Things to Do in Bangladesh in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in Bangladesh

High Temp

Low Temp

Rainfall

% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with minimal rain - only 10 rainy days averaging 20-30 minute afternoon showers, making it ideal for outdoor exploration and day trips
Comfortable temperatures averaging 20-25°C (68-77°F) - perfect for walking through Old Dhaka's narrow streets and visiting archaeological sites without the exhausting heat of March-May
Clear visibility for photography at Sundarbans mangrove forests and Cox's Bazar - January's low humidity creates stunning sunset shots and wildlife spotting opportunities
Harvest season brings fresh winter vegetables to markets - bitter gourd, cauliflower, and sweet dates are at peak flavor, plus street food vendors offer seasonal specialties like khejur gur (date palm jaggery) sweets

Considerations

Tourist high season means 40-60% higher accommodation prices, especially in Dhaka and Chittagong - book 6-8 weeks ahead or expect to pay premium rates
Occasional morning fog (5-7 days in January) can delay domestic flights and reduce visibility at Sundarbans, potentially disrupting tight itineraries
Cooler evenings require layering - temperatures drop to 20°C (68°F) after sunset, catching many visitors unprepared who pack only for daytime warmth

Best Activities in January

Sundarbans Mangrove Forest Wildlife Tours

January's dry season offers the best wildlife spotting conditions with minimal rain disrupting boat tours. Royal Bengal tigers are more active in cooler temperatures, and migratory birds arrive in peak numbers. Clear skies provide excellent photography conditions for the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead through licensed operators offering 2-3 day packages (typically ৳8,000-12,000 per person). Look for operators with experienced naturalist guides and proper safety equipment. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Old Dhaka Heritage Walking Tours

Comfortable January temperatures make exploring the 400-year-old Mughal capital enjoyable on foot. Visit Lalbagh Fort, Ahsan Manzil, and bustling Sadarghat riverport without the oppressive heat of summer. Early morning starts (7-9am) offer the best light for photography and fewer crowds.

Booking Tip: Half-day guided tours typically cost ৳2,500-4,000 per person. Book with operators who include rickshaw rides and have local historian guides. Many tours can be arranged same-day, but advance booking ensures English-speaking guides.

Chittagong Hill Tracts Cultural Experiences

Cool January weather is perfect for trekking through indigenous villages in Bandarban and Rangamati. Tribal communities celebrate harvest festivals during this period, offering authentic cultural interactions. The 20-25°C temperatures make multi-day hiking comfortable.

Booking Tip: Multi-day packages range ৳15,000-25,000 including permits, accommodation, and meals. Book through operators with proper indigenous community partnerships and government permits (mandatory for foreigners). Plan 7-10 days ahead for permit processing.

Cox's Bazar Beach and Island Hopping

January offers the calmest sea conditions for visiting St. Martin's Island and enjoying the world's longest natural sea beach. Water temperature stays comfortable at 24°C (75°F), and clear skies provide perfect beach weather without monsoon disruptions.

Booking Tip: St. Martin's Island day trips cost ৳3,500-5,500 per person including boat transfers. Book island trips 5-7 days ahead as boat capacity is limited and weather-dependent. Beach resort prices peak in January - book accommodations early.

Sylhet Tea Garden Tours

January marks tea pruning season, offering unique insights into tea production processes. Cool mornings in the highlands (16-18°C/61-64°F) are perfect for walking through terraced gardens, while the dry weather ensures clear views of the rolling tea estates.

Booking Tip: Day tours from Sylhet city range ৳2,000-3,500 per person including transportation and tea tasting. Some gardens offer homestays (৳4,000-6,000 per night). Book directly with tea estates or through Sylhet-based operators for authentic experiences.

Paharpur and Ancient Architecture Tours

Dry January weather is ideal for exploring Bangladesh's archaeological sites including the 8th-century Somapura Mahavihara. Comfortable temperatures allow extensive site exploration, and clear conditions provide excellent photography of the ancient Buddhist monastery ruins.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Rajshahi typically cost ৳3,000-4,500 per person including transportation and guide. Combine with visits to Mahasthangarh for full archaeology experience. Book through operators offering air-conditioned transport for comfort.

January Events & Festivals

Mid January

Poush Sankranti

Traditional harvest festival celebrated with pitha (rice cakes), khejur gur (date palm jaggery), and folk songs. Villages across Bangladesh prepare special winter delicacies and organize cultural programs showcasing rural traditions.

Late January

Dhaka International Folk Fest

Annual celebration of Bangladeshi folk music and traditional arts held in various venues across Dhaka. Features performances by renowned folk artists, craft exhibitions, and traditional food stalls serving seasonal specialties.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight cotton long pants and shirts - protect from mosquitoes in Sundarbans while staying cool in 25°C (77°F) daytime temperatures

Light sweater or fleece jacket - evenings drop to 20°C (68°F), especially in northern regions and hill areas

Waterproof day pack - protect electronics during brief afternoon showers that occur 10 days in January

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 during clear January days

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - Old Dhaka's uneven streets and Sundarbans boardwalks require sturdy footwear

Quick-dry fabric clothes - 70% humidity means cotton takes longer to dry than synthetic blends

Insect repellent with 20% DEET minimum - essential for Sundarbans and rural areas where mosquitoes carry dengue

Portable phone charger - frequent power outages in rural areas during peak tourist season

Water purification tablets - safe drinking water isn't always available outside major cities

Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees - required for mosque visits and shows respect in conservative areas

Insider Knowledge

January is wedding season in Bangladesh - hotels fill up with large wedding parties, especially on weekends. Book accommodations for Tuesday-Thursday arrivals when possible and expect noise in hotel venues.

Fresh date palm jaggery (khejur gur) is only available December-February. Buy directly from vendors tapping trees in early morning for the purest taste - it's collected before dawn and sold by 10am.

Domestic flights experience delays 5-7 days in January due to morning fog at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Book afternoon flights when possible or allow extra buffer time for connections.

Rural markets showcase winter vegetables unavailable other months - try shalgam (turnip), mula (white radish), and various greens. Prices are lowest in January due to peak harvest season.