Uttarakhand in January 2027: Snowfall, Weather & Best Places to Visit
January is the heart of winter in Uttarakhand: the coldest month, the snowiest month, and for many people the most beautiful. This is when Auli has its best snow for skiing, Chopta and the winter treks are deep in snow, and Mussoorie and Nainital have their best chance of turning white. This guide covers snowfall in Uttarakhand in January, city-wise temperatures, where to go, festivals, travel tips for fog and ice, and a 5-day itinerary.
January at a glance: Coldest and snowiest month · Snow at Auli, Chopta, Munsiyari, Harsil, Dhanaulti, Kanatal; best chance for Mussoorie and Nainital · Fog on the plains · Makar Sankranti and Uttarayani mid-month · Busy on the Republic Day weekend
Snowfall in Uttarakhand in January
Snow arrives with western disturbances, usually two or three spells during the month. Each brings 2–4 days of cloud and snow to the hills, followed by clear, freezing days that are perfect for photos. Snow from earlier spells stays on the ground at higher places all month.
| Destination | Snow in January | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Auli | Deep snow, ski season | Auli snowfall |
| Chopta & Tungnath | Deep snow, road often blocked near Chopta | Chopta in winter |
| Kedarkantha & winter treks | Snow on the whole trail | Kedarkantha guide |
| Munsiyari & Harsil | Very likely | Munsiyari, Harsil |
| Dhanaulti, Kanatal, Lokhandi | Likely after each spell | Snow near Mussoorie |
| Mussoorie | Best chance of the year, a few days | Mussoorie snowfall |
| Nainital, Mukteshwar, Binsar | Possible, mostly on the higher points | Nainital snowfall |
For the full season, see our Uttarakhand snowfall calendar, and for live conditions use the snowfall today page.
Temperature in January (City by City)
| Place | Altitude | Day (max) | Night (min) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rishikesh | 372 m | 19–21°C | 6–8°C |
| Dehradun | 640 m | 18–20°C | 4–6°C |
| Almora | 1,640 m | 14–16°C | 2–4°C |
| Nainital | 1,938 m | 9–11°C | 0–2°C |
| Mussoorie | 2,005 m | 9–11°C | 0–2°C |
| Joshimath | 1,890 m | 9–11°C | -2–0°C |
| Munsiyari | 2,200 m | 7–9°C | -4 to -2°C |
| Auli | 2,800 m | 2–4°C | -8 to -6°C |
| Chopta | 2,680 m | 1–3°C | -10 to -8°C |
Typical ranges, not a forecast. Check live weather for Auli, Mussoorie, Nainital and Chopta.
Best Places to Visit in January
For snow
- Auli: Peak ski season, with lessons for beginners. Read our Auli snowfall guide.
- Chopta: A snow trek to Tungnath and Chandrashila, with the best winter sunrise view in Garhwal.
- Dhanaulti and Kanatal: The easiest snow weekend from Delhi and Dehradun.
- Munsiyari: Kumaon's snowiest town, facing the Panchachuli peaks.
For winter treks
- Kedarkantha: the classic first snow trek.
- Brahmatal: frozen lakes and views of Trishul.
- Kuari Pass: snowy forest trails near Auli.
- Dayara Bugyal: rolling meadows under snow.
- Nag Tibba: a 2-day snow trek from Dehradun.
For winter sunshine
- Rishikesh: Sunny days around 20°C, quiet ghats and camps.
- Jim Corbett: All safari zones open, misty mornings and great birding. See our Jim Corbett guide.
Festivals in January
- Makar Sankranti / Uttarayani (mid-January): The Uttarayani Mela at Bageshwar, at the confluence of the Saryu and Gomti rivers, is one of the oldest and biggest fairs in Kumaon. See Bageshwar.
- Ghughutiya: Across Kumaon, children make sweet fried "ghughute" and call crows to feed them on the day after Makar Sankranti.
- Magh Mela, Uttarkashi: A traditional fair that begins around Makar Sankranti.
- Republic Day weekend: Expect heavy crowds and higher prices in Mussoorie, Nainital and Auli.
Travel Tips for January
- Fog on the plains: Dense fog often slows the drive from Delhi and delays trains in the mornings. Start after the fog lifts or travel overnight by bus or train.
- Ice in the hills: Drive in daylight. Shaded bends stay icy all day after snowfall.
- Road closures: The roads to Auli, Chopta, Dhanaulti and Munsiyari can close after heavy snow. Keep a buffer day.
- Power cuts and cold rooms: Smaller places may lose power during snow. Never use charcoal heaters in a closed room.
- Book ahead for weekends and the Republic Day long weekend.
What to Pack
- Thermals, fleece and a down or insulated waterproof jacket
- Waterproof gloves, a woollen cap, neck warmer and thick socks
- Waterproof boots with good grip; microspikes for treks
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm and moisturiser
- Power bank, torch, basic medicines and some cash
Sample 5-Day January Snow Trip
- Day 1: Delhi to Dehradun (overnight bus or morning train).
- Day 2: Dehradun to Mussoorie, Lal Tibba and Landour, continue to Dhanaulti or Kanatal.
- Day 3: Snow day at Kanatal or Dhanaulti, Surkanda Devi if the path is open.
- Day 4: Drive via Chamba to Rishikesh, evening Ganga Aarti.
- Day 5: Return to Delhi.
Want more snow? Swap days 2–4 for Chopta (4 days) or Auli (3 days from Rishikesh).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there snowfall in Uttarakhand in January?
Yes. January is the snowiest month in Uttarakhand. Auli, Chopta, Munsiyari, Harsil, Dhanaulti and Kanatal usually have snow, and January is also the most likely month for snow in Mussoorie and Nainital.
What is the temperature in Uttarakhand in January?
Rishikesh and Dehradun range from about 5°C to 20°C, Mussoorie and Nainital from about 0°C to 10°C, and Auli and Chopta drop to around -7°C to -10°C at night.
Is January a good time to visit Uttarakhand?
Yes, if you want snow or quiet hill towns, and you pack for real cold. Avoid driving late at night because of fog on the plains and ice in the hills.
Which is the best place to visit in Uttarakhand in January?
Auli for skiing, Chopta for a snow trek you can drive to, Kedarkantha for a multi-day snow trek, Mussoorie, Dhanaulti or Kanatal for an easy snow weekend, and Rishikesh or Jim Corbett if you prefer winter sunshine.
What festivals are in Uttarakhand in January?
Makar Sankranti in mid-January is celebrated as Uttarayani, with the famous Uttarayani Mela in Bageshwar and the Ghughutiya festival across Kumaon. The Magh Mela in Uttarkashi also begins around Makar Sankranti.
Plan by Month
Compare with November and December, see all twelve snow destinations in our Uttarakhand snowfall places guide, browse weekend trips from Delhi, or let the AI Trip Planner plan your January trip.
