Victoria Falls in January

In January, Victoria Falls averages 29°C (84°F) during the day and 20°C (68°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 26 days of the month see precipitation (211 mm total).

High season

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

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

29°C
Avg high
20°C
Avg low
26
Rain days
211 mm
Rainfall

How January compares to the rest of the year in Victoria Falls

6th
warmest month of the 12
1st
wettest month of the 12
30%
of yearly rainfall falls in January
13 h 5 min
daylight on the 15th

January is in the middle of the year for warmth in Victoria Falls (6th of 12) and one of the wettest months (1st of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C below the annual average (30°C). January runs 2°C cooler than December (31°C) and stays flat into February.

January sunrise & sunset in Victoria Falls

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
5:53 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:58 PM
Day length
13 h 5 min

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

Photography light in Victoria Falls — January

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

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
4:53 AM – 5:33 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
5:33 AM – 6:33 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
6:18 PM – 7:18 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
7:18 PM – 7:58 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Poor
Core barely rises (or hasn't yet returned for the season). Consider a different month.

📅 When to book — Victoria Falls 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 Victoria Falls'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 Victoria Falls

High season

This is a busy month in Victoria Falls — 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 Victoria Falls

☀️ 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.

Victoria Falls in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 29°C / 84°F 20°C / 68°F 211 mm 26
February 28°C / 83°F 20°C / 68°F 160 mm 22
March 29°C / 83°F 19°C / 66°F 83 mm 21
April 28°C / 82°F 17°C / 63°F 27 mm 12
May 27°C / 81°F 14°C / 56°F 0 mm 1
June 25°C / 77°F 11°C / 52°F 0 mm 1
July 25°C / 77°F 11°C / 51°F 0 mm 1
August 29°C / 85°F 14°C / 56°F 0 mm 0
September 33°C / 92°F 17°C / 63°F 0 mm 0
October 36°C / 96°F 21°C / 69°F 3 mm 4
November 34°C / 93°F 21°C / 71°F 50 mm 16
December 31°C / 88°F 21°C / 69°F 166 mm 22

Other cities with similar January weather

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

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Victoria Falls in January?

In January, Victoria Falls averages a high of 29°C (84°F) and a low of 20°C (68°F) — generally warm.

Does it rain a lot in Victoria Falls in January?

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

Is January a good time to visit Victoria Falls?

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 Victoria Falls in January?

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

Open Victoria Falls on the interactive map

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