Things to Do in Xiamen in January

January Weather in Xiamen

20°C (68°F) High Temp

11°C (52°F) Low Temp

39mm (1.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect walking weather with daytime temperatures around 18-20°C (64-68°F) - ideal for exploring Gulangyu Island and mountain hiking without overheating
Clearest skies of the year with only 6 rainy days and excellent visibility for photographing coastal views and sunsets from Zhongshan Road
Winter plum blossoms (梅花) bloom throughout the city parks, particularly stunning at Nanputuo Temple and Botanical Garden with peak blooms mid-to-late January
CNY preparation atmosphere creates authentic local experiences - night markets extend hours, traditional snack vendors appear, and locals are more social before the holiday rush

Considerations

Chinese New Year period (late January 2025) means many local restaurants and shops close for 3-7 days, though tourist attractions remain open with reduced hours
Cool mornings require layering - temperatures drop to 11°C (52°F) at sunrise, then climb to 20°C (68°F) by afternoon, making outfit planning tricky
Strong coastal winds average 15-20 km/h (9-12 mph), making ferry rides to Gulangyu choppy and outdoor dining uncomfortable without windbreakers

Best Activities in January

Gulangyu Island Walking Tours

January's mild 18-20°C (64-68°F) temperatures make the car-free island perfect for all-day exploration. Clear skies provide excellent views from Sunlight Rock, and winter light creates ideal photography conditions for colonial architecture. Fewer crowds mean peaceful strolls through piano museums and gardens.

Booking Tip: Book ferry tickets online 3-5 days ahead to avoid queues. Round-trip typically costs ¥50-70 ($7-10). Choose morning departures for best light and fewer crowds. Audio guide rentals available at terminal.

Nanputuo Temple and University District Cultural Tours

Winter plum blossoms frame the temple grounds beautifully in January. Cool morning temperatures 11-15°C (52-59°F) make the uphill walk to temple viewpoints comfortable. University students return from winter break mid-January, bringing energy to nearby cafes and bookshops.

Booking Tip: Free temple entry, but guided tours typically cost ¥80-150 ($11-21) and include Xiamen University campus access (requires advance registration). Book cultural tours 5-7 days ahead through certified guides.

Huandao Road Cycling Adventures

The 31 km (19.3-mile) coastal road is perfect in January's comfortable temperatures. Strong coastal winds actually help with cooling during climbs. Clear winter air provides stunning views of Taiwan Strait and offshore islands. Less humid conditions mean more comfortable multi-hour rides.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals typically cost ¥30-60 ($4-8) per day. Book electric bikes for headwind sections. Start early morning to avoid afternoon winds. Many rental shops along the route for repairs and rest stops.

Traditional Night Market Food Tours

January's cool evenings make hot local specialties like oyster omelets and peanut soup especially appealing. Pre-CNY atmosphere brings out seasonal vendors selling traditional New Year treats. Comfortable 13-16°C (55-61°F) evening temperatures perfect for outdoor eating.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost ¥150-280 ($21-40) for 3-hour experiences. Book 7-10 days ahead as groups are smaller in low season. Evening tours start around 6:30pm when temperatures are most comfortable.

Botanical Garden and Mountain Hiking

January showcases winter flowering plants including camellias and early cherry blossoms. Cool, dry conditions with 70% humidity make uphill trails comfortable. Clear days offer views to Gulangyu and beyond. Peak visiting comfort with minimal sweating.

Booking Tip: Entry typically costs ¥40 ($6). Guided nature walks available for ¥100-180 ($14-25). Book weekend tours early as locals also prefer cooler hiking weather. Allow 3-4 hours for full garden exploration.

Traditional Tea Culture Experiences

Cool January weather makes hot oolong tea sessions particularly enjoyable. Indoor cultural activities perfect for the 6 occasional rainy days. Pre-CNY period when tea masters have time for longer, more detailed ceremonies before holiday rush.

Booking Tip: Tea ceremonies typically cost ¥120-250 ($17-35) for 2-hour sessions. Book traditional teahouses in advance. Many combine with calligraphy or cultural workshops. Indoor activities ideal for cooler days.

January Events & Festivals

Mid to Late January

Winter Plum Blossom Festival

City-wide celebration of blooming plum trees with photography competitions, traditional poetry readings, and garden tours. Peak blooms occur in parks and temple grounds throughout the city.

Three weeks before CNY (early to mid-January 2025)

Chinese New Year Preparation Markets

Traditional markets extend hours selling New Year decorations, special foods, and cultural items. Local neighborhoods host preparation activities including dumpling-making sessions and calligraphy workshops.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight down jacket or fleece - mornings drop to 11°C (52°F), essential for early ferry rides and mountain areas

Windbreaker or light shell - coastal winds average 15-20 km/h (9-12 mph), crucial for island visits and waterfront walking

Layers for temperature swings - 9°C (16°F) daily variation means t-shirt weather by afternoon, sweater weather at dawn

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - winter humidity makes stone surfaces occasionally slippery, especially on Gulangyu's historic streets

Light rain jacket - while only 6 rainy days, showers can be sudden and markets/outdoor dining don't always have cover

Sunscreen SPF 30+ - UV index of 4 still requires protection, especially with reflection off water and white colonial buildings

Portable phone charger - cool weather drains batteries faster, essential for ferry booking apps and translation tools

Cash in small bills - many traditional vendors and tea houses prefer cash, ATMs less common in historic areas

Scarf or light neck warmer - coastal winds make perceived temperature feel 3-5°C (5-9°F) cooler than actual temperature

Day backpack - comfortable temperatures encourage longer walking tours, need space for layers as you warm up

Insider Knowledge

Visit Gulangyu Island before 9am or after 4pm in January - ferries are less crowded and the soft winter light is perfect for photography without harsh shadows

Book accommodations near Zhongshan Road pedestrian area - January's cool evenings make walking to restaurants and night markets more pleasant than summer taxi rides

Time temple visits for 7-8am when locals do morning prayers - you'll see authentic rituals and avoid tour groups, plus morning mist creates atmospheric photos

Shop at traditional markets between 2-4pm - vendors offer samples of seasonal specialties as afternoon crowds thin, and you can learn about CNY food traditions

Avoid These Mistakes

Underdressing for morning activities - tourists see 20°C (68°F) high temperatures and pack only summer clothes, then freeze during 11°C (52°F) sunrise ferry rides

Not checking CNY dates before booking - many assume all businesses close the entire last week of January, but closure periods vary and tourist attractions stay open

Skipping windproof layers - coastal location means constant breeze that makes comfortable temperatures feel much cooler, especially on Gulangyu Island walks