Okavango Delta in January

In January, Okavango Delta averages 31°C (87°F) during the day and 20°C (68°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 17 days of the month see precipitation (168 mm total).

High season

Conditions 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 Okavango Delta. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.

31°C
Avg high
20°C
Avg low
17
Rain days
168 mm
Rainfall

How January compares to the rest of the year in Okavango Delta

5th
warmest month of the 12
1st
wettest month of the 12
30%
of yearly rainfall falls in January
13 h 10 min
daylight on the 15th

January is in the middle of the year for warmth in Okavango Delta (5th of 12) and one of the wettest months (1st of 12). Daytime temperature matches the city's annual average. January runs 2°C cooler than December (33°C) and cools 1°C in February (30°C).

January sunrise & sunset in Okavango Delta

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:02 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
7:12 PM
Day length
13 h 10 min

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

Photography light in Okavango Delta — January

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

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:02 AM – 5:42 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
5:42 AM – 6:42 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
6:32 PM – 7:32 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
7:32 PM – 8:12 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Poor
Core barely rises (or hasn't yet returned for the season). Consider a different month.

📅 When to book — Okavango Delta 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 Okavango Delta'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 Okavango Delta

High season

This is a busy month in Okavango Delta — 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 Okavango Delta

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
13
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.

Okavango Delta in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 31°C / 87°F 20°C / 68°F 168 mm 17
February 30°C / 86°F 20°C / 68°F 112 mm 16
March 30°C / 85°F 19°C / 67°F 102 mm 12
April 29°C / 84°F 17°C / 62°F 29 mm 3
May 28°C / 83°F 13°C / 55°F 0 mm 0
June 26°C / 78°F 10°C / 50°F 0 mm 0
July 26°C / 78°F 9°C / 49°F 0 mm 0
August 30°C / 86°F 13°C / 55°F 0 mm 0
September 34°C / 93°F 17°C / 62°F 0 mm 0
October 36°C / 98°F 20°C / 68°F 3 mm 1
November 35°C / 95°F 21°C / 70°F 30 mm 7
December 33°C / 91°F 21°C / 70°F 108 mm 13

Other cities with similar January weather

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

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Okavango Delta in January?

In January, Okavango Delta averages a high of 31°C (87°F) and a low of 20°C (68°F) — generally hot.

Does it rain a lot in Okavango Delta in January?

January is quite rainy in Okavango Delta, with about 17 rainy days on average.

Is January a good time to visit Okavango Delta?

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 Okavango Delta in January?

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

Open Okavango Delta on the interactive map

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