Nara Weather in January

Season: Winter
In Short: Cold but seldom snows, low rainfall

January is the coldest time in Nara in a year which means the sensible temperature is pretty low in this month. Sometimes, the temperature drops to below 0°C (32°F) at night. Although it’s cold, it seldom snows in January and the sky is mostly clear because the average monthly rainfall is only 47mm. Clothes should be as thick as possible to keep warm but considering the indoor heating system, visitors’ outerwear should be easy to be taken off.

Temperature

The average temperature is 5°C (42.8°F) but the actual sensible temperature may be much lower. The average daytime highest temperature hovers around 8°C (46.4°F) and the average nighttime lowest temperature is 1.5°C (34.7°F) averagely. It is cold during the day and night so whenever you are about to travel, thick clothes are the musts to wear.
Average High Temperature: 8°C / 46.4°F

Average Low Temperature: 1.5°C / 34.7°F

Rainfall

It only has 5 rainy or snowy days in this month on average. The average rainfall is only 47mm in the whole month but the humidity is about 63%, which means the weather in January in Nara is not that dry. However, it is still advisable to bring the lip pomades and drink enough water to keep moisture in winter.
Average Rainy Days: 5 days
Average Humidity: 63%

Sunrise & Sunset

The sun rises late and sets early in winter in Nara. In January, the sun rises at around 07:04 and sets at 17:07. The duration of daylight is short about 10.1h. The sunshine hours are around 3.8h and they are mainly in the afternoon. Visitors are more advisable to travel in the warm sunshine hours.
Daylight hours: about 10.1h
Sunshine hours: around 3.8h

Recommended Clothes to Wear in January

In cold January, thick clothes are necessary. Considering most of the indoor places have the heating system, outer clothes should be easy to be taken off.

Girls

Tops: Padded jacket and wool overcoat are both good choices to withstand the coldness and both of them are convenient to be taken off. Girls can wear the turtleneck sweater inside and a thermal shirt as a match.
Bottoms & shoes: Winter pants are necessary in January. If you want to be more fashionable, you can choose to wear leggings to pair with long boots.

Boys

Tops: For boys, thick sweater and thermal shirt are suitable. A thick down coat can keep you warm and it can be taken off conveniently.
Bottoms & shoes: For bottoms, winter pants and thick sweatpants are both proper to wear. It is advisable to wear hiking shoes with wool socks to keep feet warm.

Accessories: To prevent getting cold, accessories like hat, gloves and scarf are highly recommended.

Top Attractions to Visit in Nara in January

Travel Recommendation:

1. Wakakusa Yamayaki, Mount Wakakusa

Mount Wakakusa is the representative mountain of Nara. Every year in January, the Mount Wakakusa holds the Wakakusa Yamayaki, which is to set the whole mountain on fire. The burning fire consumes the withered grass on the mountain and in spring, the grass comes back to life again. This activity also symbolizes the energy of endless vitality and visitors can feel the festive atmosphere here.

Tip: The Wakakusa Yamayaki is held in the evening and the temperature is lower than the daytime’s. Please wear enough warm clothes while enjoying the fire feast.

Mount Wakakusa in January

Todaiji Temple in January

2. Todaiji Temple

The Todaiji Temple is another representative landmark in Nara. As a World Cultural Heritage Site, the Todaiji Temple has a history of more than 1,000 years. The Daibutsuden of the Todaiji Temple is the world’s largest wooden temple building and the temple enshrines the world’s largest bronze statue of Buddha. If you travel in Nara, it is a must-see attraction without doubt.

3. The Nara Park Hotel

After a whole-day trip in winter, relaxing your body in a hot spring bath, called onsen in Japanese, is the best choice. The Nara Park Hotel has a natural open-air onsen in the garden and the garden is pretty quiet with beautiful scenery. Besides the onsen, it has many facilities and services like coffee and gift shops which can satisfy your needs. The Nara Park Hotel is also near other famous attractions like Toshodaji Temple and Heijo Palace, which are good places for a next-day trip.

Tips:
1. You have to be naked while enjoying the onsen because most of the onsens prohibit people who wears the clothes, even swimming suits from entering. Before entering the pools, please tie up your hair or wear a shower cap to avoid polluting the onsen water.
2. People with tattoos are basically not allowed to enter the onsens, especially in traditional onsens. If you have tattoos, don’t forget to check with the onsen manager and ask for more details.

January Weather for Other Cities in Japan:

Nara Weather by Month

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7-Day Nara Weather Forecast