January is wintertime or the dry season in India. January is a good time to visit India as the days are bright and sunny, and the nights are much cooler.
The average temperature is approximately 18°C (64°F) and the average monthly rainfall is only 10 mm (0 inches) in the north around Delhi.
India Weather in January: Overview
- Average daytime temperature range in most areas of India: 13–33°C (55–91°F)
- Average rainfall: 18 mm (1 inch)
- Average rainy days: 2–3
- Average sunny days: 28–29
Weather in Central North India (Delhi, Taj Mahal, Rajasthan...)
Taj MahalIndia is a big country, so the weather in January is significantly different in the north and south.
January weather in central northern cities like Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur is cool and can get chilly at night. There may be morning fog around Delhi and Agra. Prepare for highs of 22°C (71°F) and lows of 8°C (46°F).
The cooler climate makes it perfect for outdoor activities such as visiting monuments and forts. Many northern states also have festivals in January.
Clothing tips: Bring warm clothing like sweaters, hoodies, and a winter coat.
Get some inspiration about How to Plan an Affordable Luxury Trip to India.
Weather in Southern India: Mumbai, Goa, Beach Areas...
GoaThe weather in southern India is warmer than in northern cities. January could be one of the best months to travel to South India for a warm and sunny winter holiday.
January is in the high travel season in South India. Areas like Kochi, Goa, and Varkala Beach become quite busy. Temperatures are around 25°C (77°F) during the day with plenty of sunshine.
Clothing tips: Bring t-shirts or thin shirts with shorts. In the evenings, you'll probably want a thin jacket and trousers.
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Northern Mountainous Regions: The Himalayan Foothills
Manali, a town in Himachal Pradesh If you want to experience a snowy India, the Himalayan foothills are a great choice.
High-altitude areas in the extreme north, like Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, and Kashmir, will be covered in heavy snow. They are suitable for indulging in skiing, sledding, and skating.
But for travelers looking to go trekking or hiking, this is probably not be the right time to visit because the roads and hiking trails might be closed due to ice and snow.
Clothing tips: Bring thick coats or down jackets and winter boots.
You can find the best time to visit India and travel tips at Best (and Worst) Times to Visit India.
Average Temperatures in India's Main Cities in January
| City | Average Temperature | Average Rainfall |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 13°C (55°F) | 14 mm (1 in) |
| Agra | 14°C (57°F) | 10 mm (0 in) |
| Jaipur | 15°C (59°F) | 6 mm (0 in) |
| Varanasi | 16°C (61°F) | 11 mm (0 in) |
| Mumbai | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Goa | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Kochi | 27°C (81°F) | 20 mm (1 in) |
6 Best Places to Visit in January in India
January is one of the best times to visit India due to its drier weather and cooler temperatures.
Here are 6 recommended places to visit in India in January covering different scenery.
1. Goa — Sunny Beaches for Winter Escapes
GoaThe temperature in Goa in January is at its best, and it's warm and sunny. You could enjoy a fantastic winter holiday filled with sunshine, beaches, coconut groves, sea breezes, and rock and roll or electronic-sound live music.
You can expect huge numbers of people gathering along the beaches to watch the colorful firework displays. There are also New Year's parties on the beach or in bars.
Too busy to plan your own itinerary? Get inspiration from our itinerary ideas for 9 days, 10 days, 11 days, 12 days, and 2 weeks, or contact us to tailor-make one just for you!
2. Kerala — Relaxing, Scenic, and Warm
A cruise on backwater, KeralaIf you want to enjoy a tropical holiday in January in India with a less-crowded environment, you can consider Kerala, which is close to the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea.
The scenery and weather in Kerala are at their best in winter. There you can enjoy the sunshine on Kovalam Beach, explore Kerala's backwaters on a traditional houseboat, and enjoy a walking tour of a spice plantation.
Check out our 9-Day South India Tour to Discover the Idyllic Kerala.
3. Rajasthan — Culture, History, and Palaces
A camel ride in RajasthanJanuary is a good time to visit Rajasthan for experiencing its various festivals like Bikaner Camel Festival (January 11th and 12th, 2025) and Jaipur International Kite Festival (January 14th to 16th, 2025).
January is also good for adventurous activities in Rajasthan, like desert camping, camel safaris, and tiger safaris. Heritage hotels are another big highlight.
See our 14-Day Classic Rajasthan Tour.
4. Delhi — The Charming Capital
Humayun's TombMusic, lights, dance, fireworks, and more attract people to the heart of the nation to celebrate the coming of a new year in January.
In the prime locations of this metropolis like Connaught Place, many kinds of themed parties are held in clubs and bars.
Delhi also shines with historical heritage — countless monuments, local markets, and splendid temples and palaces.
5. Agra — Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is undoubtedly Agra's most famous attraction. January is among one of the best times to visit Taj Mahal. It perfectly avoids the rains and summer heat.
There might be fog in the early mornings in January. So, visiting after 10am is better for views and taking good photos.
Get an idea about how long to spend in India if you'd like to visit the Taj Mahal.
6. Gujarat — White Desert Festival
Rann of KutchThe White Desert Festival (Rann Utsav) is an awesome festival celebrated in Kutch District, Gujarat. The celebrations start from 1st November 2024 and continue to 20th February 2025!
It is a carnival of music, dance, and natural beauty. In the festival, you can enjoy a hot air balloon ride, experience a tent city, explore the white desert under a full moon, take a camel cart excursion, listen to Kutch folk songs, and more.
Read further about planning a trip to India>>>
Cost and Crowds in January
Taj MahalJanuary's New Year holidays are one of the busiest travel times in India. Flights and hotel prices go up 50–100 percent. If you want to get more reasonable prices, you should book one to two months in advance.
During this peak period, it's impossible to avoid crowds completely, but our local guides are well aware of the crowds at the attractions and will do their best to arrange a tour at a less crowded time or plan a less-crowded tour route without missing the highlights.
Or you could choose some less-visited attractions like Hampi, an ancient village full of interesting relics in Karnataka, southern India. >>>7-Day Off the Beaten Path South India Tour
Contact us if you have any needs or questions regarding an India tour.
Monthly Weather and Travel Information for India
Learn about the weather in India for each of the 12 months and find out the best places to visit each month:
| India in January | India in February | India in March |
| India in April | India in May | India in June |
| India in July | India in August | India in September |
| India in October | India in November | India in December |
Tour India with Us
All our tours can be customized based on your interests and needs. See our popular India tours for excellent starting points:
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