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Weather Comparison

Pokhara vs Kathmandu

Side-by-side weather comparison for January

Pokhara: 16°CKathmandu: 16°C142 km apart

January Weather: Pokhara vs Kathmandu

MetricPokharaKathmanduBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer16°C (61°F)16°C (61°F)Tie
Average LowHigher is milder5°C (41°F)7°C (45°F)Kathmandu
Rain DaysFewer is drier15 days6 daysKathmandu
PrecipitationLess is drier122 mm40 mmKathmandu
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier10h/day10h/dayTie
HumidityLower is more comfortable70%70%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer22Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better7 km/h7 km/hTie

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.

MonthPokharaKathmandu
HighRainHighRain
Jan16°C15d16°C6d
Feb18°C18d18°C8d
Mar22°C18d22°C10d
Apr25°C15d25°C13d
May26°C22d26°C22d
Jun26°C28d26°C27d
Jul26°C31d25°C31d
Aug26°C30d25°C31d
Sep25°C26d25°C28d
Oct23°C17d23°C15d
Nov20°C15d20°C6d
Dec17°C13d17°C3d
16°

Pokhara Weather in January

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

16°

Kathmandu Weather in January

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pokhara warmer than Kathmandu in January?
Pokhara and Kathmandu have the same average high temperature of 16°C (61°F) in January. The average lows are 5°C and 7°C respectively.
Which city gets more rain in January, Pokhara or Kathmandu?
Pokhara gets more rain in January with 15 rain days and 122 mm of precipitation. Kathmandu is the drier option with 6 rain days.
Is it better to visit Pokhara or Kathmandu in January?
It depends on your preferences. Pokhara averages 16°C and 10 hours of daily sunshine with 15 rain days. Kathmandu averages 16°C with 10 sunshine hours and 6 rain days. If you prefer cooler conditions, choose Kathmandu. For fewer rain days, Kathmandu is the better pick.
How far apart are Pokhara and Kathmandu?
Pokhara and Kathmandu are approximately 142 km (88 miles) apart. Pokhara is located in Nepal (Asia) while Kathmandu is in Nepal (Asia).
What is the best month to visit Pokhara and Kathmandu?
For Pokhara, April tends to be the best month with 12 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 25°C. For Kathmandu, April is typically ideal with 12 sunshine hours and 25°C highs.

Compare Pokhara and Kathmandu in Other Months

Climate data sourced from the Open-Meteo Historical Weather API, using ERA5 reanalysis data covering 30-year normals from 1991 to 2020. All temperatures shown in Celsius with Fahrenheit equivalents. Rain days count days with 1 mm or more of precipitation. Sunshine hours represent average daily values. This comparison is generated from long-term climate averages and individual trips may vary.

Pokhara coordinates: 28.21°N, 83.99°E | Kathmandu coordinates: 27.72°N, 85.32°E