Japan Fukuoka Weather in January — Climate Guide
January in Fukuoka is moderate
Fukuoka Weather in January — Quick Answer
As of 2026- Avg temp
- 10° / 3°
- Rainfall
- 75mm · 9 days
- Crowds
- Quiet
As of 2026, Fukuoka in January averages a high of 10°C and low of 3°C with 75mm of rain over about 9 days. Cold + dry. Warm coat + sweater + scarf + gloves. Korean winter clothing works directly. Layer with thermal base layer for outdoor mornings under 5°C. Indoor heating runs hot — easily removable layers help.
January is moderate for Fukuoka.
January is the coldest month and the year's value bottom — the smartest pick for a Korean winter-escape that doesn't require flying further than Tokyo. Highs 10°C / 50°F and lows 3°C / 37°F, 11-13°F / 6-7°C warmer than Seoul on the same day. Hatsumode (Jan 1-3) at Dazaifu Tenmangu + Kushida Shrine is the year's most-atmospheric shrine moment — 1 million-plus visitors over 3 days, food stalls everywhere, kimono-clad families. Onsen day trips (Yufuin, Beppu) and motsunabe + mizutaki season at peak. Some restaurants close Jan 1-3 — ramen shops mostly open. Hotel pricing 30-40% below cherry-blossom peak. Korean Lunar New Year (varies, late Jan-mid Feb) is the only week to avoid — hotel + flight rates double.
Travel score
Proper winter + Korean winter escape #1 — 11°F warmer than Seoul
January Weather at a Glance
January in Fukuoka averages 50°F / 10°C highs and 37°F / 3°C lows — 11-13°F / 6-7°C warmer than Seoul on the same day. 9 rainy days, 75mm. Humidity 65%, 4 hours of sunshine. Occasional snow 0-2 days per year (photogenic when it happens). Sunrise 7:25 AM, sunset 5:25 PM. The cold is dry-cold, not the wet-cold of Tokyo's January.
January Travel Advice
Heavy coat + scarf + gloves + thermal base layer. Korean winter clothing transfers directly — no need to buy Japan-specific gear. New Year Hatsumode (Jan 1-3) peaks at Dazaifu Tenmangu + Kushida Shrine; arrive before 9 AM Jan 1 for the predawn first-shrine-visit. Some restaurants close Jan 1-3 — ramen shops mostly open. Konbini kairo (hand warmers, ¥100) are the local cold-day must-have. Yufuin + Beppu onsen day trip ideal in cold weather.
Flying In from Overseas
Asia winter escape #1 from Korea — Direct flights from Seoul 1h20, $130-280 round-trip. The closest major Japanese city, visa-free 90 days, no time difference. Korean New Year + Lunar New Year proximity (varies, late Jan-mid Feb) drives the value window. From Tokyo $80-180, Busan $80-160 (or Camellia overnight ferry $90-250). Western inbound minimal — January is Asia-traveler peak.
January Pricing Trends
Off-season — Hakata Station 4-star $70-130/night. Tenjin/Canal City $90-155. Ritz-Carlton Fukuoka $400-600. New Year week (Jan 1-3) sees slight uptick. Lunar New Year week (varies) hotels +50%, flights from Seoul double to $280-490.
Fukuoka January Weather Stats
Avg High
10°C
Avg Low
3°C
Rainy Days
9
75mm total
Sunshine
4h
Daily avg
Humidity
65%
moderate
UV Index
2
Low
Wind
10 km/h
Gusts 25
Sea Temp
14°C
no swimming
Crowds
Quiet
At attractions
January Sunrise & Sunset
Air Quality
PM2.5
18 μg/m³
PM10
30 μg/m³
Status
good
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
8°C
Nighttime
1°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
10 km/h
Max gust 25 km/h
Activities Recommended for January
January Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- Year's lowest crowds + cheapest hotels (Hakata Station 4-star $70-130)
- Hatsumode (Jan 1-3) is atmospheric peak — kimono-clad families at Dazaifu + Kushida
- Onsen + motsunabe + mizutaki season at peak
- Clear cold skies make photography crisp
Cons
- 3-10°C cold (Korean winter wear necessary)
- Daylight 10h — sunset 5:25 PM cuts day short
- Some restaurants close Jan 1-3 holiday week
- Korean Lunar New Year week (varies) doubles fares
January Events & Festivals
- Hatsumode New Year shrine visits at Kushida + Dazaifu (Jan 1-3, year's most-atmospheric shrine moment)
- Mentaiko Festival at Marine Messe (late January, free entry, mentaiko tasting from 30+ producers)
- Snow possibility 0-2 days per year (rare, photogenic)
Fukuoka in January — Full Picture
January is the coldest month and the year's value bottom — the smartest pick for a Korean winter-escape that doesn't require flying further than Tokyo. Highs 10°C / 50°F and lows 3°C / 37°F, 11-13°F / 6-7°C warmer than Seoul on the same day. Hatsumode (Jan 1-3) at Dazaifu Tenmangu + Kushida Shrine is the year's most-atmospheric shrine moment — 1 million-plus visitors over 3 days, food stalls everywhere, kimono-clad families. Onsen day trips (Yufuin, Beppu) and motsunabe + mizutaki season at peak. Some restaurants close Jan 1-3 — ramen shops mostly open. Hotel pricing 30-40% below cherry-blossom peak. Korean Lunar New Year (varies, late Jan-mid Feb) is the only week to avoid — hotel + flight rates double.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Cold + dry. Warm coat + sweater + scarf + gloves. Korean winter clothing works directly. Layer with thermal base layer for outdoor mornings under 5°C. Indoor heating runs hot — easily removable layers help.
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
19°C
11°C
10/mo
Summer (Jun·Jul·Aug)
29.7°C
22.7°C
12.3/mo
Autumn (Sep·Oct·Nov)
22.7°C
15.7°C
8.7/mo
Winter (Dec·Jan·Feb)
Current11°C
4°C
8.7/mo
Fukuoka Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Humid | UV | Crowd | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10° | 3° | 9d·75mm | 4h | 65% | 2 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 11° | 4° | 8d·70mm | 5h | 65% | 3 | Quiet | Low season | |
| March (Best) | 15° | 7° | 10d·110mm | 6h | 65% | 4 | Busy | Peak |
| April (Best) | 19° | 11° | 10d·110mm | 7h | 65% | 5 | Very busy | Peak |
| 23° | 15° | 10d·130mm | 7h | 68% | 6 | Busy | Peak | |
| 26° | 19° | 14d·280mm | 5h | 75% | 7 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 31° | 24° | 14d·320mm | 5h | 75% | 9 | Very busy | Peak | |
| 32° | 25° | 9d·175mm | 6h | 73% | 9 | Busy | Peak | |
| 28° | 21° | 11d·175mm | 6h | 70% | 7 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| October (Best) | 23° | 16° | 7d·80mm | 7h | 65% | 5 | Busy | Peak |
| November (Best) | 17° | 10° | 8d·90mm | 5h | 65% | 3 | Busy | Peak |
| 12° | 5° | 9d·75mm | 5h | 65% | 2 | Moderate | Shoulder |
View Other Months
Fukuoka January Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is January a good time to visit Fukuoka?
Fukuoka in January is moderate. Tourist crowds are quiet and flight/hotel prices are low season.
What's the average temperature in Fukuoka in January?
Fukuoka January averages a high of 10°C and a low of 3°C.
Does it rain much in Fukuoka in January?
Fukuoka January averages 75mm of rainfall over about 9 rainy days.
What should I wear in Fukuoka in January?
Cold + dry. Warm coat + sweater + scarf + gloves. Korean winter clothing works directly. Layer with thermal base layer for outdoor mornings under 5°C. Indoor heating runs hot — easily removable layers help.
What time are sunrise and sunset in Fukuoka in January?
Fukuoka January sunrise is 07:25 and sunset is 17:25, with 10h of daylight.
What's the air quality like in Fukuoka in January?
Fukuoka January air quality (AQI) averages 50, rated Good. PM2.5 averages 18μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in Fukuoka in January?
In January, Fukuoka is great for Yufuin onsen day trip (Shitan-yu lake bath ¥200), Hakata yatai (covered stalls, mostly open in cold), Motsunabe + mizutaki winter peak.
Is January peak season in Fukuoka?
Fukuoka January crowds are quiet and prices are low season. You can travel relatively comfortably without long queues.
Best Months to Visit Fukuoka
View Other Months
Planning a January trip to Fukuoka?
You've checked the weather — next come the budget and the route.
Why you can trust weather guide
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.