India in January
January: warm south, snowy hills, festival dates.
January is one of the best months for a first trip to India: the south and the desert are warm and dry, the Himalayan hill towns get their heaviest snow, and the calendar is full — Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Republic Day. Here is where the weather works, the official temperatures in °C and °F, and the January 2027 dates to plan around. Written by a travel company based in the Himalaya.
- Sun Kerala, Goa, Rajasthan
- Snow Shimla, Manali, Auli
- 26 Jan Republic Day, New Delhi
- Checked 13 Nov 2026
Is January a good time to visit India?
Yes. January is one of the best months to visit India: Kerala, Goa and Rajasthan are dry and sunny, the Golden Triangle is pleasant by day, and the Himachal hills get their most snow — Shimla averages about 40 cm. Nights in the north are cold and fog can slow mornings. Republic Day is Tuesday 26 January 2027. Send us your dates for a quote.
Talk to a real person: our team in Himachal answers 9 am–9 pm IST (UTC+5:30), usually within 2 hours. Message us on WhatsApp +91 70874 88961 or email info@suzutravels.com.
Where to go in India in January
January is cool, dry and clear across most of the regions a first-time visitor wants. Pick sun, snow or both:
| Region | January weather | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi, Agra, Jaipur | Dry, sunny days; cold nights and morning fog | The Golden Triangle and the Taj Mahal — remember it is closed on Fridays |
| Rajasthan | Jodhpur averages 5–30 °C (41–86 °F), Udaipur 3–30 °C (38–86 °F); Jaisalmer’s season is November–March | Forts, the desert and lakes — our 12-day Rajasthan tour |
| Himachal hills | Cold; Shimla averages 2.5–10.3 °C (37–51 °F) with about 40 cm (16 in) of snow in January | Snow in Shimla and Manali, skiing at Solang — see snow in India |
| Kerala | Peak season (November–February); mild and comfortable | Backwaters by houseboat, tea hills, Fort Kochi — our 8-day Kerala tour |
| Goa | Winter is Goa’s season for foreign visitors; Palolem is best November–February | Beaches and Old Goa — our Goa holiday guide |
| Tiger parks | Open: Corbett’s Dhikala zone from 15 November; central India’s reserves October–June | Morning and afternoon safaris — our tiger safari guide |
From Incredible India, IMD, Kerala Tourism, the Government of Goa and the Corbett Tiger Reserve, plus our planning experience. Weather varies year to year — confirm before travel. Checked 13 Nov 2026.
January 2027: the dates to plan around
January has some of India’s biggest days. These are the confirmed or announced dates for 2027:
| Date | What happens | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Thu 14 Jan | Makar Sankranti — the harvest and kite festival, and the first bathing day of the Haridwar Ardh Kumbh | Across India; Haridwar — our Kumbh Mela guide |
| Thu 14 – Mon 18 Jan | Jaipur Literature Festival, its 20th edition (dates as reported; confirm on the festival’s official website) | Jaipur — pairs with the Golden Triangle |
| Fri 15 Jan | Pongal, Tamil Nadu’s harvest festival | South India |
| Tue 26 Jan | Republic Day — the national parade in New Delhi; a national holiday | New Delhi (and celebrations across India) |
| 29 Jan | Beating Retreat — the military-band ceremony that closes the Republic Day celebrations (29 January in 2025; confirm the 2027 date) | New Delhi |
Holiday dates from the Government of India’s 2027 holiday list (DoP&T, 16 Jul 2026); Kumbh dates from the Government of Uttarakhand’s Haridwar Kumbh announcements; festival dates from a news report (Outlook India, 4 Sep 2026). More festivals: our India festivals calendar. Checked 13 Nov 2026.
Watching the Republic Day parade as a visitor
Foreign visitors can watch the parade in New Delhi with a ticket. This is how it has worked in recent years — check the official site for 2027:
- Tickets go on sale in early JanuaryIndia’s Ministry of Defence sells tickets for the parade, the full-dress rehearsal of Beating Retreat and Beating Retreat itself, online on its booking portal and at counters in New Delhi. In 2025 the sale ran from 2 to 11 January. The 2027 dates are not out yet — check rashtraparv.mod.gov.in.
- Carry your passportAn original photo ID — a passport is accepted — is needed to buy tickets at a counter and must be carried on the day. Children under five are not allowed.
- Plan the day around itWe plan your Delhi sightseeing for the other days and time your car around the ceremony.
- We can't buy tickets for youBuy them yourself on the official portal or at the counters — seats are never guaranteed. We help with everything else — your hotel, car and the rest of the route.
Snow in January: the Himalayan hills
We are based in Himachal. January is the snowiest month in the hill towns — likely, but never certain on a given date. The India Meteorological Department’s long-term figures for Shimla:
In Manali, Himachal Pradesh Tourism says temperatures in December–January can fall below −5 °C (23 °F); the slopes at Solang, 13 km away, become a ski area in winter. Rohtang Pass is closed from late November until about May, but the Atal Tunnel keeps the road to Lahaul open. In Uttarakhand, Auli’s ski season runs from December, with snow until March. More: where to see snow in India and Manali in January.
Sun in January: the south and the desert
If you are escaping winter at home, January is the heart of the best season for these:
Kerala
Kerala Tourism names November–February as peak season and October–February as the best time for houseboat cruises; December–February is mild. Up in Thekkady it can drop to 13 °C (55 °F), so pack a layer. See our houseboat guide.
Goa
Goa’s foreign visitors come in winter, and Incredible India gives Palolem’s best months as November to February.
Rajasthan
Clear, warm days and cold desert nights: Jaisalmer averages 4.6–29 °C (40–84 °F) in January, and Incredible India gives its best time as November to March. A desert camp night needs warm clothes.
The Golden Triangle
Delhi, Agra and Jaipur are dry and comfortable by day. Morning fog can delay early starts and sunrise at the Taj, so we keep spare time in the plan. The Taj Mahal opens 30 minutes before sunrise and is closed on Fridays.
What to plan around in January
Fog and night driving
The UK FCDO advises: ‘Avoid travelling at night and in fog as accidents are common due to low visibility.’ In January we plan daytime drives only and keep buffer time on long road days and early flights.
Cold mornings
The north is cold before sunrise and after dark, and the hills are colder still. Our India packing list covers layers for a winter trip.
Kashmir in deep winter
Srinagar averages about 2.5 °C (36.5 °F) in January, the heart of Chillai Kalan, the 40 harshest winter days (21 December–31 January), and Gulmarg’s ski season runs mid-December to mid-April. The UK FCDO advises against all travel to Jammu and Kashmir except Jammu city, and the US State Department says ‘Do not travel’ to J&K except eastern Ladakh and Leh (advice checked 12 Nov 2026). Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice. Check the latest before you book — see our Gulmarg guide.
Busy dates
The Kumbh bathing days in Haridwar, the literature festival in Jaipur and Republic Day in New Delhi are big occasions. If your dates touch them, book flights, hotels and your car early.
What about February?
February is just as good for most of India, and a little warmer. Shimla averages 3.3–11.5 °C (38–53 °F) with about 40 cm of snow, so the hills are still white; Kerala and Goa stay in season; Rajasthan’s days warm up. In 2027 the Haridwar Kumbh continues through February and March. For a whole-year view, see our guide to the best time to visit India — and if you are coming earlier, India in December.
Before you go
Visa
Apply yourself only at the official site indianvisaonline.gov.in — beware look-alike sites that charge extra. We are not a visa agency. Our e-Visa guide walks through it.
Health
Cold and altitude in the hills affect some people. Consult your doctor before you travel, and see CDC or NHS Fit for Travel.
Your driver
With a private car, your driver’s name, photo and car number are shared with you before the trip, and our Himachal office is a phone call away. See our private car with driver.
Prices
January is high season, so most trips are quoted on request for your exact dates. The Golden Triangle has published prices:
| Option | From | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Your January trip in India | on request | Route, private car and driver, hotels with breakfast and guides as you choose — a day-by-day plan and US-dollar total before you pay |
| Golden Triangle — 4 days (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur) | from US$299 | Per person, two sharing: private air-conditioned car and driver, hotels with breakfast, airport pick-up and drop, local guides at the main monuments |
| Golden Triangle — classic 6 days | from US$449 | Per person, two sharing: private air-conditioned car and driver, hotels with breakfast, airport pick-up and drop, local guides at the main monuments |
Prices are per person in US dollars, indicative for the season shown, and confirmed on your quote. Taxes included; international flights excluded.
Booking terms (20% deposit, 48-hour refund window) are stated once, under Plan it with a local.
Questions travellers ask
Is January a good time to visit India?
Yes, for most of the country. Kerala, Goa and Rajasthan are dry and sunny, the Golden Triangle is pleasant by day, and the Himachal hills get their heaviest snow. Plan for cold nights and morning fog in the north.
Where is it warm in India in January?
Kerala and Goa are warm and in peak season, and Rajasthan has warm, sunny days — Jodhpur averages up to 30 °C (86 °F) — with cold nights. Delhi, Agra and Jaipur are pleasant by day and cold early in the morning.
Does it snow in India in January?
Yes, in the Himalaya. The India Meteorological Department’s average January snowfall in Shimla is about 40 cm (16 in), and Manali, Solang and Auli are snowy too. Snow is never guaranteed on a given date.
How cold is North India in January?
Shimla averages 2.5–10.3 °C (37–51 °F) in January, and Manali can fall below −5 °C (23 °F). On the plains days are mild but early mornings are cold and often foggy. Bring warm layers, a jacket and a hat.
What festivals are there in India in January 2027?
Makar Sankranti on Thursday 14 January (also the first bathing day of the Haridwar Ardh Kumbh), Pongal on Friday 15 January, the Jaipur Literature Festival on 14–18 January (as reported) and Republic Day on Tuesday 26 January.
Can tourists watch the Republic Day parade?
Yes, with a ticket. India’s Ministry of Defence sells parade and Beating Retreat tickets online and at New Delhi counters in early January; carry your passport. The 2027 sale dates are not out yet — check rashtraparv.mod.gov.in.
Is Kerala or Goa better in January?
Both are in season. Kerala suits backwaters, tea hills and culture; Goa suits beaches and a slower pace. Either pairs well with the Golden Triangle — tell us what you enjoy and we suggest the better fit.
How do I book a January trip?
Send your dates, how many of you and what you’d like to see. We reply with a route, a day-by-day plan and a US-dollar quote. A 20% deposit locks your dates and price.
Planning India this January?
Your dates, how many days and whether you want sun, snow or a festival. We reply within two hours (9 am–9 pm IST) with a route and a US-dollar quote.
We usually reply within 2 hours, 9 am–9 pm IST (UTC+5:30). Email info@suzutravels.com if you don’t use WhatsApp.
Booking: A 20% deposit locks your dates and price. Full refund if you cancel within 48 hours of paying. Pay by card (Razorpay, international cards accepted) or PayPal; the balance is due before the trip.
Your message goes only to the Suzu Travels team in Himachal and is used only to answer your enquiry — we do not sell or share it. Privacy policy.
Keep exploring
Sources
- India Meteorological Department — climate of Shimla
- District Shimla (Government of Himachal Pradesh) — general information
- Himachal Pradesh Tourism — Manali
- Incredible India — Jodhpur
- Incredible India — Jaisalmer
- Kerala Tourism — climate of Kerala
- Government of Goa — Department of Information & Publicity
- Ministry of Defence — sale of tickets for Republic Day Parade and Beating Retreat (2025 notice)
- Outlook India — Jaipur Literature Festival turns twenty in January 2027 (4 Sep 2026)
- Government of Uttarakhand — Haridwar Kumbh 2027
- UK FCDO — India travel advice: safety and security
- Indian e-Visa — official site
Written by the Suzu Travels team in Himachal Pradesh, India. Facts checked 13 Nov 2026. Prices, visa rules and road conditions change — we re-check this page regularly; ask us before you book.
