Stone Town in January

In January, Stone Town averages 31°C (88°F) during the day and 26°C (78°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 23 days of the month see precipitation (42 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 Stone Town. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.

31°C
Avg high
26°C
Avg low
23
Rain days
42 mm
Rainfall

How January compares to the rest of the year in Stone Town

3rd
warmest month of the 12
11th
wettest month of the 12
4%
of yearly rainfall falls in January
12 h 26 min
daylight on the 15th

January is one of the warmest months in Stone Town (3rd of 12) and one of the driest months (11th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C above the annual average (30°C). January runs 1°C warmer than December (31°C) and warms a further 1°C into February (32°C).

January sunrise & sunset in Stone Town

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:19 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:45 PM
Day length
12 h 26 min

Times shown for Stone Town 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 Stone Town — January

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

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:19 AM – 5:59 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
5:59 AM – 6:59 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
6:05 PM – 7:05 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
7:05 PM – 7:45 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Poor
Core barely rises (or hasn't yet returned for the season). Consider a different month.

📅 When to book — Stone Town 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 Stone Town'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 Stone Town

High season

This is a busy month in Stone Town — 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 Stone Town

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
12.4
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.

Stone Town in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 31°C / 88°F 26°C / 78°F 42 mm 23
February 32°C / 90°F 26°C / 79°F 34 mm 19
March 31°C / 89°F 26°C / 78°F 119 mm 26
April 29°C / 84°F 25°C / 76°F 317 mm 30
May 28°C / 82°F 24°C / 76°F 166 mm 29
June 28°C / 82°F 23°C / 74°F 44 mm 26
July 27°C / 81°F 23°C / 73°F 40 mm 28
August 28°C / 83°F 22°C / 72°F 34 mm 28
September 29°C / 85°F 22°C / 72°F 42 mm 26
October 30°C / 86°F 23°C / 74°F 92 mm 27
November 30°C / 86°F 24°C / 76°F 135 mm 28
December 31°C / 87°F 25°C / 78°F 90 mm 26

Other cities with similar January weather

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

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Stone Town in January?

In January, Stone Town averages a high of 31°C (88°F) and a low of 26°C (78°F) — generally hot.

Does it rain a lot in Stone Town in January?

January is quite rainy in Stone Town, with about 23 rainy days on average.

Is January a good time to visit Stone Town?

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 Stone Town in January?

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

Open Stone Town on the interactive map

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