Chittagong in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in Chittagong

25°C (78°F) High Temp

14°C (57°F) Low Temp

10 mm (0.4 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Cool dry season with temperatures 5-8°C (9-14°F) lower than summer months - perfect for walking the Old City's narrow lanes without excessive sweating
Clearest visibility at Bangladesh beach with minimal monsoon haze - ideal for sunrise photography and long beach walks covering 8-10 km (5-6 miles)
Peak migratory bird season at Teknaf Wildlife Sanctuary - over 200 species present including rare winter visitors from Himalayan regions
Comfortable evening temperatures around 18-20°C (64-68°F) make rooftop dining and night markets genuinely pleasant rather than stifling

Considerations

Tourist peak season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% compared to monsoon months, especially at beach properties
Morning fog can persist until 9-10am, particularly affecting early ferry schedules to nearby islands and delaying outdoor photography sessions
Dust levels increase significantly due to dry conditions - problematic for those with respiratory sensitivities during outdoor activities

Best Activities in January

Cox's Bazar Beach Extended Walks

January's cool morning temperatures (14-18°C/57-64°F) and minimal rainfall make this ideal for exploring the world's longest natural beach. The 120 km (75 mile) coastline is at its most accessible, with firm sand and clear skies. Locals walk early morning 5-7am when temperatures are coolest.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for independent walks. Beach resorts offer guided sunrise walks typically costing ৳500-800 ($4-7). Best accessed via early morning transport to avoid midday heat. See current organized beach tours in booking section below.

Chittagong Hill Tracts Cultural Tours

January's low humidity (70% vs 85%+ in summer) and clear skies create perfect conditions for hill station visits. Temperatures drop to comfortable 12-15°C (54-59°F) at elevation. This is harvest season for tribal communities, offering authentic cultural experiences and traditional food preparation demonstrations.

Booking Tip: Requires advance permit through registered tour operators - book 15-20 days ahead. Full day trips typically cost ৳3,500-5,500 ($30-47). Government permits take 10-14 days to process. See current cultural tour options below.

Kaptai Lake Boat Excursions

January water levels are optimal after winter rainfall, while cool temperatures make 4-6 hour boat journeys comfortable. The artificial lake spans 680 km² (263 sq miles) with dozens of submerged hills creating scenic islands. Morning mist creates dramatic photography opportunities between 7-9am.

Booking Tip: Day trips through local boat cooperatives cost ৳2,000-3,000 ($17-26) per boat (6-8 people). Book 3-5 days ahead during peak January season. Engine boats recommended over traditional boats for longer distances. Check current lake tour availability below.

Old Chittagong Walking Food Tours

Cool January evenings (18-22°C/64-72°F) make extended food walks through Chaktai Khal and this destination areas comfortable. This is peak season for winter vegetables and special seasonal sweets like patishapta and khejur gur preparations. Street food vendors operate longer hours in cooler weather.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours best for real feel. Organized food walks typically cost ৳1,500-2,500 ($13-21) for 3-4 hours including tastings. Evening tours 5-8pm recommended when temperatures drop and food stalls are most active. Current food tour options available below.

Sitakunda Eco Park Hiking

January's dry conditions make the 8 km (5 mile) trail system fully accessible without monsoon-related closures. Temperatures at the 350m (1,148 ft) elevation stay 3-5°C (5-9°F) cooler than city level. This is optimal season for spotting wildlife as water sources concentrate animals in predictable locations.

Booking Tip: Entry fee ৳50 ($0.43) for locals, higher for foreigners. Guided nature walks available through park office for ৳800-1,200 ($7-10). Start early (6am) to avoid midday heat and see most wildlife. No advance booking required for day visits.

Foy's Lake Evening Recreation

January's pleasant evening temperatures transform this artificial lake into a comfortable recreational hub. The 3 km (1.9 mile) circumference walking path is ideal when daytime heat subsides after 4pm. Local families gather here during January's cool evenings, creating authentic cultural interaction opportunities.

Booking Tip: Paddle boats available for ৳200-300 ($2-3) per 30 minutes. Evening time slots 4-7pm most popular and comfortable. Cable car rides cost ৳150-250 ($1-2) and offer panoramic views best captured in January's clear air conditions.

January Events & Festivals

Mid January

Poush Mela Traditional Winter Festival

Local agricultural celebration featuring winter harvest displays, traditional music performances, and seasonal food preparations. Occurs in neighborhood community centers with authentic folk performances and craft demonstrations.

January 14-15

Makar Sankranti Kite Festival

Traditional kite flying celebration on rooftops and open fields throughout the city. Local families gather on terraces, and organized kite competitions occur at Polo Ground and MA Aziz Stadium areas.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Light cotton long-sleeves for 70% humidity - synthetic fabrics become uncomfortable in humid conditions even at moderate temperatures

Sturdy walking shoes for uneven Old City pavements - many streets have broken concrete requiring ankle support

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even in winter months, particularly dangerous during beach activities

Lightweight rain jacket for brief afternoon showers affecting 10 days in January - typically last 20-30 minutes

Dust mask or scarf for dry season dust - particularly important near construction areas and busy markets

Warm layer for early morning temperatures dropping to 14°C (57°F) - essential for sunrise activities

Waterproof phone case for boat trips on Kaptai Lake and potential rain exposure

Electrolyte supplements - high humidity causes significant sweating even at moderate temperatures

Cash in small denominations - many local vendors don't accept cards or large notes, especially for street food

Hand sanitizer and tissues - public restroom facilities limited in tourist areas outside major hotels

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodation before December 15th to avoid 40-60% peak season price increases - most properties implement January surcharges

Avoid midday (11am-3pm) outdoor activities when UV index peaks at 8 and humidity becomes oppressive despite moderate temperatures

Use local buses instead of CNGs (auto-rickshaws) for distances over 3 km (1.9 miles) - they're air-conditioned and cost 60% less during peak tourist season

Buy winter seasonal foods like khejur gur (date palm jaggery) from morning markets - only available December through February and prices triple by evening

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating January sun intensity - many tourists get severe sunburn assuming winter means weak sun, but UV index remains at dangerous level 8

Booking same-day boat trips to Kaptai Lake - January demand requires 3-5 days advance booking or you'll pay premium rates for last-minute availability

Wearing dark colors during daytime activities - absorbs heat making 25°C (78°F) feel much hotter with 70% humidity levels