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January is part of the shoulder season in South Africa. While it’s summer, the safari destinations in the north of the country experience rainy weather. In Cape Town, summer is the dry season, so it’s the perfect time for days spent on the beach and exploring wine farms.
This time of the year also sees a lot of travellers! The summer season coincides with school holidays, so international tourists as well as local travellers are at game reserves, national parks, hiking trails, and beaches.
While safari destinations in South Africa – like Kruger National Park, Madikwe Game Reserve, Timbavati Nature Reserve, and Sabi Sands – are experiencing the rainy season, it doesn’t mean that safaris aren’t enjoyable. You can expect lush landscapes, sightings of baby animals, and excellent birdwatching with migratory birds in parks and reserves.
Weather in January
Kruger National Park and surrounding areas are green thanks to the rains, which start around October. Water sources are abundant, so finding wildlife during game drives can be more challenging compared to the dry season. However, temperatures are still hot with highs of 34 °C/93 °F coupled with high humidity. In Cape Town, temperatures can reach highs of 29 °C/84 °F and lows of 18 °C/64 °F. This is coupled with bright blue skies and little to no rain.
Average Weather in January
Kruger and Surrounds
| Temperatures | Celsius | Fahrenheit | Rainfall |
| Min | 18℃ | 64℉ | 3.3 inches |
| Max | 34℃ | 93℉ | 5 inches |
Cape Town
| Temperatures | Celsius | Fahrenheit | Rainfall |
| Min | 18℃ | 64℉ | 0.4 inches |
| Max | 29℃ | 84℉ | 1.5 inches |
Destinations to Visit in South Africa During January
Tswalu Kalahari Private Wildlife Reserve
Tswalu is a year-round safari destination, with exciting sightings no matter the month. Summer brings dramatic thunderstorms and showers, causing the landscape to flourish. This is the time of the year when animals have their young – so you may see adorable newborns – and migratory birds make an appearance.
The Garden Route
If you dream of spending days relaxing on pristine beaches and going on watersports adventures, the Garden Route in January is fantastic! The warm weather in the Western Cape makes iconic destinations like Plettenberg Bay and Knysna perfect coastal retreats for beach holidays.
Activities to Do in South Africa in January
- Canoeing and kayaking
- Swimming and snorkelling
- Birdwatching in game parks
- Photographic safaris
