Pokhara in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in Pokhara

19°C (67°F) High Temp

7°C (44°F) Low Temp

23 mm (0.9 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Crystal clear mountain views - January has the best Himalayan visibility of the year with less than 5% cloud cover on peaks
Perfect hiking temperatures - comfortable 15-19°C (59-67°F) during peak activity hours (8am-4pm) without summer heat exhaustion
Peak tourist season with full services - all restaurants, guides, and activities fully operational unlike monsoon closures
Rhododendron blooming season begins - lower elevation trails show early winter blooms creating impressive photography opportunities

Considerations

Cold mornings require layered clothing - temperatures drop to 7°C (44°F) before sunrise, making early morning activities uncomfortable without proper gear
Higher accommodation prices - January rates are 40-60% above off-season pricing due to peak demand from international trekkers
Crowded major viewpoints - sunrise spots like Sarangkot see 200+ visitors daily, requiring 5:30am arrival for decent photo positions

Best Activities in January

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

January offers the clearest mountain views and most stable weather for multi-day treks. Daytime temperatures stay comfortable at 15°C (59°F) while nights drop to -10°C (-14°F) at higher elevations. Trail conditions are dry and safe with minimal landslide risk. Book teahouse accommodations well in advance as this is peak trekking season.

Booking Tip: Reserve through licensed trekking agencies 3-4 weeks ahead. Expect to pay NPR 45,000-65,000 for guided 12-day treks including permits, meals, and accommodation. Look for agencies with TAAN (Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal) certification. See current trek options in the booking section below.

Sunrise Mountain Flights

January's clear skies provide 85% success rate for mountain flights compared to 40% during monsoon months. Flights depart 6:30-7:30am when visibility is optimal and turbulence minimal. You'll see Everest, Annapurna, and Manaslu ranges in full glory. Weather delays are rare in January.

Booking Tip: Book mountain flights 5-7 days in advance for NPR 18,000-22,000 per person. Choose airlines with newer aircraft like Buddha Air or Yeti Airlines. Morning flights have better visibility than afternoon options. Current flight schedules available in booking widget below.

Phewa Lake Boating and Tal Barahi Temple

Calm January mornings offer mirror-like reflections of the Annapurna range on Phewa Lake. Best boating hours are 7-10am and 4-6pm when winds are minimal. The lake rarely freezes but water temperature stays cool at 12°C (54°F). Tal Barahi Temple visits combine perfectly with sunrise boating sessions.

Booking Tip: Rent traditional wooden boats for NPR 800-1,200 per hour or motorboats for NPR 1,500-2,000 per hour. No advance booking needed - boats available at Lakeside area. Negotiate rates in early morning or late afternoon for better prices. Life jackets mandatory for all passengers.

Paragliding from Sarangkot

January thermal conditions create ideal paragliding weather with consistent 10-15 km/h (6-9 mph) winds and excellent visibility. Success rate for flights reaches 90% compared to 60% during monsoon season. Mountain views during flight are unobstructed, offering photo opportunities impossible in other months.

Booking Tip: Book tandem flights 2-3 days ahead for NPR 8,000-12,000 depending on flight duration (20-45 minutes). Choose operators with international pilot certification and recent safety records. Flights typically run 10am-4pm when thermals are strongest. See certified operators in booking section below.

World Peace Pagoda and Davis Falls Circuit

January's clear weather makes the 45-minute hike to World Peace Pagoda comfortable with panoramic mountain views guaranteed. Davis Falls flows strongly from winter snowmelt, creating better photo opportunities than dry season months. Combine both sites in a half-day circuit covering 8 km (5 miles) total walking distance.

Booking Tip: No advance booking required for independent visits. Hire local guides for NPR 2,000-3,000 per day if desired. Entrance fees: World Peace Pagoda free, Davis Falls NPR 30 per person. Best visited 9am-3pm when lighting is optimal for mountain photography.

Gupteshwor Cave and Devi's Falls Exploration

Winter water levels make Gupteshwor Cave safely accessible with clearer underground pools and better lighting conditions. The cave stays at constant 15°C (59°F) providing relief from temperature fluctuations outside. January's dry conditions mean less muddy paths and safer footing throughout the cave system.

Booking Tip: Cave entrance fee NPR 100 per person, open 6am-6pm daily. Bring flashlight as backup to provided lighting. Combine with Davis Falls visit (walking distance 500m/1,640ft). No advance booking required but avoid peak hours 11am-2pm when tour groups arrive.

January Events & Festivals

Mid January (around January 15)

Maghe Sankranti Festival

Hindu festival marking the end of winter solstice with special foods like tilgul (sesame sweets) and khichdi. Locals visit temples early morning and take holy baths. Experience traditional Nepali winter celebrations and special festival meals at local restaurants.

Late January (dates vary by lunar calendar)

Sonam Lhosar (Tamang New Year)

Tamang community New Year celebration with traditional dances, music, and cultural programs. Local communities in Pokhara organize public celebrations with authentic food stalls and cultural performances. Great opportunity to experience minority ethnic traditions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - mornings start at 7°C (44°F) but afternoons reach 19°C (67°F), requiring easy-to-remove layers

Warm sleeping bag rated to -5°C (23°F) if trekking - guesthouses provide blankets but not always sufficient for January mountain temperatures

UV protection SPF 50+ - January's clear skies and mountain reflection create UV index of 8, causing burns within 20 minutes

Waterproof hiking boots - morning dew and occasional frost make trails slippery until 9am

Power bank and extra batteries - cold temperatures drain electronics 40% faster than summer months

Warm hat and gloves - essential for sunrise viewpoints where temperatures feel like 2°C (36°F) with wind chill

Lightweight down jacket - packable warmth for elevation changes and air-conditioned vehicles

Polarized sunglasses - mountain glare on clear January days causes eye strain and headaches without proper protection

Lip balm with SPF - dry mountain air and UV exposure cause severe chapping within 2-3 days

Moisturizing cream - humidity drops to 50% at higher elevations, causing skin cracking and discomfort

Insider Knowledge

Visit Sarangkot for sunrise at 5:30am instead of 6:30am - you'll avoid the tour bus crowds and get parking spaces with better mountain views

Book domestic flights out of Pokhara for afternoon departures - January morning fog occasionally delays flights until 10-11am

Eat dal bhat (traditional meal) at local establishments for NPR 250-400 instead of tourist restaurants charging NPR 800-1,200 for same portion sizes

Rent motorcycles after 10am when roads warm up - morning frost makes surfaces slippery for inexperienced riders on mountain curves

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only summer clothes expecting warm weather year-round - January mornings require winter clothing until 9am

Booking accommodation in Lakeside only - staying in nearby areas like Damside or Bagar offers same mountain views at 30-40% lower prices

Scheduling outdoor activities too early - wait until 8am when fog clears and temperatures become comfortable for hiking or sightseeing