Maasai Mara in January

In January, Maasai Mara averages 28°C (83°F) during the day and 15°C (59°F) at night, with around 11 days of rain (73 mm total).

High season

Conditions are warm and beach-friendly. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.

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

28°C
Avg high
15°C
Avg low
11
Rain days
73 mm
Rainfall

How January compares to the rest of the year in Maasai Mara

5th
warmest month of the 12
4th
wettest month of the 12
9%
of yearly rainfall falls in January
12 h 12 min
daylight on the 15th

January is in the middle of the year for warmth in Maasai Mara (5th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (4th of 12). Daytime temperature matches the city's annual average. January runs roughly the same as December (28°C) and warms a further 1°C into February (30°C).

January sunrise & sunset in Maasai Mara

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:42 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:54 PM
Day length
12 h 12 min

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

Photography light in Maasai Mara — January

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

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:42 AM – 6:22 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:22 AM – 7:22 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
6:14 PM – 7:14 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
7:14 PM – 7:54 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Poor
Core barely rises (or hasn't yet returned for the season). Consider a different month.

📅 When to book — Maasai Mara 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 Maasai Mara'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 Maasai Mara

High season

This is a busy month in Maasai Mara — 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 Maasai Mara

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
12
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.

Maasai Mara in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 28°C / 83°F 15°C / 59°F 73 mm 11
February 30°C / 85°F 16°C / 60°F 46 mm 8
March 29°C / 85°F 16°C / 61°F 81 mm 11
April 28°C / 82°F 16°C / 60°F 134 mm 16
May 27°C / 81°F 15°C / 59°F 58 mm 10
June 27°C / 80°F 15°C / 59°F 49 mm 8
July 27°C / 81°F 15°C / 58°F 12 mm 4
August 28°C / 83°F 15°C / 59°F 23 mm 5
September 29°C / 84°F 15°C / 60°F 34 mm 7
October 30°C / 86°F 16°C / 61°F 54 mm 9
November 28°C / 83°F 16°C / 60°F 127 mm 14
December 28°C / 82°F 15°C / 59°F 89 mm 14

Other cities with similar January weather

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

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Maasai Mara in January?

In January, Maasai Mara averages a high of 28°C (83°F) and a low of 15°C (59°F) — generally warm.

Does it rain a lot in Maasai Mara in January?

January can be fairly wet in Maasai Mara, with about 11 rainy days on average.

Is January a good time to visit Maasai Mara?

January is warm. 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 Maasai Mara in January?

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

Open Maasai Mara on the interactive map

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