2027 Climate Averages

Weather: Swakopmund & Sossusvlei — January

Conditions are pleasant for sightseeing, though you might encounter occasional showers. Recommended month to visit.

👍 Climate Overview

January is a good time to visit Swakopmund & Sossusvlei. Warm weather with highs of 26°C—great for outdoor activities. Rainfall is rare, so you can leave the umbrella at home. As peak season, expect higher prices and more tourists.

9.2
GoTripzi Score Excellent

Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options

Avg High

26°C

Avg Low

17°C

Rainy days

2days

Daylight

13.4h

Rainfall

13mm

Sunshine

11.7h/day

Humidity

75%

Humid
Sun Strength

10.9

Extreme
Wind

22 km/h (gusts 39)

Is January a good time to visit Swakopmund & Sossusvlei?

Conditions are pleasant for sightseeing, though you might encounter occasional showers.

Now

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Feels like --
Wind --
Humidity --
UV Index --
Local time —

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Quiet
  • Travel Costs Value Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

06:31

Sunset

19:53

13.4h daylight

Visiting Swakopmund & Sossusvlei in January: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Comfortable temperatures for sightseeing
  • Minimal rainfall — great for outdoor plans
  • Abundant sunshine for beach and outdoor fun

Cons

  • Peak season — expect crowds and higher prices
  • Very high UV — sunscreen and shade essential

Things to Do in January

Recommended for This Weather

🚶 Walking tours & sightseeing
🚲 Cycling & bike tours
🥾 Hiking & nature trails
🍜 Food tours & culinary experiences
🎭 Cultural tours & local experiences

Swakopmund & Sossusvlei Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan Current 26°C 17°C 2d (13mm) 11.7h
75% Humid
10.9 Extreme
Good
Feb 26°C 17°C 2d (5mm) 11.5h
75% Humid
10.4 Extreme
Good
Mar 26°C 16°C 1d (11mm) 11.1h
75% Humid
9.4 Very High
Good
Apr 27°C 15°C 0d (1mm) 10.4h
69% Humid
8.2 Very High
Good
May 28°C 15°C 0d (0mm) 9.9h
58% Moderate
7 High
Excellent
Jun 27°C 14°C 0d (0mm) 9.9h
53% Moderate
6.3 High
Excellent
Jul 25°C 12°C 0d (0mm) 9.9h
58% Moderate
6.5 High
Excellent
Aug 22°C 10°C 0d (0mm) 10.2h
70% Humid
7.6 Very High
Excellent
Sep 22°C 10°C 0d (0mm) 10.9h
74% Humid
9 Very High
Excellent
Oct 23°C 12°C 0d (0mm) 11.3h
76% Humid
10.3 Extreme
Excellent
Nov 24°C 14°C 0d (0mm) 11.9h
74% Humid
11.2 Extreme
Good
Dec 25°C 15°C 1d (3mm) 11.8h
75% Humid
11.4 Extreme
Good

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Your Best MonthJanScore: 8.4
1.Jan
8.42.Feb
8.43.Mar
8.44.Dec
8.45.Apr
7.46.Nov
7.47.May
5.68.Jun
5.69.Jul
5.610.Aug
5.211.Sep
5.212.Oct
5.2

Where to Stay

See hotels, apartments & rentals around Swakopmund & Sossusvlei – live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more

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Swakopmund & Sossusvlei

Namibian desert wonders with Sossusvlei's red dunes, Deadvlei's skeleton trees, Skeleton Coast, and adventure sports.

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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.

Warm Quiet

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📋Essentials
👕Clothing
👟Footwear
🎒Accessories
🧴Toiletries & Health

Planning a trip to Swakopmund & Sossusvlei?

🔥 Peak season — book early for best rates

Frequently Asked Questions

Is January a good time to visit Swakopmund & Sossusvlei?
January is typically good for visiting Swakopmund & Sossusvlei, with average highs of 26°C and around 2 rainy days. Plan your activities accordingly—outdoor sightseeing is best on dry days, while rainy days are perfect for museums and indoor attractions.
Does it get cold at night in Swakopmund & Sossusvlei in January?
Evenings in Swakopmund & Sossusvlei during January are mild at 17°C. A light cardigan or long sleeves for evenings is usually enough. Outdoor dining remains comfortable, making it a great time to enjoy rooftop bars and terrace restaurants.
What should I pack for Swakopmund & Sossusvlei in January?
With highs of 26°C and lows of 17°C in January, we recommend: Lightweight breathable clothes, Sunscreen SPF 30+, Sun hat, Sunglasses. Layering is key as temperatures can vary between air-conditioned interiors and outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets.
Does it rain a lot in Swakopmund & Sossusvlei in January?
Swakopmund & Sossusvlei typically sees around 2 rainy days in January. Rain is usually in the form of brief showers rather than all-day downpours, so a compact umbrella is sufficient. Mornings tend to be drier, making them ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
How many hours of daylight are there in Swakopmund & Sossusvlei in January?
In January, Swakopmund & Sossusvlei gets approximately 13.4 hours of daylight per day. This affects how much sightseeing you can fit in—longer days mean more time for outdoor activities, while shorter days are perfect for cozy museum visits and early dinners.
Is January peak season in Swakopmund & Sossusvlei?
Yes, January is peak season in Swakopmund & Sossusvlei. Expect higher prices for accommodation and more crowds at popular attractions, but also the best weather conditions. Book hotels and major attractions in advance to secure availability and better rates.

Weather Data: Based on 2020–2025 historical climate data from Open-Meteo

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: Africa/Windhoek)

Last Updated: February 2026

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