Kathmandu in January
Good time to visit
January offers some of the year's best weather with crystal-clear mountain views and comfortable daytime temperatures. Just bundle up for those frosty mornings in Thamel.
Weather
January brings crisp, clear skies to Kathmandu with minimal rainfall. Mornings are chilly but days warm up nicely under brilliant sunshine. The air is dry and visibility is excellent for mountain views.
19°C high2°C low2 rain days
Crowds & Cost
moderate crowds
~$45/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Maghi (Makar Sankranti)
- •Basant Panchami
January Tips
- •Pack warm layers for early mornings and evenings
- •Book mountain flights early for clear Himalayan views
- •Bring lip balm and moisturizer - the air gets very dry
All Months
October through December brings clear mountain views and perfect trekking weather. Temperatures hover around 20°C during the day, dropping to 5°C at night. March through May works too, though it gets dusty and hazy before monsoon season hits. Avoid June through September — the rain turns streets into rivers and mountain views disappear behind clouds. Winter months (January-February) can be surprisingly cold, especially at night, but you'll have temples mostly to yourself. Book accommodations ahead during October peak season, or you might end up sleeping on someone's rooftop.
Kathmandu Scores
Solo
8/10
Couples
5/10
Families
5/10
Adventure
9/10
Budget
9/10
Luxury
4/10
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