Weather: In Xiamen, January usually is slightly warmer than February. The weather is often comfortable during the day because the sea tempers the weather, and it rains little. The weather might be pleasant to go and see the attractions outdoors. The temperature is not low compared to cities in North China. But at night, it might feel cold since there is usually no heating in most places except the top hotels.
Average daily low and high temperatures in Xiamen are 10 °C (50 °F) at night and a cool 17 °C (63 °F) in the afternoon. The weather is fairly dry. There is about 33 mm of total rainfall each month, and it rains about 7 days of the month. See the current weather and forecast>>
Clothing: If you go outside, wear a sweater or coat and a head covering to avoid catching a cold. Ultraviolet radiation is weak, and you can go outside without putting on any skin protection.
Things to Do
Wuyi MountainsTake an Outdoors Excursion to Mount Wuyi: The national park in Fujian Province is a good place to get some outdoor exercise and see beautiful scenery in winter. There are numerous stairways for some good stair-climbing exercise. Red sandstone formations stand out hundreds of meters high against the skyline. The area is also a noted wildlife sanctuary where you can watch the wildlife. See our Mount Wuyi tour.
Take a trip to Gulangyu Island: This is a small island about 5 minutes from Xiamen by ferry, and it is good for a day trip or an excursion for half a day. Enjoy the restaurants or tea shops and see the old architecture. It was once a foreign settlement.
Enjoy the Nightlife: As one of China's first special economic zones, tourists can expect expat-friendly restaurants with good service and good quality food. The environmental quality is high, and it is known as one of China's cleanest cities. You can take a Lu River night cruise where you'll see the sights along the river while enjoying drinks or something to eat.
Celebrate Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year is the biggest holiday season in China. It falls in January about 1/3 of the years, but it usually falls in February. But if it falls in January, expect both a lot of festivities and a lot of heavy traffic at the airports, train stations and bus stations.
During the festival, there are many cultural activities in the streets that you can see, and most people get about a week off. Expect to see festival-related celebrations and temple worship. You can go to the street markets, try the holiday food, buy souvenirs, and experience the customs.
People will mainly spend their time with family and friends, celebrate with special food, and set off fireworks in the four municipal districts where it is allowed. You might hear explosions all around you at mid-night of the Eve. It is the equivalent to the Christmas and New Year's holidays combined with the 4th of July in America. Chinese New Year Dates>>
Low Travel Season
January is generally a low travel month unless Chinese New Year falls in the month. During the days of the Spring Festival vacation, expect crowds at the airport, train stations, and bus stations, and expect high prices for hotel rooms and greater difficulty reserving flight and train tickets. Why wait in line at crowded stations or counters? Book in advance, and we can perhaps deliver your tickets an easy way, and even get them at a discount.
China Highlights Tours
Gulangyu IslandIf you are planning a Xiamen tour, please see our recommended tours below for inspirations:
- 3-Day Xiamen, Gulangyu, and Tulou Relaxed Tour — Relaxed Weekend Tour
- 4-Day Garden City, Gulangyu Island and Tulou Combination — Garden City and Tulou Combination
China Highlights plans personal and group tours throughout China and to other countries. See more Xiamen tours. Or just tell us your interests and requirements, China Highlights will tailor-make you a perfect Xiamen tour.
Further Reading
Xiamen Climate Information by Month
- Xiamen Weather in January
- Xiamen Weather in February
- Xiamen Weather in March
- Xiamen Weather in April
- Xiamen Weather in May
- Xiamen Weather in June
- Xiamen Weather in July
- Xiamen Weather in August
- Xiamen Weather in September
- Xiamen Weather in October
- Xiamen Weather in November
- Xiamen Weather in December