Lusaka in January

In January, Lusaka averages 25°C (77°F) during the day and 18°C (64°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 29 days of the month see precipitation (233 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 Lusaka, with some rain to plan around.

25°C
Avg high
18°C
Avg low
29
Rain days
233 mm
Rainfall

How January compares to the rest of the year in Lusaka

8th
warmest month of the 12
1st
wettest month of the 12
29%
of yearly rainfall falls in January
12 h 56 min
daylight on the 15th

January is in the middle of the year for warmth in Lusaka (8th of 12) and one of the wettest months (1st of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C below the annual average (26°C). January runs 2°C cooler than December (27°C) and stays flat into February.

January sunrise & sunset in Lusaka

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
5:47 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:43 PM
Day length
12 h 56 min

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

Photography light in Lusaka — January

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

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
4:47 AM – 5:27 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
5:27 AM – 6:27 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
6:03 PM – 7:03 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
7:03 PM – 7:43 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Poor
Core barely rises (or hasn't yet returned for the season). Consider a different month.

📅 When to book — Lusaka 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 Lusaka'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 Lusaka

High season

This is a busy month in Lusaka — 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 Lusaka

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
12.9
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.

Lusaka in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 25°C / 77°F 18°C / 64°F 233 mm 29
February 25°C / 77°F 18°C / 64°F 175 mm 27
March 25°C / 78°F 17°C / 63°F 91 mm 24
April 25°C / 76°F 16°C / 61°F 34 mm 15
May 24°C / 75°F 14°C / 57°F 2 mm 4
June 22°C / 72°F 12°C / 53°F 1 mm 3
July 22°C / 72°F 12°C / 53°F 1 mm 4
August 26°C / 78°F 14°C / 57°F 0 mm 1
September 29°C / 85°F 17°C / 63°F 1 mm 1
October 31°C / 88°F 20°C / 67°F 7 mm 4
November 30°C / 85°F 20°C / 67°F 75 mm 17
December 27°C / 81°F 19°C / 66°F 170 mm 23

Other cities with similar January weather

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

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Lusaka in January?

In January, Lusaka averages a high of 25°C (77°F) and a low of 18°C (64°F) — generally warm.

Does it rain a lot in Lusaka in January?

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

Is January a good time to visit Lusaka?

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 Lusaka 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 Lusaka for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Lusaka on the interactive map

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