Sossusvlei in January
In January, Sossusvlei averages 31°C (88°F) during the day and 17°C (62°F) at night, with only about 1 rainy day.
High seasonConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Skies are generally dry and clear.
January in Sossusvlei is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How January compares to the rest of the year in Sossusvlei
January is in the middle of the year for warmth in Sossusvlei (5th of 12) and one of the wettest months (1st of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C above the annual average (30°C). January runs roughly the same as December (31°C) and stays flat into February.
January sunrise & sunset in Sossusvlei
Times shown for Sossusvlei local time (Africa/Windhoek), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Sossusvlei — January
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Sossusvlei's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Sossusvlei 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 Sossusvlei's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — January in Sossusvlei
This is a busy month in Sossusvlei — 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 Sossusvlei
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.
Sossusvlei in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31°C / 88°F | 17°C / 62°F | 4 mm | 1 | — |
| February | 32°C / 89°F | 17°C / 62°F | 3 mm | 1 | — |
| March | 32°C / 89°F | 17°C / 63°F | 2 mm | 1 | — |
| April | 32°C / 89°F | 17°C / 63°F | 2 mm | 1 | — |
| May | 30°C / 86°F | 15°C / 59°F | 1 mm | 0 | — |
| June | 26°C / 79°F | 12°C / 53°F | 1 mm | 0 | — |
| July | 26°C / 79°F | 11°C / 52°F | 1 mm | 0 | — |
| August | 26°C / 80°F | 10°C / 51°F | 0 mm | 0 | — |
| September | 29°C / 85°F | 12°C / 54°F | 0 mm | 0 | — |
| October | 31°C / 88°F | 14°C / 58°F | 1 mm | 0 | — |
| November | 31°C / 89°F | 15°C / 59°F | 2 mm | 1 | — |
| December | 31°C / 88°F | 15°C / 60°F | 1 mm | 0 | — |
Other cities with similar January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Sossusvlei in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Sossusvlei in January?
In January, Sossusvlei averages a high of 31°C (88°F) and a low of 17°C (62°F) — generally hot.
Does it rain a lot in Sossusvlei in January?
January is generally dry in Sossusvlei, with about 1 rainy day on average.
Is January a good time to visit Sossusvlei?
January is hot and mostly dry. 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 Sossusvlei in January?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen. See the full January packing list for Sossusvlei for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.