Windhoek in January

In January, Windhoek averages 30°C (85°F) during the day and 18°C (64°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 14 days of the month see precipitation (98 mm total).

High season

Conditions are warm and beach-friendly. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.

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

30°C
Avg high
18°C
Avg low
14
Rain days
98 mm
Rainfall

How January compares to the rest of the year in Windhoek

4th
warmest month of the 12
1st
wettest month of the 12
32%
of yearly rainfall falls in January
13 h 22 min
daylight on the 15th

January is in the middle of the year for warmth in Windhoek (4th of 12) and one of the wettest months (1st of 12). Daytime temperature runs 3°C above the annual average (27°C). January runs 1°C cooler than December (31°C) and cools 1°C in February (29°C).

January sunrise & sunset in Windhoek

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:19 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
7:41 PM
Day length
13 h 22 min

Times shown for Windhoek 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 Windhoek — January

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Windhoek'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)
7:01 PM – 8:01 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
8:01 PM – 8:41 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Poor
Core barely rises (or hasn't yet returned for the season). Consider a different month.

📅 When to book — Windhoek 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 Windhoek'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 Windhoek

High season

This is a busy month in Windhoek — 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 Windhoek

☀️ 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.

Windhoek in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 30°C / 85°F 18°C / 64°F 98 mm 14
February 29°C / 83°F 17°C / 62°F 70 mm 13
March 27°C / 81°F 16°C / 60°F 54 mm 14
April 26°C / 78°F 14°C / 56°F 19 mm 7
May 24°C / 75°F 11°C / 51°F 1 mm 1
June 21°C / 70°F 7°C / 45°F 0 mm 0
July 21°C / 70°F 7°C / 44°F 0 mm 1
August 25°C / 77°F 9°C / 49°F 0 mm 1
September 29°C / 83°F 13°C / 55°F 1 mm 1
October 31°C / 87°F 16°C / 60°F 7 mm 4
November 31°C / 88°F 16°C / 62°F 9 mm 6
December 31°C / 87°F 17°C / 63°F 43 mm 10

Other cities with similar January weather

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

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Windhoek in January?

In January, Windhoek averages a high of 30°C (85°F) and a low of 18°C (64°F) — generally hot.

Does it rain a lot in Windhoek in January?

January can be fairly wet in Windhoek, with about 14 rainy days on average.

Is January a good time to visit Windhoek?

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 Windhoek in January?

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

Open Windhoek on the interactive map

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