Jan 5, 2026; Jan 5, 2027 (the moment the term begins, Beijing time).

What are the three pentads of Minor Cold?

Pentad 1: 雁北鄉 (Wild geese head north); Pentad 2: 鵲始巢 (Magpies begin to nest); Pentad 3: 雉始雊 (Pheasants begin to call).

Where is the Sun at Minor Cold?

The Sun reaches ecliptic longitude 285° (Capricorn 15°). Minor Cold is a sectional term (jie) in winter.

Solar term 23 of 24

小寒 · Xiaohan

Sun's longitude 285° · Sectional term (jie) · Winter · Jan 5, 2026

The coldest stretch of the year begins; “minor” means it has not reached its peak yet.

Each solar term is split into three pentads of about five days, each marked by a sign in nature.

People eat Laba congee and fill in a “nine nines” chart to count down the cold.

Dates are in Beijing time.

When is Minor Cold?: Jan 5, 2026; Jan 5, 2027 (the moment the term begins, Beijing time).
What are the three pentads of Minor Cold?: Pentad 1: 雁北鄉 (Wild geese head north); Pentad 2: 鵲始巢 (Magpies begin to nest); Pentad 3: 雉始雊 (Pheasants begin to call).
What customs are associated with Minor Cold?: People eat Laba congee and fill in a “nine nines” chart to count down the cold.
Where is the Sun at Minor Cold?: The Sun reaches ecliptic longitude 285° (Capricorn 15°). Minor Cold is a sectional term (jie) in winter.

For culture and fun: personality and tradition only, no predictions.