Douala in January

In January, Douala averages 31°C (88°F) during the day and 24°C (75°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 29 days of the month see precipitation (57 mm total).

Shoulder

Conditions 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 Douala. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.

31°C
Avg high
24°C
Avg low
29
Rain days
57 mm
Rainfall

How January compares to the rest of the year in Douala

2nd
warmest month of the 12
9th
wettest month of the 12
2%
of yearly rainfall falls in January
11 h 55 min
daylight on the 15th

January is one of the warmest months in Douala (2nd of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (9th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C above the annual average (30°C). January runs 1°C warmer than December (31°C) and warms a further 1°C into February (32°C).

January sunrise & sunset in Douala

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:32 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:27 PM
Day length
11 h 55 min

Times shown for Douala local time (Africa/Douala), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Douala — January

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Douala's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:32 AM – 6:12 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:12 AM – 7:12 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
5:47 PM – 6:47 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
6:47 PM – 7:27 PM

📅 When to book — Douala 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 (Shoulder) and Douala's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
6-10 weeks
Sweet spot for value. Major fare-sales (US: Black Friday, EU: post-Easter) hit hardest in shoulder months for shoulder travel.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
4-8 weeks
Lots of selection. Look for shoulder-season packages — many hotels add value (free breakfast, spa credit) to fill rooms.
⚠ Christmas / New Year travel is a global premium-pricing event — many destinations 30-50% above normal. Book 4+ months ahead if your dates are Dec 20 - Jan 2.

Crowds & pricing — January in Douala

Shoulder

Douala is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.

Sun & mosquito risk — January in Douala

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
11.4
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●●●
Severe
Severe mosquito season with active disease transmission risk. DEET 30%+, picaridin 20%, long sleeves day and night, treated nets, and check CDC/WHO travel advisories before going.

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.

Douala in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 31°C / 88°F 24°C / 75°F 57 mm 29
February 32°C / 89°F 24°C / 76°F 85 mm 27
March 31°C / 87°F 24°C / 76°F 226 mm 30
April 31°C / 87°F 24°C / 75°F 270 mm 29
May 30°C / 86°F 24°C / 75°F 346 mm 30
June 28°C / 83°F 23°C / 74°F 366 mm 30
July 28°C / 82°F 23°C / 73°F 312 mm 31
August 28°C / 82°F 23°C / 73°F 352 mm 31
September 28°C / 83°F 23°C / 73°F 348 mm 30
October 29°C / 85°F 23°C / 74°F 405 mm 31
November 30°C / 85°F 24°C / 74°F 269 mm 30
December 31°C / 87°F 24°C / 75°F 78 mm 27

Other cities with similar January weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Douala in January →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Douala in January?

In January, Douala averages a high of 31°C (88°F) and a low of 24°C (75°F) — generally hot.

Does it rain a lot in Douala in January?

January is quite rainy in Douala, with about 29 rainy days on average.

Is January a good time to visit Douala?

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 Douala in January?

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full January packing list for Douala for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Douala on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.