January Weather in Shimla, India

Last updated: August 21, 2025

January in Shimla, India is a captivating blend of winter charm and crisp air. With maximum temperatures reaching a mild 18°C (65°F) and dipping to a chilly -5°C (23°F) overnight, the average temperature hovers around a brisk 6°C (43°F). This month witnesses approximately 84 mm (3.3 in) of precipitation over 8 days, creating a refreshing atmosphere accompanied by a 63% humidity level. Visitors can expect a picturesque setting, where the interplay of snow and urban life transforms Shimla into a serene winter wonderland.

January Temperature in Shimla

January in Shimla, India, is characterized by chilly temperatures that set the stage for the winter season. With minimums plummeting to -5°C (23°F), residents and visitors experience the crispness of cold days, while the average temperature hovers around a brisk 6°C (43°F). During this month, the maximum reaches a comfortable 18°C (65°F), offering a pleasant escape from the typical winter chill as the sun shines brighter. This trend of cool, yet warming days continues into February, where temperatures slowly rise, indicating the gradual transition towards spring. As winter lingers, January remains a beautiful time to explore the snow-capped landscapes and enjoy cozy evenings by the fireplace in this idyllic hill station.

January Weather in Shimla: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates January temperature patterns in Shimla, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends. In Shimla, January typically has an average temperature of {2}°C ({3}°F), with highs reaching up to {4}°C ({5}°F) and lows dropping to around {6}°C ({7}°F).
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec434856646971727269625346
Data source: Temperature data for Shimla generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Choose your preferred temperature unit
The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

January Precipitation in Shimla

In January, Shimla experiences mild precipitation, with an average of 84 mm (3.3 in) falling over just 8 days. This sets the stage for a gradual increase in rainfall as the months progress, peaking dramatically in the summer months of July and August, where precipitation soars to 407 mm (16.0 in) and 357 mm (14.1 in), respectively. As winter transitions into spring, the precipitation steadily rises, climbing from 84 mm in January to 99 mm in March. This trend of increasing rainfall not only highlights Shimla's shift toward a wetter climate but also prepares the picturesque hills for the lush greenery that follows. As the year closes, December's rainfall drops back down to 37 mm (1.4 in), hinting at the cyclical nature of Shimla's enchanting weather patterns.

January Precipitation Trends in Shimla

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Shimla, with values for each month alongside January’s data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the amount of precipitation, providing insights into how January’s conditions compare to those of other months. In Shimla, January typically receives around {2} mm ({3} inches) of precipitation spread over approximately {4} days.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec8489999490159407358275384037
Data source: Precipitation data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Choose your preferred precipitation unit

January Humidity in Shimla

In January, Shimla experiences a humidity level of 63%, marking the beginning of the year with a relatively high moisture content in the air. As the winter months progress into February, this figure drops to 53%, signaling a slight decline in dampness as the chill begins to ease. March continues this trend, with humidity decreasing to 47%, leading into April and May, where the levels stabilize at a low 38%. This dry spell gives way to the monsoon season starting in July, where humidity spikes dramatically to 72%. The peak occurs in August, reaching a notable 87%, before gradually lessening to 82% in September. As the year moves into the cooler months again, humidity starts to rise, returning to 78% in October and tapering off to 69% in December. This cyclical pattern reveals how Shimla's humidity fluctuates with the seasons, providing a unique climate experience throughout the year.

January Average Humidity in Shimla

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Shimla, with January’s data highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the fluctuation in humidity throughout the year, helping you understand how conditions vary by season. In January, average humidity in Shimla is approximately {2}%, offering insight into how humid the weather typically is during this month.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec63%53%47%38%38%38%72%87%82%78%74%69%
Data source: Humidity data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

January UV Index in Shimla

In January, Shimla experiences a UV Index of 6, placing it in the high exposure category with a burn time of just 25 minutes. As the month progresses into February, the UV Index rises slightly to 7, maintaining the high category. This upward trend continues into the spring months, where March sees a significant jump to 10, classified as very high, which reduces the safe exposure time to 15 minutes. April and May peak with an extreme UV Index of 11 and 13, respectively, both allowing only 10 minutes before skin damage could occur. The trend remains consistent through the summer months, with July and August sustaining a UV Index of 13. As the year winds down, September and October shift back to very high levels of 10 and 8, providing a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. By the year's end, November drops back to a high UV Index of 6 and December further reduces to a moderate 5, allowing for 30 minutes of safe exposure. This data underscores the critical need for sun protection throughout the year, especially during the peak months. For more detailed information, visit Shimla UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Shimla for January

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Shimla in January, representing the highest UV radiation level. The UVI measures the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, indicating the potential risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues. In January, the maximum UV index in Shimla typically reaches {2}, which falls under the {3} exposure category.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec6710111312131310865
Data source: Shimla January UVI data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

January Sunshine in Shimla

January in Shimla, India, greets visitors with 225 hours of sunshine, setting the stage for a captivating winter experience. As the year progresses, the sunlight pours in more generously, peaking in May with 380 hours of glorious rays. This upward trend continues until the heart of summer, where the sun shines brilliantly even in June, with 378 hours recorded. However, as the monsoon arrives in July, the sunlight begins to wane, dropping to 349 hours. The transition into autumn witnesses a gradual decline, with September and October providing 319 and 329 hours respectively, before settling into the cooler months of November and December at 291 and 290 hours. This vibrant ebb and flow of sunshine throughout the year highlights Shimla's diverse climate, inviting travelers to experience its seasonal transformations.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Shimla: January Highlighted

The January sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Shimla experiences direct sunlight during the month of January, excluding cloudy or obstructed periods. This chart compares the sunshine duration of January with the other months of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec225h285h337h348h380h378h349h318h319h329h291h290h
Data source: Shimla January Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Shimla During January

In January, Shimla enjoys a notable 77% chance of sunny weather, making it one of the brightest months of the year. This trend of sunny days continues into February, though it slips slightly to 74%. As spring approaches, the likelihood of sunshine dips gradually, reaching 71% in March and dropping to 59% by April. The warmer months of May and June see a slight uptick at 58% and 61% respectively, but the monsoon season dramatically alters the forecast, with July plunging to just 28% sunshine. In contrast, the months of October and November showcase a resurgence, with 78% and a striking 92% chance of sun, before closing the year with December at 70%. Overall, January stands out as a peak month for sun, heralding a bright start to the year for visitors and residents alike.

Percentage of Sunny Days in January in Shimla

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Shimla throughout the year, with January highlighted. It highlights the variation in sunshine across each month and provides an overview of the typical frequency of sunny days, offering insights into how often Shimla experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec77%74%71%60%58%61%28%36%33%78%92%70%
Data source: Shimla January chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Shimla in January

In January, Shimla experiences 10 hours of daylight, marking the start of the year with crisp, clear skies. As winter begins to transition into spring, daylight gradually increases, reaching 11 hours in February and March. This upward trend continues into April, where the days stretch to 12 hours, inviting the vibrant blooms of the season. May and June bring the longest days of the year with 13 and 14 hours of daylight respectively, perfect for exploring the picturesque landscapes. As summer gives way to monsoon, daylight hours slightly decrease, stabilizing at 13 hours during July and August. Moving into the autumn months, daylight gradually recedes, dropping to 12 hours in September and 11 hours in October. By the time November and December roll around, Shimla returns to its shorter winter days, with 10 hours of daylight, enveloping the region in a serene, crisp ambiance as the year draws to a close.

Average Daylight Hours in Shimla for January

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Shimla throughout the year, with January highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec10h 21m11h 4m11h 59m12h 56m13h 43m14h 7m13h 55m13h 13m12h 19m11h 22m10h 33m10h 9m
Data source: Shimla daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

January Winds in Shimla

In January, Shimla experiences a gentle breeze, with an average wind speed of 1.6 m/s (about 4 mph). This tranquil wind sets a serene backdrop as the winter chill lingers in the air. As the months progress, the wind begins to pick up slightly, reaching 1.7 m/s in February and climbing to 2.1 m/s in March. This incremental increase hints at the arrival of spring, as the warmer weather draws closer. However, by July and August, the winds slow to their lowest, dipping to 1.4 m/s and 1.3 m/s, respectively, likely influenced by the monsoon season. As autumn approaches, a subtle recovery is observed, with wind speeds regaining some strength by October and stabilizing through November and December. Overall, January's soft gusts herald the seasonal transitions, beautifully illustrating the dynamic nature of Shimla's climate.

Average January Wind Speed in Shimla

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Shimla, with values for each month shown alongside January's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It illustrates the average wind speed, offering insights into how January's wind conditions compare to the rest of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec1.6 m/s1.72.12.21.71.71.41.31.21.51.51.4
Data source: Shimla January wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How January Weather in Shimla Compares to Other Months

Weather in Shimla varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares January’s weather to other months in Shimla, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.

In January, temperatures range from a chilly -5°C (23°F) to a maximum of 18°C (65°F), with an average of 6°C (43°F). The month experiences 84 mm (3.3 in) of precipitation over 8 days, resulting in a humidity level of 63%. In contrast, February sees slightly milder temperatures, with a minimum of -4°C (26°F) and a maximum of 22°C (73°F), bringing an average of 9°C (48°F). Precipitation increases marginally to 89 mm (3.5 in) over 9 days, while humidity drops to 53%. For more detailed insights on the weather in February, visit Shimla weather in February.

In comparing the weather of January and March, we see significant changes in temperature and precipitation. January typically experiences colder temperatures, with a minimum of -5°C (23°F) and an average of 6°C (43°F), while March shows a marked increase, with average temperatures rising to 13°C (56°F) and a maximum of 28°C (82°F). Precipitation also differs, as January has 84 mm (3.3 in) over 8 days, whereas March sees a higher total of 99 mm (3.9 in) across 13 days. Notably, March presents lower humidity at 47% compared to January's 63%. For more details on March's conditions, you can visit Shimla weather in March.

January and April present stark differences in weather patterns. In January, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -5°C (23°F) to a mild maximum of 18°C (65°F), with an average of 6°C (43°F). The month sees about 84 mm (3.3 in) of precipitation over 8 days and maintains a relative humidity of 63%. In contrast, April ushers in warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 5°C (42°F) to a high of 30°C (87°F) and an average temperature of 18°C (65°F). The precipitation increases slightly to 94 mm (3.7 in) over 13 days, yet humidity drops significantly to 38%. For more details, check out Shimla weather in April.

In January, the weather is quite chilly, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -5°C (23°F) to a maximum of 18°C (65°F) and an average temperature of around 6°C (43°F). This month also sees significant precipitation, amounting to 84 mm (3.3 in) over approximately 8 days, accompanied by a higher humidity level of 63%.

In contrast, May brings a noticeable warmth, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 9°C (49°F) to a maximum of 31°C (89°F), and an average of 20°C (69°F). Although May experiences slightly more precipitation at 90 mm (3.6 in) spread over 14 days, the humidity drops to a more comfortable 38%. For more detailed information on how to enjoy Shimla during this warmer month, check out Shimla weather in May.

January and June in Shimla present a stark contrast in weather conditions. In January, temperatures can drop to a minimum of -5°C (23°F), with an average around 6°C (43°F) and a maximum reaching 18°C (65°F). The month experiences considerable precipitation, totaling 84 mm (3.3 in) over about 8 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 63%. In contrast, June boasts warmer weather with a minimum temperature of 13°C (55°F), averaging 22°C (71°F) and peaking at 32°C (90°F). Rainfall is more frequent in June, amounting to 159 mm (6.3 in) over 16 days, while humidity significantly drops to 38%. For more weather insights, check out Shimla weather in June.

January and July display contrasting weather patterns in terms of temperature and precipitation. In January, temperatures range from a chilly -5°C (23°F) at their lowest to a mild 18°C (65°F) at their peak, with an average of 6°C (43°F). The month experiences about 84 mm (3.3 in) of precipitation over approximately 8 days, coupled with a humidity level of 63%. In sharp contrast, July sees much warmer temperatures, with minimums around 15°C (60°F) and maximums reaching up to 29°C (84°F), averaging 22°C (72°F). This summer month is significantly wetter, accumulating 407 mm (16.0 in) of rainfall over 28 days, while humidity rises to 72%. For a detailed look at July’s weather, check out Shimla weather in July.

In January, Shimla experiences a chill with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -5°C (23°F) to a maximum of 18°C (65°F), while the average hovers around 6°C (43°F). During this month, the city receives about 84 mm (3.3 in) of precipitation over 8 days, contributing to a humidity level of 63%. In stark contrast, August brings warmer temperatures, with minimums at 17°C (62°F) and maximums reaching 28°C (83°F), leading to an average of 22°C (72°F). However, August is also a much wetter month, with 357 mm (14.1 in) of rainfall spread across 29 days, resulting in heightened humidity of 87%. To learn more about the weather conditions during this month, you can explore Shimla weather in August.

January and September present starkly contrasting weather patterns. In January, temperatures range from a chilly -5°C (23°F) to a mild 18°C (65°F), with an average of 6°C (43°F). The month is characterized by relatively low precipitation at 84 mm (3.3 in) over just 8 days, alongside a humidity level of 63%. In contrast, September boasts significantly warmer conditions, with temperatures varying from a minimum of 13°C (56°F) to a maximum of 27°C (82°F), and an average of 21°C (69°F). This month experiences higher rainfall, accumulating to 275 mm (10.8 in) over 21 days, and features increased humidity levels at 82%. For a detailed look at weather conditions in September, check Shimla weather in September.

In January, the weather in Shimla is quite chilly, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -5°C (23°F) to a maximum of 18°C (65°F). This month experiences an average temperature of 6°C (43°F) and receives significant precipitation of 84 mm (3.3 in) over about 8 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 63%. In stark contrast, October brings milder temperatures, fluctuating between a minimum of 7°C (44°F) and a maximum of 27°C (81°F), with an average of 17°C (62°F). The month sees less rainfall, accumulating only 38 mm (1.5 in) over approximately 7 days, and maintains higher humidity at 78%. For more details about the weather specifics, visit Shimla weather in October.

In January, the weather tends to be colder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -5°C (23°F) to a maximum of 18°C (65°F) and an average of 6°C (43°F). The month also sees more precipitation, averaging 84 mm (3.3 in) over about 8 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 63%. In contrast, November enjoys milder temperatures, with a minimum of 1°C (34°F), maximum of 22°C (71°F), and an average of 11°C (53°F). Precipitation is significantly lower in November at 40 mm (1.6 in) across 6 days, while humidity is slightly higher at 74%. For more details, you can visit Shimla weather in November.

When comparing January and December weather, January tends to be a bit colder with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -5°C (23°F) to a maximum of 18°C (65°F) and an average of 6°C (43°F). In contrast, December sees slightly milder temperatures, with a minimum of -3°C (27°F), an average of 8°C (46°F), and a maximum of 20°C (68°F). Additionally, January experiences more precipitation, averaging 84 mm (3.3 in) over 8 days, compared to December's 37 mm (1.4 in) over just 5 days. Humidity levels are also marginally higher in December at 69%, while January registers at 63%. For more details, you can check Shimla weather in December.

Compare Shimla's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From January Weather in Shimla

January in Shimla presents a charming winter landscape, setting it apart from other months with its crisp air and stunning snow-blanketed scenery. While temperatures can reach a pleasant maximum of 18°C, the chill of the nights plunges to a frosty minimum of -5°C, inviting visitors to experience the unique interplay of warmth and cold. With an average temperature around 6°C, the month sees about 84 mm of precipitation over roughly 8 rainy days, contributing to the region's lush winter beauty. Humidity hovers around 63%, adding a refreshing quality to the air. For those seeking to understand this enchanting season further, visit Shimla Climate.