Gaborone in January

In January, Gaborone averages 31°C (89°F) during the day and 20°C (69°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 17 days of the month see precipitation (76 mm total).

High season

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

31°C
Avg high
20°C
Avg low
17
Rain days
76 mm
Rainfall

How January compares to the rest of the year in Gaborone

4th
warmest month of the 12
1st
wettest month of the 12
20%
of yearly rainfall falls in January
13 h 30 min
daylight on the 15th

January is in the middle of the year for warmth in Gaborone (4th of 12) and one of the wettest months (1st of 12). Daytime temperature runs 3°C above the annual average (28°C). January runs roughly the same as December (32°C) and cools 1°C in February (30°C).

January sunrise & sunset in Gaborone

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
5:40 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
7:10 PM
Day length
13 h 30 min

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

Photography light in Gaborone — January

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

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
4:40 AM – 5:20 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
5:20 AM – 6:20 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
7:30 PM – 8:10 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Poor
Core barely rises (or hasn't yet returned for the season). Consider a different month.

📅 When to book — Gaborone 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 Gaborone's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
2-3 months
Prices are above off-season but not the absolute peak. Tuesday/Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-3 months
Wide selection still available at this lead time. Premium properties book first; consider 'last-minute deal' availability at 2-week mark if your dates are flexible.
⚠ 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 Gaborone

High season

This is a busy month in Gaborone — 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 Gaborone

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
13
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.

Gaborone in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 31°C / 89°F 20°C / 69°F 76 mm 17
February 30°C / 87°F 20°C / 68°F 68 mm 16
March 29°C / 85°F 18°C / 64°F 37 mm 12
April 27°C / 80°F 15°C / 58°F 27 mm 9
May 24°C / 76°F 10°C / 51°F 7 mm 4
June 22°C / 71°F 7°C / 45°F 2 mm 2
July 22°C / 71°F 7°C / 44°F 2 mm 2
August 26°C / 79°F 10°C / 50°F 1 mm 1
September 30°C / 86°F 14°C / 57°F 4 mm 2
October 32°C / 90°F 17°C / 63°F 22 mm 6
November 32°C / 90°F 19°C / 65°F 50 mm 10
December 32°C / 89°F 20°C / 68°F 78 mm 15

Other cities with similar January weather

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

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Gaborone in January?

In January, Gaborone averages a high of 31°C (89°F) and a low of 20°C (69°F) — generally hot.

Does it rain a lot in Gaborone in January?

January is quite rainy in Gaborone, with about 17 rainy days on average.

Is January a good time to visit Gaborone?

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 Gaborone in January?

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

Open Gaborone on the interactive map

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