Ngorongoro in January

In January, Ngorongoro averages 24°C (75°F) during the day and 14°C (58°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 26 days of the month see precipitation (354 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 Ngorongoro, with some rain to plan around.

24°C
Avg high
14°C
Avg low
26
Rain days
354 mm
Rainfall

How January compares to the rest of the year in Ngorongoro

4th
warmest month of the 12
4th
wettest month of the 12
20%
of yearly rainfall falls in January
12 h 17 min
daylight on the 15th

January is in the middle of the year for warmth in Ngorongoro (4th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (4th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C above the annual average (23°C). January runs roughly the same as December (24°C) and warms a further 1°C into February (25°C).

January sunrise & sunset in Ngorongoro

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:38 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:55 PM
Day length
12 h 17 min

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

Photography light in Ngorongoro — January

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

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:38 AM – 6:18 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:18 AM – 7:18 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
6:15 PM – 7:15 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
7:15 PM – 7:55 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Poor
Core barely rises (or hasn't yet returned for the season). Consider a different month.

📅 When to book — Ngorongoro 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 Ngorongoro'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 Ngorongoro

High season

This is a busy month in Ngorongoro — 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 Ngorongoro

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
12.2
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●●○
High
Peak mosquito activity. DEET 30%+, long sleeves at dawn/dusk, sleep under nets if rural. Check current dengue/malaria advisories for the destination.

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.

Ngorongoro in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 24°C / 75°F 14°C / 58°F 354 mm 26
February 25°C / 77°F 14°C / 58°F 140 mm 23
March 24°C / 76°F 15°C / 59°F 222 mm 27
April 22°C / 72°F 16°C / 60°F 242 mm 29
May 21°C / 70°F 14°C / 58°F 63 mm 24
June 20°C / 69°F 13°C / 55°F 24 mm 18
July 20°C / 68°F 12°C / 53°F 19 mm 16
August 22°C / 71°F 12°C / 54°F 18 mm 17
September 23°C / 74°F 13°C / 55°F 22 mm 19
October 24°C / 76°F 14°C / 57°F 77 mm 22
November 24°C / 75°F 15°C / 58°F 223 mm 27
December 24°C / 75°F 14°C / 58°F 394 mm 26

Other cities with similar January weather

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

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Ngorongoro in January?

In January, Ngorongoro averages a high of 24°C (75°F) and a low of 14°C (58°F) — generally warm.

Does it rain a lot in Ngorongoro in January?

January is quite rainy in Ngorongoro, with about 26 rainy days on average.

Is January a good time to visit Ngorongoro?

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 Ngorongoro 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 Ngorongoro for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Ngorongoro on the interactive map

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