Nepal in January: Weather + 6 Best Places to Visit

PLANNING A TRIP TO NEPAL IN JANUARY?

Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. I live in Nepal and although January is the coldest month of the year, it is still sunny during the daytime.

January is peak winter season in Nepal but it only gets cold at nights or if you are in high altitude in the mountains.

In places in the hilly region, such as Kathmandu, Pokhara, Bandipur or Tansen, the weather stays sunny and warm during the day and it only gets cold at night.

It usually starts snowing above 3,000 metres in December so if you go trekking in January, be prepared for very cold temperatures and snow. As snow can make it difficult to navigate the trekking routes, it is good to trek in groups or with a guide in January.

Here is all the information you need about the weather, trekking, festivals, activities and places to visit in Nepal in January!

Nepal Weather in January

The winter season in Nepal runs from December to February, with January being the coldest month of the year.

Although January is the coldest month of the year, the places in the hilly region of Nepal (e.g. Kathmandu, Pokhara, Bandipur, Tansen), still get plenty of sunshine during the day and it only gets cold at night.

As it gets cold in the evenings, the problem is that there is no central heating in Nepal. In bigger cities, people use electric heaters in the winter. In big cities like Kathmandu or Pokhara you will be able to book a hotel with an AC to keep you warm.

You will only really feel cold if you go trekking in Nepal in January. It starts to snow in altitudes above 3,000 metres in Nepal in the winter, so if you are trekking in January, be prepared for cold and snow.

🔥 Get your Nalgene water bottle here! If you get it filled with hot water and put it inside your sleeping bag, it will work like a heater!

Nepal Temperature in January

The temperature varies depending on where you are in Nepal in January. The Himalayan, mountainous region in the north of Nepal is the coldest place in January. If you go trekking, expect to find snow and very cold temperatures.

Whereas, the average temperature in the Hilly region of Nepal is between 2.5-20 C in Nepal in January. The hilly region includes places such as Kathmandu, Pokhara and Bandipur and it is the most pleasant place to be in Nepal in January.

Himalayan Region (e.g. Annapurna or Everest Region):

The mountainous region of Nepal is in the northern part of the country. It includes the areas of the Himalayas, so you would experience winter weather in this region most likely if you go trekking.

January is the winter season, it is cold and snowy in the Himalayas. During winter, you will find permanent snow in the Himalayas above 3,000 metres. The Himalayas are the coldest during the winter, so make sure you have thermal layers and prepared for trekking in snow.

Hilly Region (e.g. Kathmandu, Pokhara, Bandipur, Tansen):

The hilly region of Nepal tend to get a lot of sunshine during the day and it only gets cold at night. Winters in the hilly region is moderate and usually it is rare for it to snow.

Tarai Region (Chitwan, Janakpur, Bardia, Koshi Tappu):

The southern, Tarai region of Nepal tends to get colder in the winter in Nepal than the Hilly Region.

It is due to that the Tarai becomes very cloudy and hazy and there is very little sunshine. Sometimes, there is no sunshine at all for days and it makes it very cold both day and night time.

Is January a Good Time to Visit Nepal?

The winter season in Nepal is from December to February and it constitutes as the off season. During this time there are less tourists visiting Nepal.

The peak tourist season in Nepal is between October-November and March-April, when the weather is the most favourable for trekking.

January can be cold and snowy for trekking, but nevertheless, people still go trekking in January. If you go trekking in January, be prepared for the snow and trek in groups or with a guide. Due to the snow, it can be difficult to navigate the trails and you have to be prepared for icy trails too.

Places like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Bandipur and Tansen still receive a lot of daylight during the daytime, and only the nights get cold.

When is the Off Season in Nepal?

The off season happens two times a year in Nepal: one is from December-February (winter) and June-August (monsoon).

The weather during these times are less favourable for trekking, thus people opt to visit in the seasons when it is best for trekking (March-May, September-November).

Does it Snow in Nepal in January?

It only snows in high altitudes above 3,000 metres, so you’d find snow if you are trekking in Nepal in January.

Apart from the high altitudes, in general, it rarely snows in Nepal in January. The last snowfall that lasted for a few days in Kathmandu was in 1945. Since then, there were light snowfall only two times: once in 2007 and once in 2019.

Sometimes it snows in the hills nearby Kathmandu (Chandragiri, Kalinchowk) but if there is snow, it is usually around February-March.

❄️ Know where and when to see snow and check out the best snowfall places in Nepal here!

Less Popular Places in Nepal in Winter

The least popular place to be in Nepal during winter is in the southern, Tarai region of Nepal.

The Tarai region gets very cloudy and hazy during winter, with almost no sunshine at all during the day. It makes it a cold and gloomy place to be.

Places in the Tarai include: Chitwan, Bardia, Lumbini, Janakpur, Butwal.

To be honest, if it is the only time that you can visit any of the places in the Tarai, you should still go to visit. I was in Janakpur one time in January and it although it was very cold and gloomy, the trip was still worth it.

Best Places to Visit in Nepal in January

The winter season in Nepal runs from December-February. The best place to be during this time is in places that are in the hilly region of Nepal (e.g. Kathmandu, Pokhara, Bandipur, Tansen, Gorkha).

In the hilly region of Nepal, it is usually sunny and pleasant during the day. It only gets cold in the evenings. Even if the nights are cold, you can soak in the sun during the day and it makes a big difference.

1. Kathmandu in January

Kathmandu Weather in January

The average high temperature is 19 C, while the average low temperature is 2.5 C in Kathmandu in January. The temperature is still warm and sunny during the day but the nights get very cold in Kathmandu in January.

Does it Snow in Kathmandu in January?

No, it does not snow in Kathmandu in January. It is very rare for it to snow in Kathmandu and the last proper snowfall in Kathmandu was in 1945.

Since then, it has only snowed two more times (2007 and 2019) but it was very light snow and didn’t last long.

On a rare occasion it snows in Chandragiri (in the Kathmandu Valley) or in Kalinchowk around February-March.

What’s the Best Time to Visit Kathmandu

A good time to visit Kathmandu is from mid-September to May. However, the weather is the most pleasant between October-November and March-April.

However, Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal and there are plenty of activities to do all year around.

Visiting Kathmandu in January

January is the off season in Nepal and thus there are less tourists in Kathmandu.

Being the off season, it means that you can get better deals for hotels or trekking gear. Usually, hotels and trekking shops have discounts during the off-season.

January might be winter time but is still a good time to be in Kathmandu. The days are usually sunny and warm and it only gets cold at night.

🏠 Stay warm and book a hotel room with AC in the winter in Kathmandu here!

Best Things to Do in Kathmandu in January

The days are sunny and there is very little chance of rain, so exploring Kathmandu in January is a great time.

Apart from the main tourist attractions, there are also many hiking and day trip options in the Kathmandu Valley. Hiking and day trips from Kathmandu provide beautiful views of the Himalayas and time in the nature with fresh air.

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Boudha Stupa, Swoyambhu Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Changu Narayan Temple
• Museums
• Day Trips from Kathmandu: Bhaktapur, Patan, Chandragiri, Kirtipur, Godawari, Changunarayan, Manakamana
• 2-3 day trips from Kathmandu: Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, Kakani, Chitlang-Kulekhani, Panauti
• Hiking near Kathmandu: Phulchowki Hill, Jamacho Gumba, Tarebhir, Chandragiri to Chitlang, Sundarijal to Chisapani
• Classes and Workshops: Sound Healing sessions, Thangka Painting Class, Cooking Class

Check out my Travel Guide to Kathmandu here!

2. Pokhara in January

Pokhara Weather in January

The average temperature in Pokhara in January is between 7-20 C.

The weather in Pokhara in January gets cold at nights. The daytime is still sunny and pleasant but it does get cold in Pokhara at nights in January.

What’s the Best Time to Visit Pokhara?

The best time to visit Pokhara is between October-November and March-April, however, visiting anytime between October-May is generally a good time.

Visiting Pokhara in January

January is the off season in Nepal so there are less tourists in Pokhara.

If you prefer a time with less tourists and some off season discounts in hotels, January could be the right time for you.

Pokhara is a popular starting point to many trekking routes, just be careful about trekking in Nepal during the winter. It snows above 3,000 metres and the snow makes it difficult to navigate the trails. If you trek in Nepal in January, it is good to have proper winter trekking gear, trek with a group or with a guide.

🏠 Stay warm and book a hotel room with AC in the winter in Pokhara here!

Best Things to Do in Pokhara in January

The nights are cold but days remain sunny during the day in Pokhara in January, so it is an ideal time to explore the town and nearby hiking routes.

• Boating on Fewa Lake + Hiking to the World Peace Pagoda
• Annapurna Cable Car for the Sarangkot Sunrise
• Paragliding
• Visiting Begnas Lake (+hiking)
• Visiting the Caves
• Movie Garden
• Cooking classes
• Trekking routes from Pokhara: Annapurna Base Camp (7-8 days), Poon Hill (4-5 days), Mardi Himal (5-7 days), Australian Camp (2 days)

Check out my Travel Guide to Pokhara here!

3. Bandipur in January

Bandipur Weather in January

The average temperature in Bandipur in January is between 8-20 C. It is sunny warm during the day, while the nights get cold in Bandipur.

As the temperature is still pleasant during the daytime, January is a good time to visit Bandipur.

What’s the Best Time to Visit Bandipur?

The best time to visit Bandipur is between October to Mid-December and February-April. During this time, the temperature is pleasant and the views are generally clear to see the Himalayas.

Generally, it is a good time to visit Bandipur anytime from late September until the end of May.

Visiting Bandipur during the monsoon season is also an option, however, during the monsoon season you will not get clear views of the mountains.

🏠 Looking for a place to stay in Bandipur? Check out Bandipur Chhen here! (Rated 9.3/10 ⭐ on 146 reviews)

Visiting Bandipur in January

Bandipur is a beautiful little town on the way between Kathmandu and Pokhara and is a popular stop to enjoy Himalayan views, go hiking or just chill at one of the cafes and restaurants.

Bandipur is famous for its well-preserved Newari architecture (wooden carved windows and red bricks).

It is so charming with its architecture and restaurants on the main street that it is often compared to being in Belgium or France.

Things to Do in Bandipur in January

• Hike up to the Thani Mai Temple and see the sunrise or sunset
• Siddha Gufa: Nepal’s largest cave
• Hike from Bandipur to Ramkot
• Check out the Newari architecture of Bandipur
• Eat and drink in one of the cute cafes and restaurants in Bandipur
• Try Newari food

Check out my Travel Guide to Bandipur here!

4. Tansen in January

Tansen Weather in January

The average temperature in Tansen in January is between 5-19 C.

Tansen is a great place to visit in January as it is one of the less touristy places that has pleasant daytime temperatures.

What’s the Best Time to Visit Tansen?

The best time to visit Tansen is between October-November or March-April which is when you will have the best views of the Himalayas.

However, generally, anytime between October-May is considered a good time.

The least favourable time to visit Tansen is during the monsoon season (June-August), however, there are plenty of things to do in Tansen if you happen to be there when it rains.

Visiting Tansen in January

Tansen remains one of the less visited places in Nepal and is the perfect getaway to experience a small Nepali town.

Tansen has some really good homestays where the owners are really friendly and can recommend a lot of activities in Tansen.

The temperature is still warm during the day in Tansen in January. On a clear day, Tansen has great views of the Himalayan range and you may still be able to have a good view in December.

🏠 Looking for a place to stay in Tansen? Check out Horizon Homestay here! (Rated 9.5/10 ⭐ on 122 reviews)

Best Things to Do in Tansen in January

• Hike to Shreenagar Hill and Tansen View Tower
• Visit Rani Mahal (the “Taj Mahal” of Nepal)
• Visit a coffee farm and learn about coffee farming in Nepal
• Tansen Durbar and Museum
• Temples
• Eat Newari food
• Shop items made from Dhaka fabric (perfect souvenir to take home!)

Check out my Travel Guide to Tansen here!

5. Gorkha in January

Gorkha Weather in January

The average temperature in Gorkha in January is around 7 C.

Gorkha is in the hilly region in Nepal and it receives a lot of sunshine during the day. The sunshine keeps Gorkha feel much warmer and it is an ideal pleace to visit even in the winter in Nepal.

What’s the Best Time to Visit Gorkha?

The best time to visit Gorkha is between October to Mid-December and February-April. During this time, the temperature is pleasant and the views are usually clear to see the Himalayas.

Generally, it is a good time to visit Gorkha anytime from late September until the end of May.

Visiting Gorkha in January

Gorkha is a small town on the way between Kathmandu and Pokhara, and is a historically significant place in Nepali history.

Nepal used to be made of many smaller kingdoms and Prithvi Narayan Shah, the king of the Gorkha Kingdom, started the unification process of Nepal. Gorkha is also known as the place where the Gurkha soldiers originate from.

Things to Do in Gorkha in January

When visiting Gorkha, make sure to see the sunrise from the Gorkha Durbar. It’s really beautiful and you can get up there in about 30-45 minutes from the town centre.

• Sunrise at the Gorkha Durbar
• Gorkha Museum
• Bhimsen Thapa Park
• Hiking

Check out my Travel Guide to Gorkha here!

6. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in January

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve Weather in January

The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is located in the southern, Tarai region of Nepal. The Tarai region usually gets very cold, cloudy and hazy during the winter in Nepal with very little sunshine during the day.

Thus, in January the weather is cold and gloomy in Koshi Tappu. If you visit during this time, dress in layers as it will be cold.

I visited Koshi Tappu in the month of January and it was very cold at night. In the morning, it was so hazy, we had to wait until the haze cleared up before starting the wildlife tour.

What’s the Best Time to Visit Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve?

There are different reasons to visit the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve depending on the seasons. Each season is characterized by the best chances of spotting specific animals.

Depending on the season, you are likely to see the following animals:

• October – November: summer migratory birds
• December – January: winter migratory birds
• Mid-February – March: wild elephants

Visiting Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in January

Koshi Tappu is the most popular place for spotting the winter migratory birds and if you visit in December-January, then you are in luck!

It might be cold during that time but you will be able to see many different types of winter migratory birds.

Things to Do in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in January

• Bird watching
• Safari in tuktuk or on motorbike

🦅 Check out my Travel Guide to Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve here!

Trekking in Nepal in January

January can be cold and snowy for trekking, but nevertheless, people still go trekking in January.

Usually, it snows in altitudes above 3,000 metres in January and the trails become snowy and icy. Due to the snow, it is good to be careful when trekking in january as the trails can be difficult to navigate.

If you go trekking in January, for safety reasons, it is good trek in groups or with a guide.

What to Pack for Trekking in January

• Crampons: for trekking safely on snowy and icy trails
• Nalgene water bottle: you can fill the bottle with hot water, put it inside your sleeping at night and it will work like a heater
• Thermal layers
• Down jacket
• Sleeping bag

Festivals in Nepal in January

Nepal is known for its many festivals and holidays and October-November is usually the main holiday season in Nepal.

The dates of Nepali holidays change every year as Nepal uses the lunar calendar.

🎆 Check the festival and holiday calendar for Nepal here!

New Year’s Day: 1 January

Nepal follows the lunar calendar and celebrates the Nepali New Year in April every year.

However, Nepal still celebrates Christmas and New Year’s in December, with 1 January being a public holiday.

Prithvi Jayanti

The Prithvi Jayanti festival celebrates the birthday of Prithvi Narayan Shah who unified Nepal. He was the king of the Gorkha Kingdom.

The history is that Nepal used to be made of many smaller kingdoms and Prithvi Narayan Shah was the king who started the unification process of Nepal. Thus, this day celebrates his birthday.

Packing for Nepal in January: What to Bring?

January is the coldest month in Nepal. While there is still sunshine during the day, it gets cold at night.

There is no central heating in Nepal, so unless you are in a big city and can book a hotel with AC to use it as a heater, you will feel cold at night.

For this reason, it is good to pack clothes that you can wear in layers.

Here are a few things to pack for Nepal in January:

• Crampons: for trekking safely on snowy and icy trails
• Nalgene water bottle: you can fill the bottle with hot water, put it inside your sleeping at night and it will work like a heater
• Sleeping bag
• Thermal layers
• Down jacket

Nepal: Month-by-Month

Not sure about visiting Nepal in January? Check out my month-by-month guide for Nepal:

• Nepal in January
• Nepal in February
• Nepal in March
• Nepal in April
• Nepal in May
• Nepal in June
• Nepal in July
• Nepal in August
• Nepal in September
• Nepal in October
• Nepal in November
• Nepal in December

Nepal: Seasons

January falls in the Winter season in Nepal. If you prefer to visit during another season, check out my seasonal guides to Nepal:

• Spring Season in Nepal
• Monsoon Season in Nepal
• Autumn Season in Nepal
• Winter Season in Nepal

FAQs: Nepal in January

Is January a good time to visit Nepal?

The winter in Nepal is from December to February, thus January is winter time in Nepal. The winter and monsoon are the off season in Nepal with the least number of visitors to Nepal.

Most people come to Nepal to go trekking and trekking in January can be hindered by cold, snow and icy trails.

If your main aim is to go trekking in Nepal, a better time to visit is in the Autumn (October-November) or Spring (March-April).

Apart from trekking, the day time weather in Nepal remains sunny and it only gets cold at night. Thus, winters in Nepal are generally considered moderate.

How is Kathmandu in January?

January is the off season in Nepal and thus there are less tourists in Kathmandu.

Being the off season, it means that you can get better deals for hotels or trekking gear. Usually, hotels and trekking shops have discounts during the off-season.

January might be winter time but is still a good time to be in Kathmandu. The days are usually sunny and warm and it only gets cold at night.

Why do only few tourists visit Nepal in January?

January is during the winter off season in Nepal. Most of the tourists who visit Nepal, come to go on treks. However, trekking in January can be challenging due to ice, snow and low temperatures in high altitudes.

Thus, most people visit Nepal when the weather is more favourable for trekking during October-November or March-April.

What is the best month to go to Nepal?

The peak tourist season in Nepal is between October-November and March-April, when the weather is the most favourable for trekking.

What is the cheapest time of the year to go to Nepal?

The cheapest time of the year to go to Nepal is during the off season in monsoon (June-August) or winter (December-February).

During the off season, there are less tourists and most of the hotels and trekking shops have discounts. Thus, you can get better deals during this time.

Can you trek in Nepal in January?

January can be cold and snowy for trekking, but nevertheless, people still go trekking in January.

Usually, it snows in altitudes above 3,000 metres in January and the trails become snowy and icy. Due to the snow, it is good to be careful when trekking in January as the trails can be difficult to navigate.

If you go trekking in January, for safety reasons, it is good trek in groups or with a guide.

Is Nepal worth visiting without trekking?

To be honest, it depends on your preferences. If you love the mountains and trekking, then visiting Nepal and not going on a trek will be disappointing for you.

If you are not so into trekking, Nepal has many other attractions that definitely make it worth visiting. Plus, there are places near Kathmandu form where you can see the Himalayas without having to go on a trek.

Apart from trekking, the main amenities include the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu, jungle safari in Bardia or Chitwan National Park, and day trips.

If you want to see the Himalayas without going on a trek, check out Nagarkot, Chandragiri or Dhulikhel near Kathmandu.

Conclusion

January is winter season in Nepal but it only gets cold at nights or if you are in high altitude in the mountains.

In places in the hilly region, such as Kathmandu, Pokhara, Bandipur or Tansen, the weather stays sunny and warm during the day and it only gets cold at night.

It usually starts snowing above 3,000 metres in December so if you go trekking in January, be prepared for very cold temperatures and snow. As snow can make it difficult to navigate the trekking routes, it is good to trek in groups or with a guide in January.

If your main aim is to go trekking in Nepal, a better time to visit is in the Autumn (October-November) or Spring (March-April).