Weather in India in January

The weather in India in January makes it one of the best times to visit India. January is the coolest month in India, although the temperature varies from region to region. The weather is pleasant in most of India, so you can visit most of the country in January. Read through the weather in India in January and get some inspiration on some of the places to visit in India at this time.

January Weather in India

With the exception of the snowy peaks in the North and some parts of the Northeast, it is not very cold in India. January is a dry month, with barely any rainfall across the country. The average temperatures can vary largely from day to night. Prepare yourself for a maximum daytime temperature of 30°C (86°F) dropping to 15°C (59°F) at night, sometimes lower.

Here is an overview on the best time to visit India.

Best places to visit in India in January

January is a great month to visit India. The climate is mild and cool, making it perfect for sightseeing and exploring during the day. Tourists from the Southern Hemisphere have their summer break from December to February, so most tourist places in India are extra crowded in January.

You can tour the Golden Triangle in January – the Red Fort in New Delhi, the Taj Mahal in Agra, and the Hawa Mahal in Jaipur. Rajasthan is a very popular tourist destination in January.

South India is warm but pleasant in January, so you can soak in some sunlight without feeling burnt.

North India in January

The weather in India in January varies a lot just within the North. In the far north, the Himalayas are blanketed with snow. If you are looking for trekking and other outdoor activities, this region may not be the best choice in January. Many roads and hiking trails are blocked or closed due to the snow, making traveling difficult, expensive, and tiring.

But if you want to ski, January is a great month to do so. Gulmarg in Kashmir is one of the most popular destinations in India for skiing. You can also opt for other smaller resorts in Manali and Auli in Himachal Pradesh.

Delhi can get quite cold in January, with temperatures ranging from 22 to 5°C (71-41°F). The cities of Agra and Rajasthan are pleasantly warm during the day, heating up to 20 to 28°C (82-86°F).

Evenings get cold in North India – nature reserves and northern cities like Jaisalmer, Amritsar and Delhi get particularly cold at night in January. Rooms with heating facilities are uncommon except in high-end hotels. However, hotels and guest houses usually provide warm blankets. We recommend carrying a blanket, a pair of warm socks, and maybe something to cover your ears at night.

At this time of year, clouds are rare and you will be safe from the rain in Northern areas. Take note however, that there may well be persistent fog around Delhi and Agra. It can last for days at a time, disrupting air traffic and train departures, so it is good to prepare for delays.

In Punjab, Lohri is celebrated in January, a colorful festival dedicated to the Sun God. It is celebrated by singing folk music and lighting a bonfire.

The Bikaner camel festival in Rajasthan is celebrated in January every year in the village of Bikaner, dedicated to the ship of the desert, the camel. Thousands of camels are adorned and traded at the camel fair. There are also many cultural activities happening during the festival.

January is the most popular month to travel in Rajasthan. This means that it is likely to be packed with tourists and so hotel availability may become an issue. We recommend booking in advance to secure your spots. Remember, we can help you with that, just click on Plan Your Trip.

If you are interested in travelling through Rajasthan and North India in January, check out Henning’s two-week-trip to Rajasthan with homestay experiences, or Chiara’s Rajasthan trip for a dash of luxury. In case you’re looking for route options combining cities, look at our Delhi – Agra – Rajasthan route options.

Want to avoid the tourist rush and have warmer weather in North India? Consider visiting during the months of February or March.

Know More: Northern India’s Ultimate Travel Guide

Discover: Stumble Upon Rajasthan’s Premier Vacation Spots

Jodhpur_(Photo Credit Anshul Tilondiya )

South India in January

India weather in South India in January is comfortably warm. In most cities of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, the average temperature is normally around 25°C (77°F) during the day, and around 15-20°C (59-68°F) at night. Humidity and rainfall levels tend to drop, making Southern India a good destination to visit in January.

This is peak tourist season in South India, so places like Varkala and Kochi are quite busy, so make sure you book your tickets and accommodations in advance.

Goa is a great place to visit in India in January. It rarely gets cold, and the sunny days are very pleasant. However, there is a cooler breeze at night along the vast stretches of countryside in the state. Daytime temperatures are normally above 25°C (77°F), so it is the perfect time to get some Vitamin D without the unbearable, blazing heat. However, the downside of visiting Goa at this time of the year is the crowd. The beaches see a lot more visitors, and popular resorts get booked months in advance.

The harvest festival of Pongal is celebrated in Tamil Nadu in January. It is a big cultural celebration with a special dish called Pongal made from freshly harvested rice.

The Float Festival of Madurai also takes place in Tamil Nadu at Meenakshi Amman Temple. The cultural festival is celebrated in January on a full moon night – the area is decorated with bright lights and many rituals take place here on this day.

We advise you to plan your trip in advance, and in case you don’t, we can always help you out. Just click on Plan Your Trip and we can take over to plan your trip for you. Also, check out Rachel’s trip across South India to find inspiration for a travel route inclusive of Goa.

Plan Your Trip: Discover the Best Time for Kerala

Here is a detailed overview on what the weather would be like each month in India, in different regions of the country. Feel free to explore.

January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December

Goa

Eastern India and Northeastern India in January

The east of India is pretty dry during January. On the east coast, in cities like Puducherry and Odisha, temperatures range from 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F). The pleasant January weather makes it a good time to visit the eastern part of India.

Northeast India is also dry in January, one of the very few months where the skies are blue and you can enjoy outdoor activities. You can go trekking, hiking, and camping, getting close to nature. Visit the double decker root bridges in Meghalaya, or explore Gangtok in Sikkim.

Gangtok

Western India in January

Western India is considerably warm in January, with the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Kutch. Temperatures range between 20°C and 30°C (68°F to 86°F) in the coastal cities of Mumbai and Goa. It is a great time to unwind on the beaches of the west coast or trek on the hills of Western Ghats. As you move further towards the mainland, the climate becomes warmer.

The festival of Makar Sankranti takes place in the middle of January. It is widely celebrated in Maharashtra and Gujarat. In Gujarat, there is an international kite festival that takes place on Makar Sankranti.

The Rann Utsav also takes place in January in Gujarat. Many festivities, music, and dance performances take place in a tent city at the edge of the White Rann in the Thar Desert. Attend the Rann Utsav on a full moon night – the moonlight reflecting off the white salt flats is a phenomenal sight.

International Kite Festival

Central India in January

Nagpur, Lucknow, and the rest of Central India has hot but pleasant weather in January. This time is perfect for sightseeing or taking a wildlife safari across the many national parks in Central India. Late nights and early mornings at the national parks can get chilly, so make sure you pack some warm clothing. Rain is rare in January, so you don’t need umbrellas or waterproof jackets, although it is not a bad idea to pack it if you can.

wildlife safaris in Central India

For more detailed information about weather in India in January, or for any help in planning your perfect trip to India, feel free to contact us!

Tips while visiting India in January

• A major Indian public holiday is celebrated on 26 January – the Republic Day of India, which celebrates the date on which the Constitution of India came into effect in 1950. The main celebration is held at the Red Fort in New Delhi with a ceremonial parade. On this day, some areas may be crowded, while some places may be closed.
• If you are visiting India in January, keep in mind that almost all the main attractions in the country will be crowded. We would recommend going off the beaten path this month.
• Many places in the far north will be closed or cut off due to the snow, so try to avoid such destinations in January.
• Pack appropriate clothing for your trip. If you are visiting North India, you will need warm clothing. Pack a blanket, jacket, or shawl since the north can get quite cold in January, especially at night. You can pack light clothing for the South, but take a warm jacket or sweater for the night.
• Keep basic medications handy. Winter brings with it some infections and viral fevers. You will find medical aid in most tourist places in India, but just in case, keep your regular medications with you.

If you are thinking of visiting India, January is a great month to plan a trip to this diverse country. Most of India has the perfect weather conditions in January to travel and explore without getting tired or exhausted. For more detailed information about weather in India in January, or for any help in planning your perfect trip to India, feel free to contact us! We will customize the perfect trip for you based on your requirements.

If you consider a trip to India in January, you are at the right place. India Someday can help you plan a route with the best choices of accommodations and transport modes. And if a hotel is booked out we will find a suitable alternative within your budget and expectations. Plan your trip with us now!