Tanzania Weather in January

In Serengeti National Park

  Season: Dry Season
  In Short: The beginning of dry season, sunny and temperate

Tanzania weather in January is generally sunny and temperate, with the average temperatures ranging from 21 - 30°C (69.8 - 86℉). It’s cool in the morning and at night, and slightly hot at noon. The day-night temperature difference is not that big. But the sunlight can be intense at noon, so take precautions against the sun. Besides, Tanzania is getting into the dry season in January, with the total monthly precipitation being 57 mm, and it rains averagely 9 days. Rainfall comes mostly at night. 

Altogether, the pleasant temperature and little rainfall make January a good time for travelling. If you are interested in visiting Tanzania in January of 2025, check our Tanzania Tours and choose your preferred route.

 The hottest places in Tanzania in January: 
Dar es Salaam: 24 - 32°C (75.2 - 89.6°F); Zanzibar: 23 - 32°C (73.4 - 89.6°F)
 The coolest places in Tanzania in January: 
Iringa: 18 - 27°C (64.4 - 80.6°F); Mwanza: 18 - 28°C (64.4 - 82.4°F); Tabora: 18 - 28°C (64.4 - 82.4°F)

What to Wear and Pack

 Clothes: During the daytime, thin and breathable clothes such as shirts and long pants made of cotton and hemp fabric are suitable. Sun-protective clothing is also essential, and you can wear a T-shirt under it. At night, you may need to take a thin coat or a windbreaker in case of the coolness brought by a sudden rain. Generally, it is highly recommended to wear long sleeves and trousers, which can prevent mosquitoes at night and sunburn at daytime. If you go to some places with higher elevations, it is best to bring a slightly thick coat or a jacket.

 Shoes: Lightweight casual shoes are essential. A pair of walking shoes, sneakers or light boots are all ideal. During your safari in the off-road vehicle, you should take sandals or slippers which will make your feet comfortable.

 Accessories: Insect repellent is a must, as well as sunscreen, face masks, a thin hat and sunglasses. Although the rainfall usually occurs at night, you’d better take rain gear when you go on an outing. Take some cold medicine just in case.

  

Top Things to Do in Tanzania in January

Tourism Rate: 

1. Southern Serengeti

Serengeti is full of life in January. The herbivores arrive at the short grassy plains of the southern Serengeti to raise their new pups. You can see the cute newborn wildebeest, admire first-hand the presence of mighty lions, view the herbivorous but fierce hippos and buffalo, and even witness the predators’ thrilling hunting moment. 

Rainfall in Serengeti in January has already reduced, mostly occurring at night and leaving the daytime clear and sunny. Thus, it will be stirring to take a hot air balloon, on which you can enjoy the sunrise from high above and watch animals galloping and roaring on the grasslands.

Wildlife in Serengeti

2. Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is located next to Serengeti National Park. The landscape of Ngorongoro crater is diverse, with grassland, forest, hills, lakes, swamps and other landforms. It’s one of the few places in the entire Africa where you can see all the “Big Five”, as well as the only place you can see black rhinos in Tanzania. Thanks to volcanic minerals and the structure of the terrain, the pastures here are fertile and water resource is sufficient, and animals do not need to migrate. It is the calving season of animals here this month. 

What’s more, panoramic views of the volcanic basin is another special thing you can enjoy here. It should be noted that the craters are very crowded with tourists all year round, so be sure to check reservations in advance. 

Lions in Ngorongoro Conservation Area

3. Mount Kilimanjaro

If you’re a keen climber, don’t miss Mount Kilimanjaro. The climate in Kilimanjaro in January is dry, clear and with high visibility. Even occasional showers and the possibility of snow can make for great opportunities for photo-taking. Compared to the peak tourist season, it is usually quieter at this time.

Besides hiking and climbing, you can enjoy the sight of the meltwater falls here. Materuni Waterfall, Ndoro waterfalls and Marangu Falls are all good choices. After the waterfall tour, participate in a local coffee tour to have a taste of Tanzanian coffee.

Weather in Major Destinations in Tanzania in January

Destination	Temp.	Rainfall mm / days	Humidity	Sunrise / Sunset
Dar es Salaam	24 - 32°C （75.2 - 89.6°F）	76 / 7	77%	06:10 - 06:23 / 18:41 - 18:48
Dodoma	19 - 29°C （66.2 - 84.2°F）	134 / 10	73%	06:25 - 06:38 / 18:54 - 19:01
Mwanza	18 - 28°C （64.4 - 82.4°F）	104 / 10	76%	06:43 - 06:54 / 18:59 - 19:08
Arusha	18 - 31°C （64.4 - 87.8°F）	52 / 2	64%	06:27 - 06:38 / 18:46 - 18:54
Mtwara	23 - 30°C （73.4 - 86°F）	19 / 12	78%	06:00 - 06:15 / 18:43 - 18:49
Zanzibar	23 - 32°C （73.4 - 89.6°F）	10 / 7	77%	06:12 - 06:25 / 18:40 - 18:47
Kilimanjaro	17 - 31°C （62.6 - 87.8°F）	54 / 2	62%	06:24 - 06:35 / 18:43 - 18:51
Tabora	18 - 28°C （64.4 - 82.4°F）	18 / 13	79%	06:39 - 06:52 / 19:04 - 19:11
Morogoro	19 - 29°C （66.2 - 84.2°F）	150 / 10	73%	06:22 - 06:36 / 18:56 - 19:03
Iringa	18 - 27°C （64.4 - 80.6°F）	104 / 7	76%	06:42 - 06:53 / 18:56 - 19:05

Tanzania Weather by Month