South Africa in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in South Africa

34°C (93°F) High Temp

16°C (60°F) Low Temp

51mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Peak summer wildlife viewing - January sees the highest animal activity across game reserves as herbivores gather around permanent water sources and predators follow
Perfect whale watching conditions along the coast - Southern Right whales arrive in South Africa and along the Garden Route from late December through March with January offering prime viewing
Fruit harvest season creates exceptional wine estate experiences - January is harvest time in the Western Cape with estates offering picking experiences and fresh harvest tastings
Extended daylight hours (14+ hours) maximize outdoor activity time - sunrise at 5:30am and sunset after 7:30pm gives you maximum game drive and hiking opportunities

Considerations

Peak summer heat makes midday activities uncomfortable - temperatures regularly exceed 30°C (86°F) requiring early morning starts and afternoon indoor breaks
Highest accommodation prices of the year - January is peak season with rates 40-60% higher than shoulder season, especially around New Year and school holidays ending mid-January
Afternoon thunderstorms can disrupt outdoor plans - storms typically build after 2pm and can last 1-2 hours, affecting game drives and hiking schedules

Best Activities in January

Kruger National Park Safari Game Drives

January is peak wildlife season in Kruger as the dry conditions force animals to congregate around rivers and waterholes. Early morning drives (5:30-9:00am) avoid the intense midday heat and offer the best predator sightings as lions and leopards are most active. The summer rains have created lush vegetation, making herbivore herds particularly large and healthy.

Booking Tip: Book accommodations 6-8 months ahead as January is fully booked by November. Self-drive day passes cost R440-500 ($24-27) while guided full-day tours typically range R2,500-3,500 ($135-190). Choose early morning slots to avoid afternoon heat and storms. See current tour options in booking section below.

Cape Winelands Harvest Experiences

January is harvest season in Stellenbosch, South Africa, and Paarl - the only time you can participate in actual grape picking and taste wine straight from the fermentation tanks. The warm days (25-30°C/77-86°F) and cool evenings create perfect ripening conditions. Many estates offer dawn harvest experiences starting at 6am to avoid the heat.

Booking Tip: Harvest experiences book quickly and typically cost R400-800 ($22-43) including breakfast and tastings. Book 3-4 weeks ahead through estate websites or see current options below. Choose morning sessions - afternoon heat makes picking uncomfortable.

Hermanus Whale Watching

Southern Right whales arrive in Walker Bay during January after their migration from Antarctica. The calm summer seas and clear visibility make this the start of prime whale watching season. Land-based viewing from cliff paths is excellent, while boat tours offer closer encounters during the whales' most active period.

Booking Tip: Boat tours cost R600-1,200 ($32-65) and run weather permitting - afternoon storms can cancel trips after 2pm. Book morning departures for calmer conditions. Peak season means booking 2-3 weeks ahead is essential. See current tour availability below.

Garden Route Coastal Activities

January's warm weather (22-28°C/72-82°F) makes the Garden Route coast perfect for beach activities, sea kayaking, and coastal hiking. South Africa and South Africa offer excellent swimming conditions with water temperatures around 20°C (68°F). The long daylight hours allow for full-day coastal adventures.

Booking Tip: Kayak tours and boat trips typically cost R450-850 ($24-46). Book morning departures to avoid afternoon storms. Accommodation in South Africa and South Africa requires booking 2-3 months ahead for January. Check current coastal tour options below.

Drakensberg Mountains Hiking

January's summer rains create spectacular waterfalls and lush mountain scenery in the Drakensberg. The higher altitude (1,000-3,000m/3,280-9,840ft) provides relief from coastal heat, with temperatures 5-10°C (9-18°F) cooler. Early morning hikes before afternoon thunderstorms offer the best conditions and views.

Booking Tip: Day hikes are typically free in national parks (conservation fees R50-80/$3-4), while guided multi-day hikes cost R1,500-2,500 ($81-135) per day. Start hikes by 6am to avoid afternoon storms. Mountain lodge bookings require 3-4 months advance notice for January.

Cape Town Table Mountain and City Activities

January offers the most cable car operating days due to minimal wind, though afternoon cloud formation often caps the mountain by 2pm. The city's beaches are at their best with warm temperatures and minimal rain. Sierraleone-Kaap and V&A Waterfront tours benefit from extended daylight hours and minimal wind interference.

Booking Tip: Table Mountain cable car tickets cost R395-440 ($21-24) and sell out daily in January - book online 1-2 weeks ahead for preferred times. Choose morning slots before clouds form. City walking tours typically cost R300-600 ($16-32). See current tour options below.

January Events & Festivals

Late January

Cape Town International Jazz Festival

One of Africa's largest jazz festivals featuring international and local artists across multiple venues. The summer evening weather is perfect for outdoor stages and the festival atmosphere extends throughout the city's jazz clubs and bars.

Mid to Late January

Nederburg Wine Harvest Festival

Working harvest festival where visitors participate in traditional grape picking, stomping, and fermentation processes. Includes traditional South African braai meals and live music among the vineyards during peak harvest season.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts in light colors - essential protection from UV index 8+ sun exposure and cooler evening temperatures that drop 15°C (27°F) from daytime highs

Quick-dry shorts and pants - afternoon thunderstorms happen 10 days per month and humidity stays around 70% making cotton uncomfortable

Waterproof day pack cover - storms develop quickly and can soak equipment during game drives and hiking

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV levels are extreme at South Africa's altitude and latitude, especially on game drives in open vehicles

Insect repellent with DEET - summer rains increase mosquito activity, particularly important in Kruger and coastal areas

Warm layer for early morning activities - game drives start at 5:30am when temperatures can be 16°C (60°F), requiring fleece or light jacket

Waterproof hiking boots for mountain areas - Drakensberg trails become muddy and slippery during rainy season

Portable phone charger/power bank - extended daylight hours mean longer activity days and higher battery drain from photos and GPS

Light rain jacket or poncho - storms last 1-2 hours but are intense, affecting outdoor activities and transport

Breathable, moisture-wicking undergarments - high humidity and temperature swings make cotton uncomfortable for all-day wear

Insider Knowledge

South African school holidays end around January 15th - book activities after this date for significantly lower prices and smaller crowds at attractions

Game drive timing is crucial in January heat - 5:30-9:00am and 4:00-7:00pm drives see 70% more animal activity than midday sessions

Wine estates offer special harvest worker meals (traditional potjiekos) during January that aren't available other times - ask about harvest lunch experiences when booking

Load shedding (power cuts) can affect accommodations during peak summer demand - choose establishments with backup generators and confirm this when booking

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking midday activities between 11am-3pm when temperatures exceed 32°C (90°F) and afternoon storms build - wildlife is inactive and outdoor comfort is poor

Underestimating how quickly weather changes in January - carrying only light clothing when temperatures can drop 15°C (27°F) in minutes during storms

Not booking accommodation by October for January travel - peak season means popular locations are fully booked months ahead with limited alternatives