Hohhot Weather in January

January: sharp winter cold

Hohhot feels properly wintry in January, and it's the main reason this month scores so low for visiting. Days reach around -4°C, but nights drop to about -15°C. It's dry, with little rain, yet that doesn't make long days outside comfortable. You'll get just over nine hours of daylight, so your sightseeing time is limited. December is just as cold, and February is only a little milder, so the whole winter stretch calls for a bit of patience.

Still, Dazhao Temple and the old streets around it are worth seeing, as long as you keep outdoor walks short. When the cold starts to bite, the Inner Mongolia Museum makes a good indoor stop. If you want long outings across the grasslands, save them for May to June or September, when the region is far more pleasant to explore beyond the city.

New Year, with a date to check

January brings New Year's Day, though it's a modest holiday compared with Lunar New Year. Lunar New Year sometimes falls in January, but the date shifts from year to year. If it lands on your trip, expect family travel and some businesses to close or cut their hours.

If you hate crowds, January is usually a quieter time to visit than the busy May-to-June and September periods. Hotels and flights can also cost less, though holiday dates may bring a brief rush. Just don't expect the city's best outdoor events or its warm-weather atmosphere.

Make the cold work for you

Once you're back from Dazhao Temple, a bowl of Inner Mongolian lamb hotpot is a welcome way to warm up. Ask for a broth cooked at the table, then take your time over the meal.

Travelling with kids? Keep the day simple. Pair one short outdoor stop with a visit to the Inner Mongolia Museum, rather than trying to cross the city on foot. And if your trip overlaps with Lunar New Year, check opening hours before you set out.