Kigali Weather in January
Kigali in January sees high temperatures, with highs around 27°C (81°F) and overnight lows of 16°C (61°F). Rainfall is fairly high at around 87 mm (3.4 in) on average, so pack waterproofs just in case.
Rainfall in Kigali in January
Historically, January sees about 17 days of rain, with a monthly average of 87 mm (3.4 in). Expect a fairly normal spread of rainfall this month, with no particular pattern of very heavy or very persistent showers.
Temperature in Kigali in January
Kigali has perfect weather in January, with days reaching 27°C (81°F) and nights cooling to 16°C (61°F). Overall, the month follows a fairly predictable daily temperature pattern. Nights cool down to 16°C (61°F), so a light jacket or extra layer is useful once the sun goes down. On the plus side, the cooler nights make for comfortable sleeping conditions.
Sunshine in Kigali in January
The area experiences a moderate amount of sunshine, with approximately 165 hours of sunlight expected. This means a decent mix of sun and overcast.Our weather planner can help you find worldwide destinations with pleasant weather during this period. January, February, May, June, July, August and September typically offer the best weather for Kigali.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Rwanda, check out our Kigali's climate page.
Kigali Temperature in January
Min Temperature
16°C (61°F)
Max Temperature
27°C (81°F)
Chance of Rain
57%
Precipitation
87 mm (3.4 in)
Rainy days
17 days
Sunshine
165 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Daily Historical Temperatures
36-year average (1984-2026)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Kigali typically stay consistent throughout January, with daily highs averaging around 27°C (81°F). Nights are pleasant, with lows around 17°C (63°F).
Average temperatures in January
Daily Historical Precipitation
36-year average (1984-2026)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in January
Historical weather for Kigali in January
Browse day-by-day weather records for Kigali spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Kigali historical weather extremes in January
The extremes listed below come from historical weather data collected in Kigali from 2006 through 2025.
- On January 26, 2006, temperatures climbed to 33°C (91°F), marking the warmest January day on record.
- The coldest January day was on January 11, 2018, with a maximum of 20°C (68°F).
- Kigali registered its coldest January night on January 27, 2014, with temperatures dropping to 9°C (48°F).
Best Places in Rwanda in January
Find out more about the weather in Rwanda and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Rwanda in January →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
What to Wear in Kigali in January
Warm temperatures in January make for comfortable sightseeing weather. Pack breathable fabrics like cotton shirts, knee-length shorts or skirts, and comfortable walking shoes. A thin long sleeve for indoor spaces is handy. Prepare for significant rainfall with proper waterproof clothing and shoes. Sunglasses could come in handy during the sunnier parts of your trip.What To Do in Kigali in January
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Rwanda, check out our Kigali's climate page.
See the full Kigali climate overview or explore weather in Rwanda.
