Mombasa in January
In January, Mombasa averages 30°C (87°F) during the day and 25°C (77°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 18 days of the month see precipitation (23 mm total).
High seasonConditions 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 Mombasa. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How January compares to the rest of the year in Mombasa
January is one of the warmest months in Mombasa (3rd of 12) and one of the driest months (11th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C above the annual average (29°C). January runs roughly the same as December (30°C) and stays flat into February.
January sunrise & sunset in Mombasa
Times shown for Mombasa 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 Mombasa — January
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Mombasa's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Mombasa 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 Mombasa's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — January in Mombasa
This is a busy month in Mombasa — 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 Mombasa
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.
Sea temperature in Mombasa — January
Across the year Mombasa's sea swings from 26.3°C (August) to 29.5°C (March) — January sits at 28.8°C.
Mombasa in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30°C / 87°F | 25°C / 77°F | 23 mm | 18 | — |
| February | 31°C / 87°F | 25°C / 77°F | 16 mm | 18 | — |
| March | 31°C / 87°F | 26°C / 78°F | 79 mm | 25 | — |
| April | 29°C / 85°F | 25°C / 77°F | 230 mm | 30 | — |
| May | 28°C / 82°F | 24°C / 76°F | 251 mm | 29 | — |
| June | 27°C / 80°F | 24°C / 75°F | 93 mm | 27 | — |
| July | 26°C / 79°F | 23°C / 73°F | 79 mm | 29 | — |
| August | 27°C / 80°F | 23°C / 73°F | 59 mm | 29 | — |
| September | 27°C / 81°F | 23°C / 74°F | 69 mm | 27 | — |
| October | 28°C / 83°F | 24°C / 75°F | 94 mm | 28 | — |
| November | 29°C / 84°F | 24°C / 76°F | 126 mm | 29 | — |
| December | 30°C / 86°F | 25°C / 77°F | 89 mm | 25 | — |
Other cities with similar January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Mombasa in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Mombasa in January?
In January, Mombasa averages a high of 30°C (87°F) and a low of 25°C (77°F) — generally hot.
Does it rain a lot in Mombasa in January?
January is quite rainy in Mombasa, with about 18 rainy days on average.
Is January a good time to visit Mombasa?
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 Mombasa in January?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full January packing list for Mombasa for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.