Dar es Salaam in January
In January, Dar es Salaam averages 31°C (87°F) during the day and 26°C (78°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 25 days of the month see precipitation (71 mm total).
High seasonConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
January is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Dar es Salaam. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How January compares to the rest of the year in Dar es Salaam
January is one of the warmest months in Dar es Salaam (2nd of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (8th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C above the annual average (29°C). January runs 1°C warmer than December (30°C) and stays flat into February.
January sunrise & sunset in Dar es Salaam
Times shown for Dar es Salaam local time (Africa/Dar_es_Salaam), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Dar es Salaam — January
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Dar es Salaam's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Dar es Salaam in January
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on January's tier (High season) and Dar es Salaam's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — January in Dar es Salaam
This is a busy month in Dar es Salaam — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.
Why this tier: Southern Hemisphere summer holidays
Sun & mosquito risk — January in Dar es Salaam
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Sea temperature in Dar es Salaam — January
Across the year Dar es Salaam's sea swings from 26.5°C (August) to 30.3°C (December) — January sits at 29.7°C.
Dar es Salaam in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31°C / 87°F | 26°C / 78°F | 71 mm | 25 | — |
| February | 31°C / 88°F | 26°C / 78°F | 51 mm | 22 | — |
| March | 31°C / 87°F | 25°C / 77°F | 151 mm | 28 | — |
| April | 29°C / 84°F | 24°C / 75°F | 273 mm | 30 | — |
| May | 28°C / 83°F | 23°C / 74°F | 135 mm | 26 | — |
| June | 28°C / 83°F | 22°C / 72°F | 29 mm | 21 | — |
| July | 28°C / 83°F | 22°C / 71°F | 21 mm | 25 | — |
| August | 28°C / 83°F | 22°C / 71°F | 26 mm | 26 | — |
| September | 29°C / 84°F | 22°C / 72°F | 36 mm | 26 | — |
| October | 30°C / 85°F | 23°C / 74°F | 78 mm | 25 | — |
| November | 29°C / 85°F | 24°C / 75°F | 116 mm | 27 | — |
| December | 30°C / 86°F | 25°C / 77°F | 108 mm | 26 | — |
Other cities with similar January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Dar es Salaam in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Dar es Salaam in January?
In January, Dar es Salaam averages a high of 31°C (87°F) and a low of 26°C (78°F) — generally hot.
Does it rain a lot in Dar es Salaam in January?
January is quite rainy in Dar es Salaam, with about 25 rainy days on average.
Is January a good time to visit Dar es Salaam?
January is hot but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with hot weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Dar es Salaam in January?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full January packing list for Dar es Salaam for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.