Lubumbashi in January

In January, Lubumbashi averages 26°C (78°F) during the day and 18°C (64°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 30 days of the month see precipitation (230 mm total).

High season

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.

January offers comfortable temperatures in Lubumbashi, with some rain to plan around.

26°C
Avg high
18°C
Avg low
30
Rain days
230 mm
Rainfall

How January compares to the rest of the year in Lubumbashi

11th
warmest month of the 12
1st
wettest month of the 12
22%
of yearly rainfall falls in January
12 h 44 min
daylight on the 15th

January is one of the coolest months in Lubumbashi (11th of 12) and one of the wettest months (1st of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C below the annual average (27°C). January runs 1°C cooler than December (26°C) and stays flat into February.

January sunrise & sunset in Lubumbashi

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
5:57 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:41 PM
Day length
12 h 44 min

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

Photography light in Lubumbashi — January

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

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
4:57 AM – 5:37 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
5:37 AM – 6:37 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
6:01 PM – 7:01 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
7:01 PM – 7:41 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Poor
Core barely rises (or hasn't yet returned for the season). Consider a different month.

📅 When to book — Lubumbashi 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 Lubumbashi'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 Lubumbashi

High season

This is a busy month in Lubumbashi — 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: comfortable tourism weather Southern Hemisphere summer holidays

Sun & mosquito risk — January in Lubumbashi

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
12.8
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.

Lubumbashi in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 26°C / 78°F 18°C / 64°F 230 mm 30
February 26°C / 79°F 18°C / 64°F 202 mm 28
March 26°C / 78°F 17°C / 63°F 191 mm 28
April 26°C / 78°F 16°C / 61°F 60 mm 19
May 27°C / 80°F 14°C / 57°F 2 mm 2
June 25°C / 78°F 12°C / 53°F 0 mm 0
July 26°C / 78°F 12°C / 53°F 0 mm 0
August 29°C / 83°F 14°C / 57°F 0 mm 0
September 31°C / 88°F 17°C / 62°F 1 mm 1
October 32°C / 90°F 19°C / 66°F 21 mm 7
November 29°C / 84°F 18°C / 65°F 126 mm 24
December 26°C / 80°F 18°C / 64°F 198 mm 27

Other cities with similar January weather

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

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Lubumbashi in January?

In January, Lubumbashi averages a high of 26°C (78°F) and a low of 18°C (64°F) — generally warm.

Does it rain a lot in Lubumbashi in January?

January is quite rainy in Lubumbashi, with about 30 rainy days on average.

Is January a good time to visit Lubumbashi?

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 Lubumbashi in January?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full January packing list for Lubumbashi for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Lubumbashi on the interactive map

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