Weather: Cape Town — January
The weather is near-perfect with ideal temperatures and minimal rain. Recommended month to visit.
🌟 Climate Overview
January is an excellent time to visit Cape Town. Warm weather with highs of 27°C—great for outdoor activities. Rainfall is rare, so you can leave the umbrella at home. Wind can be noticeable, especially in exposed areas—bring a windbreaker. Temperatures vary significantly between day and night—layering is recommended. As peak season, expect higher prices and more tourists. At 14°C, the sea is too cold for most swimmers.
Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options
27°C
17°C
2days
14.2h
9mm
12.8h/day
67%
Humid12
Extreme26 km/h (gusts 48)
14°C ❄️ Cold
Is January a good time to visit Cape Town?
The weather is near-perfect with ideal temperatures and minimal rain.
Now
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Air Quality
Travel Context
- CrowdsVery Busy
- Travel Costs Peak Rates
Daylight
05:51
20:01
Visiting Cape Town in January: Pros & Cons
Pros
- Comfortable temperatures for sightseeing
- Minimal rainfall — great for outdoor plans
- Abundant sunshine for beach and outdoor fun
- Long daylight hours maximize sightseeing time
- One of the best months to visit
Cons
- Peak season — expect crowds and higher prices
- Sea too cold for comfortable swimming
- Very high UV — sunscreen and shade essential
Things to Do in January
Events & Festivals
Recommended for This Weather
Cape Town Weather by Month
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rain | Sunshine | Humidity | UV Index | Crowds | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan Current | 27°C | 17°C | 2d (9mm) | 12.8h | 67% Humid | 12 Extreme | | Excellent |
| Feb | 27°C | 17°C | 1d (5mm) | 12h | 67% Humid | 10.8 Extreme | | Excellent |
| Mar | 25°C | 16°C | 4d (20mm) | 10.7h | 72% Humid | 8.3 Very High | | Excellent |
| Apr | 23°C | 13°C | 3d (20mm) | 9.6h | 73% Humid | 6.2 High | | Good |
| May | 21°C | 11°C | 7d (45mm) | 8.5h | 79% Humid | 4.5 Moderate | | Good |
| Jun | 19°C | 10°C | 10d (95mm) | 7.7h | 80% Very Humid | 3.6 Moderate | | Good |
| Jul | 17°C | 9°C | 10d (107mm) | 8.1h | 80% Very Humid | 3.9 Moderate | | Good |
| Aug | 17°C | 9°C | 10d (72mm) | 9.1h | 79% Humid | 5.2 High | | Good |
| Sep | 19°C | 10°C | 6d (36mm) | 10.1h | 76% Humid | 7.2 Very High | | Good |
| Oct | 22°C | 13°C | 3d (14mm) | 11.7h | 70% Humid | 9.8 Very High | | Good |
| Nov | 24°C | 15°C | 3d (18mm) | 12.5h | 67% Humid | 11.4 Extreme | | Excellent |
| Dec | 25°C | 16°C | 3d (18mm) | 12.9h | 67% Humid | 12 Extreme | | Excellent |
Cape Town
Cape Town: Table Mountain cable car views, Cape Peninsula drives with African penguins, nearby winelands, and dramatic coastal scenery.
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What to Pack for January
Summer clothing like shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses will be comfortable. Bring a light cardigan for air-conditioned spaces. Don't forget a wide-brimmed hat and high-SPF sunscreen — the sun is strong.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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More Cape Town Guides
Best Time to Visit
Coming soon
Things to Do
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Where to Stay
Best neighborhoods and hotel recommendations
Cost & Budget
Daily costs, money-saving tips, and budget breakdown
Itineraries
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Overview
Complete travel guide for Cape Town: top things to do, itineraries, and typical costs.