In January, the weather in India is mildly cold.
But do not be alarmed. It is not as cold as the Northern Hemisphere. And, definitely not as dark and gloomy as can be in Europe and North America. Winter in India is very moderate.
The days are generally quite pleasant and sunny, the night temperatures see quite a drop and it can get cold and chilly (especially in the plains of North India and the higher altitudes.)
Temperatures on average in India range from 50°F to 77°F (10°C to 25°C ). The north is slightly colder than the south (on average by 10-15°F). Expect the temperature to rise as you go south.
Rain tends to stay away, and snow falls only in the Himalayas (and its lower foothills) in the north.
January is the peak tourist season in India when travelers from other parts of the world take advantage of their New Year break to explore this amazing country.
1. Regional Weather Breakdown
Are you planning a visit to India in January? Let us look at the regional breakdown of weather patterns in the month of January.
North India: Rajasthan & Golden Triangle
January is one of the best times to visit the Golden Triangle Tourist Circuit of North India.
The trio of cities (Agra, Delhi, and Jaipur) that houses some of India’s greatest marvels (like Agra’s Taj Mahal, Delhi’s Red Fort, and Jaipur’s City Palace) hosts tens of thousands of tourists from all over the globe.
Average Temperature in Delhi in January: 46 °F- 68°F (8°C – 20°C)
Average Temperature in Jaipur in January: 46 °F- 71°F (8°C – 22°C)
Average Temperature in Agra in January: 44 °F- 69°F (7°C – 21°C)
Note: As you can see, there is not much difference in terms of temperature, however, one caveat applies to Delhi and the surrounding cities where it can get foggy between Christmas and mid January hampering visibility.
North India: Kashmir & Himalayas
Since this region is nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, it is India’s coldest region with the average temperature in Srinagar (capital of Kashmir) hovering around 25°F (-3.6 °C). Other key tourist valleys like Gulmarg (Ski Capital of India) and Pahalgam (Valley of Shepherds) see average temperatures drop to 14°F (-10°C).
The state of Uttarakhand (an important tourist destination in the Himalayas, that is home to Rishikesh and Jim Corbett National Park) is slightly less chilly (average temperature 41 °F-64 °F (5°C to 18°C).
The region is ideal for a snow-filled Himalayan expedition in January.
However, if snow and cold are not your thing, you are better off heading to the south of India.
South India: Kerala, Goa & the South
Winter in south India is a very short-lived and nominal affair.
Kerala is all sunshine and bright skies in January with average temperatures hovering between 75°F to 89°F (24°C to 32°C). Likewise Karnataka, is known for its glorious ancient temples, cuisine, and ancient history (average temperature 62 °F – 87 °F (17-31 °C).
The Beach Capital of India Goa (located on the southwestern shores) sees mercury fluctuate between 77 °F -87 °F (25°C to 31°C), making it ideal for a beach holiday.
West & Central India: Mumbai & Other Central Part
West and Central India is slightly warmer than North India but still colder than South India, with the mercury hovering between 57 °F – 86 °F (14°C to 30°C) in places like Mumbai, Pune, Bhopal, and the National Parks of Madhya Pradesh.
North East India
North East India is a mountainous terrain that is located in the foothills of the Eastern Greater and Lower Himalayas. Assam, Meghalaya, and Nagaland see average temperature ranges from 42 °F – 64 °F (6 °C to 18 °C).
2. Weather Information On Popular Cities For Tourism
Agra
Average Temperature in Agra in January: 44 °F- 69°F (7°C – 21°C)
January is a great time to visit Agra, the home of the Taj Mahal, and the old markets of the city. Be sure to visit the Taj Mahal at night when it opens for night viewing around the full moon nights.
What to wear: During the day time when the sun is out, you do not need heavy clothing. A light full-sleeved shirt with a pair of jeans is fine and a sweater or warm jacket do the job. At night the temperature drops a little, so you can do a layer if you are outdoors.
Jaipur
Average Temperature in Jaipur in January: 46 °F- 71°F (8°C – 22°C)
Jaipur is known for its glorious palaces, regal havelis (mansions), towering forts, great food, and cultural attractions.
January is an ideal time to visit Jaipur before it gets really warm in summer in this arid desert terrain. The famous Kite Festival (Makar Sankranti/Capricorn) is held on 14th January. It celebrates the sun’s entrance into the Capricorn Zodiac from Sagittarius.
January is also a good time to venture out into the Thar Desert, and enjoy camel safaris.
What to wear: A pair of jeans/pants, a full-sleeved t-shirt, and sweater/jacket for the day, it gets colder after sunset and would require to put on the jackets and cover your ears with a cap.
Udaipur
Another great destination in Rajasthan to visit in January is the “City of Lakes” Udaipur which often draws comparisons to Venice. Udaipur is royal, regal, and charming. Many consider it to be India’s most romantic destination.
Desert Safaris are an ideal activity in Udaipur in January. You can also explore the Aravalli Hills.
What to wear: A pair of jeans a full-sleeved shirt will do for the day, you might need a sweater/jacket if the sun is not out, the night gets chilly and you’d need to put on thick layers.
Delhi
Delhi is India’s proud capital and a custodian of its glorious civilizational heritage.
January is a good time to be in Delhi and enjoy its historical sights like the Red Fort (residence of the Mughal Emperor) and Humayun’s Tomb (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
What to wear: A warm sweater or jacket with a warm shirt and a pair of winter pants or jeans, like other cities of the North the nights get pretty cold and require thick woolens.
Mumbai
The home of Bollywood Mumbai (formerly Bombay) is the financial capital of India and one of the world’s great metropolitans with a population of over 22 million.
January sees ideal outdoor weather in Mumbai. Be sure to take a stroll to the Gateway of India, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (Raj-era Gothic building).
What to wear: A pair of jeans/pants, a full-sleeved t-shirt, you wouldn’t require a sweater/jacket in the daytime, you might need a light jacket in the night.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is January a good time to visit India?
Yes, most definitely. In fact, it is one of the best times to visit India, with the mercury hovering on average between 50 °F – 77 °F (10-25°C). The skies are usually clear (except for Delhi where it gets occasionally foggy), and it is dry season with rains keeping away.
January is the peak tourist season with all of India’s key attractions in the North (Jaipur, Delhi, Agra, Varanasi, other parts of Rajasthan), and South (Goa, Kerala, Karnataka) receiving a large number of visitors from all over the world.
What are the best places to visit in India in January?
First off, the Golden Triangle—Agra, Delhi, Jaipur. This magnificent group of cities is home to India’s greatest historical wonders like the Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, Jaipur’s City Palace and Amber Fort, and limitless cultural attractions. If you have two weeks in hand you can go also include the other major destinations in Rajasthan – Jodhpur, Udaipur & Jaisalmer.
The south—with the beaches and serene backwaters of Kerala, the ancient temples of Karnataka, and the lush green hill stations of rolling tea gardens of Tamil Nadu—is also a great place to visit.
If you’re looking for a tropical beach holiday, consider Goa with its golden sand beaches and Portuguese heritage, or the “French Capital of India” Pondicherry, known for its excellent beaches, cuisine, and Ashrams (spiritual communes).
It is cold in India in January?
Not that cold!
Depends on where you are coming from. If you live in the West, where January is chilly, dark, subzero, and rather gloomy, then take heart. January in India is none of these things.
Except for the high-altitude Himalayas in the extreme north, much of the Indian subcontinent sees mild temperatures 50 °F – 77 °F (10-25°C). So, if you belong to a tropical region like South East India, India would be mildly cold for you. But not if are coming from the northern hemisphere of the world.
Where is it warm in India in January?
The coastal regions of the south of India facing the Arabian Sea in the Southwest and the Bay of Bengal in the southeast are generally way more warmer than the north of India. Average temperatures in this part of India range from 75°F to 89°F (24°C to 32°C).
What season is January in India?
January is considered winter in India.
