Dhaka in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in Dhaka

24°C (76°F) High Temp

13°C (55°F) Low Temp

7.6 mm (0.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect weather window - daily temperatures 13-24°C (55-76°F) make walking tours comfortable all day, unlike March-May when afternoons become unbearable
Crystal clear air quality - January's dry winds blow away monsoon humidity and pollution, giving you the best photography conditions and skyline views from Kawran Bazar rooftops
Peak rickshaw season - cool mornings 6-9am are ideal for experiencing Old Dhaka by cycle rickshaw when narrow lanes aren't sweltering and drivers are most energetic
Winter produce explosion - January brings the best street food season with fresh hilsa fish, date palm jaggery (khejur gur), and winter vegetables that disappear by March

Considerations

Morning fog delays - thick fog 6-9am can disrupt Buriganga river boat tours and early morning flights from Hazrat Shahjalal International, plan buffer time
Wedding season crowds - January is peak wedding month, creating traffic chaos on weekends and booking pressure for venues and transportation
Tourist season pricing - accommodation rates increase 40-60% compared to monsoon months, especially around Gulshan and Banani business districts

Best Activities in January

Old Dhaka Heritage Walking Tours

January's cool mornings 7-11am are perfect for exploring this destination, this destination, and the narrow lanes of Shakhari Bazaar without the exhausting heat. The 4 km (2.5 mile) circuit through Armenian Church and Star Mosque is comfortable when temperatures stay under 20°C (68°F). Clear winter air means better photos of Mughal architecture details.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through certified heritage guides. Tours typically cost 1,500-2,500 BDT including rickshaw segments. Start before 8am to avoid wedding procession traffic on weekends. See current heritage tour options in the booking section below.

Buriganga River Boat Experiences

January's dry season means lower water levels but clearer views of traditional boat building yards and less monsoon debris. Morning fog adds mystical atmosphere to sunrise trips, while afternoon clarity 2-5pm showcases the bustling river commerce. Cool weather makes the 2-hour round trip to Keraniganj comfortable.

Booking Tip: Book through registered boat operators at Sadarghat Terminal. Half-day trips cost 800-1,200 BDT per person. Avoid 6-9am during heavy fog periods. Licensed operators provide life jackets and insurance coverage.

Savar Archaeological Site Cycling

The 35 km (22 mile) route to Buddhist ruins at Savar is ideal in January's cool, dry weather. Morning temperatures 13-18°C (55-64°F) make the gentle hills manageable, while clear skies provide excellent views of the countryside. Dry roads mean better cycling conditions than monsoon months.

Booking Tip: Rent bikes from Dhanmondi area shops for 300-500 BDT per day. Join group rides departing 7am on weekends. Book transport back separately as return cycling in afternoon sun can be challenging. Check current cycling tour options below.

Kawran Bazar Dawn Market Tours

January's cool pre-dawn hours 4-7am are perfect for experiencing Bangladesh's largest wholesale market without overwhelming heat and humidity. Winter produce season brings exotic fruits and vegetables. The 2 km (1.2 mile) market walk is comfortable when temperatures are 13-15°C (55-59°F).

Booking Tip: Arrange through local food tour operators, typically 2,000-3,000 BDT including breakfast. Start 5am for best atmosphere and freshest produce. Guides help navigate safely and translate vendor interactions.

Sonargaon Historical Day Trips

January's dry roads make the 45-minute drive to the former capital comfortable. Cool weather is perfect for exploring the Folk Art and Crafts Museum outdoor sections and Panam City ruins. Clear winter light enhances photography of colonial architecture and traditional crafts demonstrations.

Booking Tip: Book day trips 5-7 days ahead, typically 3,500-5,000 BDT including transport and guide. Weekend trips get crowded with local families. Private car hire gives flexibility for multiple sites. Check current Sonargaon tour availability below.

Dhaka University Campus Cultural Tours

January's pleasant weather makes the expansive campus walkable for exploring Curzon Hall, TSC, and the Shaheed Minar. Cool mornings 8-11am are ideal for the 3 km (1.9 mile) heritage circuit when students are active but temperatures comfortable. Clear winter air provides better architectural photography.

Booking Tip: Student guides available through university tourism program for 1,000-1,500 BDT. Combine with nearby Ramna Park and Bangladesh National Museum. Weekday visits show active campus life better than weekends.

January Events & Festivals

Mid to late January

Poush Mela Traditional Festival

Village fairs across Dhaka celebrating winter harvest with traditional sweets made from date palm jaggery, folk music, and handicraft displays. Best experienced at Ramna Park and various neighborhood venues with local families.

Mid January

Dhaka International Film Festival

Annual showcase of South Asian and international cinema across multiple venues including Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. Features outdoor screenings that are only comfortable during January's cool evenings.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight fleece or cardigan - morning temperatures drop to 13°C (55°F) and buildings often lack heating

Breathable cotton layers - afternoon humidity at 70% makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable despite cooler temperatures

Sturdy walking shoes with good grip - morning fog creates slippery surfaces on marble mosque floors and ferry docks

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and clear winter air provides less protection than humid months

Compact umbrella - light winter showers occur 10 days but last only 15-20 minutes

Power bank and waterproof phone case - increased sightseeing in comfortable weather drains batteries faster

Cash in small denominations - winter tourist season means more street vendors and rickshaw pullers need exact change

Modest long pants and sleeves - January's comfortable temperatures make covering up for mosque visits less challenging

Dust mask or scarf - winter construction season and reduced rain means more dust in Old Dhaka areas

Insect repellent - standing water from light rains still attracts mosquitos despite cooler weather

Insider Knowledge

January weddings create massive traffic jams Thursday-Sunday evenings 4-8pm - plan museum visits and indoor activities during these windows when outdoor movement becomes difficult

Morning fog at Hazrat Shahjalal Airport often delays flights 1-2 hours - book afternoon departures or add buffer time for connections during January's peak fog season

Winter vegetable season brings the year's best street food - try fresh pitha (rice cakes) with date palm molasses only available December-February, found at Chawkbazar after sunset

Hotel rates jump 50% for January but booking before November 15th locks in monsoon season prices - most international visitors don't know about this early booking window

Avoid These Mistakes

Underdressing for morning activities - tourists pack for 24°C (76°F) afternoon temperatures but forget 13°C (55°F) morning starts, especially for dawn boat trips

Scheduling outdoor activities during weekend wedding traffic - Friday evening through Sunday becomes gridlocked across the city, making cross-town movement nearly impossible

Not bringing layers for air-conditioned spaces - malls and restaurants over-compensate for outside heat and become frigid at 16-18°C (61-64°F) when you're dressed for warm weather