Weather Comparison
Pokhara vs Kathmandu
Side-by-side weather comparison for January
January Weather: Pokhara vs Kathmandu
| Metric | Pokhara | Kathmandu | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average HighHigher is warmer | 16°C (61°F) | 16°C (61°F) | Tie |
| Average LowHigher is milder | 5°C (41°F) | 7°C (45°F)▲ | Kathmandu |
| Rain DaysFewer is drier | 15 days | 6 days▲ | Kathmandu |
| PrecipitationLess is drier | 122 mm | 40 mm▲ | Kathmandu |
| Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier | 10h/day | 10h/day | Tie |
| HumidityLower is more comfortable | 70% | 70% | Tie |
| UV IndexLower is safer | 2 | 2 | Tie |
| Wind SpeedCalmer is better | 7 km/h | 7 km/h | Tie |
Which City is Better in January?
Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Kathmandu edges ahead as the better destination in January. Kathmandu offers 10 hours of daily sunshine with only 6 rain days, while Pokhara sees 10 sunshine hours and 15 rain days.
Pokhara sits in the comfortable travel range at 16°C. Kathmandu is also comfortable at 16°C.
For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Kathmandu is the stronger choice in January.
Temperature Comparison in January
Pokhara reaches an average high of 16°C (61°F) and drops to 5°C (41°F) at night during January. The daily temperature range is 11°C, meaning moderate variation throughout the day.
Kathmandu averages 16°C (61°F) for the high and 7°C (45°F) for the low, with a daily range of 9°C. The two cities feel quite similar in terms of temperature.
Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in January.
Rainfall Comparison in January
Pokhara receives approximately 122 mm of rainfall across 15 rain days during January. Rain is frequent, so waterproof gear is essential.
Kathmandu sees 40 mm over 6 rain days. That makes Kathmandu the drier option by 9 rain days and 82 mm of total precipitation.
Both cities share similar humidity levels at 70%.
What to Pack: Pokhara vs Kathmandu
Packing for Pokhara in January
Highs of 16°C, lows of 5°C, 15 rain days
- ✓warm layers
- ✓a mid-weight jacket
- ✓long trousers
- ✓waterproof jacket
- ✓compact umbrella
- ✓waterproof shoes
- ✓a warm scarf
Packing for Kathmandu in January
Highs of 16°C, lows of 7°C, 6 rain days
- ✓warm layers
- ✓a mid-weight jacket
- ✓long trousers
- ✓a packable rain jacket
- ✓an umbrella
Pack for both: warm layers, a mid-weight jacket, long trousers. These items are useful in either destination during January.
Year-Round Comparison: Pokhara vs Kathmandu
The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month of the year, helping you find the best time to visit either city.January is highlighted for quick reference.
| Month | Pokhara | Kathmandu | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Rain | High | Rain | |
| Jan | 16°C | 15d | 16°C | 6d |
| Feb | 18°C | 18d | 18°C | 8d |
| Mar | 22°C | 18d | 22°C | 10d |
| Apr | 25°C | 15d | 25°C | 13d |
| May | 26°C | 22d | 26°C | 22d |
| Jun | 26°C | 28d | 26°C | 27d |
| Jul | 26°C | 31d | 25°C | 31d |
| Aug | 26°C | 30d | 25°C | 31d |
| Sep | 25°C | 26d | 25°C | 28d |
| Oct | 23°C | 17d | 23°C | 15d |
| Nov | 20°C | 15d | 20°C | 6d |
| Dec | 17°C | 13d | 17°C | 3d |
Pokhara Weather in January
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities
Kathmandu Weather in January
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities