Best Places to Visit in India in January 2026
January is also one of the best months to visit India, with great weather and an exciting combination of festivals and scenery. In the north, destinations such as Shimla, Manali, and Gulmarg are snowy, ideal for skiing, snowboarding, or simply getting immersed in the beautiful winter scenery. Kashmir is like a postcard come true. Rajasthan presents a warm retreat with its majestic forts, palaces, and the Jaipur Literature Festival, a popular attraction for writers and visitors from all over the world. Go west for Rann Utsav in Gujarat, a full moon celebration on the breathtaking white salt desert. Tamil Nadu down south has Pongal, a colorful harvest festival, dance, and ritual. Kerala's backwaters are peaceful and green, perfect for houseboat retreats and Ayurvedic massages. Goa remains vibrant with music, beach partying, and festivals, still aglow from New Year revelry.
For a spiritual experience, Rishikesh and Varanasi provide a peaceful and contemplative environment, particularly during early morning Ganga aartis. Whether you yearn for snow-clad mountains, cultural diversity, spiritual depth, or sun-kissed beaches, India in January guarantees a varied and unforgettable travel experience.
Best Places to Go on Holiday in January
Goa
- Temperature: High – 32°C, Low – 20°C
Goa during January has almost perfect weather and is a popular holiday destination. During the day, it’s approximately 32°C, which is perfect for lounging around on the beach or having cocktails by the ocean. The evenings are around 20°C, which is just right for having seafood dinners by the sea or strolling on the beach without the need to bundle up. The skies remain mostly sunny with lots of sunshine, and the humidity is low, so you will not be feeling sweaty or sticky. Whether it’s partying at beach shacks, trekking through forts, or backwater cruising, the climate favors every agenda. It’s the perfect balance of warm days and cool nights—Goa at its best.
Top Goa Tours:
Manali
- Temperature:High – 23°C, Low – 13°C
Visiting Manali in January with an average temperature of 23°C during the day and 13°C at night is a treat. It’s exceptionally mild for the time of year, which is ideal for wandering around without getting cold. You can stroll along Mall Road, stop by temples, or simply take in the views of the mountains in a light coat. Evenings are cool enough to have a bonfire or some warm street food, but not cold enough to be unpleasant. Although the upper hills may still be snowy, the town is peaceful, crisp, and surprisingly warm for the season—having the best of both worlds without the biting cold.
Top Manali Tours:
Darjeeling
- Temperature:High – 09°C, Low – 01°C
Traveling to Darjeeling in January is like entering a peaceful winter greeting card. With temperatures during the day hovering around 9°C and cool lows falling as low as 1°C, the air feels fresh and invigorating—ideal for hot tea sipped while looking over snow-tinged mountains. Foggy mornings paint the hills with dreamy elegance, and snuggly layers and warm fires beckon on the evenings. It is calm, serene, and less populated, so perfect for those who adore a leisurely, more personal travel experience. Just bring warm clothing along, and you’re good for a magical retreat into the midst of the Himalayas.
Top Manali Tours:
Tamil Nadu
- Temperature: High – 32°C, Low – 20°C
One of the best months to be in Tamil Nadu is January, with a comfortable temperature range of 20°C at night and 32°C by day. The weather conditions are perfect for discovering the rich cultural heritage, old temples, and scenic landscapes without the hassles of high heat or humidity. Cool, crisp mornings are ideal for sightseeing in Chennai, Madurai, or Thanjavur. Afternoons are warm but bearable, particularly near the coast or at the hill stations. Evenings are cool and pleasant, ideal for eating al fresco or at local festivals. Cotton clothes and a lightweight jacket for evening wear will suffice.
