Botswana (Okavango Delta) · January
Low seasonBotswana · Africa
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 32° (90°)26– (79–)37 (99) | 33° (91°)26– (79–)36 (97) | 32° (90°)25– (77–)36 (97) | 31° (88°)24– (75–)34 (93) | 29° (84°)25– (77–)32 (90) | 27° (81°)21– (70–)30 (86) | 26° (79°)21– (70–)30 (86) | 30° (86°)23– (73–)34 (93) | 34° (93°)26– (79–)38 (100) | 36° (97°)29– (84–)39 (102) | 35° (95°)26– (79–)39 (102) | 33° (91°)26– (79–)38 (100) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 21° (70°)17– (63–)23 (73) | 21° (70°)18– (64–)23 (73) | 20° (68°)16– (61–)22 (72) | 17° (63°)11– (52–)20 (68) | 13° (55°)7– (45–)18 (64) | 10° (50°)3– (37–)15 (59) | 9° (48°)3– (37–)14 (57) | 12° (54°)5– (41–)17 (63) | 17° (63°)10– (50–)23 (73) | 21° (70°)15– (59–)25 (77) | 22° (72°)17– (63–)25 (77) | 21° (70°)18– (64–)24 (75) |
☀️Sunshine | 8h UV 9 | 8h UV 9 | 9h UV 9 | 9h UV 8 | 10h UV 8 | 10h UV 7 | 10h UV 7 | 11h UV 8 | 11h UV 10 | 11h UV 10 | 10h UV 10 | 9h UV 9 |
🌧Rain Days | 14d169mm (6.6") | 11d107mm (4.2") | 8d80mm (3.2") | 3d25mm (1.0") | 0d1mm (<0.1") | 0d0mm (<0.1") | 0d1mm (<0.1") | 0d0mm (<0.1") | 0d1mm (<0.1") | 0d4mm (0.1") | 5d42mm (1.7") | 13d113mm (4.4") |
Best travel time current monthØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Off-season — lowest travel prices with still acceptable climate.
January in Botswana (Okavango Delta) is generally manageable, but with 14 rain days it's not a reliably sunny month. Better conditions can be found in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November.
Daytime highs average 32°C (90°F), cooling to 21°C (70°F) at night (daily average: 26°C (79°F)). Peaks reach around 37°C (99°F), the coldest nights around 17°C (63°F). The sun shines an average of 8 hours per day; there are 14 rain days with 169 mm (6.7 in) total.
Sun protection, a hat, and plenty of water are essential at these temperatures. Plan activities for early morning or evening.
The green season: thunderstorms roll across the delta, the land turns lush and migratory birds fill the sky. Many animals give birth now, and camps are cheaper and nearly empty. The flip side is muggy air, softened tracks and some lodges closing or offering a reduced programme.
Packing list for Botswana (Okavango Delta) in January
- Light summer clothes
- SPF 50 sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoes
- Insect repellent
- Travel first-aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is January a good time to visit Botswana (Okavango Delta)?
- January is not an optimal month for Botswana (Okavango Delta) (Score: 58/100), but it is manageable. For better conditions, consider March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November.
- How warm is it in Botswana (Okavango Delta) in January?
- In January, Botswana (Okavango Delta) sees daily highs of 32°C (90°F). Nights cool to 21°C (70°F), with a daily average of 26°C (79°F). Peaks reach around 37°C (99°F), the coldest nights around 17°C (63°F).
- How much rain falls in Botswana (Okavango Delta) in January?
- In January, Botswana (Okavango Delta) receives an average of 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain over 14 rain days. An umbrella may occasionally be needed.
- How many sunshine hours does Botswana (Okavango Delta) get in January?
- Botswana (Okavango Delta) averages 8 sunshine hours per day in January — below the annual average.
