Durban in January
In January, Durban averages 28°C (82°F) during the day and 21°C (70°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 19 days of the month see precipitation (86 mm total).
High seasonConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
January offers comfortable temperatures in Durban, with some rain to plan around.
How January compares to the rest of the year in Durban
January is one of the warmest months in Durban (1st of 12) and one of the wettest months (2nd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 3°C above the annual average (25°C). January runs 1°C warmer than December (26°C) and stays flat into February.
January sunrise & sunset in Durban
Times shown for Durban local time (Africa/Johannesburg), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Durban — January
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Durban's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Durban 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 Durban's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — January in Durban
This is a busy month in Durban — 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 Durban
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 Durban — January
Across the year Durban's sea swings from 20.8°C (September) to 25.5°C (February) — January sits at 24.1°C.
Durban in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28°C / 82°F | 21°C / 70°F | 86 mm | 19 | — |
| February | 28°C / 82°F | 21°C / 70°F | 100 mm | 18 | — |
| March | 27°C / 81°F | 20°C / 69°F | 86 mm | 18 | — |
| April | 25°C / 77°F | 18°C / 64°F | 97 mm | 15 | — |
| May | 24°C / 75°F | 16°C / 60°F | 70 mm | 10 | — |
| June | 23°C / 73°F | 13°C / 56°F | 18 mm | 8 | — |
| July | 22°C / 72°F | 13°C / 55°F | 35 mm | 9 | — |
| August | 22°C / 72°F | 14°C / 57°F | 34 mm | 12 | — |
| September | 23°C / 74°F | 16°C / 60°F | 60 mm | 14 | — |
| October | 24°C / 74°F | 17°C / 62°F | 101 mm | 18 | — |
| November | 25°C / 76°F | 18°C / 65°F | 79 mm | 20 | — |
| December | 26°C / 79°F | 20°C / 68°F | 98 mm | 19 | — |
Other cities with similar January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Durban in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Durban in January?
In January, Durban averages a high of 28°C (82°F) and a low of 21°C (70°F) — generally warm.
Does it rain a lot in Durban in January?
January is quite rainy in Durban, with about 19 rainy days on average.
Is January a good time to visit Durban?
January is warm but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Durban in January?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full January packing list for Durban for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.