What January feels like in Kathmandu
Winter bottoms out in January, the coolest month of Kathmandu's year. Afternoons are cool, pleasant for walking as long as you keep a layer on. Once the sun goes down the air changes: nights are cold. The air is damp, which makes cool temperatures feel colder, particularly in wind.
Rain in Kathmandu in January
Rain turns up now and then — about one day in 8. Each rainy day adds about 6 mm (0.2 in), a proper wetting rather than a sprinkle. That is lighter than the city's yearly norm of about 15.1 mm per rainy day. It is among the three driest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in January
Mid-month, Kathmandu gets 10 h 34 min of daylight, from sunrise near 6:55 am to sunset near 5:29 pm. The days are stretching out — 10 min more daylight than mid-December. The sun is out for roughly 92% of those daylight hours, so skies are mostly clear.
How January compares to the rest of the year
January is the coolest month of the year in Kathmandu. Against December, the average high is 1°C (1.8°F) lower, with 14 mm more rain. From here it only gets warmer, starting with February. By February, typical highs are 18.6°C (65.5°F).
Who January suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — comfortable enough to explore on foot all day.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — good conditions for sitting outside.
- Hiking: less ideal — trails are cool.
Tips for visiting Kathmandu in January
Versatile Layers
Mornings and evenings are cooler than midday, so dress in layers.
Light Jacket
Bring a sweater or light coat for cool afternoons.
Sunglasses
Bright days make sunglasses worth packing.
Quick questions
How warm is Kathmandu in January?
It feels cool: typical highs are 16.7°C (62.1°F), with lows near 6.3°C (43.3°F).
Does it rain a lot in Kathmandu in January?
Only moderately: roughly 4 wet days and 24 mm, usually moderate rain.
What should I wear in Kathmandu in January?
Pack versatile layers, a light jacket and sunglasses. Bring something extra for the cooler evenings.
Is January or February better for visiting Kathmandu?
January scores better on our climate ranking (#3 of 12 vs #4), rated Great against Great. February is warmer and has more rainy days.