Kigali in January
In January, Kigali averages 27°C (80°F) during the day and 15°C (60°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 23 days of the month see precipitation (62 mm total).
High seasonConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
January offers comfortable temperatures in Kigali, with some rain to plan around.
How January compares to the rest of the year in Kigali
January is in the middle of the year for warmth in Kigali (6th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (6th of 12). Daytime temperature matches the city's annual average. January runs 1°C warmer than December (26°C) and stays flat into February.
January sunrise & sunset in Kigali
Times shown for Kigali local time (Africa/Kigali), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Kigali — January
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Kigali's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Kigali 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 Kigali's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — January in Kigali
This is a busy month in Kigali — 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 Kigali
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.
Kigali in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 27°C / 80°F | 15°C / 60°F | 62 mm | 23 | — |
| February | 27°C / 81°F | 16°C / 60°F | 72 mm | 23 | — |
| March | 26°C / 80°F | 16°C / 60°F | 99 mm | 28 | — |
| April | 25°C / 77°F | 16°C / 60°F | 128 mm | 29 | — |
| May | 25°C / 77°F | 16°C / 60°F | 55 mm | 22 | — |
| June | 26°C / 79°F | 15°C / 59°F | 10 mm | 7 | — |
| July | 27°C / 80°F | 15°C / 60°F | 5 mm | 4 | — |
| August | 28°C / 82°F | 16°C / 61°F | 29 mm | 10 | — |
| September | 27°C / 81°F | 16°C / 60°F | 54 mm | 20 | — |
| October | 27°C / 81°F | 16°C / 60°F | 115 mm | 25 | — |
| November | 26°C / 78°F | 15°C / 59°F | 112 mm | 28 | — |
| December | 26°C / 79°F | 15°C / 59°F | 95 mm | 25 | — |
Other cities with similar January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Kigali in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Kigali in January?
In January, Kigali averages a high of 27°C (80°F) and a low of 15°C (60°F) — generally warm.
Does it rain a lot in Kigali in January?
January is quite rainy in Kigali, with about 23 rainy days on average.
Is January a good time to visit Kigali?
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 Kigali in January?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full January packing list for Kigali for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.