Cape Town Weather in January

With daytime temperatures of 25°C (77°F) and nighttime lows of 18°C (64°F), January in Cape Town brings high temperatures during the day. The excellent weather makes it an appealing time to visit.

Rainfall in Cape Town in January

You can expect rain on roughly 5 days based on historical data, averaging 20 mm (0.8 in) for the month. Rain is scarce this month and when it does fall, it tends to be light. Unlikely to disrupt plans significantly.

Temperature in Cape Town in January

January tends to be one of the excellent months in Cape Town, with 25°C (77°F) in the afternoon and 18°C (64°F) overnight. This gives the month a fairly typical daily rhythm, with warmer afternoons and more comfortable nights. Nights drop to around 18°C (64°F), which is noticeably cooler than the daytime. A light jacket for the evening is a sensible addition, and the cool nights tend to make sleeping comfortable.

Sunshine in Cape Town in January

The city usually sees around 338 hours of sunlight, indicating many sunny days , a great month for sightseeing.

Wind Speed in Cape Town in January

January sees wind speeds averaging 6 m/s (12 knots). You'll experience strong winds that cause whole trees to sway and require effort when walking against them. As an average, expect variation from moderate breezes to particularly windy days that affect daily routines.

Average water temperature in January

The water temperature is 18°C (64°F). It's not warm, but most people find it perfectly fine for a swim once they're in.

If you're a fan of comfortable temperatures and drier conditions, January is a great time to visit.

Select a Month

Check the conditions for any month of the year.

• January
• February
• March
• April

• May
• June
• July
• August

• September
• October
• November
• December

For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit South Africa, check out our Cape Town's climate page.

Cape Town Temperature in January

Min Temperature 18°C (64°F)  

Max Temperature 25°C (77°F)  

Water Temperature 18°C (64°F)  

Chance of Rain 15%  

Precipitation 20 mm (0.8 in)  

Rainy days 5 days  

Humidity 71%  

Windspeed 6 m/s (12 knots)  

Sunshine 338 hours  

Percentage Sunshine  

Daily Historical Temperatures

51-year average (1976-2026)

Based on our historical records, temperatures in Cape Town typically stay consistent throughout January, with daily highs averaging around 25°C (77°F). Nights are pleasant, with lows around 17°C (63°F).

Average temperatures in January

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Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

‹ January February March April May June July August September October November December ›

Daily Historical Precipitation

51-year average (1976-2026)

Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.

Average precipitation in January

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Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

‹ January February March April May June July August September October November December ›

Historical weather for Cape Town in January

Browse day-by-day weather records for Cape Town spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.

Historical weather Temperatures Precipitation

‹ 2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978 1977 ›

‹ January February March April May June July August September October November December ›

Cape Town historical weather extremes in January

According to our 49 years of weather records for Cape Town, the following extremes were recorded between 1976 and 2025.

• The hottest January day on record in Cape Town reached 41°C (106°F) (January 19, 2000).
• Cape Town experienced its chilliest January day on January 13, 2001, reaching only 18°C (64°F).
• Nighttime temperatures dropped to 9°C (48°F) on January 8, 1990, marking the coldest January night on record.

What to Wear in Cape Town in January

Pleasant temperatures in January mean you can pack light but flexibel pieces. Think cotton t-shirts, comfortable walking shorts, and one warmer layer for evenings. A light sweater or denim jacket works well. With minimal rainfall expected, you can leave the rain gear at home. The water temperature sits at about 18°C (64°F), which is too chilly for most people to enjoy swimming. Leave the swimsuit at home unless you love cold water. Don't forget sun protection, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. These are all good ideas with this much sunshine.

What To Do in Cape Town in January

We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.

Swimming

10/10

Cycling

10/10

Walking

10/10

Barbeque

10/10

Camping

10/10

Outdoor sports

10/10

Select a Month

Check the conditions for any month of the year.

• January
• February
• March
• April

• May
• June
• July
• August

• September
• October
• November
• December

For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit South Africa, check out our Cape Town's climate page.

More climate data for Cape Town

Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp

See the full Cape Town climate overview or explore weather in South Africa.