-tube volcanoes and unique ecosystem), reputed as "the honeymoon island" for Korean couples.

Read Gilles' full review →

Book

Plan your trip

Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.

🎟️ Activities & tours · Jeju

GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation

See all →
Affiliate link · GetYourGuide
Practical info

What you need to know before you go

Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a beach holiday.

Country · South Korea

🗣️LanguageKorean
💶CurrencySouth Korean Won (₩)
🚗DrivingRight-hand
🛡️Safety Very safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living Moderate · 3/5

🌡️ Climate

🌍Climate typeTemperate oceanic
📈Climate trend Stable
🔥Hottest monthAugust · 30°C
❄️Coolest monthJanuary · 8°C
🌧️Rainiest month September · 63%

🏖️ Beach holiday

📅Peak seasonJuin → Sept
🏖️Swell (Sept–Mar) Modérée
Location

Where is Jeju ?

Global position + regional geographic context.

🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
South Korea
Temperate oceanic climate with a 7.7 → 0.9 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
33.50°N · 126.53°E
Questions

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit Jeju?
May is the best month with 22.0°C highs, 15.0°C lows, 6.9h of sunshine and 36.0% rainy days. The months of May & June offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does Jeju get in May?
Jeju averages 6.9 sunshine hours per day in May. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 7.2/10.
What is the rainiest month in Jeju?
January is the most unfavourable month with January has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in Jeju in May?
In May, overnight lows reach 15.0°C, while afternoon highs average 22.0°C.
Is Jeju good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Jeju scores 2.0/10 on average — Difficult period — prefer the peak season.. The best month overall remains May with a score of 7.2/10.
When should you avoid Jeju?
January is the most difficult month to visit Jeju, with January has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Can you swim in Jeju in January?
In January, the sea averages 17°C in Jeju: cold, for the brave. Best left to hardened swimmers or those with a wetsuit.
Do you need sun protection in Jeju in January?
The average UV index reaches 3 in January in Jeju (moderate), with about 10.0h of daylight. Protect during midday hours.