Serengeti in January

In January, Serengeti averages 28°C (83°F) during the day and 17°C (62°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 19 days of the month see precipitation (65 mm total).

High season

Conditions are warm and beach-friendly. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.

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

28°C
Avg high
17°C
Avg low
19
Rain days
65 mm
Rainfall

How January compares to the rest of the year in Serengeti

8th
warmest month of the 12
4th
wettest month of the 12
10%
of yearly rainfall falls in January
12 h 14 min
daylight on the 15th

January is in the middle of the year for warmth in Serengeti (8th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (4th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C below the annual average (29°C). January runs roughly the same as December (28°C) and warms a further 1°C into February (29°C).

January sunrise & sunset in Serengeti

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:42 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:56 PM
Day length
12 h 14 min

Times shown for Serengeti 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 Serengeti — January

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Serengeti'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)
6:16 PM – 7:16 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
7:16 PM – 7:56 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Poor
Core barely rises (or hasn't yet returned for the season). Consider a different month.

📅 When to book — Serengeti 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 Serengeti'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 Serengeti

High season

This is a busy month in Serengeti — 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 Serengeti

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
12.1
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.

Serengeti in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 28°C / 83°F 17°C / 62°F 65 mm 19
February 29°C / 85°F 17°C / 63°F 55 mm 16
March 29°C / 85°F 17°C / 63°F 85 mm 19
April 28°C / 82°F 17°C / 62°F 125 mm 23
May 28°C / 82°F 16°C / 62°F 29 mm 15
June 28°C / 82°F 16°C / 61°F 14 mm 9
July 28°C / 83°F 15°C / 60°F 5 mm 5
August 29°C / 84°F 16°C / 61°F 12 mm 9
September 30°C / 86°F 17°C / 62°F 24 mm 10
October 31°C / 87°F 17°C / 63°F 44 mm 14
November 29°C / 84°F 17°C / 62°F 121 mm 21
December 28°C / 82°F 16°C / 62°F 102 mm 20

Other cities with similar January weather

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

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Serengeti in January?

In January, Serengeti averages a high of 28°C (83°F) and a low of 17°C (62°F) — generally warm.

Does it rain a lot in Serengeti in January?

January is quite rainy in Serengeti, with about 19 rainy days on average.

Is January a good time to visit Serengeti?

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 Serengeti in January?

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

Open Serengeti on the interactive map

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