Weather in India in January

January climate overview

Daytime highs across India in January run from 29.9°C (Kerala) to 31.3°C (Goa). In Goa about 100% of January days reach 25°C. Nights average 21.6°C; the coldest 10% of nights in Kerala fall to 22°C or below.

Rainfall in January

Expect around 1 rainy days (1 mm or more) in January, with Goa the driest (0 days) and Kerala the wettest (2 days). The wettest January at Goa between 1991 and 2020 was 2010 with 12 mm; the driest was 1991 with 0 mm.

Sea temperature

The sea averages 27.7°C around India in January - warmest at Kerala (28.2°C). That is comfortable for swimming.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 7.9 hours of sunshine a day on average, out of 11.2 hours of daylight (sunshine estimated from cloud cover).

January against the rest of the year in India

January is the 5th warmest month of the twelve in India. It is 0.2°C warmer than December and 0.6°C warmer in February. The hottest month here is April (32°C) and the coolest July (27°C).

Which part of India in January?

• Most sunshine: Goa, 8.9 h a day.
• Driest: Goa, about 0 rainy days.
• Warmest sea: Kerala, 28°C.
• Hottest: Goa, 31°C by day.
• Coolest (better for walking and cities): Kerala, 30°C.

What to pack for India in January

Based on the averages: light, loose clothing and serious sun protection - midday highs sit around 31°C; swimwear - the sea is 28°C.

Similar weather elsewhere in January

Within 1.5°C of India's January daytime average: Ho Chi Minh City (31°C), Bangkok (31°C, sea 27°C), Mombasa (31°C, sea 27°C), Rio de Janeiro (31°C, sea 26°C), Krabi (30°C, sea 28°C). See the full ranking for January.

Goa: drier weather and cooler evenings

Goa is the better fit if your priority is keeping rain disruption low. January averages 0 rainy days, though that should not be read as a promise of completely dry weather. Days reach around 31°C, so light, breathable clothes and a break from the midday heat make sense. Plan more active time for the morning rather than treating the whole day as comfortably cool. Nights average 20°C, giving more relief than in Kerala without turning cold. The sea averages 27°C, making Goa a good choice if swimming matters but you would rather have slightly cooler evenings after a hot day.

Kerala: warm water, with warmer nights

Kerala is slightly cooler by day at 30°C, but the difference from Goa is too small to make it a genuinely cool-weather option. The more noticeable trade-off comes after dark: nights average 23°C, so choose accommodation where you can sleep comfortably in warm conditions. Sea temperatures of 28°C suit travellers who dislike a chilly dip. With 2 rainy days on average, rain is a possible interruption rather than a reason to rule January out. Keep outdoor plans flexible, pack light clothing and leave room for shade breaks. Choose Kerala for the warmer water, not for a substantial reduction in daytime heat.